A. Tournament Format

• Each round consists of one (1) Match (first Duelist to win/lose 2 out of 3 Duels).
• After the Swiss Rounds are complete, there will be a cut to the Top 8.
• Day 1 of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Championship 2024 will consist of seven (7) rounds of Swiss tournament play plus the Quarter Final round ? eight (8) rounds in total.
• Day 2 will consist of the remaining two (2) rounds of Single-Elimination play featuring the remaining Top 4 Duelists from Day 1.

B. Deck & Deck List

• Duelists may only use the Deck which they registered for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Championship 2024.
• Cards that are not listed on the submitted Deck List cannot be used.
• Cards switched from the Side Deck to Main Deck or vice versa must be returned to the original Deck as written on the Deck List, prior to the beginning of each Match.
• Duelists are not allowed to swap cards in their Main Deck from the Side Deck in the 1st Duel of a Match.

C. Time Limit

• The Time Limit for each Swiss Round is 45 minutes.
• The Time Limit for the Quarter-Finals is 55 minutes.
• The Time Limit for the Semi-Finals is 55 minutes.
• The Championship Match does not have a time limit, but Duelists are expected to play at the proper pace and slow play penalties will be enforced as needed.
• This includes intervals between Duels (time used for Side Decking and shuffling), and the time that it takes a judge to make a ruling or for translators to translate Duelists’ questions.
  
  • Depending on the situation, the Judge may opt to extend time, but this is not guaranteed.
• Both Duelists are responsible for playing at an acceptable pace so that the Round ends before the Time Limit.

D. Slow Play

• Duelists will be penalized for delaying the game.
• Duelists who repeatedly delay the game are subject to upgraded penalties.
• Duelists who take excessive time to perform actions, or make repetitive actions, may receive penalties, even if the delay is unintentional.
• Penalties are given by a judge, usually beginning with a Warning.
• Duelists must inform a judge if they feel their opponent is causing a delay.
• This includes intervals between Duels (time used for Side Decking and shuffling), and the time taken by Duelists to ask questions, and time taken to resolve any issues.
  • Depending on the situation, the Head Judge may opt to extend time, but this is not guaranteed.
• Both Duelists are responsible for playing at an acceptable pace so that the Round ends before the Time Limit.
• Slow Play penalties come with a minimum time extension of three (3) minutes unless the Match is already in the End of Match procedure.

E. End of Match Procedure - Swiss Rounds

If the Match does not finish within 45 minutes, the result will be decided by the following End of Match procedures:

Swiss Round End of Match procedures should follow these three (3) rules:

Rule #1:

If time is called while Duelists are in the middle of a Game, the current Game must have a decision (Win, Loss, or Draw)

Rule #2:

Once the current Game has concluded with a decision, determine the winner of the Match by determining the number of Game Wins (or Game Losses) each Duelist has for the current Match. The Duelist with the most Game Wins will win the Match.

If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time was called in between games of a Match when both Duelists had the same number of Game Wins, then the Match is a Draw.

Rule #3:

If a win condition occurs during End of Match Procedures, that Duelist wins the current Game.

Keeping these three (3) rules in mind, please follow these instructions when proceeding to End of Match procedures:

1. Continue with the current Phase of the Game
2. Once the Phase is over, stop the Game
3. Determine a Game Winner at this point, with the Duelist with the most Life Points winning the Game
   • During Swiss Rounds, if both Duelists’ Life Points are the same, the Game is a Draw
4. Compare Game Wins
   • If one Duelist has more Game Wins, that Duelist wins the Match
   • If Game Win totals are the same, the Match is a Draw

Draws may only occur during the Swiss portion of a tournament and only during End of Match procedures.

Duelists may not choose to end a Match in a Draw. Intentionally choosing to end a Match in a Draw, playing in a manner designed to end the Match in a Draw, or stalling to have a Match end in a Draw, is against tournament policy and could result in a Disqualification.

