Hi gang, did ya miss me?  The 8/08/02 Chat was canceled due to GenCon USA, and I have been on vacation for the past two weeks.  However, my trusty companions Lance313 and Magmar2000 were kind enough to lend me their transcripts, so today I am presenting a summary report of the past two Chat events.  I will resume the regular weekly reports later this week for the 8/29/02 Chat.

So what do we have to tell?  September 1 is just around the corner and the newly altered Modified format will take effect at that time.  As most of us know, the Team Rocket and Gym series are being rotated out, but there are even more cards recently announced that will no longer be permitted (I won't spoil the surprise here; you'll have to read the report below).  Also, the Card-E "Expedition" expansion is still not out yet, but hopefully will be available very soon within the next few weeks.  There is a trickle of new information on Battle Zone and the Pokemon Player Rewards Program too.  And much, much more for your reading pleasure.

Finally, I just want to say a special thanks to all the wonderful people who came up and said hello to me at Worlds in Seattle.  I had a wonderful time, and as always it's great to meet new friends and old ones too.

Enjoy,
 - CHRISBO

UPDATED DCI POKEMON FLOOR RULES & FORMATS (effective Sep. 1, 2002):

darkmt_mike says, "Starting on September 1st all black star promo's numbered 1-20 will no longer be allowed in modified. They will rotate out. This has been something we have wanted to do for a while with older promo's. This is so that we can keep them in line with rotating out the older expansions. Of course, they can still be used in Unlimited."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #61 from articjedi:
so can you tell us which promos are banned
darkmt_mike says, "I just did."
master_trainer_mike says, "Look for the number on the bottom right of the promo cards.  1-20 are banned."
master_trainer_mike says, "The promos rotating out are"
master_trainer_mike says, "1. Pikachu (came out in 9/99)"
master_trainer_mike says, "2. Electabuzz (given out at the first Pokemon movie, given out as classic card in Year 3 league)"

master_trainer_mike says, "3. Mewtwo (given out at the first Pokemon movie, given out as classic card in Year 3 league)"

master_trainer_mike says, "4. Pikachu (given out at the first Pokemon movie, given out as classic card in Year 3 league)"

master_trainer_mike says, "5. Dragonite (given out at the first Pokemon movie, given out as classic card in Year 3 league)"

master_trainer_mike says, "6. Arcanine (came out in 2000 in the league)"
master_trainer_mike says, "7. Jigglypuff (Atlantic records promotion with first movie soundtrack)"
master_trainer_mike says, "8. Mew (came out in League 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "9. Holo Mew (same, given out as classic card in Year 3 League)"
master_trainer_mike says, "10. Meowth (came with ETCG for Gameboy in 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "11. Eevee (came out in League 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "12. Mewtwo (given to Nintendo Power subscribers in 2000, reprinted in Legendary Collection)"
master_trainer_mike says, "13. Venusaur (came out in ETCG Strategy Guide only)"
master_trainer_mike says, "14. Mewtwo (variant art of promo #3, came with DVD of first movie)"
master_trainer_mike says, "15. Cool Porygon (came with Nintendo 64 Stadium Bundle and Victory Road Season Year 1 League)"

