What is a "format"

[Clueless in Seattle]

I've seen the initialism BDIF popping up a lot lately and by Googling found that it stands for "best deck in format."

So I've got a couple of questions about BDIF.

1. What is a format?

2. How do you pronounce BDIF? Do you say each letter like this:

"Bee dee eye eff."​

Or do you pronounce the "dif" as if it were a word like this:

"Bee diff"?​

 

[vanderbilt_grad]

Clueless, there is a dictionary thread in this very subform. It's one of the sticky threads above.

http://www.pokegym.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2616

2. The former.

 

[Clueless in Seattle]

Thanks, vanderbilt_grad!

That glossary doesn't seem to contain a definition of the word "format" (maybe I overlooked it) but from the usage of the word in some of the entries I think I get it.

Tell me if I've got the idea:

A format is the set of restrictions on which cards, total number of cards and quantity of card types that may be used in a particular class of game. For example a particular format might specify that a deck will contain exactly 60 cards, that only cards from certain sets may be included in that deck, and that no more than four of any named Pokemon, Trainers, Supportrs etc. may be included in that 60 card deck.

How did I do?

 

[3l3d33z]

Yes, that is a format.

Right now the format includes the sets Diamond and Pearl and on.

 

[ryanvergel]

Sometimes in real life you will hear call a BDIF "bee-dif", but it's definitely an acronym.

A format is whatever sets of cards are legal, as 3l3 said, right now it is Diamond Pearl, and any other set after. The format is also the STYLE of play. For example, you can have an unlimited format (a format with all legal cards), or a format with no rares (Prof. Cup last year) or a format with only 1 of any card allowed, etc.

It is essentially the limitations imposed on what cards may be used to build a deck.