Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

Sandstorm Prerelease: +$5 (less prizes)

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Um...Phil, im not seeing the complaint here. The prices are not bad at all. You get 6 packs of a new set before its released for 20 dollars, the shot to win more prizes, PLUS playing in a tournement which is fun. Kids having issues getting the money IS and ISNT an issue, depending on the kid here. Ive seen alot of parents be willing to put out money for events and cards before. 20 dollars isnt alot to ask especially since they are getting product for it. We have just been spoiled by sealed events ran by a company trying to toss its product :p
 
What makes the most since to me is the extra $5 = the entry fee. The R/S Challenges technically have no entry fee, you just had to buy 6 booster packs, this time around, you've got the cost of the 6 boosters ($15), and the entry fee ($5). I'd still prefer to pay less, but it does make sense...
 
Events aren't zero-cost!

Market forces will determine if $20 is too much.

Pre-release tournaments aren't aimed at the average high-street consumer.

$20 for a whole days play and you keep the cards.

Prizes are awarded to the top players in each age category, reflecting the age categories of 15+, 11-14, and 10 & under. So prize support is trippled from what you posted???

So lets try estimating the costs....

prize support 252 boosters $600 (assuming a discount over uk estimate of $750)
Hall hire: insurance.. $200 to $300 (guessed as I don't know USA rates)

Now I estimate that there is approximately $7 margin in the 6 packs to cover the above costs... Which means that for the event to be self funding at least 100 players MUST attend!
 
Q: Will there be organized play outside of North America and what sort of programs will there be?

A: We are committed to having a full slate of organized play programs internationally similar to that of North America. These programs will be implemented by local distributors but will be part of our integrated worldwide Organized Play system.


Q: When will Pokémon Organized Play be launched internationally?

A: Pokémon Organized Play will start after the product is released internationally later this summer.

As long as they stick to the above, I'm happy.
 
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The reason for the $20 entry fee is something I couldnt tell you. I have already had some players that are going to come to the R&S tournament, but will not come to the prerelease cause of the $5 increase in the fee. One thing to remember that this is a common fee for Magic and such games on prerelease, but the most the any player has had to pay for Pokemon before was $5 at the SBZ, other then that the Challenges and such were always free to play in. It is true that one of the big differences is that you now get 6 booster with the tournament instead of a couple of promos which is a big reason for the increase in tournament fee, but we have to help the players see and understand this.
 
www.pokemon-tcg.com just click on the link for the official site. they have a special search engine that allows you to search for your local store that would hold the tournaments.

As for the $20 entrance fee, I think its a halfway decent price for a tournamnet. Think about it... entrance to a tournament AND 6 booster packs all for $20. If memory serves me right, weren't the SBZ's $5 to enter? If so, and in this case, it would be like entering a tournament ABSOLUTELY FREE.
 
I agree with the Price being TOOO high. I run a league in Orlando, and unfortunately the area we are in is not the greatest. Many of the players can not pay $15 for the tourney this weekend, let alone a pre-realease for $20.

I do COMPLETELY understand the cost of the product, however, lets not forget that many of the players do not have the money, or parents willing to spend 15-20 for the packs, then the side events, then the food, plus the expensive of just getting to the events. Believe it or not, we had some parents who complained about the $5 entry fee for SBZ!!
 
I got a postcard in the mail yesterday from PES about the one in Columbus. I forgot to bring the card so I'll post the details tonight.
 
pre-release tournaments aren't aimed at everyone. If $20 is too steep then this one and future pre-release tourneys probably aren't for you.

There is a broad player base out there...a one-size-fits-all tournament policy is doomed.
 
As a side note, I like the variety of responses for the prerelease.

Sadly, not every event will be for everyone. Forunately, I think we've got really ambitious plans - I really believe that we'll have something for everyone.

Oh, except for bad sports. That's one thing I want to be clear on - there are a lot of good-natured people who put time and energy into this, and I'm not talking about people I see working late here in Seattle (or Tokyo, for that matter). Think of all of those great judges, players, TOs, and store owners out there. Whatever personal differences crop up, there's nothing to be gained by poor ettiquette. Nothing worth keeping, at least.

Geez, that sounds negative. Well, it's only to reinforce the positive, honest. I hope if you do attend a Sandstorm prerelease, you have a great time!
 
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