The Standard Format for 2024
Cards marked with the “E” regulation symbol will no longer be permissible for play in the 2024 Standard format. However, cards featuring the “F,” “G,” and “H” regulation symbols will remain valid, along with any subsequent symbols introduced in the future. The eligibility of a card for play is no longer determined by its expansion; instead, players must refer to the regulation mark located at the bottom of the card.
Regardless of a card’s release in a recent expansion, players must check the regulation mark to determine its legality for play. New cards must still adhere to the customary waiting period of approximately two weeks after their release to become tournament legal. Going forward, as a new regulation mark is introduced, cards featuring the oldest legal mark will phase out of the Standard format.
For in-person Play! Pokémon events, the Standard format rotation becomes effective on April 5, 2024. Meanwhile, for digital play on Pokémon TCG Live, the rotation takes place on March 21, 2024. This allows players an official platform to familiarize themselves with the new Standard format before participating in in-person events.
Older versions of cards lacking a regulation mark can still be used if they are presently legal for play. For instance, the Rare Candy card from the Sun & Moon expansion is still usable since the version from the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion bears a “G” regulation mark. Similarly, even though the Judge card from the Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike expansion has an “E” regulation mark (phasing out of the Standard format), it remains valid due to the version from the Scarlet & Violet expansion featuring a “G” regulation mark. Players are advised to consult the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook for further guidance on acceptable reprints.
The Expanded Format for 2024
The Expanded format will persist without alterations, encompassing the Black & White Series and onward. Players are advised to verify the format in play before selecting a deck for their events. Similar to the Standard format, new expansions attain eligibility for tournament play two weeks after their release.
It is important to be aware that certain cards are presently prohibited in the Expanded format. The list of banned cards can be found here.