master_trainer_mike says, "16. Computer Error (came  out in League 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "17. Dark Persian (given to Nintendo Power subscribers in 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "18. Team Rocket's Meowth (came out in League 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "19. Sabrina's Abra (given to Nintendo Power subscribers in Oct 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "20. Psyduck (came out in Victory Road Year 1 League in 2000)"
master_trainer_mike says, "As you can see these are all fairly old cards and so it was time to rotate them out. When Modified next changes, be prepared to see more of the black star cards rotate out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #31 from toysruskid:
Why....Why are you eliminating First 20 Blackstar Promos...Allow Eevee Back....PLEAAAASE :)
darkmt_mike says, "Because it is old."
master_trainer_mike says, "Guys, we rotate out older product in Modified to keep it fresh and to allow new players a format they can compete in. The same goes for promo cards.  Promos 1-20 all came out in 1999 and early 2000. A new player is hard pressed to get them."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #70 from bigchuck001:
WAIT!!!  Does this mean TR Meowth isn't allowed in team starting Sept 1st?!?!?
master_trainer_mike says, "So nope, no cigar there."
darkmt_mike says, "Yes. Funny how things work out sometimes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #14 from paulie1084:
Are non black star promos still allowed?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes they are.  So Rainbow energy was released as a promo and can still be used in Modified."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #67 from articjedi:
we can still use nintendo power mewtwo because it was in LC, right?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct, the reprinting of older cards rule is still in effect."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #77 from ikendall:
can we use Dark Persian promo because of the LC one - I as far as I can remember, the cards are practically identical, but one of the attacks has a different name.

darkmt_mike says, "looking into it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #19 from daytongl:
Will the Floor Rules be changed to reflect this new change in the Modified Format?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes they will be updated on Monday I think. They do not start until 9/1/02 anyway."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #388 from pigdeon_of_death:
Exactly how many formats are sanctioned right now?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmmm, starting 9/1 there will be the two Constructed Formats: Unlimited and Modified. There are 3 Limited Formats: Booster Draft, Sealed, and Rochester Draft. There will also be 2 Team Formats: Constructed (Modified only) and Limited (Sealed only)."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #64 from daytongl:
Will team play be sanctionable by the general public within the short term future?
darkmt_mike says, "As of September 1st."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #366 from prof_kris:
I heard something about the translation rule for sanctioned tournaments, is it true that rule will be eliminated for the new DCI season? Any info on that?

master_trainer_mike says, "That is correct.  The translation rule, the source of much confusion is being changed. Starting September 1st, it is the responsibility of the players and the judges to know what the cards do. A player can use a Japanese or Italian card in their deck without providing an outside english card. We will post a full text list of all of the cards in english on our web site that you can use."

POKEMON LEAGUE / BATTLE ZONE:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #7 from daytongl:
Any info that you can divulge about Pokémon BattleZone?
master_trainer_mike says, "It is moving forward.  Will start in November.  I will be contacting Pokemon Professors soon to see if they would be interested in helping to show this program to stores in their area and thereby earn exclusive Professor stuff."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #347 from marril2000:
on the chat on the first, mt pat said there would be more details on battlezone this week, so any details?
master_trainer_mike says, "Oookay, well what has already been said? It is planned to start in November this year. It is more of an event support program than a weekly league though it could be used as a weekly league if a store wanted to do that. It is less expensive, more flexible, and comes with prize support. It will change every month. Once I know specifics (start dates and such) I will let you all know."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #363 from yoshi1001:
Have you considered subtitling Battlezone "The New Pokémon League" since it can be used that way and to help people make the switch?

master_trainer_mike says, "No, we really don't want to call it a league. Most retail locations have made it clear that they won't run a league anymore. But they will run tournaments and single events.  Hence the change."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #369 from yoshi1001:
Re: 363: But retail locations should be sure to make sure people know about the change, of course.
master_trainer_mike says, "Of course, this will be covered in the materials we send to stores.  Relax, we've been doing this for years :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #398 from pokesensei:
Could you enlighten everyone as to the possible Promos available in Battlezone other than the already stated foil energies?

master_trainer_mike says, "Foil Energies are part of the Pokemon Player rewards program, not BattleZone. As for BattleZone, you'll just have to wait and see :)"

POKEMON PLAYER REWARDS PROGRAM:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #378 from roonman:
Is there going to be a way to get mass quantities of holo energy cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "You will be able to earn them through the upcoming Pokemon Player Rewards program."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #387 from marril2000:
could you possibly explain the Pokemon Player Rewards program, or is it too early to comment on that?
master_trainer_mike says, "Basically it will be modeled upon the Magic Player Rewards program. Anyone will be able to sign up for this free program. Once you play in a certain number of sanctioned events you will earn Free foil energy cards. You will also be able to look at your complete match histories online. I hope to start this program soon. Again, once I know, you'll know :)"

