2026 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation Announced
Play! Pokémon has announced significant changes to the Standard format for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in 2026. These updates aim to ensure a balanced competitive environment for players, encouraging both new and existing participants to refine their strategies.
Details of the 2026 Standard Format Rotation
The rotation will affect cards based on their regulation marks. Effective April 10, 2026, cards labeled with the “G” regulation mark will no longer be legal in the Standard format. In contrast, cards marked with “H,” “I,” and “J,” along with any future releases, will remain playable.
Important Dates
- March 26, 2026: New Standard format applies to Pokémon TCG Live.
- April 10, 2026: Standard format rotation takes effect for in-person events.
Card Legality Explained
Players should note that a card’s legality does not depend on its expansion but rather on its regulation mark. Even if a card belongs to a recent expansion, players must verify the mark at the card’s bottom. Also, cards must wait two weeks post-release before they can be used in tournaments.
For instance, the card Rare Candy from the Sun & Moon expansion remains legal because the version from Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution has an “I” regulation mark. Similarly, the Boss’s Orders card from the Sword & Shield—Rebel Clash expansion can still be utilized due to its reprinted version from Mega Evolution.
Expanded Format and Compatibility
The Expanded format will see no modifications, retaining cards from the Black & White Series onward. Players must confirm the format for any event to choose their decks accordingly. New expansions for tournament play will also observe the two-week waiting rule post-release.
However, Pokémon TCG Live does not yet support all Expanded format cards for active play. Ongoing efforts aim to enhance compatibility, with gradual integration of additional cards expected later this year. A list of banned cards in the Expanded format can be found within the tournament guidelines.
Players are encouraged to consult the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook for detailed information regarding acceptable card reprints and regulations.
