Pokemon USA: If you have specific improvements to the tournament system or organized play structure - we're interested. I'm not suggesting a firestorm of e-mail - that kind of response would probably hurt the development of support for the TCG. Yes, we have a ratings system and we have plans on how to support tournament organizers for Pokemon. We can't ask for feedback on it, as it is not public, but if you have other programs you would like to see supported, let me know.

Phil: The Professor Program, created by Michael Gills at WotC, has insured the future of the organized play program for the WotC game. This limited group of people shoulder the hard task of promoting and organizing the Pokemon Trading Card Game locally in their area which is next to impossible to do if your based out of Washington and dealing with players/collectors from sunny Florida or in Europe.

Pokemon USA: We like the Professor program - sometimes we may not be able to use Wizards programs that are not specific to the Pokemon brand - each instance is on a case-by-case basis. And if there are specific contracts drawn up between Wizards and an individual, we aren't interested in breaking those non-disclosure agreements. This could happen in cases with contractors that Wizards has hired, volunteers who signed NDAs, etc.

Phil: Will Organized Play be supported in Europe? You guys have been giving the public the corporate run around to contact their local Nintendo offices who have no clue that Wizards of the Coast lost the Pokemon TCG. Some do not even know of a Pokemon TCG. This is not a good way to start off... many dedicated fans have struggled to build the local player base in Europe while feuding with the local WotC office for Pokemon League Kits. If you do not plan on support OP in Europe... just say it guys.

Pokemon USA: For Europe - I would encourage patience - speculation is ideally built on facts, not the lack of facts. Europe will receive organized play - I can't comment on the exact details...I'm sure it will be covered in future press releases. I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo customer service cannot answer questions about the TCG cards for the general public - they aren't technically selling TCG cards until June, so anything they can really explain is what was specifically outlined in the current press releases.

Phil: Will you be allowing WotC cards to be played in Primere OP events? Or will tournaments be limited to the cards you produce? I understand that you would want to push the new product first and foremost. But Wizards of the Coast still has three expansions planned for Pokemon since TPC gave the extension to their contract... will these be allowed in Primere OP events in the future?

Pokemon USA: There may be a misunderstanding regarding the relationship with Wizards of the Coast. (I'm not referring to firsthand knowledge myself, but merely what I have derived from public information.) Pokemon cards are initially released in Japan. Wizards had the license to re-produce the cards elsewhere - produce, not redesign (translating sure, complete rewrites, no). As such, those cards are official, by anyone's standards.

Phil: Wizards of the Coast introduced several playing formats to Pokemon Trading Card Game in the past years. Some of them are similar to the DCI Sanctioned Magic Formats. Will we see the basis of these formats continue on with Nintendo?

Pokemon USA: As far as formats go, we don't anticipate much change. The floor rules will be revamped slightly, hopefully making it easier to read while keeping the same spirit of the game. We like the Challenge series from last year, I would expect to see something similar produced by our staff here in the future.

Phil: I'm sure there is more I can ask, I'm sure there are some things that you cannot announce at this point. Thanks for your time.

Pokemon USA: Thanks for your questions, and your involvement in the game!

-GymLeaderPhil