TEAM YCS Very Important Player (VIP) Qualifier FAQ
In Effect as of December 21st, 2022
UPDATED: 12/22/2022
BASIC INFORMATION
- What is a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- Where and when are the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers?
- What is the attendance capacity for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- How do I enter a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- How do I register for a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- What are the prizes for TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers?
- How many teams will earn VIP Status via a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- What is the format for TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournaments?
- What are the rules for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- Can I get a CARD GAME ID number at the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament, or will I need to have one before I attend the event?
- Will I need to complete and turn in a Deck List?
- What cards are legal for play?
- Can I use OCG cards in my Deck?
- Can I use foreign language cards in my Constructed Deck?
- If I’ve never been to a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament, what should I expect?
- I want to judge at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
- Will TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier VIP Status “pass down” if someone who has already earned a VIP Status earns another one?
- How and when will I receive my VIP Status?
- Is travel or hotel included with my VIP Status?
- Whom should I contact for more information about a specific TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier I attended, who should I contact?
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – IN-PERSON EVENTS
- What will I need to bring to a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
- Are there any items I am not allowed to bring to the tournament?
- What if I lost an item at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
- What will I need to bring in order to register for the tournament?
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – REMOTE DUEL EVENTS
- What do I need to know regarding a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
- What will I need to have with me for a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
- What will I need to prepare in order to register for the Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
- I’m under 13. Am I able to participate in a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
AT THE TOURNAMENT
- How long will the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament last?
- What happens if I am not done with my Match after time ends for a Round?
- Can I buy and sell cards from other participants during the event?
BASIC INFORMATION
Q: What is a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
The TEAM YCS Very Important Player (VIP) Qualifier is a tournament which allows you and your teammates to earn VIP Status at an upcoming TEAM Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (TEAM YCS) tournament in North America.
TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier events will always be TEAM YCS-specific, and will always award prizes to a single upcoming TEAM YCS Event. The TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier is a Tier 1 tournament. Only select Official Tournament Stores (OTS) are permitted to host a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier.
Q: Where and when are the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers?
The TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers will be scheduled approximately eight (8) weeks prior to the TEAM YCS event that it will qualify players for. A list of locations for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier event can be found online at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/vip-qualifier/vip-qualifier-locations/.
Please contact the OTS for the exact tournament start time.
Q: What is the attendance capacity for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
Each TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier has a seating capacity and it may vary from location to location. It is advised that you reach out to the OTS early enough to register for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier so that you can ensure a spot in the event. If you have any additional questions, please contact the OTS directly at the phone number that corresponds with the event in the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier Locator page.
Q: How do I enter a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
Duelists in North America will pay $13.50 per Duelist in the United States ($40.50 per team) or $20.25 per Duelist in Canada ($60.75 per team) to receive three (3) booster packs per Duelist (nine (9) booster packs per team), or equivalent sealed product, and registration in the event.
Sales tax and fees are not included in the cost of the booster packs and registration for the event. These may be charged in addition to the cost of the event.
Q: How do I register for a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
When you get to the event, all three (3) members of the team will need to register at the same time in order to play.
To register, each team should have a single, uncut 3 vs 3 Team Duel KDE-US Registration Form. Each team member should also have a form of government/school ID, your CARD GAME ID if you have one already, and the registration fee for the tournament. You can get a Registration form at the event, or you can get one to print at home before the tournament by clicking on this link:
Teams must use a 3 vs 3 Team Duel KDE-US Registration Form or an uncut KDE-US Registration Form sheet to register for this event (3 Registration Forms per sheet). Each team should write their team name at the very top of the Registration Form. The top player is automatically Player A, the middle is Player B, and the bottom is Player C.
OTS/Tournament Organizer reserve the right to request a team name change if they feel the team name may not be suitable for players of all ages or if the team name breaches any Trademark or Copyright.
Make sure your Registration form is filled out completely before you reach the registration station.
You will also need a CARD GAME ID number – this is the ID number used to track you in the tournament. If you don’t already have one, you will be able to get one at the tournament.
If you have a CARD GAME ID and have lost or forgotten it, you can ask the Registration station to look it up for you. If you’ve played in a previous event, they may be able to retrieve your number.
Once you have a completed Registration form and a CARD GAME ID, you can register for the tournament.
