Ace Trainer Showdown
Do you have what it takes to be an Ace? Showcase your deckbuilding skills and take your games to the next level in this exciting custom format!
Intro Video Coming Soon! For now, read up on the format below, then head to Socials to find play partners!
Format Philosophy
Ace Trainer Showdown allows players to put their favourite Pokémon center-stage during deckbuilding. Our format is focused on creating a diverse metagame welcoming to new players. As such, all cards with a Regulation Mark are legal (aka Sword & Shield onwards). This decision makes it easy for new players to tell at a glance whether a card is allowed, ensures the format is playable with PTCGL's restricted cardpool, and lowers the barrier to entry. We have four additional deckbuilding rules meant to achieve our goal.
Ace Trainers Are Versatile
Powerful multiprize Pokémon centralize the Standard metagame. Over 90% of the Pokémon printed are single prizers, and they almost never attack. For this reason, all multiprize Pokémon are banned in Ace Trainer Showdown.
Ace Trainers Are Adaptable
While most Trainer Classes have a type specialty, Ace Trainers can draw out the power of every type. Each deck may only include a single evolution line of each type. Dig deep for potential synergies.
Ace Trainers Are Prepared
Like a good Scout, Ace Trainers always carry a spare. All cards are limited to 2. This increases deckbuilding variety without Singleton's issues with prizing key pieces.
Ace Trainers Are Aware
(Optional)A good Ace Trainer always knows their resources. At the start of the game, players may look at their face down prize cards and switch one card with a card in their hand.
Some exceptions to the rules exist for Pokémon that require other Pokémon to function (e.g. Plusle & Minun). You can see the full details on the rules page.