Deck Advice & Improvement Rules: Read before posting!

[Zorua]

Rules for posting a decklist:

1. You must not deny all constructive criticism
Remember, when posting a decklist, most members will try to come and help your decklist. If you are only posting to show off your decklist, then why post at all? If you are unable to accept constructive criticism from other members, your decklist will be locked. It is okay to argue suggestions you do not agree with, but going out of your way to insist your decklist is perfect defeats the point of posting it in the Deck Garage.
If you break this rule: Violators will be notified via a post in the decklist. If this rule continues to be broken, a 10% warning will be given.

2. The decklist must be at least 50 cards
All decklists must have at least 50 cards in order for it to qualify as a decklist in this forum. Posting any decklist that is less than 50 cards will be either locked or moved to the New Player's Plaza forum, even if that list is a 49-card list.

In case you need ideas to create a deck, please look around at other decks posted in the Deck Garage forum for ideas, or look at other threads/post a new thread looking for ideas for a deck based around a certain card in the New Player's Plaza. If you have a few cards in mind you want to make a deck out of, post in the New Player's Plaza, and not in the Deck Garage. Again, decks in the Deck Garage must be at least 50 cards, not just theoretical strategies. Once you feel that you have a completed decklist after taking suggestions from the New Player's Plaza forum, you can post a decklist here.

Also remember that it is okay to include cards in your posted decklist that you do not have. Members could also suggest other cards that you do not have as well. In case you don't have a certain card, you could proxy that card for league play, and if you like it, trade/purchase that card.
If you break this rule: Violators will have their thread either locked or moved to the New Player's Plaza forum.

3. The deck's main Pokemon must be in the title

9. Threads must have a sensible title.
When creating a new thread, make sure the title for the thread is connected to whatever is in the thread and gives the reader a clear and non-confusing idea of what he or she may find inside this thread. This especially includes giving decks names like "Best deck ever" or giving questions thread obscure titles ("Can you help me?"). In the case of a question, it is advised to ask the question, or at least part of it, in the title, and go in to further detail in the thread itself.
- If you break this rule: Violators will receive a warning of 20% per offense. The thread title will also be changed to something suitable.

Remember, if you post a deck that's not established in the metagame, the thread title must include the main Pokémon of your deck. This also includes threads that have more than one rogue decklist in it, where the thread title must have the main Pokémon in each deck. This allows members to actually know what's in your deck without having to look into your list. For example, if you are creating a Special Condition deck using Amoongus and Ninetales as those two main Pokémon of the deck, do not use a title such as "Special Condition Beatdown!" You could name the deck "Amoongus/Ninetales - Special Condition Beatdown!" or something along those lines. It's also acceptable to use a common abbreviation for the deck. It's understandable that somebody would want to say, "Zeels" instead of, "Zekrom/Eelektrik/Raikou EX/Mewtwo EX."
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 20% if they do not change their thread title after being notified in a matter of 3 days.

In addition, you may include your event and/or division in the thread title. If you don't know your division, open up a Pokémon decklist creator, and your division should be labeled depending on what year you were born. You can insert what division you are in by clicking the drop-down next to the title. You can also include the event that you're playing the deck for. These are not necessary for the title and you will not be penalized if you don't include this.

4. Tell us what set your cards are from
This should be a no-brainer. No matter how obvious it is, there will be a player who doesn't know what set a certain card is from. There is a big difference between Terrakion from Emerging Powers and Terrakion from Noble Victories. You should also include what set number that Pokemon is from if there are two copies of that Pokemon in a certain set (like Emboar from Black and White, for example). Of course, if a player does not know you're using Terrakion Noble Victories in your Mewtwo/Terrakion deck, they probably should not post advice. However, it's best to ensure maximum clarity. Especially if as the OP you are using Terrakion Emerging Powers in your Mewtwo/Terrakion deck and everybody automatically assumes you're using Terrakion from Noble Victories.

You are not required to post the set for Trainers and Energy, just as you would not be required to do so on a decklist. Furthermore, if there is only one version of the card in the format, you are not required to post the set (Darkrai EX) However, it is best to put the set name for every Pokémon, since, "but I didn't know about the other Emboar" is not a valid excuse for breaking this rule. If you're using cards that are not popular, posting the set number makes it easier for people to look those cards up.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 10% warning if they do not include set information in their deck list after being notified in a matter of 3 days.

5. Decks' strategies must be described
If your deck is not established in the metagame, you have to post a strategy for it. Describe what your setup is supposed to be, how the deck tries to win the game (does it lock, it is fast or disruptive, does it donk or deck your opponent out, etc.) Strategies for metagame decklists can be posted as well, but this is not necessary.
If you break this rule: Violators will a 10% warning if they do not include a strategy after being notified in a matter of 3 days.

