Since Tournament Policy documents require ongoing updates and amendments to keep pace with Organized Play, we are pleased to present you with Version 2.2 of the Official KDE-E Yu‑Gi‑Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy!
We have made several changes in this latest version – you will find clarification of existing policy, re-structuring of previous information to make it easier to understand, some completely new sections and also some changes from previous policy.
You will need to know all this information to properly prepare for tournament play, but don’t worry! We have prepared this article about the major changes and what they mean for you. This is not a list of each and every change, but it will explain the more significant ones. As you read through this article, have a copy of the policy document open too, and refer to it as you go – reading this article by itself instead of reading the policy document won’t provide you with all of the information you need to be ready for tournament play.
Most of the sections in the policy document itself will have example charts that will help you understand how the policy works.
Let’s take it section by section!
Also note that previous subsection designations will have changed, due to adding in new subsections.
Section I. Preparing to Play
This section discusses the roles of various attendees at an event, including what is required and/or expected of them.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection C. Head Judge
What changed?
- We clarified that the Head Judge cannot make decisions that go against tournament policy, FAQs, Operations Documents, etc.
- We clarified that the Head Judge can disqualify people, but they cannot suspend them.
- We clarified that the Assistant Head Judge cannot overrule the Head Judge, if both the Assistant Head Judge and the Head Judge are handling appeals.
What does this mean?
Even though the Head Judge’s decisions are final, the Head Judge is still bound by official policy.
Subsection D. Assistant Head Judge/Public Events Head Judge
What changed?
This is a new section.
We added this section to make information about the Assistant Head Judge/Public Event Head Judge roles easier to find and understand.
What does this mean?
At Tier 3 events such as a YCS or WCQ, the Assistant Head Judges and the Public Events Head Judge have most of the same authority as a Head Judge, in reference to their specific tasks.
Subsection E. Floor Judge
What changed?
- We expanded and clarified the information about questions judges should and should not answer, including new examples.
- We separated the “should answer” and “should not answer” into separate sections, to make it easier to process and retain the information.
What does this mean?
The additional information should make it easier to understand when it is or is not appropriate to answer questions; and what kinds of questions are appropriate or not appropriate to ask.
Subsection J. Media
What changed?
- We have separated “Official Media” and “Fan Content Creation” into separate sections, to clarify the different requirements for both kinds of content creation.
- We have added in a link to the KONAMI Community Code of Conduct, required for content creation.
What does this mean?
Requirements for media will differ, depending upon whether the creator is an official member of the media or a fan creator. Regardless of status, there is a Code of Conduct to which all creators of content are bound.
Section II. Duelist Responsibilities
This section covers expectations and requirements for Duelists attending an event. We have added some new information to this section, as well as clarifying previous policy.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection I. Communication
What changed?
- We expanded the section on Retracting Legal Moves.
- We separated the “cannot retract” from “can retract due to illegal activation,” as there is currently some confusion about whether or not a Duelist can retract an illegal activation vs. being forced to change to a legal target.
- We explained the process for resolving an illegal action.
What does this mean?
Judges and Duelists have had questions about retracting legal moves or resolving an illegal action, that were not clearly addressed in the previous version of the document. This additional information should make it clearer.
Subsection L. Livestreamed Events
What changed?
This is a new section.
It covers policy related to appearing on camera at a Livestreamed event.
What does this mean?
There are certain policies with which you need to comply, if you will appear on-camera at a Livestreamed event – this includes requirements for tournament materials as well as conduct.
Section III. Tournament Information
This section covers information about tournament logistics such as round times, formats, number of rounds, etc.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection C. Time Limits
What changed?
Round times for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 in-person events are now 45 minutes.
What does this mean?
The 45-minute Round times at Tier 3 events should now be used for Tier 1 and 2 events.
Section IV. Tournament Play
This section covers information about registering for a tournament, required items or materials for tournament play, and basic policy for tournament play.
There are some significant changes to this section!
Changes to this section include:
Subsection B. Special Assistance
What changed?
- We expanded the section to better explain how to get assistance and what kinds of assistance can be offered.
- We added a table with examples of different types of special assistance, and how Duelists can be accommodated.
- We moved this section to come after “A. Sportsmanship,” to keep “C. Tournament Registration” and “D. Deck Registration” together.
What does this mean?
This additional information should make it easier to understand what kinds of Special Assistance are available, and how best to make any arrangements you may need.
Subsection C. Tournament Registration
What changed?
We added a section covering Online Registration.
What does this mean?
Many events now offer or require online registration, so we have provided an official policy covering this topic.
Subsection D. Deck Registration
What changed?
We reorganized this entire section, making it much easier for Duelists and Judges to find the correct information for online registration and in-person registration.
- Duelists can re-submit Deck Lists submitted online, but only to accommodate for a new Forbidden & Limited List or a new product release.
- Deck Lists cannot be changed for any other reason, and this only applies to Decks registered online.
- Duelists cannot drop from an event and re-register in an attempt to alter their Deck List.
What does this mean?
Deck registration policy is different for in-person registration and online registration. Read through this section to make sure you understand what is required for both types of registration.
Don’t extrapolate, assume, or take someone else’s word for what the policy means – read this section carefully before you register your Deck List for a tournament.
Subsection G. Sleeves
What changed?
- We clarified that Duelists cannot use sleeves that are too big for their cards (this causes marked cards).
- We clarified that Duelists cannot use toploaders or hard cases instead of sleeves (this causes marked cards).
- We set a requirement for “tinted” clear sleeves.
- We clarified that either sleeve used in double sleeving can be clear on both sides, it does not matter if it is the inner or outer sleeve.
- We clarified that “double sleeving” only means up to two sleeves per card.
What does this mean?
