In Effect as of September 19th, 2025
BASIC INFORMATION
- What is the Holiday Charity Event?
- Where and when are the Holiday Charity Event?
- What is the attendance capacity for the Holiday Charity Event?
- How do I enter the Holiday Charity Event?
- What do I need to know regarding a Holiday Charity Event?
- What are the prizes for the Holiday Charity Event?
- What is the format for the Holiday Charity Event?
- What is the time limit for each Round for the Holiday Charity Event?
- What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID?
- What cards are legal for play?
- Can I use OCG cards (cards printed for use in Japan and other Asian territories) in my Deck?
- Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?
PREPARING FOR THE EVENT
- What will I need to bring to the Holiday Charity Event?
- If I’ve never been to a Holiday Charity Event, what should I expect?
- I want to judge at a Holiday Charity Event, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
- What if I lost an item at the Holiday Charity Event?
- Whom should I contact for more information about a specific Holiday Charity Event?
AT THE EVENT
- How long will the Holiday Charity Event last?
- What happens if I am not done with my Match after 50 minutes?
- I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Holiday Charity Event I attended, who should I contact?
BASIC INFORMATION
Q: What is the Holiday Charity Event?
The Holiday Charity Event is a local level event held at participating Official Tournament Stores (OTS) which attract both casual and competitive Duelists to help reduce food insecurity among their local communities. Duelists bring non-perishable food items to donate in place of a cost of registration. Each OTS donates the collected food items to a local charity to help reduce food insecurity. Holiday Charity Events are primarily non-competitive events.
Only KONAMI OTS are permitted to host Holiday Charity Events.
Holiday Charity Events are usually run as casual events, meaning the level of rules enforcement is light to moderate. The primary goal of the Holiday Charity Event is to provide an opportunity for OTS and Duelists to help out their community while enjoying the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG.
Q: Where and when are the Holiday Charity Event?
Click here to find an OTS near you running the Holiday Charity Event.
Q: What is the attendance capacity for the Holiday Charity Event?
Due to safety, fire regulations and venue limitations, attendance capacity will vary from location to location. It is advised that you arrive early enough to register or contact the OTS directly to ensure a spot in the Holiday Charity Event. If you have any additional questions, please contact the hosting OTS directly using their available contact details under the Holiday Charity Event Store Listing.
Q: How do I enter the Holiday Charity Event?
In order to register for the Holiday Charity Event, Duelists will need to bring at least five (5) non-perishable food items. Each food item should weigh at least 10.5 oz and expire no earlier than March 1, 2026.
Duelists are allowed and encouraged to bring more than five (5) non-perishable food items. However, these additional food items will not affect prizing for the event. They will be used solely as additional donations to help those in need in your local community.
Q: What do I need to know regarding a Holiday Charity Event?
Duelists will turn in their food items for a postcard with 5 Star Chips. Duelists will stake one (1) Star Chip each Round of the Holiday Charity Event. The winner of each Match will collect the Star Chips at stake. If a Match ends in a Double Loss, both Duelists keep the Star Chip they staked for that Round.
At the end of the tournament, Duelists will redeem their Star Chips for booster packs.
Q: What are the prizes for the Holiday Charity Event?
At the end of all Rounds of the Holiday Charity Event, Duelists will turn in all collected Star Chips for random booster packs. Each collected Star Chip, up to a maximum of nine (9) Star Chips, can be turned in for a booster pack.
Duelists that win all four (4) Rounds of the Holiday Charity Event will be able to redeem their collected Star Chips for nine (9) booster packs. This is the original five (5) Star Chips the Duelist entered the tournament with and the four (4) additional Star Chips won during the tournament.
Duelists that win three (3) Rounds of the Holiday Charity Event will be able to redeem their collected Star Chips for seven (7) booster packs. This is the original five (5) Star Chips the Duelist entered the tournament with, less the one (1) Star Chip for the Round that the Duelist lost, plus the three (3) additional Star Chips won during the tournament.