Please arrive early enough before the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier is scheduled to start to ensure you will be properly registered for the tournament. Registration generally closes 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Teams may register late for an event and will begin the event with a Round 1 Match Loss. Space is always limited based on the capacity of the venue, so please arrive and register early.
You may also need a Deck List. Each OTS may require a Deck List to participate in the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier. Please check with the OTS to see if one will be required. If a Deck List is required, you can get a Team Duel Deck List form at the event when you register, or you can download one to fill out ahead of time by clicking on this link:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE Team Deck List – English Editable.pdf
This is an editable PDF, so you will be able to type the card names in this form, which should help as your Deck List needs to be legible and complete – write the name of each card in full, and write down how many copies you have in your Deck.
- Make sure your name and CARD GAME ID are on your Deck List.
- Make sure your Deck List exactly matches your Deck.
Please check with the Head Judge for additional instructions on the Deck List collection process.
Q: What are the prizes for TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers?
In addition to the booster packs each Duelist receives upon entering the tournament, the 1st place teamwill be eligible to receive a prize package at the TEAM YCS for which the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier is being held. The prizes must be collected at the qualifying TEAM YCS, and include the following:
- Free Entry into the TEAM YCS
- Must be the TEAM YCS in which the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier is qualifying for
- Prize is non-transferable
- Duelist will receive all TEAM YCS participation prizes they would be eligible for with regular paid entry (Participation Packs, etc.), if applicable
- Two-Round BYE in the TEAM YCS
- Team will start the tournament in Round 3 with a 2-0 record (2 Wins and 0 Losses)
- Assigned Seating throughout the course of the TEAM YCS Main Event in the VIP Section
Each TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier will award a single “VIP Package” for the winning team. In order for a team to qualify for VIP Status, a minimum of two (2) Duelists from that team must be present and register as part of the same team at the TEAM YCS. If less than two (2) Duelists from that team attempt to register, they will not be eligible to receive VIP Status. We encourage for all three (3) members of the winning team to coordinate ahead of time in order to avoid any issues with the team registration process.
Q: How many teams will earn VIP Status via a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
Only the winning team of each TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier earns VIP Status at the TEAM YCS the Qualifier is held for.
VIP Status does not pass down and cannot accumulate towards multiple events.
Q: What is the format for TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournaments?
All TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier events are Tier 1 events, conducted as Advanced Format, Constructed Deck, Swiss round events. The TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier will play Swiss Rounds, with no Playoff top cut, with prizes awarded at the end of the final Round of Swiss. The format details provided here supersede any tournament details found in other official KDE-US policy documents.
TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers will utilize a Constructed Deck format to play all Swiss and Playoff rounds.
A minimum of four (4) teams is required to run a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier.
The following chart will show how many Swiss Rounds will be played, based on attendance:
| Number of Teams* | Number of Swiss Rounds | Playoff Top Cut |
| 4 – 8 | 3 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 9 – 16 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 17 – 32 | 5 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 33 – 64 | 6 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 65 or more | 7 Rounds of Swiss | None |
*The Number of teams is based on how many total teams are enrolled in the tournament once Registration closes. All teams added to the event after registration closes should not affect the number of Swiss Rounds.
| Examples | After registration closes, 7 teams have registered for the tournament. This means that the tournament will have 3 Rounds of Swiss, with no Playoff top cut. Two teams register late, beginning the tournament with a Round 1 Match Loss. Even though this brings the attendance total to 9, only 3 Rounds of Swiss are played. |
Q: What are the rules for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
- When registering for the tournament, each team will designate one Duelist on the team to be Duelist A, one to be Duelist B, and one to be Duelist C. Team members must keep their team designation throughout the tournament.
- At the start of the round, Duelist A will play against Duelist A, Duelist B will play against Duelist B, and Duelist C will play against Duelist C. Team members play as individuals – they do not share cards, Decks, Life Points, etc.
- All members of the team will play a best 2 out of 3 match.
- The team with the most Match wins gets the win for the round. Once a team has won two (2) Matches, any ongoing Matches end.
Example of play:
Team 1 (Duelist 1A, Duelist 1B, and Duelist 1C) and Team 2 (Duelist 2A, Duelist 2B, and Duelist 2C) play each other in Round 1.
- Duelist 1A sits across from Duelist 2A, and they play each other, best 2 out of 3.
- Duelist 1B sits across from Duelist 2B, and they play each other, best 2 out of 3.
- Duelist 1C sits across from Duelist 2C, and they play each other, best 2 out of 3.
