Rotation (TCG)
A rotation in the Pokémon Trading Card Game is when several sets are removed from Pokémon Organized Play (POP), usually because they are too old and would not be compatible with newer sets or rules. Rotations almost always occur directly following the TCG World Championships and remove four or more sets. If a set is "removed," that means a player is no longer able to use any card in that set in their deck. This rule only applies to Modified format. In Unlimited format, players may use any card from any set in their decks.
Rotations had occured every year since the Modified format was instituted. However, the 2009-10 tournament season will not include a rotation.
Controversy
A fair number of players in the POP leagues believe that "banning" cards from play, and thereby removing whole decks, slows down play and is bad for the game as a whole. On the other hand, many players think that being forced to come up with new deck ideas makes the game more fun and interesting.
Current Rotation
Expansions that have been rotated out
- Base Set as of date
- Jungle as of date
- Fossil as of date
- Team Rocket as of date
- Gym Heroes as of date
- Gym Challenge as of date
- Neo Genesis as of date
- Neo Discovery as of date
- Neo Revelation as of date
- Neo Destiny as of date
- Expedition Base Set as of date
- Aquapolis as of date
- Skyridge as of date
- All Wizards Black Star Promos as of date
- EX Ruby & Sapphire as of date
- EX Sandstorm as of date
- EX Dragon as of date
- EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua as of date
- EX Hidden Legends as of date
- EX FireRed & LeafGreen as of date
- EX Team Rocket Returns as of date
- EX Deoxys as of date
- EX Emerald as of date
- EX Unseen Forces as of date
- EX Delta Species as of date
- EX Legend Maker as of date
- EX Holon Phantoms as of date
- EX Crystal Guardians as of date
- EX Dragon Frontiers as of date
- EX Power Keepers as of date
- POP Series 1 as of date
- POP Series 2 as of date
- POP Series 3 as of date
- POP Series 4 as of date
- POP Series 5 as of date
- Nintendo Black Star Promos 001-040 as of date
