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WOTC CHAT REPORT
January 18, 2001 - by CHRISBO

OK, listen up everyone. Big news this week!!!. 

TPC in Japan has just issued a new procedural ruling regarding "Special Conditions" and what shuts down Pokemon Powers. This will fundamentally change the game in a way that I personally find very exciting! Also, they officially announced the format (not a big surprise) for the upcoming Challenge Series that will be starting up in March. Also, more information about the Professor Program, Neo: Destiny, Pokemon League, and more. I will start with the Opening Announcements as made by MT_Mike, and will go into other questions in the various sub-sections as listed below.

P.S. Don't forget that more details on the Challenge Series, Professor Program, etc. will be posted on WotC's Pokemon site on Monday 1/21/02.

Enjoy,
- CHRISBO


OPENING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

master_trainer_mike says, "First, we wanted to tell you about the format of the upcoming 2002 Pokemon Challenge Series. It will be the Modified format as you now know it. This means you will be able to use cards from Team Rocket through any sets currently released. It is too early to rotate out any of the earlier sets (it hasn't even been 2 years since Rocket came out). Modified will change after the 2002 Pokemon Challenge series though, so look for that later this year."

master_trainer_mike says, "However, there are many opportunities coming up for you to explore this format. The Pokemon Challenge series will be starting in March of this year. The Neo 4 Destiny set will be out and legal by this time. There are many cards in that set that will fit into and may change the current Pokemon tournament environment. Also, any other sets released during the Challenge series will be legal the day they hit the street. Keep an eye out for new sets that will give you even more choices to play in the Challenge Series."

master_trainer_mike says, "There is also a new Pokemon rule change that will even FURTHER give the current environment some diversity. In working on keeping the Pokemon rules as close as possible to the Japanese rules of the game, there is a new term that will be introduced in a later set this year. This is "Special Conditions". Asleep, Confusion, Paralysis, POISON, and later on Burned are all defined as Special Conditions. All of these effects are removed form Active Pokemon if they Evolve, Devolve, Leave Play, or are
Benched. They ALSO shut of ALL Pokemon Powers on the Pokemon effected by a Special Condition."

master_trainer_mike says, "This means that Poison (and later on Burned) shut off Pokemon Powers on the Pokemon affected by them. This is a clarification of the rules for Pokemon and WILL take place in all of the upcoming Challenge series events and tournaments. This means that if you Poison a Feraligatr, its Downpour Pokemon Power is shut off! Think of what that can mean in the current environment."

master_trainer_pat says, "whoa.."

master_trainer_mike says, "Lastly I would like to talk about the concern that many people have expressed about the "apparent" dominance of the Feraligatr deck in the current Modified environment. With the inclusion of Neo Revelation and soon inclusion of Neo 4 Destiny as well as upcoming sets, you should spend a little time playing with this format. There is a lot more opportunity for exploration and game strategy than is currently being encompassed. The dreaded Feraligatr was included in less than 25% of the
decks played at the WSTS (down from 50%) at the ESTS. With the new card sets and the new Poison rule, I highly recommend you start thinking outside of the box, or you will find yourself falling behind the curve."

master_trainer_mike says, "As far as the Challenge Series and the Professor Program and events, details will be posted on our web site on Monday 1/21/02. Check them out then!"


*** NEW RULING ON POKEMON POWERS AND POISON & "BURN" (not Char) ***:

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1242 from darkpoinko:
holy cow, that's some fast typing!! that was hard to get! does this mean
poison and burned pokemon have their powers de-activated?
master_trainer_pat says, "Yes it does!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Yowza"
master_trainer_pat says, "That changes things a little"
master_trainer_mike says, "These rules will take effect at all Challenge
series events."
master_trainer_mike says, "Yeah my Crobat deck rules!!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Ain't afraid of no Gator no more no more!!"
master_trainer_pat says, "no mo, no mo, no mo..."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1280 from
the_maple_bar:
What is the reasoning behind this? How does Poison even affect it?
master_trainer_pat says, "TPC has told us that that is how it supposed to
work."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1267 from
pokesensei:
Will these new effects and rules be in the updated Rulebook with the next
Neo set?
master_trainer_mike says, "No they won't make it into the Neo 4 rule book
but in the later rule book in the next set after that. Since these rules
would take place during the Challenge Series, we wanted them to start at the
beginning of the year, giving you more time to learn and get used to them."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1252 from onederlnd:
I didn't quite catch it, when is the Poison/Burned changes going to be made
official?
master_trainer_pat says, "They are official 1.17.2002, though burn won't
show up for awhile"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1283 from
toysruskid:
Do these new rules...Are they Effected Immediately?
master_trainer_mike says, "Immediately."
master_trainer_mike says, "Keep in mind though, that not everyone will have
heard of them yet. So don't be rude to someone that doesn't know yet. Rather
help them keep up with the game."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1301 from
puritys_echidna:
so when the special conditions rule comes into effect later this year, will
it also effect older cards? master_trainer_pat says, "The rule is in effect
starting today. If you want to start calling them Special Conditions now
that is fine."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1273 from
toysruskid:
Will the new Modified Rules be posted on the main page after the chat is
over?
master_trainer_mike says, "No, but they will be posted on Monday [1/21] in
the Challenge information."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1333 from
pokesensei:
Hey Mike and Pat, with the new Poison ruling, how do you think it will
impact the challenge series, etc.. in the form of new people and some older
people that will participate but not knowing about the new ruling? What does
WotC plan on doing to get the i
master_trainer_mike says, "It will be posted online. We will grind this
topic into the ground here on the chat. It will be sent out to the Leagues
and to all the TO's."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1368 from
steelixownzu:
Does that mean now poison can only be by itself instead of that and
something else, or is it still the same?
master_trainer_mike says, "Good question! We will find out but for now play
it as normal!"