F. End of Match Procedure - Single-Elimination

If the Match does not finish within the round time limit, the result will be decided by the following End of Match procedures:

Single-Elimination End of Match procedures should follow these three (3) rules:

Rule #1:

If time is called while Duelists are in the middle of a Game, the current Game must have a decision (Win, Loss, or Draw)

Rule #2:

Once the current Game has concluded with a decision, determine the winner of the Match by determining the number of Game Wins (or Game Losses) each Duelist has for the current Match. The Duelist with the most Game Wins will win the Match.

If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time is called in between Games of a Match while both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, they will begin a new Duel with specific guidelines.

• Neither Duelist may use his or her Side Deck.
• If time was called in between Games of a Match and at least one Duelist has already accessed his or her Side Deck, then both Duelists may use their Side Deck.
• Duelists must roll a die to choose who will go first.
• The Duel will continue for a total of four (4) turns, two (2) turns for each Duelist, unless a Duelist manages to win the Duel before the four (4) turns have concluded.
• A “turn” is defined as the start of the Draw Phase until the end of the End Phase for a single Duelist.
• Once the four (4) turns are completed, Life Point totals are compared and the Duelist with the highest Life Point total wins the Match.
• If both Duelists’ Life Points are the same after the four (4) turns are completed, then play will continue on a turn-by-turn basis, with the Duelist with the most Life Points at the end of a turn being declared the winner of that Game.

Rule #3:

If a win condition occurs during End of Match Procedures, that Duelist wins the current Game.

Keeping these three (3) rules in mind, please follow these instructions when proceeding to End of Match procedures:

1. Continue with the current Phase of the Game. Once the Phase is over, stop the game
2. Determine a Game Winner at this point, with the Duelist with the most Life Points winning the Game
   • During Single-Elimination, if both Duelists’ Life Points are the same at the end of the current Phase (Step 1 above), finish the current turn.
   • If both Duelists’ Life Points are the same at the end of the turn, then play will continue on a turn-by-turn basis, with the Duelist with the most Life Points at the end of a turn being declared the winner of that Game.
   • Match Draws cannot occur during Single-Elimination Rounds.

G. Dueling Procedures

Conduct each Duel following the procedure below:

1. Shake hands with the opponent.
2. Each Duelist reveals the number of cards in their Extra Deck and Side Deck.
3. Each Duelist must thoroughly randomize (shuffle) their Deck where the opponent can see.
1. Each Duelist will use the faro shuffling method.
2. Pile shuffling is not allowed.
3. A Duelist cannot look at, check, or order the cards when shuffling.
4. A Duelist cannot pre-sort their Deck (sorting Monsters/Spell/Trap, etc.) without fully randomizing the Deck afterwards.
5. After the Deck is thoroughly randomized, it must be presented to the opponent.
6. The opponent must randomize (shuffle) the Deck further and then return it to the original owner.
7. The owner must then “cut” their Deck, then present it to the opponent who must “cut” the Deck again and then present it back to the original owner.
8. No additional randomization may be done to the Deck after this point by the owner or the opponent.
4. If a Duelist is resolving multiple search effects in a turn, they will not shuffle after each individual search effect.
   1. Instead, they will wait until all search effects are completed, and then shuffle their Deck.
   2. To remove confusion about whether the Deck is randomized, Duelists will be provided with a two-sided card which will indicate “Randomized” or “Not Randomized,” depending on which side is displayed.
      
      1. While the search effects are being carried out, the card should indicate “Not Randomized”.
      2. After all searches are completed, the Deck should be randomized (shuffled) and the card turned to indicate that the Deck is now “Randomized”.
   3. This should be done prior to the resolution of any effect that requires the Duelist to draw from the Deck, or at the end of the turn.
   4. If there is any question or concern about whether the Deck has been randomized, Duelists should call for a judge.
5. A judge will make the final randomization for all shuffling during the Quarter-Finals on Day 1, and the Semi-Finals and Championship Match on Day 2.

