Written by Jim Ziegler

The official Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook has been updated with some new guidelines, and the one grabbing the most attention is the updated guidelines on clothing, accessories, and behavior.

Some of the guidelines are the type of things that shouldn’t need to be put in writing, like the prohibition against firearms and realistic toys, but a recent incident involving a cosplayer at a furry convention has put that in the spotlight. Dressing like a judge or staff member while not on staff, likewise, is prohibited (but using a staff playmat doesn’t appear to be an issue).

The part getting the most attention on social media is the prohibition against “Attire and accessories that violate the Play! Pokémon Standards of Conduct or Inclusion Policy or otherwise do not align with Play! Pokémon tournament environments.” This follows Yu-Gi-Oh’s ban of third-party playmats and accessories, after players brought inappropriate playmats featuring pinups of popular female characters to major tournaments.

Inappropriate playmats haven’t been an issue at Gam3Escape: most of us know that Pokémon appeals to all audiences, and would be embarrassed to have to explain to an eight-year-old why their playmat features Misty losing her bikini.

But the addition of Inclusion Policy to that line has people talking about politics. The United States is winding down from one of the most divisive election years in living memory, and people can be as passionate about politics as religion. But a Play! Pokémon event isn’t the place to celebrate your candidate’s victories or lament new policies. It’s a place to have fun and play games about adorable monsters you can stick in your pocket.

Nobody is telling you not to support your candidates, or to preach your religion, or to enjoy more risqué material. The guidelines are just there to remind us that there’s a time and a place for everything, and that Pokémon League events are the place to celebrate our shared love for Pokémon.

Please note: Gam3Escape is closing at 6:00pm on December 13, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our full holiday closure list: December 13, 6:00pm; December 24, 6:00pm; December 25, Closed all day; December 31, 6:00pm, January 1, Closed all day.

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

Pokemon Constructed BINGO

Saturday, 6:30 PM

Bring a deck and play to fill out your BINGO sheet. Earn tickets for carnival games where you can win packs, promos, and other prizes. NOTE: This is Gam3Escape’s normal Pokémon BINGO. Decks are required, but may be provided by Gam3Escape. Entry fee: $20

Pokémon Standard Constructed Tournament

Sunday, 3:00 PM

Show everyone that you’re the best! Like no one ever was! Join the battle at the weekly Standard Constructed Tournament! Regulation F, no deck list required. Entry fee: $7.

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

Receive a pack of your choice from any in the store, as well as a promo pack. Participants are entered into the end-of-season prize pool. Entry fee: $10

Pokémon GO Scavenger Hunt

Grab an achievement sheet in-store and GO out to collect them! Complete the scavenger sheet to earn a booster pack and a promo pack, and to be entered into a drawing for an Elite Trainer Box and other prizes. Entry fee: $10 

GATHER FOR MAGIC

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

Commonder-ish League

Thursday,  6:00 PM.

Build a commander deck using only commons & uncommons in the 99. Build from in-store bulk, or bring your deck, and compete against others with similar decks. Each week you’ll earn a pack and a pull to add to the deck. Ban list applies, proxies not permitted (but c’mon, they’re commons), and deck list required. Entry fee: $10

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

Rage of the Abyss Regional Qualifier

Saturday, 10:00 AM

Do you have what it takes to qualify for a Regional Championship? Bring your best deck and find out! Top 8 receive Regional Qualifier playmats, and top 4 will also receive deck boxes and WCQ invites. Doors open at 9:00AM, deck lists are required online no later than 9:30AM. Win-A-Mat and Time Wizard side events also firing! Entry fee: $22.50 ($13 for side events)

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday, 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn booster packs and OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Azurite Sea Lorcana League

Monday, & Saturday, 6:30 PM

The adventures in the Inklands continue with Locana League. Bring your sealed deck, or join the fun! The initial entry fee includes a starter deck of your choice, a booster pack, and a 200-card deck box to keep your sealed cards from getting mixed up with your collection. Entry fee: $25 (one-time charge)

STAR WARS: UNLIMITED

Casual Play League

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM, Saturdays, 1:00 PM, Sundays 5:00 PM

Whether you’re an aspiring Jedi, a sinister Sith, or a bounty hunter looking for your next score, Star Wars: Unlimited has all the excitement of your favorite space opera in cardboard form. 

THIS MEANS WAR(HAMMER)!

Casual Warhammer

Friday & Sunday, 5:00 PM

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. At Gam3Escape, there is only Warhammer! Whether it’s a Tyranid terror or a Blood Angel battalion, stage your army and prepare for battle at the weekly Casual Warhammer event. 

CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD!

Divinez Constructed Tournament

Monday, 5:30 PM

Bring your cards and get ready to fight! Cardfight! Vanguard is back with weekly tournaments, every Monday night. Entry fee: $6

Check out Jim's articles at The Gamer: https://www.thegamer.com/author/james-ziegler/ and like, follow, and subscribe to his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Alolan_Professor