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1278 from lizardotc:
Will the new cancellation of Powers ruling also include Char; I'm not sure
you mentioned it...
master_trainer_pat says, "We didn't mention it. It doesn't shut off powers"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1257 from chrisbo:
Does "Char" and "Burn" count as the same thing or are they considered to be
different?
master_trainer_mike says, "While Burned acts similar to Char they are NOT
the same effect."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1293 from lizardotc:
Can you tell us what burned does...or have we not been good enough? ;)
master_trainer_pat says, "It has nothing to do with that...we just can't
specifically talk about that upcoming set yet. At least specifics. Just
think of Burn as being very similar to Char."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1288 from daytongl:
Is burned a new status effect coming out with Neo 4?
master_trainer_mike says, "Actually no, it is being introduced in the next
set after Neo 4. But since it will be coming out during the 2002 Pokemon
Challenge Series we wanted to start with the new rules now."
master_trainer_mike says, "It is the Poison shutting off Pokemon powers that
should get you thinking ."


CHALLENGE SERIES:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1277 from somexguy:
When will we get dates/locations of the Challenge events?
master_trainer_mike says, "Challenge series starts in March. Check the
website on Monday for more details."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1279 from
skywolf9653:
When will TO's start getting notification for running Challenge events?
master_trainer_mike says, "They have already been contacted by our events
staff. It is all being finalized now."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1281 from
gym_leader_blaine:
how do we get it so we can run a challenge series tournament in our area?
master_trainer_mike says, "Well, you have to already have been an
experienced TO and already in contact with us. They are premiere events and
we try to make sure that a quality TO runs them."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1282 from
bigdaddysnorlax:
Will the Stadium Challenges be scheduled around the same time or spread out
over the year?
master_trainer_mike says, "Spread throughout the year."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1389 from chrisbo:
Can you tell us whether the Challenge Series events are going to be held
chronologically in a regional pattern (i.e. West first, then East, etc), or
will they be more random than before (i.e. this week L.A., next week NYC,
following week Denver, etc)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Details to come on Monday."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1332 from
super_nice_dude:
Can we still play in main tournaments with the cards who are NOT in modified
(base set, base2, jungle, fossil)
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, the format for the main tournaments for the
2002 Pokemon Challenge Series is Modified. There will be side events at many
of them though and you may be able to play the older cards there."


PROFESSOR PROGRAM:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1240 from
gym_leader_blaine:
will we be able to take the professor test on Monday
master_trainer_mike says, "Details of the program will be posted then, the
test is still being finalized and encoded, it will be up sometime this
month"

[CHRISBO NOTE: This announcement around Q1259...]
master_trainer_mike says, "I would like to warn you all though, that those
of you who plan on taking the Professor Exam had better actually really know
your stuff. It will NOT be easy. The point of this test is not to make you
feel bad or good for that matter. It is to help you realize what the
skillsets a good Professor and Judge needs to actually have. If you fail the
test, you will be able to study more and take it again later. But you had
better really know the rules, the card interactions (look at the Team
Compendium site for help), the Universal Floor rules, and so on."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1260 from
gym_leader_blaine:
what can you tell us Mike so we have a better idea about the professor
program
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1261 from marril2000:
could we possibly hear a sample question, or one of the rejected questions
from the professor exam?
master_trainer_pat says, "Sorry, no freebies..."
master_trainer_mike says, "I will also say that as the Professor Program
Administrator, if I learn of ANYONE posting the test to the public, or any
other cheating, you will be pulled and BANNED form this program. It is here
for you to help you learn the game at a higher level as well as improve your
judging and TO skills. It helps NO one if you don't learn anything, but only
copy someone else's answers."
master_trainer_pat says, "whoa...that's rough."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1263 from somexguy:
You said if you fail a test you can take it again later. How much later?
master_trainer_mike says, "Specifics like that are still being worked out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1264 from
squirtle_master2:
Will the Professor test change periodically, be random, or always be the
same?
master_trainer_mike says, "Again, I don't want to give you too much
specifics. You should just be ready for a rough test. Realizing though that
there are people who will cheat or try and post the test, it will not be the
same test every time."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1265 from
toysruskid:
Any clue when, the professor exam will be released?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sometime this month. We are hard at work getting
the technology up for you."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1268 from
gym_leader_blaine:
about how many question will be on it?
master_trainer_pat says, "You will find out shortly..."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1270 from marril2000:
will the questions on the prof exam be multiple choice, t/f, other, or open
responce?
master_trainer_pat says, "Once again, we'll let you wait and find out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1272 from lizardotc:
Can you give us an idea of the relative weighting of the rulebook, the floor
rules and card interactions (Compendium) on the test?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1373 from lizardotc:
If there are Suicune questions on the Prof. test, where would be the best
place to locate CORRECT answers?
master_trainer_pat says, "There will be no Suicune questions on the
Professor's Test"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1387 from
gym_leader_blaine:
on the prof test. will it just have cards question from the new modify
format or are all cards free game?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok, let me make this easier. If there is a
question involving cards, the relevant text will be included in the
question. The test isn't about what you have memorized, it is about making
sure you have an understanding of how the game and tournaments work."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1342 from
gym_leader_blaine:
with the professor program will we be able to see everyone in our area that
passed the test?
master_trainer_mike says, "We will eventually post a list of Professors so
that TO's can find local judges for their events."