Duelists that win two (2) Rounds of the Holiday Charity Event will be able to redeem their collected Star Chips for five (5) packs. This is the original five (5) Star Chips the Duelist entered the tournament with, less the two (2) Star Chips for the Rounds the Duelist lost, plus the two (2) additional Star Chips won during the tournament.
Duelists that win one (1) Round of the Holiday Charity Event will be able to redeem their collected Star Chips for three (3) packs. This is the original five (5) Star Chips the Duelist entered the tournament with, less the three (3) Star Chip lost the Rounds the Duelist lost, plus the one (1) additional Star Chip won during the tournament.
Duelists that win zero (0) Rounds of the Holiday Charity Event will be able to redeem their Star Chip for one (1) pack. This is the original five (5) Star Chips the Duelist entered the tournament with, less the four (4) Star Chips lost the Rounds the Duelist lost.
Any Match that ends in a Draw will result in the number of Packs varying from the amounts set above. Please see the table below to determine the Packs awarded based on final record.
| Final Record | Packs |
| 4 W – 0 L | 9 |
| 3 W – 1 L | 7 |
| 2 W – 2 L | 5 |
| 1 W – 3 L | 3 |
| 0 W – 4 L | 1 |
Q: What is the format for the Holiday Charity Event?
The Holiday Charity Event is a Tier 1 event, conducted as Constructed – Advanced Format, Swiss Round events. The event will have exactly four (4) Rounds, regardless of the number of Duelists participating in the event. The format details provided here supersede any tournament details found in other official KDE-US policy documents.
| Number of Participants* | Number of Swiss Rounds | Playoff Top Cut |
| 4 – 8 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 9 – 16 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 17 – 32 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 33 – 64 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 65 – 128 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 129 or more | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
Q: What is the time limit for each Round for the Holiday Charity Event?
Each Holiday Charity Event TCG Swiss round will consist of a best 2-out-of-3 game Match, with a 50-minute time limit.
Q: What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID?
NEURON is an app for iOS and Android Smart devices and can be found on the app store. This app the best way to obtain a CARD GAME ID if you are new to participating in events. You can also register an already existing CARD GAME ID if you already have one.
For those joining our events for the first time, obtaining a CARD GAME ID is as easy as downloading the app. Once downloaded follow the steps below:
- On the bottom menu screen, select Data.
- Once there, your CARD GAME ID will appear at the top of the screen.
This CARD GAME ID will be used when registering for any TCG Sanctioned events which includes our Tier 1 local events, Tier 2 Regional Qualifiers and OTS Championships, Tier 3 YCS events, and even Tier 4 World Championship Qualifier events.
If you already have a CARD GAME ID and would like to register it on the NEURON app, please see one of the registration staff members on-site and they will be able to assist you.
If you previously had a COSSY ID, that same number will carry over as your CARD GAME ID.
If you do not remember your 10-digit CARD GAME ID, please reach out to us-cardsupport@kde-us.com for help in getting your correct CARD GAME ID into NEURON before the event. Duelists should avoid acquiring new CARD GAME IDs if the previous ID can be found.
Additional details and features of the NEURON app can be found here:
https://www.konami.com/yugioh/neuron/en
Q: What cards are legal for play?
Please check the “Products” page online at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/products/ for an updated look at the legality dates of Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME product releases, prior to preparing your Deck for the event.
Advanced Format tournaments use a specific list of playable cards. Some cards are forbidden from use, or limited to a set number in the Deck, in order to better balance tournament play. The Advanced Format list changes periodically. Duelists can view the most current Advanced Format card list by visiting this link: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/
Constructed Decks for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG tournaments must meet specific guidelines for use in the event. Duelists must ensure that their Decks meet these requirements before entering an event. A Duelist’s Deck includes their Main Deck and may include a Side Deck and/or an Extra Deck.
A Duelist may not have more than three (3) copies of any card included in their Main Deck, Side Deck, and Extra Deck combined.
Cards that have been altered from their original appearance with surface decoration may be used for play only if the alterations do not obscure any portion of the card text, make the illustration difficult to recognize, or make the card distinguishable from other cards in the Deck while it is face-down.