At the end of the Round, the teams compare Match wins.
- Duelist 1A won the Match against Duelist 2A.
- Duelist 1B won the Match against Duelist 2B.
- Duelist 1C lost the Match against Duelist 2C.
Since Team 1 has 2 Match wins, Team 1 wins the round.
Q: Can I get a CARD GAME ID number at the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament, or will I need to have one before I attend the event?
If you previously had a COSSY ID, that same number will carry over as your CARD GAME ID. You will still need to register online at https://cardgame-network.konami.net/.
If you do not remember your previous 10-digit ID, the OTS may be able to look it up for you. Please email the OTS at least five (5) days prior to the event to give them time to locate your correct CARD GAME ID. Duelists should avoid acquiring new CARD GAME IDs if the previous ID can be found.
If you have never signed up for a CARD GAME ID number, you can get one by registering online at https://cardgame-network.konami.net/.
Q: Will I need to complete and turn in a Deck List?
All Duelists participating in a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier may have to turn in a completed Deck List to participate. Please check with the OTS if they are requiring Deck Lists for their event and for additional information regarding the Deck List collection process.
Duelists can download the official KDE-US Team Duel Deck List at:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE Team Deck List – English Editable.pdf
This is an editable PDF, so you will be able to type the card names in this form, which should help as your Deck List needs to be legible and complete – write the name of each card in full, and write down how many copies you have in your Deck.
Make sure that your name and CARD GAME ID are on your Deck List.
Make sure that your Deck List exactly matches your Deck.
There is a very helpful article on our strategy site that will help you fill out your Deck List properly. Just follow the link here:
http://www.konami.com/yugioh/articles/?p=3534
Duelists are encouraged to complete their Deck List before arriving at the Tournament by using the downloadable KDE-US Deck List and typing out all of the necessary information in the editable fields on the form.
Q: What cards are legal for play?
Please check the “Products” page online at http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/products/ for an updated look at the legality dates of Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME product releases, prior to preparing your Deck for the event.
Advanced Format tournaments use a specific list of playable cards. Some cards are forbidden from use, or limited to a set number in the Deck, to better balance tournament play. Duelists can view the most current Advanced Format card list by visiting this link: http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/
Constructed Decks for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG tournaments must meet specific guidelines for use in the event. Duelists must ensure that their Decks meet these requirements before entering an event. A Duelist’s Deck includes their Main Deck and may include a Side Deck and/or an Extra Deck.
A Duelist may not have more than three (3) copies of any card included in their Main Deck, Side Deck, and Extra Deck combined.
For any Remote Duel events, there are additional cards on the Remote Duel Forbidden List. Please check the Remote Duel Best Practices Guide for the current list of cards Forbidden for Remote Duel events:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/remoteduel/guides/EN_Remote_Duel_Best_Practice_Guide_V_1_2.pdf
Cards that have been altered from their original appearance with surface decoration may be used for play only if the alterations do not obscure any portion of the card text, make the illustration difficult to recognize, or make the card distinguishable from other cards in the Deck while it is face-down.
If a card’s surface decoration renders the card unrecognizable at first glance, then the card is not allowed for tournament play.
The Head Judge of the event has final arbitration on whether altered cards may be used at the tournament. Duelists are responsible for determining whether their altered cards are acceptable for use before the start of the tournament.
Q: Can I use OCG cards in my Deck?
Cards printed for Asian markets are not legal for play in TCG tournaments.
Q: Can I use foreign language cards in my Constructed Deck?
You can use foreign-language copies of legal-for-play cards printed for the TCG market, as long as you can show an official translation of the card, kept outside of your Deck and Deck box, when asked to do so by an opponent or tournament official.
Q: If I’ve never been to a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament, what should I expect?
There are a lot of things you should do to make sure you are prepared before heading to the tournament.
Read over the list of things you will need for the tournament, and make sure you have everything.
You’ll have a better time at the event if you don’t have too many bulky or heavy possessions to carry around, as it can get crowded there on the floor. Think ahead while you are planning what to bring with you.
When you get to the event, all three (3) members of the team will need to register at the same time in order to play.
To register, each team should have a single, uncut 3 vs 3 Team Duel KDE-US Registration Form. Each team member should also have a form of government/school ID, your CARD GAME ID if you have one already, and the registration fee for the tournament. You can get a Registration form at the event, or you can get one to print at home before the tournament by clicking on this link:
Teams must use an uncut KDE-US Registration Form sheet to register for this event (3 Registration Forms per sheet). Each team should write their team name at the very top of the Registration Form. The top player is automatically Player A, the middle is Player B, and the bottom is Player C.
