I haven't tested the new rulings yet. If it encourages ALL players to choose to go second instead of first when given the option, then it's BAD. If it encourages about HALF the players to go second, then it's good. If it encourges FEW players to go second, then it's bad. Time will tell.
Regarding the timing of the rules, it's ALL POLITICAL! We're doing it because the Japanese are coming. Just like those who complain about the timing of increased terrorism threat alerts, we have those who'll complain about the timing of these rule changes. Actually, I think it's GOOD since the Japanese and the Pokemon designers will be coming to Worlds. It's BEST to be on even terms when playing the Japanese.
Well i dont really care for the changes but i can agree that some changes were needed. Maybe they could have just dissallowed supporters on both first and second players first turn. That would allow you each a turn to get a bench if that was the goal. I think most people are going to want to go second. Going second is like going first used to be. Im sorry to say it but there arent many good trainers that aren't supporters. Its a known fact that your hand/draw can affect your game greatly. All they did was invert the role. Instead of the first player having the setup advantage they gave it to the second player. Now understand that a good player will roll with the punches, but there could always be more changes and better cards in the future. I would also rather this game not get to complicated with new rules and errata all the time like some other card games. We have to keep in mind that although our older kids can pick it up the future of our game is in its younger players. If they find it dificult to learn an additional set of rules and changes to cards in ruling and not in print they may lose interest. Here is a question ide like answered. If it is known that cards are already printed in japanese sets with certain text why dont the eigther learn from the way things go in japan and or print things the same. I mean use the japanese sets as a proto-type. The game should still remain fun but for the most part it these changes will mix things up a bit.
I think that's just their format, if you're talking about the 30/30 new and old card rules. I believe that for the most part, outside of tournaments, it's unlimited.
But I have to say that while we might be going through some rule changes ourselves, let's not make it seem like it's in Japan's favor. The Japanese players will have a hard enough time adapting to the Modified format, communication issues, and Murphy's Law dictates that at least one card was lost in translation. Better to have the changes now then later and have it cause problems...
-Phil
I remember a Stadium Challenge (2002?)were Wizards at the day the event took place, changed a rule.
It was about poisoning. Before you could been poisoned and all your Pokemon Power kept on working.
At that event everyone was told that effective direct poison was changed.
That was something to complain about because it had also influence and no way to change your deck.
I think the changes balance the game more but I would not have done them right before worlds. This could panick some people. It would be alot easier to annouce the changes but have them made official AFTER we move to the EXON format.
But it's not THAT big of a deal I think. They really don't change the gameplay enough to have to playtest lots of new stuff or anything.
But it does serve to make BLASTEX more powerful when it gets released. As if it wasn't gonna rule enough already. >__<
Rulings now are so removed from the players and judges that they matter not. And since you don't need a qualified judge for a Premier Event why bother?
Discuss all you like but in the end we have no influence and nobody cares what we think. It is after all mute and pointless..
Just like those who complain about the timing of increased terrorism threat alerts, we have those who'll complain about the timing of these rule changes. Actually, I think it's GOOD since the Japanese and the Pokemon designers will be coming to Worlds. It's BEST to be on even terms when playing the Japanese.