EXPEDITION SET:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #340 from lance313:
Any news on projected release date on Expedition?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmmm, the date isn't set yet. You will see the cards in September but exactly when I'm not sure."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #42 from skywolf9653:
Will Pokemon in the Expedition Set have different attacks from those released in previous sets?
darkmt_mike says, "Expedition is E-card. There are different attacks and effects."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #377 from lance313:
Will Expedition have the regular Wizards Pokémon backs?  Or will we need to use solid backed sleeves to combine the cards?

master_trainer_mike says, "We are not changing our card backs.  I know there has been some confusion about this but the card backs are remaining the same. In Japan they changed their card backs and the preview cards at E3 accidentally had that back on them but ours are staying the same."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #341 from lance313:
How many cards in Expedition?
master_trainer_mike says, "Gang, you know we don't talk these sorts of specifics before a set is released. If you made it to worlds though, you should have had a chance to see some mock ups of the set. I hope to bring them with me to Gen Con UK in 2 weeks as well."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #352 from matthewssandslash:
For those who weren't at Worlds, there are about 180 cards in Expedition...
master_trainer_mike says, "There ya go."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #357 from hartwig_bill:
Are the theme decks going to cost more?
master_trainer_mike says, "Not that I've heard."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #22 from paulie1084:
Will Expedition and Card-e reader come out on the same date
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, our cards are out first, last I heard Nintendo's first readers will hit roughly a month later."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #360 from prof_kris:
In Expedition, is it possible to get a reverse foil basic energy in a booster?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope.  Basic Energy isn't in the set (I don't think).  Foil Energy will come out again in the upcoming Pokemon Player Rewards program."

[CHRISBO NOTE: Actually, I think basic energy may indeed be in the set.  At least I thought I saw one in the mock-up at Worlds.  But I may be wrong...]

FUTURE EVENTS:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #384 from prof_kris:
Will the next Challenge series start in October as listed on the WotC Pokemon site?
master_trainer_mike says, "It is still being worked on.   Once I know, you'll know :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #389 from prof_kris:
at the next challenge series, will there be Professor events at Stadium Challenges as like the ones this year, and will the format be different?

master_trainer_mike says, "That is what I hope to do, yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #375 from pokesensei:
I thought that the Professor event rocked but woulda been more fun if it was MMF. What are your plans for the next big Professor Event?

master_trainer_mike says, "Well, once we know the schedule for the next Challenge series I will move on with that. Probably a mixed tournament, combining constructed and booster draft."

FUTURE SETS:

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #11 from skywolf9653:
Is the much anticipated "Wizards Only" set still on track for release this year?
darkmt_mike says, "It looks like next year most likely for that set."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #51 from skywolf9653:
Are there any plans to go a second printing of Legendary Collection?
darkmt_mike says, "Can't say. It is selling well though."

COMMENTS REGARDING OLDER POKEMON PLAYERS:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #6 from skywolf9653:
Let me ask a somewhat "off topic" question  here, what is The Pokemon Company's view on older players of this game?  Do they dislike us as a whole, or would they be willing  to give the older division some latitude?

master_trainer_mike says, "Hmmm, well we aren't the Pokemon Company but this is a kid's game. Sorry to be blunt, but that is what they made and what they support. Of course, it is great that many older siblings and parents also play the game. They see it as a good family experience. That is why the Professor program exists to recognize and reward the contributions of older players to the overall experience. We could not do this without the TO's, Judges, and Gym Leaders amongst you."

master_trainer_mike says, "However, they really frown on competition with this game. We have to skirt a fine line with what competition we already have. They do NOT see this as a game for older players to compete at high levels at."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #24 from skywolf9653:
RE: Q6,  I understand and respect that, and I certainly understand that.  However, is the Professor Program viewed in a positive light by TPC?

