1238 Duelists have gathered here at the Connecticut Convention Center to compete for the honor of becoming the next Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS) Champion!

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Two brand-new addendums and one updated addendum to KDE-US Tournament Policy have recently been posted, and we’d like to give you a quick introduction to each one.  In this article, we will explain what each one is for, and outline the basic information you can expect to find in each document

The new documents are the Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy: COVID-19 Addendum and the Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy:  Remote Duel Addendum. The updated addendum is the Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy: Speed Duel Addendum.

Remember, reading through this article isn’t a substitute for reading the addendums themselves! You will want to have a look at all three of these documents to ensure you understand them clearly. We recommend having a copy of the addendum open so you can refer to it, while looking through this article.

What’s the point of Tournament Policy, anyway?

Tournament Policy documents help keep events consistent, so that attendees will always know what to expect at any KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) event. Everyone who attends a KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG tournament is expected to read, understand, and adhere to all Tournament Policy and Penalty Guideline documents. For a complete understanding of tournament policies, please read the main documents:

• Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
• Official KDE-US Tournament Infractions and Penalty Policy

And these addendums:

• Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy: COVID-19 Addendum
• Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy: Remote Duel Addendum

Why addendums? Why don’t you just add this information in to the main documents?

Putting more specialized information – for alternate formats, or specific circumstances – into a shorter, separate document makes it easier to access the information that is different; and keeps us from having to repeat the information that is the same.  While you may still need to refer to the longer documents for complete, general information, the addendum gets the specialized information to you quickly.

In instances where the addendum policy and general policy appear to conflict, the addendum policy will supersede the general policy.

Let’s start with the first new addendum!

Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy: COVID-19 Addendum

Some tournament locations will need to adapt policy somewhat to better accommodate changes necessary due to COVID-19.   This document explains how to adapt in-person events to comply with improved health and hygiene practices.

This document is broken up into three sections as follows:

• I. Duelist Responsibilities
• II. Tournament Play
• III. Reporting Match Results

What is new about this document?

There are some specific instructions about hygiene, social distancing, and personal protective equipment for events occurring during a pandemic.  Some tournament actions, such as shuffling and reporting Match results, can be handled differently as a result. The addendum explains how to address these concerns.

There is also expanded information on the uses of Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) during tournament play.

What does this mean?

You should read through the addendum before heading to any Tier 1 or 2 events now that in-person play is returning. Always talk to the Tournament Organizer or the Head Judge for the event if you have any questions.

Now, let’s take a look at the next addendum!

Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy:  Remote Duel Addendum

If you have participated in Remote Duel or read through the Remote Duel Best Practice Guide, you will already be familiar with most of the contents of this addendum.  There are quite a lot of changes to be made when playing in Remote Duel vs. in-person events, and the Remote Duel Addendum will guide you through them. This addendum covers both TCG and Yu-Gi-Oh! DUEL LINKS (Duel Links) Remote Duel events.

• This document is broken up into seven sections as follows:
• I. Tournament Information – TCG
• II. Tournament Play – TCG
• III. Tournament Information – Duel Links
• IV. Tournament Play – Duel Links
• V. Card Legality – TCG
• VI. Infractions and Penalties
• VII. Contact Information

What is new about this document?

This document covers similar information as the Best Practice Guide, with a focus on policy-specific instructions. It is separated into policies for TCG tournaments and for Duel Links tournaments, as there are some differences

What does this mean?

Actions that may have previously been viewed as “suggested” or “recommended” are now arranged in an official addendum to Tournament Policy.  You will need to read through this addendum carefully before you participate in Remote Duel tournaments.

And finally, an update to a previous addendum!

Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy: Speed Duel Addendum

This document will explain in detail what to expect from Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Speed Duel (Speed Duel) events as well as what you’ll need to keep in mind to have a smooth tournament experience. It has been updated slightly from the previous version.

This document is broken up into five sections as follows:

• I. Tournament Information
• II. Tournament Play
• III. Constructed Deck Information
• IV. Sealed Deck Information
• V. Card Legality

Section I.
Subsection B: Time Limits

What changed?

Speed Duel rounds are now 40 minutes in length.

What does this mean?

Speed Duel rounds were 30 minutes previously, so you now have an additional ten minutes per round.

Section II.
Subsection B: Skill Cards

What changed?

Rules for Skill Cards have expanded since the previous document. The new document provides additional clarification on how Skill Cards should work.

What does this mean?

Some of the rules you may have used previously for Skill Cards will be explained more clearly, and other rules are different. Make sure to read through this section carefully before participating in your next Speed Duel.

Section IV. Sealed Deck Information
Subsection A: General

What changed?

There is now a maximum Main Deck size of 30 cards for Sealed play.

What does this mean?

You can’t use every card you pull in your Deck. You will have to choose carefully

Section V. Card Legality
Subsection B: Forbidden & Limited List

What changed?

