Joining the KONAMI Judge Program
Q: What is the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: The KONAMI Judge Program seeks, certifies, and registers KONAMI Judges. The program offers resources, training, and support for registered judges. Anyone wishing to judge at Sanctioned KONAMI Tier 2 or higher events, such as Regional Qualifiers, Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS), and World Championship Qualifiers (WCQ) must join the KONAMI Judge Program.
Q: Why would I want to be a KONAMI Judge?
A: People join the KONAMI Judge Program for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for something to do at a tournament other than play, others want to grow the Organized Play scene in their area, some enjoy teaching new Duelists, and others feel at home in the social structure the Judge Program generates.
You may have the opportunity to receive some nice gifts and souvenir items through judging, but the primary motivator for most judges is the sense of accomplishment they get by contributing to Organized Play. Through judges’ efforts, tournaments can happen, and people can continue to enjoy the game.
Q: How do I join?
A: In order to join the KONAMI Judge Program, you will first need to take and pass the Rulings Comprehension Level 1 (RC-1) test, available via the online KONAMI Judge Portal. You will need a valid CARD GAME ID number and email address in order to take the test.
You must score at least 80% in order to pass. Once your test is completed, you will see your score on screen.
After you pass the test, the Portal will automatically direct you to a registration page to join the KONAMI Judge Program. If you would like to join, fill in the application form, read through the Terms & Conditions, and accept.
Your registration will be confirmed immediately within the KONAMI Judge Portal, once you have completed the form.
You will then receive an email with an individual link from the Portal, which will allow you to access your profile, change your password, and update your profile as needed.
Q: Do I have to take the online Rulings Comprehension Level 1 (RC-1) test in order to join the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: You will need to take and pass the RC-1 online test, as described above. This test provides you with a benchmark indication of the ruling and game mechanic knowledge needed to begin as an effective judge. You will find events much more enjoyable when you know you are prepared.
Q: Is the process different for judges in different territories, like the Americas office (KDE-US) and the European office (KDE-E)?
A: Regardless of territory, every prospective judge must begin by taking and passing the RC-1 test, then completing the online application to join the KONAMI Judge Program.
The KONAMI Judge Portal is available for judges in the Americas and the Caribbean. For judges in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania, please reach out to eu-judgesupport@konami.com with questions about the Judge Program for those territories.
Q: Is there an age requirement to join the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: You must be at least sixteen (16) years of age to join the KONAMI Judge Program.
To judge at a Tier 3 Event, you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Q: Will I get a special Judge ID card or a shirt or anything when I join?
A: You will not receive any items simply for joining the KONAMI Judge Program. You may be able to receive such items by judging at events which specifically offer them.
Taking Certification Tests
Q: What certification tests are available?
A: Currently available tests are the Rulings Comprehension Level 1 (RC-1) test, the Policy Comprehension Level 1 (PC-1) test, and the Demo Comprehension Level 1 test (DC-1).
All Level 1 of these tests are available to take online via the KONAMI Judge Portal.
The Rulings Certification Level 2 (RC-2) test is available as a paper test, taken in person at select Tier 3 Events such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS) or World Championship Qualifiers (WCQ).
Q: Does passing a test automatically make me a judge?
A: No, it does not. If you wish to join the KONAMI Judge Program, you will have to complete the online Request to Join form.
Immediately after passing the Rulings Comprehension Level 1 (RC-1) test, you will receive information about the form and a link to complete it.
Q: Do I have to pass both the RC-1 test and the PC-1 test in order to join the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: Currently, you only need to pass the RC-1 test in order to join the KONAMI Judge Program. However, we recommend that you also take and pass the PC-1 test. The more you know, the better you will perform as a judge.
Q: Are the tests available in multiple languages?
A: Rulings Comprehension Level 1 is currently available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Policy Comprehension Level 1 is currently available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Rulings Comprehension Level 2 (available only in person at select events) is available in English and Spanish. Additional languages may be added later.
Q: How do I take a Level 1 test?
A: You can go directly to the test by clicking on the link for that test on the KONAMI Judge Portal.
https://judge-portal.konami.com/entexam
You will need to input your name, your CARD GAME ID number, and a valid email address.
