7.4. Game Tempo
The
pace of a Pokémon TGC game should be moderate and lively, and each player should receive approximately half of the allotted time for the game. However, the way players react to pressure can have an impact on the tempo at which they take their turns. Judges should watch for changes in tempo and make corrections when needed.
In general, the following time limits for various game actions should be appropriate. The times given below are general guidelines; players attempting to use every second of the time allowed for the items below are almost certainly stalling and should be subject to the Unsporting Conduct: Severe penalties.
Performing the actions of a card or attack: 15 seconds
Shuffling and setup, game start: 2 minutes
Shuffling and deck search, mid-game: 15 seconds
Starting the turn after opponent’s “end of turn” announcement: 5 seconds
Considering the game position before playing a card: 10 seconds
7.4.1. Slow Play
Players should take care to play in a manner that keeps the game pace brisk,
regardless of the complexity of the situation. A player who takes too long to make
decisions about game play runs the risk of putting his or her opponent at a
disadvantage due to the round’s time limit. In addition to the recommended
penalty, the judge should issue a time extension to offset this disadvantage.
Examples of Game Tempo: Slow Play include:
• You are excessively slow when deciding which Pokémon to attach an
Energy card to.
• You take an unreasonable amount of time deciding which Basic Pokémon
to take from your deck after playing a Poké Ball card.
• Counting or searching your (or your opponent’s) deck or discard pile more than once in a short time period.
• Repeatedly searching your deck, hand, or discard pile while performing a
card effect.
• Attempting to engage in extraneous conversation that interferes with timely play.
Recommended Starting Penalty:
Tier 1: Caution
Tier 2: Warning