NEO DESTINY:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1334 from
super_nice_dude:
when is NEO destiny is supposed to be released
master_trainer_mike says, "Sometime in February/March"

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1295 from marril2000:
when neo 4 is released, will the pokemon text be changed to go by the
Special Conditions rule?
master_trainer_pat says, "Neo Destiny (Neo 4) was already far along in
development and production when this info was given to us. I don't expect
the Neo Destiny text to reflect the things that we've announced today. That
is why we're giving you such an early heads up about it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1300 from
steelixownzu:
Will the shinings still come out in neo 4, like Shining Magikarp/Gyarados,
or will it be only a regular holo
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"


POKEMON LEAGUE:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1239 from
marril2000:
mike, any word on what the league year 3 season 2 promotion will be?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes, COOL!"
master_trainer_mike says, "That's the word."
master_trainer_mike says, "If you had asked me for 2 words I would have said
MINTY FRESH!"
master_trainer_mike says, "details to come soon! Trust me, you will want to
be a part of it!"

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #1241 from marril2000:
mike, if someone obtains or saves a slot in his deck for the rainbow holo
energy end of season tournament, will he be able to use it in his deck, or
are the players not aloud to use the new card?
master_trainer_pat says, "Since everyone who participates in the event will
be getting one they may substitute it for a Rainbow Energy that is in their
deck already. It's pretty similar to the Rainbow E. from Team Rocket"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1247 from lance313:
>From Sd_pokemom: I've heard reports of GLs who allow "less than 6 prize"
games at League, resulting in trainers with huge amounts of wins per session
and placing players who only play according to "6 prize rule" at a
disadvantage. There is NO specific requirement for 6 prize games in the GL
materials. Comments?
master_trainer_mike says, "This is not allowed. You are to play a normal
game of Pokemon in the League. Sure it doesn't say you HAVE to follow the
game rules but it is assumed you would. It is rather ridiculous to use that
sort of logic to try and break the system. If there is a league near you
that is doing this, please report it to custserv@wizards.com. We will look
into it. Any league that can't run itself properly will not be allowed to
run the league."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1249 from lance313:
Also from sd_pokemom: I hear stories of "good" players at League who can't
get games, since kids would rather wait in line to play the kids who are
considered "easy-pickings" so they can up their number of win stamps. Care
to comment?
master_trainer_mike says, "Once again, it is up to the Gym Leader to keep
the league running and balanced. League players should play anyone in the
league. If they spend all their time playing against the weaker players,
those weaker players will get better while they will not. Also their skills
won't be challenged and they won't improve and they will be in for a rude
awakening in the actual tournament. Gym Leaders should not allow this to
happen."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1253 from lance313:
One last from SD_Pokemom: Should tournament seeding be determined solely on
number of wins, or win/loss record? Example: who should be seeded higher, a
player with 50 wins and 50 losses (playing non 6 prize games and/or only
weaker players), or a player who went 48-2, playing 6 prize games?
master_trainer_mike says, "Once again, a Gym Leader should NOT allow any
players to only play weaker players or play less than 6 prize card games.
This is against the rules of the game and the social intent of the game.
This is also the sort of behavior that keeps Japan holding a very tight
reign on the game as cheating is pretty awful in their minds. If I ever hear
of this sort of behavior in a league and it is not corrected, I will pull
that league, plain and simple. The seedings for the final tournament are
based upon winning actual games played by the rules and playing anyone who
challenges you, period."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1271 from
pigdeon_of_death:
Someone at my league runs a 6 DK energy deck. He said that he had called
WotC and defiantly asserted that in non-tourney play, as long as the
opponent knew what they were facing, he could use that illegal deck. Is this
correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "Wrong, he is not playing by the rules of the
game. The League has you play by the rules of the game."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1255 from
squirtle_master2:
Has TRU made their decision on the league yet?
master_trainer_mike says, "We are still in discussion with them. When we
know more, you will know more."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1258 from
marril2000:
Will there be the pocket id's in each kit or will I have to purchase more
season one kits from wizards in order to get more?
master_trainer_mike says, "We will have the pocket/chains available as
separate items if you have lots of league members joining later on. Talk
with your sales rep to get your supplies."


*** END OF REPORT ***

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