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 2020 season starts July 1, 2019, so players can get an early start on working toward the 2020 Pokémon World Championships. However, the rotation will not occur until August 15, 2019. Importantly, this means that the 2019 Pokémon World Championships, which take place August 16–18, will be the first major event to use the 2020 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 2020 season will consist of the following expansions:
Sun & Moon—Ultra Prism and any expansions released afterward
Black Star Promo cards numbered SM94 and up
Cards from the following products are also legal:
Pokémon TCG: Detective Pikachu
Starting with the 2020 season, cards from McDonald’s Collections will be legal in the Standard format if they’re functionally identical to a card that is currently legal in the Standard format. For example, Magnemite (McDonald’s Collection 2018, 8/12) is functionally the same card as Magnemite from Sun & Moon—Ultra Prism, so it can still be used in the Standard format.
New expansions become legal for tournament play on the third Friday of the month they are released.
The Expanded Format for 2020
The Expanded format will remain unchanged for the 2020 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 2020 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:
Pokémon TCG: Detective Pikachu
Black & White Trainer Kit and any Trainer Kits released afterward
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 several cards are currently banned from the Expanded format. You can find the list of banned cards here.