master_trainer_mike says, "Yes it is.  They like to see older players and parents helping new and younger players to learn and enjoy the game."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #16 from bigchuck001:
The big question on a lot of peoples minds, what does the future hold for 15+?
master_trainer_mike says, "Guys, we have covered this again and again. The Professor Program exists. There will always be Professor events and a bigger than ever Professor Championship next year. There will also be Team events which are not limited to players of any age. That is it gang. Time to move forward and not backward."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #27 from bigchuck001:
So what about the 15+ players that want to play competitively?
master_trainer_mike says, "They can play in the league, they will be able to compete in BattleZone, there will be Professor exclusive competitive events, there will be a Professor Championship, you can play in sanctioned team events and you can play or run your own tournaments in your area for players of all ages!"

master_trainer_mike says, "(gimme gimme gimme)"

master_trainer_mike says, "By the way, my apologies for the (gimme gimme gimme)'s. Understand that we do the best we can with the limited resources we have. We just cannot afford the funds or staff or to go against the wishes of TPC to give super mega prizes and competitions to players of all ages. This is a game designed for kids. We do offer high levels of competition for older players in all of our non-kid based games. If you don't like those, there are many other companies that make older games as well. I will always play Pokemon because I enjoy it and I enjoy working with you all."

darkmt_mike says, "Me Too!"
master_trainer_mike says, "We will understand if it doesn't give you what you want. But it is what it is."

PROFESSOR PROGRAM:

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #36 from gym_leader_blaine:
if the TO running a Pokemon tournament is a Master Professor, but the Head Judge is only a professor, is the K-value still increased to 24 or is it only when a Master Professor is the Head Judge?

darkmt_mike says, "Only a Head Judge elevates the K value. The reason is that a TO does not have to be onsite to sanction an event. The Judge must be there."

master_trainer_mike says, "Of course a Master Professor could be listed as both the TO and Head Judge if it came to it. We only want to increase the K rating when we know an expert (Master Professor) is present and affecting the event"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #35 from michel1be:
Do you know when the translations of the Professor test will be on the site and when the test will may be taken in foreign languages ?

master_trainer_mike says, "There were some translation issues getting finalized for the web pages for the test. Hope to have it up fairly soon.  Our apologies that it has takes so long but we are pretty darn busy here."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #41 from darkleafchampion:
I know this has been asked for quite some time already, but whatever happened to the Professor Cards??
master_trainer_mike says, "You should have received them already, I'm assuming you haven't. James Lee is in charge of them and I will ask him as soon as he gets back in the office."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #44 from bigchuck001:
Do you plan to have more coverage for Future Professor events?
darkmt_mike says, "What do you mean Alex? Coverage how? Media? People?"
master_trainer_mike says, "yes.  I just wrote a very long article about the Professor Championship held in July.  Hope to get it up soon."

master_trainer_mike says, "Speaking of which, I will also be contacting the Professor list soon to see if some of you are interested in trying out to write for our web site. I can't do it as often as I'd like, neither can most of the Wizards staff. Master Will-in-Training will be done soon too. So, start practicing your writing gang :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #46 from wizo_pokemom:
Is it true, as was posted on the 'Gym post GenCon, that Professors are considered to be Level 1 DCI Judges, and Master Professors Level 2 judges?

master_trainer_mike says, "There isn't a clear correlation between Magic Judges and Professors per se. We will be adding more complexity and training to the Professor program as time goes by."

master_trainer_mike says, "The Magic DCI Judges and the Professor Program share many similarities. They are also somewhat different. You would do better to compare the Professor Program with the very first DCI Judge programs that came out 5 years ago."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #52 from articjedi:
I got another virus last night, any idea who is sending the e-mails?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry, but no.  Many viruses are sent out by unsuspecting people. I will NEVER send any attachments through the Professor list without fully explaining them in the email. Don't open any attachments on any unknown emails."

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