What Pokemon TCG sets are legal

Which Pokémon TCG Sets Can You Legally Play With?

Hey there, fellow Trainers! 👋 If you're anything like me, you've got stacks of Pokémon cards lying around and are probably wondering which ones you can actually whip out for a legit game. Worry not, because today we're diving into the magical (and sometimes confusing) world of Pokémon TCG legality. So, grab your deck, maybe a cup of tea (or PokéPuffs), and let's get to it!

Okay, For Starters, What's "Legal" Anyway?

First things first, when we talk about "legal" in the Pokémon TCG sense, we're talking about sets that are okay to use in official tournaments. These tournaments are usually run under guidelines set by The Pokémon Company International, and they often have specific rules about which sets are in play.

The Standard Format: Keeping It Fresh!

The Standard Format is like the hip, up-to-date cousin who always has the latest gadgets. It's regularly updated to keep the gameplay fair and interesting. So, let's see what's hot right now (as of 2023). ✨

Currently, for 2023 tournaments, the following sets are legal:

• Sword & Shield – Battle Styles
• Sword & Shield – Chilling Reign
• Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies
• Sword & Shield – Fusion Strike
• Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars
• Sword & Shield – Astral Radiance
• Sword & Shield – Lost Origin
• Sword & Shield – Silver Tempest
• Sword & Shield – Crown Zenith
• Scarlet & Violet
• Scarlet & Violet – Paldea Evolved
• Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames

Phew! That’s a lot of Sword & Shield, right? Basically, if you've got cards from these sets, you can toss ‘em into your deck and not worry about getting the dreaded "illegal deck" call-out.

Expanded Format: For the Nostalgic Souls

Now, if you're more of a nostalgic sort who loves the oldies (but goodies), the Expanded Format is where it's at. This format lets you use a broader range of sets, up to Black & White series. Yeah, you heard that right—cards from way back in 2011! 🕰️

Just in case you need a refresher, the legal sets for Expanded Format include:

• Black & White (all sets)
• XY (all sets)
• Sun & Moon (all sets)
• Sword & Shield (all sets)
• Scarlet & Violet (all sets)

So, dust off those old treasures and maybe surprise your friends with some classic combos!

Promo Cards: To Use or Not to Use?

Promo cards spark a lot of questions. The key here is to look for a black star with the word "Promo" on them. If they were released in any of the legal sets mentioned above, you're good to go. For newer players or those who just want a straight-up answer: yep, your promo cards from the latest sets are usually legal.

Avoiding Pitfalls: The Rotations

Now, here's the catch—just because a card is legal today, doesn’t mean it’ll be legal tomorrow. Every year, around August or September, there's usually a rotation. This is when older sets get kicked out of the Standard Format. Essentially, out with the old, in with the new! Keep an eye on announcements from The Pokémon Company to stay ahead of any changes. 📅

When in Doubt, Check It Out!

If you’re ever unsure, the official Pokémon website has a super convenient TCG section where you can check the legality of any card. Bookmark it and become the most informed Trainer in your squad! 🧠

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Whether you're diving into Standard with all the brand-new cards or taking a trip down memory lane with Expanded, there's plenty of Pokémon TCG fun to be had. The key is staying informed, so you can always be ready for battle!

Now, let's shuffle those decks and get to battling. Best of luck, Trainers! 👊✨

Catch ya later!

Trainer [Insert Your Trainer Name Here]