Concise summary of the evolution of the game

[RoamDog]

Can anybody point me to a concise summary of how the game has evolved/changed since 2003? There seem to be quite a few terms, types of energy, concepts, rules, etc. that are new to me after my daughter and I have been away from the game for so long.

 

[Rogue Archetype]

I TOTALLY feel you on this.

Here's what I did when this was an issue for me.

We played THEME DECKS from EACH set. I would read the little rule book's "WHAT'S CHANGED" section and we'd play games with the new theme decks with the new rule changes during that week.

I would preface the game with an explanation of what's changed like

"Ok sweetheart. This is what we need to remember now. _____ are no longer _______" So, do everything that we did last week except _____ can no longer _____ "

If we switched out to earlier theme decks, we'd, still, play by the newest rules that we have learned.

We did this from BASE SET 2 .. .all the way up to Diamond and Pearl.

As a result, I ended up knowing the rules better than most because I was reading them rather than depending upon word of mouth.

Now.. as far as STRATEGY GOES... the pokepowers/pokebodies have become more important than ever before. Some ENTIRE DECK STRATEGIES evolve around a combo of pokepowers.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT ALL OF THAT YET...

Just get two theme decks per set... each week... and play it up.

Your daughter will have SO MUCH FUN doing this with you and you will be skin-tight on rules, procdures, game mechanics.

 

[RoamDog]

Are the official current rules posted somewhere online? Not just a summary but the actual rules?

 

[BlazikenEX]

http://www.go-pokemon.com/tcg/howtoplay/rules.html

That, and the expert rules page linked at the bottom, is basically the rulebook online.

 

[RoamDog]

http://www.go-pokemon.com/tcg/howtoplay/rules.html

That, and the expert rules page linked at the bottom, is basically the rulebook online.

Thanks. I saw that but it did not seem complete (accurate?). What happens at the start of the game if one or more players does not have a basic? What restrictions exist on 1st player on first turn. These ommissions made me question what else was missing.

 

[BlazikenEX]

If both players have no basics, you both shuffle your hands back, and nobody draws a card. On your first turn, you can't evolve, and on the first turn of the game, no trainers can be played.

Here's a link to the Compendium, PokéGym's source for all the rulings.

http://compendium.pokegym.net/compendium-lvx.html

 

[RoamDog]

If both players have no basics, you both shuffle your hands back, and nobody draws a card. On your first turn, you can't evolve, and on the first turn of the game, no trainers can be played.

Here's a link to the Compendium, PokéGym's source for all the rulings.

http://compendium.pokegym.net/compendium-lvx.html

Makes sense. But is this information not documented somewhere online in an actual rulebook (not just buried in a FAQ/Compendium)?

Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:

Can anybody point me to a concise summary of how the game has evolved/changed since 2003? There seem to be quite a few terms, types of energy, concepts, rules, etc. that are new to me after my daughter and I have been away from the game for so long.

For example, what do all these levels mean? And what is leveling-up? And What is modified and limited?

 

[Mewtant]

One suggestion: Don't try and figure it out all on your own. Find a league close to you and take your daughter. My son and I sat with a few seasoned players when we first started and they answered all our questions and went through a few games with all cards face-up (even hands). It REALLY helped to see it all in motion.

Good Luck

Oh, and the Compendium has been an invaluable resource so far.

 

[RoamDog]

One suggestion: Don't try and figure it out all on your own. Find a league close to you and take your daughter. My son and I sat with a few seasoned players when we first started and they answered all our questions and went through a few games with all cards face-up (even hands). It REALLY helped to see it all in motion.

Good Luck

Oh, and the Compendium has been an invaluable resource so far.

A good idea. But my daughter is old enough that she would not be caught dead playing outside our home (I have to put the cards in the basement whenever somebody comes over).
So, it is just us. Still worth it to me as I enjoy the face time.

 

[ShadowCard]

I have league players who are 15-20 years old, as well as a few parents, at my leagues.

The answer to "what happens if neither player has a basic in the opening hand" can be found in the rulebook, as well as the online rulebook (http://www.go-pokemon.com/op/strategy/rulebook.html). It is in the Expert Rules section as well as in the How Do You Start the Game section. For the Platinum rulebook, these are pages 21 and 5, respectively.

No trainers, supporters, and stadiums on turn 1: page 9.

For example, what do all these levels mean? And what is leveling-up? And What is modified and limited?

Levelling up: page 22.

Modified and Limited: http://www.go-pokemon.com/op/tournaments/docs/2008-2009/Official_Formats.pdf

Hope that helps.

 

[ninetales1234]

As a result, I ended up knowing the rules better than most because I was reading them rather than depending upon word of mouth.

Madness! You mean it's possible for people to get up and read the official literature?:biggrin:
People can actually read documents, people can actually read the rules before they play the game?