H. Duelist Responsibilities

• If Duelists have a question or concern about a ruling, policy, or any aspect of the tournament, they must call a judge and follow the judge’s instructions.
• If either Duelist resolves a card effect incorrectly and continues with the Duel, Duelists should call a judge and follow the judge’s instructions to properly address the situation.
• No disputes will be accepted after the Duel ends.
• Both Duelists must pay attention to each other’s actions during the Duel, as both Duelists are responsible for maintaining the game state.
• Duelists are expected to perform their actions within a reasonable amount of time.
• Duelists who take excessive amounts of time to make their plays may be subject to penalties.

I. Hygiene

• This will be a livestreamed event, streamed globally, with each Duelist representing their country and region in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world. Duelists should be showered and appropriately groomed.
  • Neglecting to wash or put on clean clothes contributes to an unpleasant atmosphere at the event.
• Duelists who neglect self-care to the point that they are negatively impacting the tournament may be asked to correct the issue to continue in the event.

Finals 1st Stage

Sep 7, 2024 *PDT

The Main Tournament 1st Stage will comprise 3 rounds played in a Swiss Draw format. This means that players with similar results (DP) will be pitted against each other in their next matches.

The winner of each round will be determined by a BO5 match (first to win 3 Duels / max. 5 Duels).
Once a Deck is used, it cannot be reused in the same round.
During each round, you will be awarded 3 DP for a win, 0 DP for a loss, and 1 DP for a draw.
The top 4 players after 3 rounds will advance to the Final Tournament.

Precedence for Deciding Rankings

1. Highest DP
2. Highest average DP of opponents
3. Highest average DP of opponents defeated
4. Most Duels won
5. Least Duels lost
6. Highest average DP of opponents Dueled by opponents you Dueled
7. Highest average DP of opponents' opponents
8. Highest total of remaining LP at the end of Duels won

Final Tournament

September 7-8, 2024 *PDT

The Final Tournament will comprise 2 Semi-Finals and 1 Final played in a single elimination format between the 4 players who advanced from the Main Tournament 1st Stage.
The winner of each round will be determined by a BO5 match (first to win 3 Duels / max. 5 Duels).
Once a Deck is used, it cannot be reused in the same round.

The Semi-Finals of the Final Tournament will be held on the same day that the Main Tournament 1st Stage concludes. The Championship Match is scheduled to be played the following day.

Deck Rules

Duelists will construct 5 Decks that follow the guidelines below.

• Duelists must follow the Forbidden/Limited List effective as of Aug 9, 2024(JST).
• Duelists cannot use any new cards, characters, and Skills scheduled to be added to the game on or after Aug 9, 2024 (JST).
• Duelists must prepare 5 Decks, each with a different character and Skill.
• At least 3 Decks must have a Legendary Skill set.
• Duelists can only have up to 3 copies in total of each card across all Decks.
• Duelists can only have up to 1 copy in total of each Limited 1 card across all of their Decks, and up to 2 copies in total of each Limited 2 card across all Decks.
• Cards you can only obtain 1 or 2 copies of in-game can only be included up to that number in total across all Decks. (Legend Cards are an exception to this rule.)
• Duelists can have up to 3 copies in total of each Legend Card, with a maximum of 1 per Deck. However, if a Legend Card is Limited 1 or Limited 2, only 1 or 2 copies respectively in total can be included across all Decks.
• Each Duelist can select 2 Tactical Cards and include up to 3 copies of each per Deck. If only 1 or 2 copies of a selected card are obtainable in-game, or if it is Limited 1 or Limited 2, only 1 or 2 copies respectively can be included per Deck. Legend Cards cannot be selected as Tactical Cards.

Finals 1st Stage

Sep 7, 2024 *PDT

The Main Tournament 1st Stage will comprise 4 rounds played in a Swiss Draw format. This means that players with the most similar results (DP) will be pitted against each other in their next matches.
The winner of each round will be determined by a BO5 match (first to win 3 Duels / max. 5 Duels).
Once a Deck is used, it cannot be reused in the same round.
During each round, you will be awarded 3 DP for a win, 0 DP for a loss, and 1 DP for a draw.
The top 4 players after 4 rounds will advance to the Final Tournament.