6. Your decklist must be posted neatly
When posting a decklist, you are most likely wanting other members to help improve your decklist. However, with a messy, unorganized decklist, it will be much harder for others to help improve your decklist. As such, it is required that your decklist is posted neatly, or at least to the point of easily readable. For more details on a good example of a posted decklist, look here.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive an instant 10% warning.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to PM [mod]alex[/mod] or [mod]Blah[/mod].

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[Zorua]

RE: Deck Garage Rules: Read before posting. **(Update: 4/28/2012)**

Rules for posting advice:

1. Provide constructive criticism
Providing constructive criticism means that your post should in some way help the deckbuilder on their deck. Posting something such as "This deck is terrible. You should play something else." does not count as constructive criticism because why the deck was bad was not explained. The post also did not mention any way on how to improve the deck. Also, posting a compliment such as "Great job on the deck!" does not count as constructive criticism either, because this does not help the deckbuilder improve on his or her deck. More often than not, the decklist could in some way be fixed. By posting something that could help the deckbuilder, such as putting in a card and taking out a card, the post would then be considered constructive criticism.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 20% warning.

2. Explain why this card should added/taken out
If a player does not have certain card in their decklist, then that player is most likely unaware of why that card would fit into the deck. Likewise, if that player has a card that is not a necessary addition to the decklist, then that player would probably think that the card is a necessary addition. When posting any advice, you must explain why that card should be put into the decklist, and why another card must be taken out. This way, the deckbuilder would understand why that card should be put in/taken out.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 20% warning.

3. Only suggest cards in the deck's format
Suggesting to add in cards that are outside of the decklist's format is unacceptable. This also includes suggesting cards that have not come out yet, unless the decklist's format does use cards that have not been released. Most players post decks that are legal in Play! Pokemon! tournaments, or Black & White-On, so unless that decklist has anything outside of Black & White-On, only suggest cards within the deck's format.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 10% warning.

4. Do not completely change the deck's strategy
If anything, when giving advice to another member, make sure that you do not completely change the deck's strategy. For example, if the deck's strategy involves using Zekrom and Eelektrik, don't tell the other person to take those cards out and add in Emboar and Reshiram. You are, however, allowed to suggest other cards that are better than the main Pokemon, but still relate to the deck's strategy.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 10% warning.

5. Suggest what you would play
What is meant by this rule is that you should only suggest cards that would work well with the deck, and what you would feel comfortable running if you ran that deck. For example, if you would not run Raikou EX in a Zekrom/Eelektrik deck, don't suggest adding in Raikou EX.
If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 20% warning.

• 5.1 Post suggestions in decks that you are familiar with
  You should only give advice for decks you are familiar with, to avoid giving poor deck advice. If you don't know what you're talking about, you shouldn't give advice. If you are not completely sure your advice is good, make sure to offer a very good justification for it. Having a great justification lets you avoid getting warned for giving bad advice. If you can't come up with a good justification, it's probably bad advice. Warnings will only be given in extreme cases.
  If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 20% warning under an extreme case.

• 5.2 If you agree or disagree with a poster's suggestions, explain why you agree or disagree
  When someone posts in a decklist and makes a suggestion to a decklist that you agree with, don't just post saying, "I agree." Likewise, when someone posts in a decklist and makes a suggestion that you disagree with, don't just post saying, "I disagree." By adding more content and explaining why you agree or disagree, it helps the deckbuilder fix his or her deck better. Also, if you agree, don't rephrase the post you agree with. Add some "new" content to what you are agreeing with.
  If you break this rule: Violators will receive a 20% warning.

6. The cards to be added/taken out should be easy to spot
This is not a mandatory rule, but a tip. In some situations, it is good to make sure that the changes you're suggesting are easy to spot. This way, it's easier for the deckbuilder to know what actions they should do in a deck, instead of having to read an entire paragraph. A good example format is something like this:
-1 Emolga (DRX)
-1 Cheren (EP)
+1 Bianca (EP)
+1 Reshiram (BW)

However, doing this means the person you are giving advice to can take the easy way out and not read the paragraphs of advice you give them. If you want the person to fully understand why you are telling them to make changes, it is best to avoid this format and just post paragraphs.
If you break this rule: There is no penalty for breaking rule number six, because it is not mandatory.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to PM [mod]alex[/mod] or [mod]Blah[/mod].