OTS/Tournament Organizer reserve the right to request a team name change if they feel the team name may not be suitable for players of all ages or if the team name breaches any Trademark or Copyright.
Make sure your Registration form is filled out completely before you reach the registration station.
You will also need a CARD GAME ID number – this is the ID number used to track you in the tournament. If you don’t already have one, you will be able to get one at the tournament.
If you have a CARD GAME ID and have lost or forgotten it, you can ask the Registration station to look it up for you. If you’ve played in a previous event, they may be able to retrieve your number.
Once you have a completed Registration form and a CARD GAME ID, you can register for the tournament.
Please arrive early enough before the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier is scheduled to start to ensure you will be properly registered for the tournament. Registration generally closes 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Duelists may register late for an event and will begin the event with a Round 1 Match Loss. Space is always limited based on the capacity of the venue, so please arrive and register early.
You will also need a Deck List. A Deck List is required to participate in the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier. You can get a Deck List form at the event when you register, or you can download one to fill out ahead of time by clicking on this link:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE Team Deck List – English Editable.pdf
This is an editable PDF, so you will be able to type the card names in this form, which should help as your Deck List needs to be legible and complete – write the name of each card in full, and write down how many copies you have in your Deck.
- Make sure your team name, your name, and CARD GAME ID are on your Deck List.
- Make sure your Deck List exactly matches your Deck.
Please check with the Head Judge for additional instructions on the Deck List collection process.
Duelists are responsible for paying attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff in order to understand what is going on. If Duelists have questions about the event either beforehand or while they are there, they should check with the OTS.
Before heading to the event, all Duelists should read over the KDE Tournament Policy, Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament Policy, and Penalty Guidelines carefully. These documents tell you what you can and cannot do at an event, and give you a good idea of what to expect. You may find these Guidelines by clicking the following links.
KDE Tournament Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/YGOTCG_Policy_v_2_1.pdf
Penalty Guidelines:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Penalty_Guidelines_v_2_1.pdf
When you compete in a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament, you’ll be held to high standards of play and sportsmanship. You should know how the cards in your Deck work, and should take great care to prepare your Deck, sleeves, and Deck List. Duelists must pay attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff to understand what is going on. Duelists are expected to know and understand the information provided in the above policies and guidelines while at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier or any Sanctioned or Official event.
TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers are excellent places to test your skills, learn more about deck-building and strategy, and see how well you match up against the other Duelists in your area.
Q: I want to judge at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
In order to judge at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier, judges must be registered in the KDE-US Judge Program.
Judges must first pass the online Level 1 Rulings Comprehension test available at http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/judges/index.html. Following their successful completion of the test, they must then follow the instructions in their confirmation e-mail, and send in a completed application to join the KDE Judge Program. All judges are required to hold Level 1 Rulings Comprehension certification and be enrolled in the KDE Judge Program in order to be eligible to judge at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier.
If you’re interested in judging, you should contact the OTS for the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier as soon as possible (use the contact number provided in the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier Locator listing). Most OTS are always on the lookout for Judge Staff, so be prepared to provide your full name, contact information, including e-mail and phone number, and a description of your previous judging experience.
Q: Will TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier VIP Status “pass down” if someone who has already earned a VIP Status earns another one?
VIP Status will not pass down if a player has already earned VIP status.
Q: How and when will I receive my VIP Status?
A list of teams along with the names of each Duelist who have earned VIP status will be available on site at the TEAM YCS at the VIP Registration Station. VIP Duelists will still be required to provide all required items for registration in order to register for the YCS.
Please read the FAQ associated with the YCS you qualified for to receive additional information regarding VIP Registration.
Each TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier will award a single “VIP Package” for the winning team. In order for a team to qualify for VIP Status, a minimum of two (2) Duelists from that team must be present and register as part of the same team at the TEAM YCS. If fewer than two (2) Duelists from that team attempt to register, they will not be eligible to receive VIP Status. We encourage for all three (3) members of the winning team to coordinate ahead of time in order to avoid any issues with the team registration process.
Please read the FAQ associated with the YCS you qualified for to receive additional information regarding VIP Registration.
