Release Events - Frequently Asked Questions

Release Events provide the opportunity to celebrate the release of brand-new product at an Official Tournament Store (OTS). Release Events are primarily non-competitive events that require minimal staffing on behalf of the OTS and a high standard of sportsmanship from the players. Only KONAMI OTS are permitted to host Release Events. Release Events are usually run as casual events, meaning the level of rules enforcement is light to moderate. The primary goal of Release Events is to encourage all participants to have an enjoyable experience while introducing them to the newest release.

Release Events will be available for specific products. A list of Participating OTS can be found on the Official Yu‑Gi‑Oh! Store Locator Page using the Release Event search tab.

Due to safety, fire regulations and the nature of product that is being released Release Events have a seating capacity and it will vary from location to location. It is advised that you arrive early enough to register for the Release Event so that you can ensure a spot in the event. If you have any additional questions, please contact the hosting OTS directly using their available contact details under the Release Event Store Locator search tab.

We recommend the registration fee for a Release Event to be the RRP for the product, however, this may vary. Please contact the hosting OTS for more information.

Prizing for Release Events may vary depending on which product it is supporting. You will be able to find further information on that Release Events specific webpage.

Below is a list of available structures and formats for Release Events. Some formats may not be available, depending on the product type (for example, some products may not be able to support sealed play).

OTS may offer tournament(s) as part of Release Events festivities, by advertising it ahead of time. OTS may also offer the prizing as a giveaway promotion, subject to local laws and regulations. The OTS will be able to advise how they will be awarding their prizes in cases where they choose to run a giveaway. Only Duelists who have registered and purchased entry into the Release Event are eligible to participate in Release Events. Release Event tournaments may not be run outside of the scheduled Release Event official dates. Release Event tournaments can be run as a Tier 1, Constructed or Sealed events. If Constructed is used, Duelists may incorporate cards from the Release Event into their Deck. Release Event tournaments are unranked and Sanctioned. Duelists can see which OTS are running tournaments as part of their release event using the Store Locator. All Duelists must have a valid CARD GAME ID and be in good standing with KDE-E in order to participate in a Release Event tournament. All Duelists must have purchased entry into the Release Event in order to be eligible to participate in a Release Event tournament.

Each round will consist of a best 2-out-of-3 game Match, with a 40-minute time limit. The number of rounds is determined by the number of Duelists enrolled in the tournament. Please contact the OTS for additional details. If the OTS has chosen to run the event using Swiss Rounds, the following chart must be used:

Sometimes a Match will not be finished when the time ends for a round. If this happens, it is both Duelists' responsibility to note whose turn it is when time is called. Duelists who require assistance with the End of Match procedures, should raise their hand and call for a Judge. The Judge should be notified that the Match is ongoing and whose turn it is. The judge may or may not stay to supervise the End of Match procedure but should ensure that both Duelists understand the following procedures.

End of Match procedures should follow these three (3) rules:
Rule #1: If time is called while Duelists are in the middle of a Game, the current Game must have a decision (Win, Loss, or Draw).
Rule #2: Once the current Game has concluded with a decision, determine the winner of the Match by determining the number of Game Wins (or Game Losses) each Duelist has for the current Match. The Duelist with the most Game Wins will win the Match.
Swiss Rounds: If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time was called in between games of a Match when both Duelists had the same number of Game Wins, then the Match is a Draw.
Single-Elimination Rounds: If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time is called in between Games of a Match while both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, they will begin a new Duel with specific guidelines.
▪ Neither Duelist may use his or her Side Deck. If time was called in between Games of a Match and at least one Duelist has already accessed his or her Side Deck, then both Duelists may use their Side Deck.
▪ Duelists must use a random method (die roll, coin flip, etc.) to determine who will go first.
▪ The Duel will continue for a total of four (4) turns, two (2) turns for each Duelist, unless a Duelist manages to win the Duel before the four (4) turns have concluded.
▪ A "turn" is defined as the start of the Draw Phase until the end of the End Phase for a single Duelist.
▪ Once the four (4) turns are completed, Life Point totals are compared and the Duelist with the highest Life Point total wins the Match.
▪ If both Duelists' Life Points are the same after the four (4) turns are completed, then play will continue on a turn-by-turn basis, with the Duelist with the most Life Points at the end of a turn being declared the winner of that Game.
Rule #3: If a win condition occurs during End of Match Procedures, that Duelist wins the current Game.

Keeping these three (3) rules in mind, please follow these instructions when proceeding to End of Match procedures:
▪ Continue with the current Phase of the Game. Once the Phase is over, stop the game.
▪ Determine a Game Winner at this point, with the Duelist with the most Life Points winning the Game.
▪ During Swiss Rounds, if both Duelists' Life Points are the same, the Game is a Draw. Compare Game Wins with the Duelist with the most Game Wins winning the Match.
If the Game Win totals are the same, the Match is a Draw.
▪ During Single-Elimination, if both Duelists' Life Points are the same at the end of the current Phase (Step 1 above), finish the current turn. If both Duelists' Life Points are the same at the end of the turn, then play will continue a turn-by-turn basis, with the Duelist with the most Life Points at the end of a turn being declared the winner of that Game.