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[Zorua]

RE: Deck Garage Rules: Read before posting. **(Update: 4/28/2012)**

When posting a decklist, you are most likely wanting other members to help improve your decklist. However, with a messy, unorganized decklist, it will be much harder for others to help improve your decklist. This thread will show the examples of a well-posted decklist, and an example of a poorly-posted decklist.

POKEMON: 15
Stage 1: 3
3 : Eelektrik NV-40
Basic: 12
2 : Raikou EX DEX-38
3 : Zekrom BW-114
4 : Tynamo NV-39
3 : Thundurus EP-97

Trainers: 23
3 : PlusPower, BW-96
4 : Pokemon Communication, BW-99
3 : Switch, BW-104
2 : Max Potion, EP-94
4 : Pokemon Catcher, EP-95
4 : Random Receiver DEX-99
3: Level Ball NDX-89

Supporters: 12
4 : Professor Juniper, BW-101
4 : Bianca EP-90
4: N NV-92

ENERGY: 10
Basic Energy:
10: Lightning Energy


Strategy
Use Eelektrik's Dynamotor to recycle energies as you hammer away at your opponent with Pokémon like Zekrom and Thundurus. Raikou-EX can be used to snipe off Pokémon on your opponent's bench while still recycling the energies that Raikou-EX has to discard with Eelektrik.

All constructive criticism is appreciated!

While the list might not be the best list in the world, this is an example of a good decklist post. Why? The decklist is neat and organized. It's easy to read, very little spaces, and the amount of cards, Pokemon, Trainers/Supporters/Stadiums, and Energy are also listed. The post also has good spelling and grammar. Lastly, the decklist post contains a strategy. Even though Zekrom/Eelektrik is a very popular deck, there will always be players who don't know the strategy, so describing the strategy helps members improve your deck.

pokemonz 15

4 tynmo
3 eels
2 raikou
3 zekrom
3 thundarus

trainers/suporters 25

4 proffesor n
4 juniper
4 biancas

4 eviloite

4 Ultra ball


3 switches

4 level balls

2 switch

4 ssu

2 super rod

nrg 10
10 lightning nrg

Oh dear. This is an example of a poorly-posted decklist, and anyone with eyes can see why this is bad. First of all, the spacing. You don't need to add a space after every single card. As seen in the well-posted decklist, the poster only put spaces around the amount of Pokemon, Trainers/Supporters/Stadiums, and Energy that he was running. Next up, this list uses poor spelling and grammar. He misspelled the names of Pokemon, didn't capitalize, things like that. Lastly, this post did not name which set the cards were from, and the post did not give a strategy. As I said earlier, maybe some other player doesn't know which type of card you are running. Tynamo 38 from Noble Victories is very different from Tynamo 39, right? The missing strategy also doesn't help players unfamiliar with this deck.

By creating a neat, well-posted decklist, it is much easier for other members to help you improve your decklist. On top of that, members are generally nicer to those who have neater posts. It doesn't take that much time to make sure you capitalize the name of your Pokemon, insert a brief strategy, and tell us what set your cards are from.

In case you ever need help posting a neater decklist, copy and paste this format:

4 Whatever Pokemon here (BW)
3 Whatever Pokemon here (EP)
2 Whatever Pokemon here (NV)
1 Whatever Pokemon here (DEX)

XX Pokemon

4 Whatever Trainer/Supporter/Stadium
3 Whatever Trainer/Supporter/Stadium
2 Whatever Trainer/Supporter/Stadium
1 Whatever Trainer/Supporter/Stadium

XX Trainers/Supporters/Stadiums

4/3/2/1 Special Energy
XX Basic Energy

XX Energy

[b]Strategy[/b]
Insert strategy here.

And so, after reading over this guide, I hope you either continue to create well-posted decklists or create better decklists. Also remember that your decklist doesn't have to be perfect. It's okay if you misspell this one name here or made a grammatical error there, but if the spelling/grammar or neatness is extremely bad, then that's when things get out of hand.

Anyone who posts a poorly-written decklist will be notified. After a few days, if that decklist is still poorly-written, the decklist will be locked and you will be given a 10% warning for a week.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to PM [mod]alex[/mod] or [mod]Blah[/mod].

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[Glace]

RE: Deck Garage Rules: Read before posting. **(Update: 4/28/2012)**

Announcement:

I am going to try to make the Deck Garage look neater by capitalizing threads names, Pokémon names and all that fun stuff. If you could help me out and capitalize your own thread titles, I would appreciative it!

 

[Zorua]

RE: Deck Garage Rules: Read before posting. **(Update: 8/14/2012)**

Updated 8/14/12.

Changed rule #5 and #7 as well as edited everything to BW-On.

Please read before posting in the Deck Garage.