Wow, things are starting to get exciting in the world of Pokemon:TCG once
more. In case you haven't heard yet, the latest Challenge Series and Professor information is finally up at http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=pokemon/eventsMain
. We now have some confirmed dates & locations for the Gym Challenges, but we are still
awaiting information about where & when the Stadium Challenges will be held.
Also, you 15+ folks can finally stop whining about "no free trips"; there will be Professor-only events at each of the three Stadium Challenges (and
at the Origins convention) where the winner will get a free trip to Worlds to assist as a guest Judge and participate in an exclusive
"Wizards/Professor Challenge" event with WOTC staff members. There are also
many more details about the Pokemon Professor Program on the website, but the entrance exam is still not ready yet.
It's a long report this week, so you'd better grab a snack and settle in for
the long haul. You may also want to checkout the Event Information website prior to reading the rest of the report; some of these questions may make
more sense after reading the new information first.
Enjoy,
- CHRISBO
CHALLENGE SERIES:
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #61 from lucky_cal:
Is there anything about the Challenge Series format that's different than
Modified, besides the Special Conditions rule?
master_trainer_mike says, "The format is Modified. Don't forget there are
new cards and sets coming out that will alter the environment."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #75 from
monkeyman8889:
Is the World Championships going to be modified
master_trainer_mike says, "yup"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #16 from sd_pokemom:
Will the dates of the Stadium Challenges be released before the Gyms begin?
Because knowing if a Stadium will be close could save a "road trip"; but if
the dates are announced after the Gyms begin, we could miss out on the
closest (300+ miles) Gym ev
master_trainer_mike says, "We will announce all dates as soon as they are
solid. You should have more Stadium dates up soon."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #20 from soslowpoke:
Will there be a Stadium Challenge event for Illinois?
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno, wait and see :)"
[CHRISBO NOTE: There were many other locations asked about, but I omitted
them due to their repetitive nature.]
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #91 from
the_mystery_thing:
is the list of gym challenge sites final (that is, the cities)? cause I only
see one in Canada, and it's on the wrong side of the country... ;)
master_trainer_pat says, "That is the final list, yes."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #202 from bubbi_guru:
any info on where worlds will be?
master_trainer_mike says, "It is still in the works."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #37 from
mysterioustrainer:
What is the difference between Gym and Stadiums Challenges?
master_trainer_mike says, "That is also explained on the website. But
basically Gym Challenges are similar to last year's QT's. Stadium Challenges
are a new regional tournament, where more prizes and trips will be given
out."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #57 from
lord_gothmog0000:
If my friend, who is 14, went to a gym challenge before his birthday, may
5th, and won...what would happen? would he get a trip to the Worlds still?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes he would. He would be grandfathered into it."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #23 from aquagnome29:
What will the K value be at the Gym challenges?
master_trainer_mike says, "Not announced yet."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #89 from
martin_moreno:
Will the MT's be attending any Qt's?
master_trainer_pat says, "We have not heard yet...I'm sure we'll go to the
Seattle one! All they have to do is cover bus fare for that one."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #125 from
slowkingprince:
will you guys be at the stadium challenges for some gunslinging?
master_trainer_mike says, "I will be at them running the Professor events.
You will see us all at Worlds though!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #116 from
lord_gothmog0000:
On the website it says "*Players are awarded invitations to the Pokémon
World Championship by placing 1st at a Gym Challenge, placing 1st through
4th in the 11 to 14 age division at a Stadium Challenge, or by placing 1st
or 2nd in the 10 and under age division at a Stadium Challenge." Are there
free trips for anyone, or just invites? If so, who gets the trips?
master_trainer_mike says, "The invitations include trips."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #58 from
martin_moreno:
How come there will only be 1 trip given this time at the Qt's? Budget?
master_trainer_mike says, "Partially. We are giving away multiple trips at
the Stadium Challenges. We are also holding a World Championship for the
first time! These things take money, so it was moved around."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #150 from mechachu:
can you please please please please have Ra Ra at the 3 big stadium
tournament things???
master_trainer_mike says, "He is a professional actor, we may try to get him
at Worlds. The Stadium Challenges are large tournaments gang. They are NOT
STS's. If you want all the bells and whistles make sure you get to Worlds
this year."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #184 from
lord_gothmog0000:
Re: Answer for #150...Can you highlight some of the larger differences
between the STS's and Stadium Challenges, se vous ples?
master_trainer_mike says, "The Stadium Challenges are simply large
tournaments. There will be side events but they are single day competitions.
All of the extra stuff that an STS had (like King Ra Ra, draw a card,
pictures, and such) will be at the Worlds this year. You go to a Stadium
Challenge for the competition and trying to win an invitation to worlds,
just like you did last year at a QT. Worlds will be the big party this year
:)"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #220 from chrisbo:
Re Q184 & Q204 - So just to clarify, Worlds will be have some side-events
that are open to the public, but you can only play in the main event if you
have won an invitation, right?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #59 from
martin_moreno:
So will there ever be another STS?
master_trainer_pat says, "Not likely."
PROFESSOR PROGRAM:
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #24 from beedrill300:
>From what it said on the Professor Program website, it said that at stadium
challenges top prizes would include a trip to worlds. Is it true that there
will be more than 1 trip for 15+ to Worlds?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok, lets correct this one right now."
master_trainer_mike says, "There is NOT a 15 and up age group any more."
master_trainer_mike says, "There is the Professor program and if you
participate in it then there will be events and opportunities for older
players in that."
master_trainer_mike says, "Including a Professor Challenge to be held at
Origins."
master_trainer_mike says, "Now each Stadium Challenge will also have a
Professor Only event run by me."
master_trainer_mike says, "The top prize for each of those (in addition to
lots of cool stuff) will be a trip to fly with us to the Pokemon World
Championships to be a guest Judge with us."
master_trainer_mike says, "There will also be the Wizards/Professor
Challenge held at Worlds only open to Professors who help us run Worlds."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #35 from
gym_leader_blaine:
tell me if I am right on this. There are three Stadium Challenges, and each
one will have a professor tournament, where the winner will win a trip to be
a judge at the World Championships. And also a fourth judge from Origins?
master_trainer_pat says, "You are correct!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #219 from
lord_gothmog0000:
Have I expressed how much free trips for Professors at Stadium events rules?
If not, consider this such an expression. Also, how will you have to place
in order to get a trip at a Professor event at a stadium challenge?
master_trainer_mike says, "Glad you like them. The trip goes to the first
place finisher of each Stadium Professor Challenge as well as the victor of
the Professor Championship."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #221 from
general_surge:
Any exact date on the Prof Championship at Origins yet? i know it will be
one of the days between the 4-7 of July, but i need to know the exact date
to know how long I will need the hotel for. I probably can't stay all four
days so...any date yet?
master_trainer_pat says, "We'll let you know when we find out. We just have
not heard ourselves yet."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #222 from
slowkingprince:
Can we (15+) still judge at the Worlds even if we didn't win the trip to
judge?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes you can! I am hoping that many of you come
and participate. That is one of the key points of being a Pokemon Professor
:)"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #218 from
slowkingprince:
Will there be any main events for 15+ at the Worlds, or just side events?
master_trainer_mike says, "All Professors who come and work at the event
(there will be a minimum requirement) will be able to participate in the
Wizards/Pokemon challenge, a special competition against actual Wizards
employees (like me!)."
master_trainer_mike says, "And Pat!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Yea"
master_trainer_mike says, "and the guy wo does our windows!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Huh"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #226 from
lord_gothmog0000:
Is there a name for the special Judging Professor's Tournament after the
Worlds?
master_trainer_mike says, "So far it is the Wizards/Professor Challenge!"
master_trainer_mike says, "or Fred, I haven't decided yet :)("
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #51 from
lord_gothmog0000:
The brand new format for the Professor Events that Mike is hosting at the
Stadium Challenges....Will it be the Team Format?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #66 from
gym_leader_blaine:
is the wizards/professor tournament a 5th tournament on top of the ones from
origins and the stadiums
master_trainer_mike says, "It is a special event that will reward the
Professors who come and work with us to help run Worlds."
master_trainer_mike says, "It will be your chance to play against US! Think
you got what it takes????? Hmmmm?????"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #134 from matt_moss:
Will the Prof 15+ Championships have their own format, or will it be
modified?
master_trainer_mike says, "wait and see, but I will say that you had better
be good at ALL sorts of game play!!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #17 from
gym_leader_blaine:
the professor info says the test will be up in January 2002, seems a little
short on time?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmmm, it may be next week. But if you are used to
our making release dates, you know that is pretty good :)"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #65 from espion63:
how do you get to the test and what do you do?
master_trainer_mike says, "It will be online soon."
master_trainer_mike says, "Then you take it!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #104 from sd_pokemom:
Will our DCI numbers be our IDs for the Professor Test?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #151 from
mysterioustrainer:
Do you have to have a DCI membership to take the test?!?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup. You can get them for free at any local
tournament."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #182 from espion63:
what is a DCI membership? And how do you get it?
master_trainer_pat says, "It's a membership that keeps track of your ratings
and rankings along with other players when you play in tournaments. You can
get one free when you play in any sanctioned tournaments"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #14 from sd_pokemom:
How long do we have to wait between taking the test, failing, and attempting
a re-take?
master_trainer_pat says, "10 years"
master_trainer_mike says, "You will be allowed to attempt the test once a
week."
master_trainer_pat says, "I mean..."
master_trainer_mike says, "Ignore the little man behind the curtains!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #180 from daytongl:
According to the Professor FAQ, the Professor Test will be administered at
the Stadium Challenges as well as online. Is this not the case now?
master_trainer_mike says, "That is still true. If you do not have online
access, you can take the test at the Stadium Challenges as well."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #154 from yoshi1001:
On the professor test, do we have to answer all questions sequentially or
can we skip a question and come back to it later?
master_trainer_pat says, "You have to answer them in order and you cannot go
back once you have submitted an answer to a question"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #69 from sd_pokemom:
How much time are you allowed to take the test?
master_trainer_mike says, "That will be posted with the test."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #41 from beedrill300:
For the Professor test, will we be allowed to keep open sites such as team
Compendium as a reference?
master_trainer_mike says, "There is a timer on the test. If you want to take
up some of your limited time looking up references you probably could but
you might not finish the test! Better to know what you need to know."
master_trainer_pat says, "It took me about an hour and 15 minutes to
finish."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #68 from darkpoinko:
how did you score, pat?
master_trainer_pat says, "I passed. Though I missed a few that I really
shouldn't have. Mike made it tough, seriously tough. If you miss one bit of
info, you probably will get the question wrong. I felt like I was taking the
SAT again, sheesh."
master_trainer_pat says, "Do you have your number 2 pencils ready?"
master_trainer_pat grins evilly.
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #32 from sd_pokemom:
Will we be told which parts of the test (example: DCI Floor rules) we
failed, so we can study those parts?
master_trainer_pat says, "No, I'm afraid not."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #101 from
slowkingprince:
how many questions can u miss and still pass the professors test?
master_trainer_mike says, "When I was a kid the teacher NEVER told us stuff
like that in advance."
master_trainer_mike says, "We had to take tests standing in the snow!"
master_trainer_mike says, "And we had to walk uphill to school!"
master_trainer_mike says, "BOTH WAYS!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #108 from espion63:
what happens if you get all the questions right on the Professor test?
master_trainer_mike says, "You would make a good Pokemon Professor."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #15 from sd_pokemom:
If we TO tournaments, but run them under three-judge rule, will that count
against the requirements for "Master" Professor status? Or only tourneys
where there is one judge? And end-of-season League tourneys would count if
DCI-sanctioned, right?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes to both."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #33 from chrisbo:
One of the requirements for "Master Professor" level is to act as a Judge or
T.O. in at least five DCI-sanctioned tournaments per year. However, what if
the T.O. and Judge are BOTH Professors? Will they both get credit or only
one of them?
master_trainer_mike says, "Being the TO or being the Head Judge will count.
If both are Professors at an event, then they will both count."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #62 from lance313:
Okay, what if the TO IS the head judge, double credit or just one to a
customer per event?
master_trainer_mike says, "That only counts as one event."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #73 from daytongl:
Do events that I judged/organized before I took the Professor Test count
towards the 5 per year judge/TO total?
master_trainer_mike says, "Any events run from Jan 1, 2002 and on count."
master_trainer_mike says, "Read up on what is written about the Professor
program online. There are many benefits to being a Professor in addition to
the events we will be holding for you. Such as the ability to write directly
to us and ask questions, we will ask you to help with playtesting, and so
on. The Professor membership cards have been designed and they look GREAT! I
think you will want to earn one."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #114 from
slowkingprince:
Do we get the Professor membership cards in the mail after we pass the test?
master_trainer_pat says, "Yes, that's right. Though it will take some time
to get your card"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #118 from yoshi1001:
So professors can ask you questions directly? Does this mean I can annoy you
more than one day a week?
master_trainer_mike says, "You will be able to join an exclusive mail-list."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #85 from chrisbo:
I notice that the K-ratings are increased by 8K for events where a Master
Professor is head judge. What about a plain ol' Professor; do their
tournaments get any increase in K values?
master_trainer_mike says, "That won't be starting right away."
master_trainer_mike says, "Regular Professors will noy increase K ratings
though, only Master Professors will."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #138 from
matthewssandslash:
What are "K-values"?
master_trainer_mike says, "They are part of the Elo system which we use for
Ratings and Rankings for all of our TCG's (except the sports games) It is
explained on our web site under The Tournament Organizer information."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #49 from aquagnome29:
Woah, it sounds like the 15+ players who just want to play don't really have
any events for them. Is this true?
master_trainer_mike says, "Play in the league tournaments. Play in local
tournaments! RUN YOUR OWN TOURNAMENTS!"
master_trainer_pat says, "They can still play in league or local
tournaments"
darkmt_mike says, "Or in side tournaments!"
master_trainer_mike says, "All you have to do to play in the premiere
Professor tournaments is pass an online test. That simple."
TEAM FORMAT:
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #48 from matt_moss:
when will the team format details be out?
master_trainer_mike says, "That will be leaked to Professors first, once
that is up and running."
PLAYER REWARDS PROGRAM:
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #25 from lucky_cal:
Do you have any info about the Pokémon Player Rewards Program that you're
willing to give out? Or is it more wait-and-see?
master_trainer_pat says, "We're trying to get some of these other programs
going first."
POKEMON LEAGUE:
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #227 from darkpoinko:
will there be Create-A-Card side events? cuz man, those are fun, and I
didn't get to enter any of my cards last time
master_trainer_pat says, "Dunno. We're doing a Create A Card through the
leagues in season 2 though."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #124 from
lord_gothmog0000:
Any info on whether or not Toys R Us will be carrying Leagues later on? If
not, I and many others are going to be effected negatively.
master_trainer_mike says, "Their corporate office is undergoing a
restructuring (have you seen the news lately?). They said they want to run
the leagues but it is taking some time for them to get it set up. We are
still working with them and have hopes that some of the stores will do so
eventually."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #126 from
matthewssandslash:
My Gym Leader uses some pretty weird rules. Like he says that when Ditto
copies an opponent, it's not immediate and involuntary. What should I do?
master_trainer_pat says, "You have educate your Gym Leader. Do it nicely
now."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #233 from sd_pokemom:
When are the season 2 kits going out?
master_trainer_mike says, "Season 2 starts in Feb."
PROMO CARDS:
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #107 from
umbreons_shadow:
Do you know what the second season league promos will be, or did I miss it
already?
master_trainer_mike says, "yes we do"
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #22 from soslowpoke:
What's Season 2 of league's Classic Promo?
master_trainer_pat says, "Electabuzz...or something like that"
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #44 from soslowpoke:
Electabuzz for season 2?
master_trainer_pat says, "Right. I think."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #71 from soslowpoke:
Will the Season 2 Electabuzz promo still have the KidsWB present Pokemon the
first movie gold stamp on it?
master_trainer_mike says, "Mmmmaybe"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #194 from
lord_gothmog0000:
Considering that Season 1 and 2's New Promos have been from the Japanese
vending set....can we assume that most of the new promos will be too?
master_trainer_mike says, "I wouldn't assume anything."
NEO: DESTINY:
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #115 from
mysterioustrainer:
Did you guys say Neo Destiny is on the verge of appearing in stores?
master_trainer_mike says, "In February."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #76 from soslowpoke:
Will there be a card called Miracle Energy in NeoDestiny or will it go by a
different name?
master_trainer_pat says, "I will confirm that there was a Miracle Energy
card in the original release of Neo 4 in Japan, however, I don't want to
comment yet whether that card appears in the same form in Neo Destiny or
not."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #78 from soslowpoke:
Will u do a cool report on NeoDestiny cards like you did in October for Neo
Revelation?
master_trainer_pat says, "Here at the chat? Sure we'll do a round up of some
of our favorite cards from Destiny in one of the chats after it releases."
master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #79 from soslowpoke:
What are the theme decks for NeoDestiny?
master_trainer_pat says, "I have no advance info yet, but I hope we do some
Theme Decks for this set...it's a larger set that Neo Revelation"