Since Tournament Policy documents require ongoing updates and amendments to keep pace with Organized Play, we are pleased to present you with version 2.5 of the Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy.

https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay

While it might be surprising to see another update so soon after the previous one, we have a major update to End of Match Procedures, which also impacts the number of Rounds and Round Times. 
You will absolutely need to know this information before heading to your next event! 

We have prepared this article about the major changes and what they mean for you, to help properly prepare you for tournament play.  It may not include each and every change, but it will explain the more significant ones.  As you read through this article, have a copy of the policy document open too, and refer to it as you go – reading this article by itself instead of reading the policy document won’t provide you with all the information you need to be ready for tournament play.  

Remember that previous subsection designations may have changed, due to adding in new subsections. Be aware of this when you are searching for specific information. 

Most of the sections in the policy document itself will have example charts that will help you understand how the policy works. 

Let’s take it section by section! 

Section III.  Tournament Information

This section explains Tournament Tiers, Formats, Rounds and Tournament Reporting.

Changes to this section include:

Subsection C. Time Limits

What changed?

• Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Swiss Rounds have been extended to 50 minutes from 45 for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 events (such as Local Tournaments, Regional Qualifiers, and Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series or World Championship Qualifiers).
• Round times may be adjusted for Tier 4 events ((the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Championship). Any such changes will be announced before the event starts.

What does this mean?
You will now have an additional five minutes per Round at the relevant tournament tiers.

Subsection G. Number of Rounds – General

What changed?

• This is a new subsection, to accommodate the difference in number of rounds required for specific tournament tiers.

What does this mean?

There isn’t any new information in this specific subsection.

Subsection H. Number of Rounds – Tier 1 and Tier 2 Events

What changed?

• This is a new subsection.
• The maximum Top Cut for any number of tournament participants is eight (Top 8).

What does this mean?

Regardless of how many Duelists enter a Tier 1 or 2 tournament, the Top Cut playoff will cap at eight Duelists (Top 8).

Subsection I. Number of Rounds – Tier 3 and Tier 4 Events

What changed?

• This is a new subsection.
• There is a chart to explain the correct number of BYES, along with information on the modifiers.
• There is also a chart to explain the new Top Cut – the maximum Top Cut for any number of tournament participants is eight (Top 8).
• Top Cut rounds no longer have a time limit.
• 3 additional Swiss Rounds have been added (total number of Swiss Rounds dependent upon the number of Duelists enrolled at the start of the tournament).

What does this mean?

Regardless of how many Duelists enter a Tier 3 (such as a YCS or WCQ) or Tier 4 tournament (Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship), the Top Cut playoff will cap at eight Duelists (Top 8).
Duelists in Playoff Rounds will not have a set time limit for the Round to end. During these Rounds, Duelists will still be expected to play at a proper pace. Slow Play penalties will be enforced.

We are balancing out this change to Top Cut by adding 3 additional Swiss Rounds at Tier 3 tournaments such as a YCS and WCQ. Even if you lose in the earlier Swiss Rounds, you will have additional Rounds to recover – which gives you a chance to win additional prizing, or even make Top 8.
Prizing distribution for top finishers remains the same, even if you finish outside of the Top 8.

Prizes will continue to be awarded to Duelists depending on their Final Standing in the tournament, just as before.

Section IV. Tournament Play

This section covers information about registering for a tournament, required items or materials for tournament play, and basic policy for tournament play.

Changes to this section include:

Subsection V. Intentional Draws

What changed?

• This subsection has been removed.

What does this mean?

With the new End of Match procedure, Matches can no longer end in a Draw, intentional or otherwise.

Section V. Reporting the Match Results

This section covers all information about End of Match and reporting tournament results.

Changes to this section include:

Subsection A. Reporting the Match Result

What changed?

• In addition to the Game Loss applied to the next Round for the Duelist responsible for submitting a Match Result within five minutes of the end of the Round, both Duelists will receive a Match Loss for the current Round.
• If the Round ended in End of Match procedures (resulting in a Double Loss), both Duelists are equally responsible for submitting the Match Result.

What does this mean?

Make sure that your Match Result is submitted within five minutes of the end of the Round. Due to the new End of Match Procedure, an unreported Match Result will be recorded as a Double Loss.
If you are submitting the Match Results via NEURON, you are exempt from this penalty. Speak to the Tournament Organizer if there is a delay in submitting the result.

Subsection B. End of Match Procedures

What changed?

• We have an entirely new End of Match Procedure.
• Swiss Rounds and Single-Elimination will use the same End of Match Procedure.
• If a Match does not end with a winner, both Duelists will receive a Loss for the Round.
• The Final Match of a Single-Elimination tournament will no longer be timed.
  • Some tournaments will have additional Rounds of Single-Elimination that will be untimed, but that will be posted in the event specific FAQ’s.

What does this mean?

When time ends in the Round, the Match is over. Neither Duelist may begin or continue any action that may take place in the Game.

If the Match is not finished, then it would end in a Double Loss.

• A Match is considered finished when one of the Duelists has either won 2 Duels or lost 2 Duels.
• If the Duelists have completed 3 Duels without the Match finishing and there is time remaining in the Round (if Duels have ended in a Draw), the Duelists will go into a 4^th Duel.

In order to win a Match, a Duelist must win 2 Games prior to the Round time expiring.

If neither Duelist has won 2 Games, the Match ends as a Double Loss.

It has been several years since the last End of Match Procedure change, so make sure you’re prepared for your next tournament.
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.

Please make sure to review this current version (2.5) before attending an event, regardless of whether it’s an in-person tournament or a Remote Duel tournament.