Precedence for Deciding Rankings

1. Highest DP
2. Highest average DP of opponents
3. Highest average DP of opponents defeated
4. Most Duels won
5. Least Duels lost
6. Highest average DP of opponents Dueled by opponents you Dueled
7. Highest average DP of opponents' opponents
8. Highest total of remaining LP at the end of Duels won

Final Tournament

September 7-8, 2024 *PDT

The Final Tournament will comprise 2 Semi-Finals and 1 Final played in a single elimination format between the 4 players who advanced from the Main Tournament 1st Stage.
The winner of each round will be determined by a BO5 match (first to win 3 Duels / max. 5 Duels).
Once a Deck is used, it cannot be reused in the same round.

The Semi-Finals of the Final Tournament will be held on the same day that the Main Tournament 1st Stage concludes. The Championship Match is scheduled to be played the following day.

Deck Rules

Duelists will construct 5 Decks that follow the guidelines below.

• Duelists must follow the Forbidden/Limited List effective as of Aug 9, 2024(JST).
• Duelists cannot use any new cards, characters, and Skills scheduled to be added to the game on or after Aug 9, 2024 (JST).
• Duelists must prepare 5 Decks, each with a different character and Skill.
• At least 3 Decks must have a Legendary Skill set.
• Duelists can only have up to 3 copies in total of each card across all Decks.
• Duelists can only have up to 1 copy in total of each Limited 1 card across all of their Decks, and up to 2 copies in total of each Limited 2 card across all Decks.
• Cards you can only obtain 1 or 2 copies of in-game can only be included up to that number in total across all Decks.
• Each Duelist can select 1 Tactical Cards and include up to 3 copies of each per Deck. If only 1 or 2 copies of a selected card are obtainable in-game, or if it is Limited 1 or Limited 2, only 1 or 2 copies respectively can be included per Deck.

Decks

All Decks must follow the Forbidden/Limited List effective as of Aug 10, 2024 and consist only of cards available on that date.

Each player can use up to two Decks and can choose which of the two to use for each Duel. (Six Decks per team in total.)
- There can be at most three copies of each card across all of each team's Decks. If a card is Limited or Semi-Limited, only one or two copies respectively can be included across all of each team's Decks.

Example:

• If 1 Deck contains 2 copies of "赤サイド-Eyes White Dragon", there can be at most 1 other copy across the other Decks.
• If 1 Deck contains 3 copies of "Red-Eyes Black Dragon", none of the other Decks can contain a copy.
• If 1 Deck contains 1 copy of "Called by the Grave", a Semi-Limited card, there can be at most 1 other copy across the other Decks.
• If 1 Deck contains 1 copy of "Crossout Designator", a Limited card, none of the other Decks can contain a copy.

Each team can designate up to 3 different cards as "Shared Cards".
If a card is designated as a Shared Card, up to 3 copies can be included in each Deck.
If a Shared Card is Limited, only 1 copy can be included in each Deck. If a Shared Card is Semi-Limited, up to 2 copies can be included in each Deck.
Example: If you select "赤サイド-Eyes White Dragon" as a Shared Card, you can include 3 copies in each of your Decks.

Finals 1st Stage

Sep 7, 2024 *PDT

In the Finals 1st Stage, groups will be formed of 6 teams, and a round-robin competition will be held among the 6 teams in each group.
The top 2 teams from each group will proceed to the Final Tournament.

The ranking within each group is determined by the following.

1. Total rounds won.
2. Most individual Duels won.
3. Total Duels won by the team leader.
4. If two teams have the same totals for 1 through 3, a Duel between the team representatives will be played to decide which team places higher. Representatives will be selected by a unanimous decision within each team.

Final Tournament

Sep 8, 2024 *PDT

The top two teams from each group will proceed to the Final Tournament for a total of four teams.
The four teams will compete in the Semi-Finals, with the two winning teams advancing to the Championship Match.
The winning team in the Championship Match will be the winner of this competition.
When the winning team is determined, all other Duels taking place at that moment will be terminated.