If a card’s surface decoration renders the card unrecognizable at first glance, then the card is not allowed for tournament play.
The Head Judge of the event has final arbitration on whether or not altered cards may be used at the tournament. Duelists are responsible for determining whether or not their altered cards are acceptable for use before the start of the tournament.
Q: Can I use OCG cards (cards printed for use in Japan and other Asian territories) in my Deck?
No, cards printed for Asian markets are not legal for play in TCG tournaments, even if you have a translation available. This includes Asian English cards.
The best way to determine if a card is legal for TCG tournaments is to check the card back. Located at the bottom right of the card back is the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME logo. Please see the table below for more clarification:
| TCG Logo Legal for TCG Tournaments | Japanese OCG Logo Not legal for TCG Tournaments | Asian-English Logo Not legal for TCG Tournaments |
 |  |  |
Q: Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?
You may use foreign-language copies of legal-for-play cards printed for the TCG market, as long as you can show an official translation of the card when asked to do so by an opponent or tournament official.
If you are using a card that is not in a local language, you must do one of the following:
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT
Duelists who wish to enter a Holiday Charity Event must meet the following criteria
- Have a CARD GAME ID number (obtainable online from https://cardgame-network.konami.net/ or by downloading the NEURON app from the app stores, Google Play and the Apple App Store) and be in good standing
- Have read and understood the following documents. These documents can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
- KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
- KDE-US Official Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy
- Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Official Rulebook
Any tournament official associated with or working an event cannot play in that specific event. This includes, but is not limited to, the Judge Staff, Scorekeeper, Event Staff, Store Owner, and Tournament Organizer.
Event Staff or Judge Staff who participate in a tournament for which they are listed as staff will be subject to penalties, up to and including suspension from KDE-US Organized Play.
Duelists who have been suspended from Organized Play by KDE-US are not considered to be in good standing and may not register for or compete in Official or Sanctioned events.
Suspended persons are required to apply for reinstatement with the KDE-US Penalty Committee via us-penalty@kde-us.com. Once their applications have been reviewed, and their reinstatement accepted, their name will be removed from the list. Until that time, they are considered to be Suspended Persons.
Q: What will I need to bring to the Holiday Charity Event?
First, you should make sure you bring your five (5) (or more!) food items needed to enter the tournament with you. Each food item should weigh at least 10.5 oz and expire no earlier than March 1, 2026.
You will be required to complete a registration form at the event. You will be required to present their CARD GAME ID number along with a form of ID in order to register for the event. Acceptable forms of ID include current-year School ID cards, driver’s licenses, passports, or other government-issued identification documents.
If you are under the age of 16, you can bring in a copy of your birth certificate as proof of ID. Duelists under the age of 16 are required to have a parent or guardian read and sign the registration form in order to be eligible to participate in a Holiday Charity Event. Registration forms can be downloaded and filled out prior to the event from here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/Reg_Form_2024-EN_editable.pdf
Duelists who register or attempt to register under another Duelist’s name or CARD GAME ID number will be disqualified from the event, and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play events. Duelists are required to register with their legal name, as it appears on their form of ID. Nicknames may not be used when registering for the Holiday Charity Event. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for a Holiday Charity Event.
Q: If I’ve never been to a Holiday Charity Event, what should I expect?
Holiday Charity Events are Tier 1 tournaments and attract both casual and competitive Duelists who wish to help their community while playing the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG.
Read over the list of things you will need for the tournament, and make sure you have everything.
You will need to register for the event in order to play. Duelists should contact their OTS ahead of time to learn how to register.
If you have a CARD GAME ID and have lost or forgotten it, please contact us at us-opsupport@kde-us.com, and we will try to locate it for you prior to the event. Please note that us-opsupport@kde-us.com emails are monitored during normal business hours Pacific Time. If you have Dueled at the OTS previously, they may be able to look it up for you at registration. If your CARD GAME ID cannot be located, you will need to get a new CARD GAME ID.