While there is no general Forbidden & Limited List for Speed Duel, however, at certain Tier 2 or higher events there may be an event-specific Forbidden & Limited List.

What does this mean?

KDE-US may decide to implement a Forbidden & Limited List for specific Speed Duel events (Tier 2 or higher). If this is the case, the list will be included in any related event FAQs or Operations Documents.
It does not mean that the Tournament Organizer or Head Judge can implement their own Forbidden & Limited List, and it does not mean that there will always be a Forbidden & Limited List for a Tier 2 or higher Speed Duel event.

Any list provided for an event will apply to that event only and should not be treated as applying to any other event.

There’s a lot to take in here for Tournament Policy with all these new addendums, so please take your time to go over them carefully to ensure you know what to expect at your next event. 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.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative!

The next generation of Yu-Gi-Oh! Speed Duel arrives on March 18^th* with the launch of Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box. Loaded with 8 unique Decks that are ready to play right out of the box, the Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box is designed for beginners to Speed Duel as well as existing fans of Speed Duel. The box includes several “Speed Duel Essential” cards like Book of Moon, Sphere Kuriboh,and Floodgate Trap Hole – perfect for Duelists who are trying Speed Duel out for the first time or for those who are re-visiting! As the name implies, the Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box features characters from the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX series. Skill cards of Jaden Yuki, Aster Phoenix, Chazz Princeton, Alexis Rhodes and others are included along with their signature monster and Deck strategies. Save the city with Jaden’s Elemental HERO monsters! Defend the night with Aster Phoenix’s Destiny HERO monsters. Steal the spotlight with Chazz Princeton’s Ojama monsters and much more!

The Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box can be played several ways. While intended to be played right out of the box, special rules for both sealed draft and sealed cube formats are included. Draft with friends or customize and build your own draft cube – the Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box is a great starting point for customizing sealed play for groups of friends to play together. Several Decks can be made by combining multiple copies of the Duel Academy Box together, which provides a great opportunity for Duelists to bring their friends and family into the game!

Each box includes 200 game cards and 20 Skill cards. Also included is an 8-card Secret Rare promo pack from a selection of 24 cards, including several GX era classics like Elemental HERO Flame Wingman, Destiny HERO – Dasher, and Ojama King. The Duel Academy Box packaging also doubles as a storage box, featuring Jaden, Aster, and all the characters featured in the set, providing the perfect storage for a growing collection!

Following the release of Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box is Speed Duel Tournament Pack 3, which will be available to OTS starting March 25^th*. Designed with newcomers in mind, Speed Duel Tournament Pack 3 is loaded with cards some newer Speed Duelists may not have access to. Several cards from the Speed Duel Starter Decks: Match of the Millennium and Speed Duel Starter Decks: Twisted Nightmares are available again as Super and Ultra Rare cards. The pack also features 20 Common versions of powerful Speed Duel cards like Parasite Paranoid, Santa Claws, Zombina and more to collect. Also, in the set are updated card text versions of Skill Cards like Cocoon of Ultra Evolution and others.

It’s a whole new year with the Speed Duel: GX Duel Academy Box so don’t miss out!

Don’t forget, to use a card in Speed Duel it must have the Speed Duel symbol on the card. Cards without the symbol are not legal for Speed Duel. However, Speed Duel cards can be used in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG (with the exception of Skill Cards).

*Dates subject to change

Regional Qualifiers for the Burst of Destiny Season are underway! Here’s this weekend’s schedule:

Store Name: Core TCG, Inc. Country: US Discord Invitation Link: https://discord.gg/9dDp6P3 Email for Players: events@coretcg.com Date: 11/27/2021 Time: 10: 00 AM PT Dragon Duel: Yes

Store Name: One Up TCG Country: US Discord Invitation Link: https://discord.gg/5hkdk3H Email for Players: sales@oneuptcg.com Date: 11/27/2021 Time: 10:00 AM CT Dragon Duel: Yes

Store Name: The Side Deck – Gaming Café Country: US Discord Invitation Link: https://eventsdiscord.thesidedeck.com Email for Players: info@thesidedeck.com Date: 11/28/2021 Time: 10:00 AM MT Dragon Duel: Yes

For more information prior to the event, please read our FAQ’s:
Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME North America WCQ – Regional Qualifier FAQs.

A full list of Regional Qualifier locations is also listed on our website:
North America 2022 Season WCQ Remote Duel Regional Qualifier Locations – Burst of Destiny (BODE) Season

We’re still a few months away from the Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box, but while you wait, we’d like to announce a few changes to three of the most powerful Skill Cards along with a new, more thorough explanation of the Skill Card Rules.

Skill Card Text Update

The following Skill cards’ text has been updated to the following text.
These changes are effective immediately as of today, November 1^st, 2021.

