At the beginning of every Championship Series season, Pokémon Organized Play removes older expansions from competition in the Standard format, with the goal of maintaining a healthy competitive environment. This rotation challenges existing players to create new strategies and enables new players to get involved in Play! Pokémon events using the most recent releases.
The 2019 season starts on July 9, 2018, so players can get an early start on working toward the 2019 Pokémon World Championships. However, the rotation will not occur until August 28, 2018. Importantly, this means that the DreamHack Valencia event in Spain, which takes place July 13–14 and awards Championship Points toward the 2019 season, and the 2018 Pokémon World Championships, which take place August 24–26, will use the 2018 format and rules as currently listed. For other competitions taking place this summer, be sure to check the event’s rules and regulations before attending.
The Standard format for the 2019 season will consist of the following expansions:
Sun & Moon and any expansions released afterward
Cards from the following products are also legal:
McDonald’s Collection 2017
New expansions become legal for tournament play on the third Friday of the month they are released.
The Expanded Format for 2019
The Expanded format will remain unchanged for the 2019 season. Players should double-check what format is being used before choosing a deck to bring to their local events.
The Expanded format for the 2019 season will consist of the following expansions:
Black & White and any expansions released afterward
Black Star Promo cards numbered BW01 and up, XY01 and up, and SM01 and up
Cards from the following products are also legal:
Black & White Trainer Kit
XY Trainer Kit—Bisharp & Wigglytuff
XY Trainer Kit—Latias & Latios
McDonald’s Collection 2011 and later
New expansions become legal for tournament play on the third Friday of the month they are released.
Please note that Archeops (Black & White—Noble Victories, 67/101, and Black & White—Dark Explorers, 110/108), Forest of Giant Plants (XY—Ancient Origins, 74/98), and Lysandre’s Trump Card (XY—Phantom Forces, 99/119 and 118/119) will continue to be banned in the Expanded format for the 2019 season.