Hopefully these clarifications will clear up some common misunderstandings about sleeving.
Subsection H. Tournament Materials
What changed?
- We have added a new Tournament Material, “zone markers” to indicate blocked zones.
- We clarified that the Head Judge does not have the right to go against tournament policy by allowing or disallowing tournament materials that are prohibited or allowed in policy.
- We added additional information for Livestreamed matches.
What does this mean?
The most popular change here is the inclusion of “zone markers” in Tournament Materials. Please read the requirements carefully to ensure that your zone markers are within policy.
You will also need to make sure your tournament materials are within specific policy if you are on-camera for a Livestreamed match – Livestream policies are more strict than the general policies for tournament materials.
Subsection I. Field Layout
What changed?
We updated example text for placing cards on the field with the text used in the Speed Duel Addendum.
What does this mean?
We are just keeping policy and wording consistent between documents.
Subsection J. Note-Taking
What changed?
- We separated the “allowed” and “not allowed” examples.
- We added some new examples, addressing points of confusion from Judges and Duelists.
What does this mean?
This section is clearer now and easier to understand.
Subsection L. Public Knowledge
What changed?
- We clarified what Public Knowledge covers.
- We listed out what actions are considered part of Public Knowledge.
What does this mean?
Public Knowledge has some specific limitations – some Duelists and Judges have taken “card text is Public Knowledge” to mean “you can ask for information on absolutely any card.” This is not the case, and this has been clarified.
Subsection M. Private Knowledge
What changed?
- We clarified what Private Knowledge covers.
- We clarified that if you give out false information about Private Knowledge, you will be Disqualified.
- We clarified that intentionally revealing Private Knowledge may result in a Disqualification.
What does this mean?
Clarifications in this section should make it easier to tell the difference between Public and Private Knowledge, and easier to understand the kinds of penalties that can be incurred by lying about or revealing Private Knowledge.
Subsection N. Card/Hand/Deck Verification
What changed?
- We split the examples for “not appropriate for a judge to verify” and “appropriate for a judge to verify” into separate tables, to make the information easier to process and retain.
- We added an additional example.
What does this mean?
Hopefully some common misconceptions are now cleared up!
Subsection O. Handling Card Loops
What changed?
We added restrictions for controlled loops without “net gain” die roll effects, or if different actions will result in the same start or end point.
What does this mean?
This policy is intended to prevent Slow Play or Stalling by performing pointless actions within a controlled loop.
Subsection Q. Conceding a Game or Match
What changed?
- We clarified that some events will not allow conceding or may have additional requirements in order to concede.
- We clarified that you cannot ask your opponent to concede to you, even if you do not offer a bribe.
What does this mean?
We are just making sure the policies for conceding are clear.
Subsection R. Time Extensions
What changed?
This is a section new to this document.
Time Extensions are covered in the Infractions and Policies document, but we believe it makes sense to also include them here.
What does this mean?
Nothing has changed for Time Extensions, just that the policy is now added to this document.
Subsection S. Bribery and/or Collusion
What changed?.We added information allowing prize-splitting at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion, within set parameters.
What does this mean?
Prize-splitting can be allowed under specific circumstances.
Section V. Reporting the Match Results
This section covers all information about End of Match and reporting tournament results.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection A. Reporting the Match Result
What changed?
- Match results for matches concluded before the end of the Round must be submitted within 5 minutes of the end of the Round.
- If the match result is not submitted in time, the Duelist responsible for submitting the Match result (typically the winning Duelist) will receive a Game Loss applied to the next Round.
What does this mean?
If your Match concludes before time is called in the round, you have up until 5 minutes after the round concludes to submit your Match result. If you do not, the Duelist responsible for submitting the Match result will receive a Game Loss applied to the next round.
This is already included in the Infractions and Penalties document.
Subsection C. Tie-Breakers
What changed?
- An additional tie-breaker has been added
- The section has been reorganized
What does this mean?
The additional tie-breaker will make it much less likely for Duelists to end up with identical tie-breakers and tied for the same final standing.
The section is also much easier to read now.
Section VI. Tournament Infractions
This section covers the basic information about Infractions. The information in this section is not comprehensive and you should always refer to the Official Tournament Infractions and Penalty Policy for more detailed information.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection G. Unsporting Conduct
What changed?
- We clarified that penalties can be incurred for Unsporting Conduct infractions happening outside of an event.
- We included text notifying people that they will be added to the Suspended Persons list if they are suspended.
What does this mean?
Unsporting Conduct does not have to have occurred at an event; some forms of Unsporting Conduct will be penalized even if they do not happen at an event.
Suspended Persons will be added to the list of Suspended Persons.
Subsection V. Violating KONAMI Community Code of Conduct
What changed?
This is a new section.
We provided a link to the KONAMI Community Code of Conduct, and stated that violations of this Code of Conduct may result in additional penalties, such as Suspension from Organized Play.
What does this mean?
Inappropriate or unsporting comments and actions can result in Suspension from Organized Play. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the KONAMI Community Code of Conduct, and abide by the policies it contains.
Section IX. Card Legality
This section covers information about everything related to card legality. If it’s about whether or not a card can be used, you’ll find it in this section.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection K. Marked Cards
What changed?
We clarified that you must drop from an event, if you have marked cards that you cannot replace.
What does this mean?
There was a bit of confusion as to whether or not a Duelist had to drop, or could choose to continue in the tournament (receiving upgraded penalties each round), so we wanted to be clear.
We’re excited about this update to the document, and hope you found this article helpful and informative! Tournament Policy is often overlooked as Duelists focus on card text and rulings, but it’s every bit as important a part of tournament preparedness.
Please make sure to review this current version (2.2) before attending an event, regardless of whether it’s an in-person tournament or a Remote Duel tournament!
Share: