What is HS-Block?

HS-Block is a format comprising of all HeartGold & SoulSilver set (similar to RS-PK or DP Block). Block formats are a fun alternative way to play retro formats because all the cards and mechanics available were designed to interact with each other. The below sets are included in the HS-Block:

• HeartGold & SoulSilver
• Unleashed
• Undaunted
• Triumphant
• Call of Legends
• HeartGold & SoulSilver Promos
• HS Trainer Kits Raichu & Gyarados
  

Tournament Format

• We will play one round every week, so you can pick a time that works best for you and your opponent. If we have more than 4 rounds, we may reduce the round time.
• Matches are best of 3.
• No time limit will be enforced, but you're welcome to agree to one with your opponent for your match.
• Webcam will be the default medium for gameplay. If you and your opponent agree to it, you can also use untap.in, Tabletop Simulator, PTCGO, or any other mediums to play.
  

Proxies and Decklists

Proxies are allowed for this tournament. Try to use high quality proxies, such as printouts of the cards from pkmncards.com, if possible. We want to make sure it's clear to your opponent what cards you are playing down.

We are collecting decklists but this will be a closed list event. Lists will be published after the event ends. Our main goal is to have a record of lists played to help the format develop.

First Turn Rules

The player that wins the coin flip must go first. The player that goes first cannot play any trainers, supporters, or stadium cards. In other words, they can bench more Pokémon, attach an energy, and attack. The player that goes second has no restrictions.

Discord

We will communicate tournament announcements in our Discord. Follow notifications on the tournament channel to receive updates.

New to the format?

If you're interested in trying the format but have no experience, we'd still love for you to play! Our decklists channel in the Discord server will have a lot of different ideas that you're welcome to netdeck, and our community will be more than happy to give you advice on deckbuilding. In this format, Stage 2 Pokémon have slow, back-and-forth battles, Yanmega Prime brings intricate gameplay decisions making you count your hands, and Pokémon LEGENDs bring out crazy deck lists.

Jason Klaczynski's retro blog also has an introduction to the format if you'd like to read up on it! Link: https://jklaczpokemon.wordpress.com/hs/

Miscellaneous

• Rare Candy has not received an errata. You may play it on your first turn and the turn a Pokémon has come into play, including to evolve a basic into a stage 1. Remember you cannot play any trainers on your first turn of the game if you go first.
• This is a casual tournament without prizing.
• Contact staff if a ruling is needed or if there are any concerns with your match. We'll try to resolve anything as amicably as possible.
• If you and your opponent are unable to find a time to play, you have the option to agree to an intentional draw, or one player can choose to concede. Reach out to us if there are issues with scheduling with your opponent.
• No time limits are enforced but you're welcome to agree to a time limit for your match if you need to fit into a time constraint.