Espeon wanders by...
Then pauses sensing someone nice wanting help...
Espeon "First, lets start with the newest rule changes:
When an opponent defeats a Pokemon-ex they take two prizes instead
of one. Pokemon-ex cannot evolve into normal stage one or two Pokemon that
are not Pokemon-ex.
When you start the game without Basic Pokemon in your hand, show your
hand to your opponent, shuffle it back into your deck, and draw 7 new cards.
Your opponent can then choose to draw an extra card.
When you start a new game, the player who goes first skips his or her first
draw card step.
The special condition Confusion now only affects a Confused Pokemon when
it attacks. As it attacks, flip a coin as usual, but on tails, the Confused Pokemon
receives 3 damage counters, instead of the previous 20 damage.
Confused Pokemon can now retreat normally.
Retreating your Active Pokemon is now an action that can only be done once
per turn.
Darkness and Metal Energy are now easier to play. They still count as special
energy, giving their special effects only to Pokemon of the matching type. As
they give effects strictly to those Pokemon, the other drawbacks to those
energy types have been removed.
Players are now limited to playing one Stadium card per turn."
Espeon pauses looking up at the new rules...
Furret wanders in carrying a guidebook on how to play
limited tournaments.
Furret "Hmmm...sealed play-A player receives unopened product
and uses it plus basic energy to build a 40 card deck...the normal
limits of no more than 4 of any card do not apply here, because
the player is limited only by what they receive in their packs..."
Espeon "MTM and DMTM both recommended putting about 18
energy in the deck of one or two different colors. Pokemon USA's
guide to the subject says 17 energy..."
Furret "Why are you starting with energy first???? Why not Pokemon?"
Espeon "Doug has won several battles in limited play because his
opponents lacked the energy needed to attack. It seems to be a
common mistake to make..."
Furret "Seems to me you should look at all the nice trainers and put
them in first. Sealed play has so few."
Espeon "...furthermore, energy serves as the basis for...."
Furret ignoring Espeon "Then look for some good Pokemon that don't
evolve that has 60+hp, like those neat new Pokemon ex."
Espeon "...in conclusion, low drawing power and lack of other ways
to retreat to the bench make energy a vital necessity of..."
Furret still ignoring Espeon "Then comes the tricky part trying to
choose your color types, etc. so that everything blends together.
Evolution is nice, but with only 4 prizes don't count on the game
lasting long enough to Evolve much. Look carefully at your cards,
do they have any special tricks or abilties. Think very small
and appreciate little things like resistance or Pokemon Powers
that might help out. Simple stratagies are best."
Espeon listening to Furret nods solemnly..
Furret hands Espeon two Lava Cookies.
Espeon raise its eyebrows quizicaly...
Furret looks innocent...
Espeon "Didn't Doug give you six?"
Furret digs into its pocket and pulls out a beeper...
Furret "Gotta go, somebody wants another Metal Energy..."
Well anyways have fun playing. Also make sure you get all the rules right and in your head before you go and join a league