Checking Pokémon Card Tournament Decks: Korean Editions Only, Single Sleeve Type, Older Cards by Exception Only

Assembling a 60-card deck does not mean tournament preparation is complete. Pokémon Korea's Battle Regulations (ver.1.5.1) specify distinct rules regarding which cards are allowed in a deck, how card sleeves must be applied, and whether decks can be altered during an event. Violating these rules can result in penalties of a "Game Loss" or higher. Fundamental deck construction rules—such as exactly 60 cards, a limit of four cards with the same name, and one ACE SPEC card—were covered in Article No. 147 of this publication, while reading regulation marks was addressed in Article No. 137. This article compiles the checklist players must verify before bringing their decks to a tournament venue.

Cards Allowed in the Deck

In official Korean tournaments, players may only use cards officially released or distributed by Pokémon Korea, Inc. The Battle Regulations explicitly designate "cards in languages other than Korean" and "illegal counterfeit cards / hand-drawn or photocopied cards" as ineligible for deck construction. This means Japanese or English-language cards cannot be included in an official Korean tournament deck.

Cards eligible under the official Standard format must bear the regulation marks H, I, or J in the bottom left corner. Exceptions exist: certain cards designated by the Battle Regulations may still be included even if they come from the DP, BW, XY, Sun & Moon, or Sword & Shield series, or bear regulation marks A through G. In such cases, card effects follow the text printed on the latest version. Promo cards cannot be included unless their collection number ends in "/SM-P," "/S-P," "/SV-P," or "/M-P."

A corresponding exception list exists on the Standard format regulation page of the official Japanese website (updated January 22, 2026). It includes cards such as Ultra Ball, Rare Candy, Boss's Orders, Poké Ball, Switch, and Basic Energy. The Japanese page notes that even if older Pokémon cards share the same effect, they cannot be included in a Standard deck; exceptions apply strictly to the designated Trainer and Energy cards on the list. The Korean Battle Regulations include the exception card list as images within a PDF document, requiring players to verify the original document directly before competing.

| Item | Korean Battle Regulations | |---|---| | Eligible Marks | H·I·J | | Older Cards | Designated exception cards only; latest card text applies | | Promo Cards | Cards ending in /SM-P, /S-P, /SV-P, or /M-P | | Prohibited Cards | Non-Korean cards, counterfeits, hand-drawn, or photocopied cards |

Card Sleeves Must Be of a Single Type

Using card sleeves is not mandatory. However, the Battle Regulations state that players may be penalized if un-sleeved cards sustain damage that leads to marking issues. If distinguishing marks, scratches, or stains appear on the front or back of a card, a judge may rule it as "marked," disallowing its use or issuing a penalty of "Game Loss" or higher. If a sleeve conceals these imperfections so the card cannot be distinguished, it may be used.

The requirements for using sleeves are as follows:

• All sleeves within a single deck must be of the same size.
• The backs must feature a single, identical color and design. Mirror-like reflective backs that reveal other cards cannot be used.
• Only one card may be inserted per sleeve, and double-sleeving is not permitted. All cards must be inserted in the same orientation.
• The front must be transparent and cannot be marked with stickers or pens.
• Sleeves that have become creased or suffered damage to their back printing such that specific cards can be identified are prohibited.

The Battle Regulations specifically designate the Pokémon Card Game Deck Shield "Alolan Vulpix" as an unusable sleeve. If non-compliant sleeves are identified, judges may require a sleeve change or play without sleeves, and if deemed malicious, penalties such as a "Game Loss" may be issued.

Decks Cannot Be Changed During a Tournament

The Battle Regulations dictate that players cannot modify their deck or replace any component cards during a tournament. Infractions listed under the "Game Loss" penalty category include violations of the "60-card deck construction rules," playing matches with decks containing ineligible cards, or discrepancies between the submitted deck list and the actual deck. In tournaments requiring deck list submission, players are advised to verify their actual deck card-for-card against the submitted list.

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Sources

• Pokémon Korea · Battle Regulations (ver.1.5.1) (Accessed 2026-11-06)
• Pokémon Card Game Official (Japan) · Regulations (2026-01-22)