🕹️ Game Timer

All games must be played with the PTCGL in-game timer enabled. Both players are responsible for ensuring the timer is on before the game begins.

When receiving a friend challenge, PTCGL shows if the timer is active. If it’s off, decline the challenge and notify your opponent.

If a game begins without the timer, it is assumed that both players agreed to that. You may play without it, but finishing on time becomes your own responsibility.

⏳ Slowplay / Stalling

Intentional slowplay is not allowed. The in-game timer helps, but does not fully prevent it. Players may not waste time by running down the clock or performing actions that do not affect the game state.

If you suspect slowplay, take screenshots showing both players’ timers and call a judge. If a significant timer discrepancy is found, the judge may award the win to the non-offending player.

Intentional slowplay is considered unsporting conduct, and repeated offenses can lead to disqualification.

Example: Player A is using a Zacian/Lucario & Melmetal deck versus Decidueye, has no way to deal damage, and repeatedly uses Turffield Stadium without purpose while waiting 15 seconds before passing. This behavior qualifies as intentional slowplay. Judges may escalate penalties in such cases.

✅ Match Check-In

All rounds use the match check-in feature. You must click the Check-In button on your match page to confirm you’re ready to play.

Failure to check in during the allotted time results in an automatic loss.

If a player forgets to check in but begins the match on PTCGL, request a judge to reset the score.

If a player receives an automatic loss for not showing up in time, the result is final unless their opponent chooses to wait and request a reset.

The check-in system helps manage no-shows and ensures fair round timing. Judges will not penalize players who began their match on time but forgot to click “Check-In.”

🔌 Disconnects

If a player disconnects, their in-game timer continues running. If they reconnect before being penalized, play continues as normal. If the timer runs out and the opponent is awarded the win, that result stands as final.

Games are not to be restarted due to disconnects, as PTCGL automatically handles inactivity and reconnections.

🧾 Decklist Errors

If a player’s deck contains a card not listed on their submitted decklist, it results in a game loss for that round.

Notify your opponent in both the in-game chat and match chat, take a screenshot, and call a judge.

Selecting the wrong deck is treated the same as having the wrong card. If noticed before setup (e.g., selecting a theme deck by accident), restart the game.

Repeated or intentional decklist violations may result in disqualification.

🧩 Multi-Game Matches

In best-of-three matches, the loser of the previous game chooses who goes first in the next game. This must be clearly communicated in PTCGL or the match chat.

If the winner of the previous game wins the coin flip and accidentally selects the wrong option, the opponent may request a restart for that game.

🚫 Unsporting Conduct

Unsporting behavior such as:

• Intentionally reporting wrong results
• Insulting opponents
• Repeated rule violations

will result in disqualification and possible bans from future events. The Head Judge or Organizer has the final say in all rulings and may apply penalties at their discretion.