Returning Player: Staples and Steam Siege Tournament Legality

[Hellcat]

So, I've been kinda slacking in the TCG lately... I've just been too busy to get around to tournaments and leagues. Though, I have still been buying some of the new stuff that's come out.

I have a couple of deck ideas for this new Steam Siege set but when is it actually tournament legal? I don't remember how that works. There's going to be a local tournament and I was wondering if it's worth making one of my deck ideas or not.

Also, what are the absolute most necessary staples nowadays? I know VS seekers are a hot card, I've still got a bunch of my old ones. But, what else is there?

 

[bbninjas]

I have a couple of deck ideas for this new Steam Siege set but when is it actually tournament legal? I don't remember how that works. There's going to be a local tournament and I was wondering if it's worth making one of my deck ideas or not.

There has been a very recent change to the eligibility of new expansions. It was originally three weeks from the official release date, however on the release of Steam Seige, this will be changed. From Steam Siege, expansions will be tournament legal on the third Friday after release.

Also, what are the absolute most necessary staples nowadays? I know VS seekers are a hot card, I've still got a bunch of my old ones. But, what else is there?

Virtually all decks will run 4 Professor Sycamore, 4 VS Seeker, 2-3 N, 1-2 Lysandre, 3-4 Ultra Ball and 3-4 Muscle Band (or another Tool card). Virtually all competitive decks also run Shaymin-EX, however this staple is insanely expensive at over $50 per copy (most staples are $4 or less). Decks can go without it, however decks without this staple will generally be slower than decks with it. I think that Greninja BREAK is really the only competitive deck that doesn't need Shaymin-EX, because it has Octillery and an amazing Stage 1 Frogadier. Other powerful cards that are found in many decks include 4 Double Colourless Energy, 4 Battle Compressor, 1-3 Wally, 1-2 Hex Maniac, 1 Xerosic, 1-3 Team Flare Grunt, 1-3 Delinquent, 3-4 Trainer's Mail, 4 Puzzle of Time, 3-4 Acro Bike, 4 Crushing Hammer, 1-2 Enhanced Hammer, 3-4 Level Ball, 2-3 Float Stone, 3-4 Bursting Balloon and 2-3 Fighting Fury Belt.

 

[Otaku]

I do not wish to risk going off topic but I believe it relevant to stress that while nothing has been announced, we ought to be approaching the annual set rotation for Standard play (Expanded may also be rotating - we don't know). Between that and not knowing if/when we will receive Karen, it is just good to be cautious when acquiring more cards. These two things might make no difference or they could be quite influential to the particulars at which you are looking, @Hellcat

 

[bbninjas]

I do not wish to risk going off topic but I believe it relevant to stress that while nothing has been announced, we ought to be approaching the annual set rotation for Standard play (Expanded may also be rotating - we don't know).

To update, the rotations just got announced for 2017! They can be found here if you (@Hellcat) haven't seem them yet. :3