DFW Pokémon Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Important Documents
Modified Constructed Format Set Symbols
2008-2009 Modified Legal Reprints

This page will hopefully answer at least some questions you might have regarding the unusual world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. If you have any questions or are wondering about something that isn't covered here, please let me know, and I'll add it to our store o' knowledge!

What is meant by "Modified" and "Unlimited"?
"Modified" and "Unlimited" refer to the two different "formats" available within the Pokémon Organized Play universe. Here is the description of the Modified format from the "2008-2009 Official Tournament Formats" document, section 3.1 (available at the Pokémon Organized Play website):

The Modified format is the standard tournament format for Pokémon Organized Play events. This format will be used at all premier events unless specified otherwise. The Modified format for the 2008-2009 tournament season contains the following:
In addition, future Pokémon USA, Inc., releases will become legal as they are released, per the Pokémon Organized Play Tournament Rules.
With the exception of basic Energy cards and previously printed cards that appear in Modified legal sets, players may not use cards from Pokémon sets prior to Diamond & Pearl. Players using previously printed cards that appear in Modified legal sets must play those cards using the wording of the most recent printing of the card. New sets are allowed as soon as the product has been released.
There are currently no cards banned in the Modified format.
Similarly, here is the description of the Unlimited format (section 3.2):

Unlimited decks may contain cards from any and all Pokémon trading card game sets and promotional cards that have been released in the United States. Players using cards that have been reprinted in a later set must play those cards using the wording of the most recent printing. New sets are allowed as soon as the product has been released.
There are currently no cards banned in the Unlimited format.
What is meant by "Constructed" and "Limited"?
"Constructed" and "Limited" are the two standard format "styles" of tournaments. Here is a description of the Constructed style from the "2008-2009 Official Tournament Formats" document, section 1.1 (available at the Pokémon Organized Play website):
In a Constructed event, players arrive at the tournament with a 60-card deck. The cards used to build the deck come from each player's personal collection. Decks may not contain more than 4 copies of a single card, as defined by the card's English title, with the standard exception for basic Energy cards. Matches are played for 6 Prize cards.
Similarly, here is the description of the Limited style (section 1.2):
In a Limited event, players construct their decks using only cards provided by the Tournament Organizer at the event. Each player's deck must contain exactly 40 cards at all times. Decks may contain more than 4 copies of a single card, as defined by the card's English title. A Tournament Organizer must announce whether he or she is providing players with basic Energy cards before the date of the event and at the event before it begins. Matches are played for 4 Prize cards.
It is important to note that a tournament consists of a given "style" within a given "format". Thus, with the exception of prerelease events, all Pokémon Organized Play Premier events are Modified Constructed. Prerelease events are Modified Limited events. Unlimited events can similarly be Constructed or Limited, but Unlimited events are not sanctioned by Pokémon Organized Play at this time.