Q: How should I prepare for a Level 1 test?
A: For the Rulings Comprehension Level 1 (RC-1) test, you need a solid understanding of basic game mechanics, as covered in the Official Rulebook. You will need to understand how cards interact with one another, and be able to understand the card texts presented to you in the test.
You should carefully study the Official Rulebook before attempting the test – not only will you need to know this information for the test, you will need to know it in order to be an effective judge.
You can find an online version of the Rulebook here:
http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/rulebook/index.html
For the Policy Comprehension Level 1 (PC-1) test, you need a solid understanding of KONAMI Tournament Policy.
There are two Official Tournament Policy documents – KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy, KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Infractions and Penalty Policy; and several Tournament Policy addendums.
You will need to study all documents, not only to prepare for the test but to also be an effective judge.
You can find the latest version of each document here, under “KDE-US OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT POLICIES”:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
Q: Do I have to join the KONAMI Judge Program if I take a Level 1 test?
A: No, you do not. You are not required to join if you don’t want to.
Q: When will I find out if I passed a Level 1 test?
A: Your final score will be displayed to you when the test is completed.
You will need to score 80% or higher to pass the test.
Q: What do I do after I pass a Level 1 test?
A: Rulings Certification Level 1 (RC-1) test: As long as you pass the test and provide a valid CARD GAME ID and email address, you will be automatically directed to the registration page, within the KONAMI Judge Portal. You will need to read through a brief KONAMI Judge Program description, along with a set of Terms and Conditions.
If you decide you would like to join the KONAMI Judge Program, fill out the form completely. You will receive confirmation of registration immediately via the Portal.
Q: Can I take a Level 1 test if I don’t have a CARD GAME ID?
A: You will not be able to take the test without a valid CARD GAME ID.
Q: How can I get a CARD GAME ID if I don’t have one?
A: You can get a CARD GAME ID directly from Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (KONAMI CARD GAME NETWORK)or KCGN. You can learn more here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/kcgn/
Q: I’m having a problem accessing the KONAMI Judge Portal, what should I do?
A: You can email us-judgesupport@konami.com if you encounter any technical problems with the Portal. Please be as specific as you can about the problem, so we can better assist you.
Q: How do I take a Level 2 test?
A: Level 2 tests are not available online – they can only be taken in person, on paper, at select Tier 3 events such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS) or World Championship Qualifiers (WCQs).
If you are interested in taking a Level 2 test, you will need to follow these steps:
1) You must have already joined the KONAMI Judge Program (taken and passed the RC-1, submitted an application to join, and been registered).
2) You will need to attend an event (YCS or WCQ) where a KONAMI representative will be present to administer the test. You can use the contact information provided in the Event FAQ for any given YCS or WCQ to inquire about the test’s availability.
You do not need to be on judge staff or registered as a Duelist at the event to take the test.
3) You will need to speak to the representative on site to determine a time for your test.
4) You will need to properly prepare for the test – you will usually only receive one chance per event to take the test.
Q: How should I prepare for a Level 2 test?
A: For the Rulings Comprehension Level 2 (RC-2) test, you will need to have a solid understanding of Advanced Rules and Problem-Solving Card Text.
You will find information on Advanced Rules here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/play/fast-effect-timing/
You can find information on Problem-Solving Card Text here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/play/psct/
Not only do you need to understand this information in order to pass the test, you need to understand it to be a better judge.
Q: What are the benefits to passing a Level 2 test?
A: Passing a Level 2 test shows that you have demonstrated a better than average understanding of the test material. This can help your chances of being selected for events such as Regional Qualifiers, or Tier 3 events like YCS or WCQ. It is a recognition of additional knowledge you possess, and an acknowledgement of the extra effort you have put into learning rulings for the game and/or Tournament Policy.
It will not automatically increase any gifts or souvenirs that you may have an opportunity to receive, and it does not mean that you “outrank” judges without any Level 2 certifications.
General Judge Program Information
Q: What is expected of a KONAMI Judge?