If you do not have a CARD GAME ID number, you can get one by downloading the NEURON app from the app stores, Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Please arrive at the OTS early enough before the Holiday Charity Event is scheduled to start, to ensure that you will be properly registered for the tournament. Registration generally closes 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Duelists may register late (assuming event has not reached capacity) for an event and will begin the event with a Round 1 Match Loss.
Duelists are responsible for paying attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff in order to understand what is going on. If Duelists have questions about the event, either before or during the event, they should check with the OTS.
Before participating in the event, all Duelists should read over the KDE-US Tournament Policy and Penalty Guidelines carefully. These documents tell you what you can and cannot do at an event and give you a good idea of what to expect. You may find these Guidelines by clicking the following links.
Tournament Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/YGOTCG_Tournament_Policy_v_2_5.pdf
Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Penalty_Guidelines_v_2_3.pdf
If you observe an issue during the event, all Duelists should ensure they follow the instructions found in Section H of the Tournament Policy covering expectations of Spectators during an event. A helpful guide for how to handle potential issues you observe can be found at https://yugiohblog.konami.com/2021/03/40576/.
Even though it is a casual event, when you compete in a Holiday Charity Event, good sportsmanship will still be expected. You should know how the cards in your Deck work. Duelists must pay attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff in order to understand what is going on. Duelists are expected to know and understand the information provided in the above policies and guidelines while at a Holiday Charity Event or any other Official or Sanctioned event.
Q: I want to judge at a Holiday Charity Event, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
If you are interested in judging, you should contact the OTS for the Holiday Charity Event as soon as possible (use the contact number provided in the Holiday Charity Event Locator listing). Most OTS are always on the lookout for Judge Staff, so be prepared to provide your full name, contact information (including e-mail and phone number), and a description of your previous judging experience.
Q: What if I lost an item at the Holiday Charity Event?
You are responsible for looking after your own belongings at the event. KDE-US, Tournament Organizers, Staff, and Judges bear no responsibility for, and cannot be held liable for, any loss, theft or damage to the person or personal property of any attendee.
If you have lost items, you should seek the Lost & Found on-site. If the item is not found on-site, you are encouraged to contact the OTS within a 60-day period on the chance the lost item has been turned in.
Q: Who should I contact for more information about a specific Holiday Charity Event?
Your best source for answers about a specific Holiday Charity Event is the contact number listed on the Holiday Charity Event Locator. KDE-US won’t be able to answer questions such as “When does registration start?,” and so forth. For questions such as these, you will need to contact the OTS directly.
If you have more general questions about the Holiday Charity Event, you can send them to us-opsupport@kde-us.com. Please be as detailed as possible, so we can try to provide you with the answers you’re seeking!
AT THE EVENT
Q: How long will the Holiday Charity Event last?
Each Holiday Charity Event will have four (4) Swiss Rounds. Tournament Rounds for this event will be 50 minutes long. Since you can play all rounds in a Swiss tournament, you should expect to be at the event for several hours.
Q: What happens if I am not done with my Match after 50minutes?
If the Match does not finish within 50 minutes, the result will be a double loss.
- When time ends in the Round, the Match is over. Neither Duelist may begin or continue any action that may take place in the Game.
- If time expires and the Match has not finished it will be a double loss.
- A Match is considered finished when one of the Duelists has either won two Duels or lost 2 Duels.
- If a Duelist has won 1 Duels and the Match has not concluded after 50 minutes, the Match is a double loss.
- If the Duelists have completed 3 Duels without the Match finishing and there is time remaining in the Round, the Duelists will go into a 4th Duel.
Q: I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the Holiday Charity Event I attended, who should I contact?
If you participated in one of the Holiday Charity Event and would like to send us feedback, you can send us an e-mail about your specific event by e-mailing us at us-opsupport@kde-us.com, with the header line “North America Holiday Charity Event Feedback [Store Name, City, & State]”. All feedback, including comments about the OTS, the Judges, or the event itself, will be welcome! All feedback is always kept confidential. Please make sure your e-mail includes which Holiday Charity Event you attended, including store name, city, and state.
