Getting into the game.

[Brass Monkey]

Ok, so I haven't been involved in a T/CCG since WWE Raw Deal got discontinued two years ago, and Pokemon is the only game I have any interest in starting. I've loved the franchise since I was 8 years old.

What I am wondering is what is the state of the game? How big a following is there still, how many sets are legal, what different formats there are, etc. If anyone can give me some information I'd appreciate it. Please, no "zomg n00b" nonsense. I'm new here, yes, but I'm not an idiot.

[Bullados]

State of the Game: Strong. Really, Really Strong. US Nationals this year had over 1200 competitors; we filled the America's Center in St. Louis beyond capacity. Regionals averaged over 100 people per (15 tournaments on the same day giving out over $5000 in prizes). Depending on where you are, the game is stronger. Places of particular strength include Oregon, SoCal, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Rockford, Florida (Orlando specifically), New York, and the Carolinas.

I think there are 9 Modified legal sets, not including the Promo "sets". For the first time in the game's history, there was no set rotation this year, at least in part because there was no good place to rotate within the sets already out. Technically, there are two formats (Unlimited and modified), but only Modified is supported by top level tournaments.

If you're just getting into the game, I'd suggest waiting for the next round of Prereleases (Oct24 through Nov1). They're generally the easiest ways to get into the game, and they're pretty inexpensive compared to retail. not to mention that you can play in the Theme Deck Challenge and start off with an entire deck with some extras and sleeves to match.

Check the Organized Play website (my sig) for more information about the game. Good luck!

[Duelist]

Florida (Orlando specifically)

Seriously? It would be nice to get back in to this game (after years), but I haven't seen anything about it over here. No leagues, no Tournaments, nothing, or at least what I've looked up online. Could you elaborate a bit on where I could find a place to play?

Sorry for barging in randomly btw
I'm a bit of a lurker.

[allthesesirens]

www.go-pokemon.com. They have listings of tournaments for pretty much anywhere on this site.

[Brass Monkey]

Thanks guys. Another question, what decks are viable right now, and what are some staple cards that go in pretty much every deck?

[tyranitar_is_coolest]

claydol great encounters... rare candy for stage 2 decks, and uxie... somebody said they were giving this card out free at leugues or something because its such a staple

[Flosion]

Yea, You can get a special Uxie from p[laying at a league. Claydol isn't being run much anymore, I only see it in a few decks, the really slow ones. Most decks are really fast right now.

[Mad Mattezhion]

More staples are Roseanne's Research (Secret Wonders), Palmer's Contribution (Supreme Victors), Bebe's Search (Diamond and Pearl, rereleased in Rising Rivals), Poke Drawer+ and Poke Heal+ (Stormfront), Cynthia's Feelings (Legends Awakened) and then pokemon staples based on the types you are using (eg Sableye Stormfront is a must in dark decks using lots of supporters).