If you have a question about your VIP Status, you can e-mail us-opsupport@konami.com and ask. Please provide your full name, CARD GAME ID number, and the date and location of the event at which you qualified, along with your question, so we can answer you quickly and efficiently.
Q: Is travel or hotel included with my VIP Status?
Travel and/or lodging are not included with VIP Status earned at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier – the expenses incurred in attending a YCS tournament will be the responsibility of the Duelist.
Q: Whom should I contact for more information about a specific TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier?
Your best resource for answers about a specific TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier event is the contact number listed on the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier Locator. KDE-US won’t be able to answer questions such as “How do I get to the venue?,” “Where should I park?,” “When does registration start?,” and so forth. For questions such as these, you will need to contact the OTS directly.
If you have more general questions about TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers, you can send them to us-opsupport@konami.com. Please be as detailed as possible, so we can try to provide you with the answers you’re seeking!
Q: I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier I attended, who should I contact?
If you attended one of our TEAM YCS VIP Qualifiers and would like to send us feedback, you can send us an e-mail about your specific event by e-mailing us at us-opsupport@konami.com. With the header line “North America TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier Feedback [Store Name]”. All feedback, including comments about the OTS, the judges, or the event itself, will be welcome! All feedback is always kept confidential. Please make sure your e-mail includes which TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier you attended, including store name, city, and state.
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – IN-PERSON EVENTS
All Duelists who wish to enter a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier must meet the following criteria:
- Be part of a team of three (3) Duelists
- Have a Deck that meets the current Advanced Format criteria.
- Have a CARD GAME ID number (obtainable online or at the event) and be in good standing.
- Have read and understood the following documents. These documents can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
- KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
- Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy
- Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Official Rulebook
Duelists who have been suspended from Organized Play by KDE-US are not considered to be in good standing, and may not register for or compete in Sanctioned or Official events. A list of suspended players can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/suspended/
Any tournament official associated with or working an event cannot play in that specific event. This includes, but is not limited to, the Judge Staff, Scorekeeper, Event Staff, Store Owner, and Tournament Organizer.
Suspended persons may not enter the venue of a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament, no exceptions. If a suspended person is discovered at the venue, they may be charged with offenses including but not limited to trespassing, as well as an extension of their suspension.
Q: What will I need to bring to a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
You should bring a tournament-legal Deck as described above, along with any tournament supplies you will need, such as paper and pen to track Life Points, dice or counters if you are using cards which require them, extra sleeves to replace any that become damaged, and so forth. If you have a CARD GAME ID number, you should bring your number and barcode. You’ll also need the registration fee for the tournament, as well as money for any incidentals (food, drink, etc.).
Q: Are there any items I am not allowed to bring to the tournament?
Attendees may not bring any items into the tournament venue that are prohibited by law in their area. In addition, unlawful items, weapons, and illegal drugs are not allowed at Sanctioned/Official events. Attendees who bring any such items to a tournament venue will incur penalties, including Disqualification and removal from the event, and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play.
The use of electronic and/or vapor cigarettes are not permitted on the tournament floor at any Sanctioned/Official events, or in areas designated for tournament attendees.
Q: What if I lost an item at a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
Duelists are responsible for looking after their own belongings at the event. Konami Digital Entertainment, OTS, Staff, and Judges bear no responsibility for, and cannot be held liable for, any loss, theft or damage to the person or personal property of any attendee.
Duelists who lost items should seek the Lost & Found on-site. If the item is not found on-site, Duelists are encouraged to contact the OTS within a 60-day period on the chance the lost item has been turned in.
Q: What will I need to bring in order to register for the tournament?
All team members of a team wishing to register for a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier will be required to complete a registration form at the event. Team members will be required to present their CARD GAME ID number along with a form of government/school ID in order to register for the event. Acceptable forms of ID include current-year School ID cards, driver’s licenses, passports, or other government-issued identification documents.
If you are under the age of 16, you can bring in a copy of your birth certificate as proof of ID. Duelists under the age of 16 are required to have a parent or guardian read and sign the registration form in order to be eligible to participate in a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier. Registration forms can be downloaded and filled out prior to the event from here:
Duelists who register or attempt to register under another Duelist’s name or CARD GAME ID number will be disqualified from the event, and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play events. Duelists are required to register with their legal name, as it appears on their form of ID. Nicknames may not be used when registering for a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for a TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier.