Match Draws cannot occur during Single-Elimination Rounds.

Yes, you can use your own cards and add cards from the product provided to Duelists at Registration for Deck-building for Open Dueling.

Decks must be constructed according to the latest Forbidden and limited list. (See here for more information). In addition, the latest released cards from the product provided to Duelists will be tournament legal for the Release Event tournaments. Though these tournaments are official, they will not affect a Duelist's KCGN ranking & ratings.

Only the cards obtained from the product provided to that Duelist at registration may be used for Deck-building for Sealed Play. Using cards not obtained in the product directly given is considered cheating.

OTS may decide if they wish to use Deck Lists. Please check with the Tournament Organiser at the hosting OTS.

Each player may enter in the Release Event once per day per location. Purchasing multiple Release Event entries throughout the course of the day at the same location is not allowed. This is to give as many different Duelists a chance to celebrate the release of the new product.

In some cases, a CARD GAME ID is required to participate. If the OTS is hosting one or more tournaments during the Release Event and you wish to participate in a tournament, you will need a valid CARD GAME ID. If you previously had a COSSY ID, that same number will carry over as your CARD GAME ID. You will still need to register online at cardgame-network. If you do not remember your previous 10-digit ID, a registration staff member on-site could be able to assist in finding your CARD GAME ID, provided you have visited the OTS before. Duelists should avoid acquiring new CARD GAME IDs if the previous ID can be found. If you do not have a CARD GAME ID number, you can get one by asking the hosting OTS for a CARD GAME ID card, using our Duel support app NEURON or online at cardgame-network. If the OTS is running a pre-sale only event, a CARD GAME ID may not be required.

OTS retain the right to refuse entry to players who have engaged in criminal behavior, such as theft or violent conduct. OTS may contact KDE-E here if they have any questions about a player's eligibility to compete. 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. Suspended persons may not enter the venue of a Release Event, no exceptions. If a suspended person is discovered at the venue, they may be charged with offenses including but not limited to trespassing, as well as an extension of their suspension.

You should bring any Dueling supplies you will need, such as pen and paper to track Life Points, dice or counters, extra sleeves to replace any that become damaged, and so forth. If you have a CARD GAME ID number, you should bring your number in case the OTS will need it. You'll also need the registration fee for the Release Event, as well as money for any incidentals (food, drink, etc.). We recommend the use of our Duel support app NEURON.

Duelists are responsible for looking after their own belongings at Release Events. KONAMI Digital Entertainment B. V., OTS, 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. Duelists who lost items should seek the Lost & Found on-site. If the item is not found on-site, Duelists are encouraged to contact the OTS within a 60-day period on the chance the lost item has been turned in.

Release Events are local level events held at participating OTS and attract both casual and competitive Duelists who want to celebrate the release of a product on its official release date. There are several things you can do to make sure you are prepared before heading to the Release Event. Read over the list of things you will need for the event, and make sure you have everything. You'll have a better time at the event if you don't have too many bulky or heavy possessions to carry around, as it can get crowded there on the floor. Think ahead while you are planning what to bring with you. When you get to the event, you will need to register in order to play. Please check with a Staff member on site for instructions regarding registration. Please arrive early enough before the Release Event is scheduled to start to ensure you will be properly registered for the event. Supplies are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. 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 beforehand or while they are there, they should check with the OTS. Before heading to the event, all Duelists should read over the KDE-E Tournament Policy and Penalty Guidelines carefully. These documents provide information on what you can and cannot do at an event and give you a good idea of what to expect.

Release Events do not require Official KONAMI Judges to supervise Open Dueling. Some OTS will opt to have an Official Konami Judge as it provides players with a better event experience. If you're interested in Judging, you should contact the OTS hosting the Release Event as soon as possible (use the contact number provided in the Release Event Store Locator). 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.

Your best resource for answers about a specific Release Event is the contact number listed on the Release Event Store Locator listing. KDE-E won't be able to answer questions such as "How do I get to the venue?," "Where should I park?," "When does registration start?," and so forth. For questions such as these, you will need to contact the hosting OTS directly. If you have more general questions about Release Events, you can send them to us here. Please be as detailed as possible so we can try to provide you with the answers you're seeking!

Please contact the hosting OTS for exact date(s) and time(s) for their Release Event.

Each Release Event location may have different buying, selling, or trading policies. Duelists should contact the hosting OTS and inquire about their store policy regarding buying, selling, and trading.

If you attended a Release Events and would like to send us feedback, you can send us an e-mail about the specific event by clicking here. All feedback, including comments about the hosting OTS, the Judges, or the event itself, will be welcome! All feedback is always kept confidential. Please make sure your e-mail includes which Release Event you attended, including date and location.