A: A KONAMI Judge should…
- Behave in a respectable, respectful manner
- Uphold high standards of personal behavior, in person and online
- Avoid making derogatory comments about a competitor’s products
- Avoid making derogatory comments about KONAMI’s products
- Refrain from negative behavior towards Duelists and other judges
- Wear clean and appropriate clothing while judging
- Learn and stay up-to-date on Tournament Policy
- Learn and stay up-to-date on rulings for the game
- Encourage people to participate in Organized Play
- Support other KONAMI Judges as part of a team
- Cooperate with other KONAMI Judges to maximize everyone’s efforts, instead of working against one another or competing for “territory”
Q: Do I need to join the KONAMI Judge Program in order to judge at tournaments?
A: You need to be a Registered KONAMI Judge in order to judge at Tier 2 and higher events, such as:
- OTS Championships
- Regional Qualifiers
- National Championships
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS)
- World Championship Qualifiers (WCQ)
You do not need to be a Registered KONAMI Judge in order to judge at most Tier 1 events, such as local KONAMI Official Tournament Store (OTS) tournaments. However, we strongly encourage you to join the KONAMI Judge Program if you are interested in judging at any level. Registering as a KONAMI Judge may give you access to resources, support, and gifts that you cannot get otherwise.
Q: How do I prove I am a Registered KONAMI Judge?
A: There are two ways:
1) Show your Tournament Organizer or OTS owner your status via the KONAMI Judge Portal. Once you are registered, you will be able to set up an account on the Portal which shows your name, CARD GAME ID, certifications, and KONAMI judge status.
2) Your Tournament Organizer or OTS owner can also check the Online Registered KONAMI Judge List located here: https://judge-portal.konami.com/publicjudge
The list includes Registered KONAMI Judges, provided the judge has opted in to be included. This list will include your first name, last initial, judge certifications, and CARD GAME ID – it will not include your email or other contact information.
Your information will not automatically be added to the online list; you must opt in.
This list is updated automatically when a judge opts in to be included.
If the Portal or the Online Judge List does not provide the necessary information, Tournament Organizers or OTS owners can email us-judgesupport@konami.com if they have difficulty verifying your status as a registered KONAMI Judge.
Judges can also email us-judgesupport@konami.com if they have questions about their information on the list.
Q: How often will I receive information about judging opportunities and other updates to the program?
A: Information such as judge calls, program announcements, etc. will be sent out to registered KONAMI judges in KDE-US territories via email.
Announcements may also be sent to registered KONAMI Judges to inform them about such things as updated Rulebooks, updated Policy Documents, etc. There is no set schedule for these kinds of emails.
Judges do not receive advance notice about products, Forbidden & Limited Lists, etc., nor will they receive “spam” or advertising emails from KONAMI.
Q: Can I still play in tournaments if I become a KONAMI Judge?
A: You do not have to stop playing in tournaments once you become a KONAMI Judge. While you cannot play and judge in the same tournament, you can continue to attend tournaments as a Duelist.
Q: Is my KONAMI Judge status linked to my CARD GAME ID or my KCGN account?
A: Your KCGN account registration information is not linked to your KONAMI Judge Program information. They are two separate lists of data.
If you make any changes or updates to one list, it will not change or update the other.
The KONAMI Judge Program does not have access to your KCGN account.
Q: How do I get an official KONAMI Judge shirt?
A: KONAMI Judge Shirts are usually given to judges for judging at a YCS or WCQ.
You will not receive one for joining the program or receive one for judging at a local or Regional Qualifier tournament.
KONAMI Judge Shirts are not available for purchase.
Q: Do I get anything for judging?
A: Judges at Tier 3 Events may receive a gift of product and/or promotional items. Different kinds of events in different territories may receive slightly different gifts.
Judges at Tier 3 Events might also receive hotel sponsorship and partial assistance with or reimbursement for travel expenses, when eligible.
Judges at Tier 3 Events in North America are paid an hourly wage, in accordance with all applicable laws and employment regulations of the location in which the event takes place.
Compensation for judges at Regional Qualifier events in North America is administered by the Tournament Organizer, in accordance with all applicable laws and employment regulations of the location in which the event takes place.
KONAMI may provide a judge gift for select OTS events, such as the OTS Championship.
Judges should inquire about gifts or compensation at Tier 1 OTS events with the OTS for which they are judging.
Q: What other opportunities are there for judges?
A: Judges can judge at local, Tier 1 events such as Premiere! Events, VIP Qualifiers, and OTS tournaments; or local Tier 2 events such as OTS Championships, and Regional Qualifiers. Judges with some experience in Tier 1 or 2 events have the chance to be selected to judge at Tier 3 events such as a YCS or a WCQ.
Judges may also be contacted for demo opportunities (provided they have passed the Demo Comprehension Level 1 test and joined the Demo Judge Program) or working at various conventions.
Q: Are there levels to the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: Currently, there are levels for tests, not for judges.
Q: What are the benefits of passing higher level tests in the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: Passing higher level tests in the KONAMI Judge Program shows that you have demonstrated a better than average understanding of card rulings and tournament policy. This can help your chances of being selected for events such as Regional Qualifiers, or Tier 3 events like YCS or WCQs. It is recognition of additional knowledge you possess, and an acknowledgement of the extra effort you have put into learning rulings and policy.
It will not automatically increase any gifts or souvenirs that you may receive, and it does not mean that you will automatically “outrank” judges who have not passed higher level tests.
There is much more to being a successful judge than passing tests – the tournaments you have judged, the roles you have filled and the contributions you have made to the program and your fellow judges all count more towards success than your test scores. The most outstanding judges in the program have proven their ability through their actions and have not had to rely on test results to demonstrate their worth.
Judging and Organized Play/Finding Opportunities to Judge
Q: How do I start judging at local tournaments?
A: If you haven’t done so already, you should talk to the store owners and Tournament Organizers in your area to let them know you are available to judge. Check Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON and the Events pages on www.yugioh-card.com to find listings for Official Tournament Stores, Regionals, Premiere! Events and so forth, if you need contact information for tournament stores near you.
Your home store doesn’t have to be a KONAMI Official Tournament Store (OTS) in order for you to judge there, but tournaments held in non-OTS cannot be Sanctioned.
Q: Is there a limit on how many registered KONAMI Judges can judge at one store?
A: There is no limit, it is entirely up to the store.
Q: How do I start judging at a Regional Qualifier?
A: If you are interested in judging at a Regional Qualifier, you will need to contact the Tournament Organizer for that event. You can find contact information for Tournament Organizers in the www.yugioh-card.com Regional Locations List for your territory.
For North and Latin America: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/regional-qualifier/
For Europe and Oceania: https://www.yugioh-card.com/eu/event/2026-wcq-regional-qualifiers/
Q: How do I get to judge at a Tier 3 event, like a YCS?
A: Judge calls for Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS) and World Championship Qualifiers (WCQ) are handled by KONAMI. In the Americas, registered KONAMI Judges receive region-specific Tier 3 judge calls via email.
Not everyone who applies for a Tier 3 event will be chosen. If you want to judge at this level, you should increase your experience and skills by judging at local and Regional Qualifier events, fill out the judge call applications carefully and thoroughly, and be patient! There are many more judges applying for each Tier 3 event than can be accommodated at the event.
Q: Will KONAMI pay all of my expenses for judging at a Tier 3 event?
A: KONAMI provides a limited number of hotel rooms at no cost to eligible KONAMI Judges at most Tier 3 events. Flight sponsorship or other travel cost assistance may be made available to eligible KONAMI Judges at Tier 3 events.
Judges who incur travel costs to get to a Tier 3 event may also be eligible to receive additional product to help with those costs.
Q: How should I dress to judge?
A: Judges should dress in a manner that is worthy of respect.
Judges at a Tier 2 or higher event such as a Regional Qualifier, YCS or WCQ will have a specific dress code, provided to them by the Tournament Organizer or Judge Manager. It is the judge’s responsibility to adhere to this code.
For Tier 1 events, judges should:
- Avoid wearing clothing that is excessively baggy, extremely tight, or overly ornamented.
- Avoid wearing accessories such as hats, caps, bandanas, or oversized jewelry.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you may be standing for a long period of time.
- Avoid wearing or carrying clothing or accessories representing a brand other than Yu-Gi-Oh! or KONAMI.
Grooming and hygiene are also very important – Judges should arrive showered, with deodorant applied, with their hair clean and properly groomed. Facial hair (if any) should also be clean, tidy, and well-maintained.
Q: Can I play and judge in the same tournament?
A: No, you cannot. If the tournament is Sanctioned, you cannot participate as a Duelist if you are listed as a judge for that tournament.
Anyone who judges and plays in the same tournament risks penalties, up to and including suspension from KONAMI Organized Play.
Q: Can I be the Tournament Organizer and a judge in the same tournament?
A: This is acceptable only for local Tier 1 tournaments, but it is not encouraged. It is better for the tournament to have a separate Tournament Organizer and judge(s). Whenever possible, have a judge in addition to the Tournament Organizer.
In a Tier 2 and higher tournament, the Tournament Organizer cannot also judge in the tournament.
Q: My local store isn’t a KONAMI Official Tournament Store. Can I still join the KONAMI Judge Program?
A: Yes. You do not have to be near an Official Tournament Store (OTS) in order to join the KONAMI Judge Program.
Remember that non-OTS cannot run Sanctioned tournaments.
Q: How can I help my local store become a KONAMI Official Tournament Store?
A: Stores who are interested in becoming a KONAMI Official Tournament Store can begin the process here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/ots_program/
Q: Is there a way I can become a Tournament Organizer and run Sanctioned events outside of a store?
A: In North America, you can contact KONAMI Customer Service and request an application to become an Independent Tournament Organizer. Independent Tournament Organizers are able to order tournament supplies and run Sanctioned Events, even if they do not have an Official Tournament Store.
For North America: us-opsupport@kde-us.com
There is currently no Independent Tournament Organizer program being offered for Latin America or Europe.
Q: Can I get access to KCGN as an organizer, so I can run my own tournaments?
A: Only Official Tournament Stores and Independent Tournament Organizers, and are able to gain access to KCGN.
Resources for Judges
Q: What kinds of resources are there for judges?
A: The KONAMI Judge Program Portal:
Registered KONAMI Judges have access to information on the KONAMI Judge Portal.
KONAMI Tournament Policy Documents:
If you have not already done so, you should download, print, and read the KONAMI Tournament Policy Documents.
There is a great deal more to judging than just knowing card rulings – you will need to know the information in these documents in order to be an effective judge.
You can find the latest copies of the KDE-US Tournament Policy Documents here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
For Judge in KDE-E territories (Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania), You can find the latest copies of the KDE-E Tournament Policy Documents here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/eu/play/policy-documents/
Events page:
Information about KONAMI Organized Play in KDE-US territories can be found on the Events page.
http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/index.html
Information about KONAMI Organized Play in KDE-E territories can be found on the Events page:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/eu/events/
Q: Where can I find answers to judging questions, such as card rulings and tournament policy?
A: For the most reliable, official news, you should consult www.yugioh-card.com. You will find the latest news about Organized Play, current Tournament Policy Documents, and general news about the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, along with product release dates and card legality.
Your best rulings resource is Problem-Solving Card Text. This is a standardized way of writing card text that contains information on how the cards work. Learning how to properly read Problem-Solving Card Text will solve most of the questions you have about card rulings.
You can find information on Problem-Solving Card Text here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/play/psct/
If you have not already done so, you should download, print, and read the KONAMI Tournament Policy documents. There is a great deal more to judging than just knowing card rulings – you will need to know the information in these documents in order to be an effective judge.
There are several documents and they each contain important knowledge that is necessary to both judges and Duelists.
Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy documents can be found here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
Q: I have other questions about Yu-Gi-Oh!, what are the appropriate contact emails?
A: KDE-US (North and Latin America):
Judge issues: us-judgesupport@konami.com
Player issues: us-cardsupport@konami.com
Organized Play (North America): us-opsupport@konami.com
Organized Play (Latin America): la-opsupport@konami.com
KDE-E (Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania):
Judge issues: eu-judgesupport@konami.com
Official Tournament: eu-otssupport@konami.com
Organized Play: eu-opsupport@konami.com
General Resources: https://eu-support.konami.com/hc/en-gb/categories/115001814428-Yu-Gi-Oh