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – REMOTE DUEL EVENTS
Duelists who wish to enter a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier must meet the following criteria
- Be part of a team of three (3) Duelists
- Have a Deck that meets the current Advanced Format criteria.
- Have a CARD GAME ID number and be in good standing.
- Have read and understood the following documents. These documents can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
- KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
- KDE-US Official Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy
- Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Official Rulebook
- Have read and agree to abide by the Remote Duel Best Practices Guide
- Have a valid shipping address in the country (United States or Canada) in which the Remote Duel YCS VIP Qualifier event is being held.
- Have a functional Remote Duel setup
Any tournament official associated with or working an event cannot play in that specific event. This includes, but is not limited to, the Judge Staff, Scorekeeper, Event Staff, Store Owner, and Tournament Organizer.
Event Staff or Judge Staff who participate in a tournament for which they are listed as staff will be subject to penalties, up to and including suspension from KDE-US Organized Play.
Duelists who have been suspended from Organized Play by KDE-US are not considered to be in good standing and may not register for or compete in Sanctioned or Official events. A list of suspended players can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/suspended/
Suspended persons are required to apply for reinstatement with the KDE-US Penalty Committee via us-penalty@konami.com. Once their applications have been reviewed, and their reinstatement accepted, their name will be removed from the list. Until that time, they are Suspended Persons.
Q: What do I need to know regarding a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
A Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier should be run using the Discord app. You will need a webcam, smartphone or tablet to display your field to your opponent. The camera needs to be flipped/upside-down, so it displays correctly, for the opponent.
You can find more details on Remote Duel on our website:
Duelists should read the Remote Duel Best Practices guide, which also includes a list of cards Duelists cannot use during Remote Duel events.
Duelists are required to have a valid shipping address in the country (United States or Canada) in which the Remote Duel YCS VIP Qualifier event is being held, in order to participate in that specific Remote Duel YCS VIP Qualifier.
Duelists from Latin America, Europe, or Oceania can participate in the Remote Duel YCS VIP Qualifier events happening in their territory.
Q: What will I need to have with me for a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
You need to have a functional Remote Duel setup and any tournament supplies you will need, such as a tournament legal Advanced Constructed Deck, paper and pen to track Life Points, dice or counters for card effects, extra sleeves to replace any that become damaged, and so forth.
Q: What will I need to prepare in order to register for the Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
You will be required to register with the OTS. You should contact the OTS to determine exactly what they will need in order to register you for the event.
Duelists who register or attempt to register under another Duelist’s name or CARD GAME ID number will be disqualified from the event and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play events. Duelists are required to register with their legal name, as it appears on their form of ID. Nicknames may not be used when registering for a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament.
Q: I’m under 13. Am I able to participate in a Remote Duel TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament?
You can participate, but your parent or guardian must register you for the event and you must ensure you are following Discord’s age requirements. Due to the nature of Remote Duels, Event Staff will need to verify your parent or guardian is registering you and understands you will be participating in the event using cameras to capture your field and using Discord to communicate with other Duelists and Event Staff. Verifying your parent or guardian’s consent will need to happen through video communication. Text-only verification will not be enough.
AT THE TOURNAMENT
Q: How long will the TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier tournament last?
The number of Swiss rounds is determined by the number of Duelists enrolled in the tournament. TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier Rounds are 45 minutes long for in-person tournaments and 50 minutes long for Remote Duel tournaments. Since you can play all rounds in a Swiss tournament, you should expect to be at the event for several hours.
Q: What happens if I am not done with my Match after time ends for a Round?
Sometimes a Match will not be finished when the time ends for a round. If this happens, it is both Duelists’ responsibility to note whose turn it is when time is called. Duelists who require assistance with the End of Match procedures should call for a judge. The judge should be notified that the Match is ongoing and whose turn it is. The judge may or may not stay to supervise the End of Match procedure, but should ensure that both Duelists understand the following procedures.
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.
Swiss Rounds: 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.
Single-Elimination Rounds: 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 use a random method (die roll, coin flip, etc.) to determine 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.
- 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:
- Continue with the current Phase of the Game. Once the Phase is over, stop the game.
- 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. Compare Game Wins with the Duelist with the most Game Wins winning the Match. If the Game Win totals are the same, the Match is a Draw.
- 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.
Q: Can I buy and sell cards from other participants during the event?
Each TEAM YCS VIP Qualifier location may have different buying, selling, or trading policies. Duelists should contact the OTS and inquire about that OTS’ policies regarding buying, selling, and trading.