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Skill Card Text Update for Cocoon of Ultra Evolution.

Previous Text:

Activate the following Skill(s) during your Main Phase.

●You can Tribute 1 Insect monster from either field equipped with an Equip Card, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Insect monster from your Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions, also flip this card over.

●You can shuffle 1 Insect monster from your GY into the Deck, then draw 1 card, also flip this card over.

Each of these Skills can only be used once per Duel.

Updated Text*:

Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can use 1 of the following Skills.

●You can Tribute 1 Insect monster from either field equipped with an Equip Card, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Insect monster from your Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions. You cannot Normal or Special Summon other monsters the turn you activate this Skill. At the end of your turn, flip this card over.

●You can shuffle 1 Insect monster from your GY into the Deck, then draw 1 card. At the end of your turn, flip this card over.
Each of these Skills can only be used once per Duel.

*Revised on 3/24/2022

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Skill Card Text Update for Inner Conflict

Previous Text:

Activate this Skill during your Main Phase. Once per Duel, you can pay half your LP and take control of 1 monster your opponent controls until the End Phase, but it cannot attack directly this turn.

Updated Text:

Once per Duel, during your Main Phase, you can pay 2000 LP and take control of 1 monster your opponent controls that can be Normal Summoned/Set, until the End Phase, but it cannot attack directly, or be Tributed, this turn.

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Skill Card Text Update for Twisted Personality

Previous Text:

Each time a player loses LP, place 1 counter on this card (max. 3). Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can use 1 of the following Skills.

●Remove 2 counters from this card, then discard 1 random card from your opponent’s hand.

●Remove 3 counters from this card, then destroy 1 face-up card your opponent controls.

Updated Text:

Each time you lose LP, place 1 counter on this card (max. 3). Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can use 1 of the following Skills.

●Remove 2 counters from this card, then discard 1 random card from your opponent’s hand.

●Remove 3 counters from this card, then destroy 1 face-up card your opponent controls.

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We will be including these updated Skill Cards in Speed Duel Tournament Pack 3, currently slated for March of next year. Remember to play your original copies of these Skill cards as if they have the updated text.

Speaking of Skill Cards…

This is also a great time to go over the rules for Skill Cards. The Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy box is loaded with 20 brand-new Skill Cards, and many allow Duelists to Summon powerful Fusion Monsters! There has been some confusion on how Skills that Summon monsters work. Does the monster just appear? Is there anything that can be done to the monster? With another Speed Duel Box on the way, we took the opportunity to clarify this common scenario in the updated Rules for Skill Cards.

RULES FOR SKILL CARDS

1. You are not required to use Skill Cards, but if you do, choose exactly 1 Skill Card before each Duel.
   
   
2. At the start of the Duel, place that 1 Skill Card face-down next to your Field Zone or Extra Deck unless the Skill Card instructs you to do something else with it. (E.g.: It’s a Toon World! tells you to place it in your center Spell/Trap Zone and flip it over at the start of the Duel.)
   
   
3. If a Skill says that it’s a certain type of card in its Type line, like Continuous Spell or Continuous Trap, then after the Duel begins, it’s always that type of card and follows all the rules for that type of card instead of the rules for Skill Cards.
   
   
4. During the Duel, you can activate your Skill Card by flipping it face-up. If your Skill Card tells you when you can activate it, then you can only activate it at that time, when there is no Chain being built or resolved. If your Skill Card doesn’t say when you can activate it, then you can only activate it during your Main Phase when there is no Chain being built or resolved. For more information on how to determine when the game is or isn’t in an open game state, click here.
   
   
5. Activating a Skill or Skill Card does not start a Chain and is not a card effect. Cards/effects cannot be activated in response to the activation of a Skill. However, cards and effects can be activated after a Skill has resolved as appropriate. (E.g.: If Cocoon of Ultra Evolution Special Summons a monster, then after that monster is Summoned, players can activate cards and effects just like any other time a monster is Summoned, so cards like Floodgate Trap Hole or Adhesion Trap Hole can be activated.)
   
   
6. The Skill on your Skill Card can only be activated once per Duel unless it has specific instructions otherwise or flips itself face-down. If it does, follow the instructions on your Skill Card.

Some Skills can do some far out things that no card can do. If a Skill does something wild and unexpected that you’ve never seen before, that’s great! Skills are part of what makes Speed Dueling so much fun, so embrace the weirdness and get ready to get your game on!

Here are Saturday’s Top 4 Dragon Duelists! From left to right, we have Andy Tran (1st), Aaron Serine (2nd), Diego Diaz (3rd), and Coulter Clifford (4th). Congratulations Dragon Duelists!

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Here are the pairings for Round 6 at YCS Denver:

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Here are the standings after Round 5 of YCS Denver:

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Here are the pairings for Round 5 at YCS Denver:

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Here are the standings after Round 4 at YCS Denver:

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