Gym Leader Challenge format (TCG)

The Gym Leader Challenge format of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, sometimes abbreviated as "GLC", is a recognized alternative format for playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The format name is a reference to how Gym Leaders in the Pokémon games often specialize in just one Pokémon type.
The format was originally created by Pokémon TCG player and online content creator Andrew Mahone on July 14, 2021."The OFFICIAL introduction to Gym Leader Challenge: a custom Pokémon TCG format." Tricky Gym. YouTube. Inspired by the prominence of Pokémon with a , which tend to have higher HP and powerful attacks, Mahone created the format to specifically exclude them. Mahone also envisioned the format as a "singleton" format, i.e. a deck can only have one copy of any card (except for Basic Energy cards).
The Gym Leader Challenge format has been acknowledged in official Pokémon materials and events. It is included in the official Pokémon TCG Alternative Play Handbook,Pokémon TCG Alternative Play Handbook and has been featured as a side event in tournaments such as the 2022 World Championships and the 2023 Europe International Championships."Pokémon World Championships Side Events." Pokemon.com"Pokémon Europe International Championships Side Events." Pokemon.com Some TCG-related posts on Pokémon.com promote cards that can work well in GLC.Kyurem VMAX, Hisuian Arcanine, and more in Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Lost OriginA first look at Tinkatuff, Chi-Yu ex, and More in Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Paldea EvolvedShine Bright with Mimikyu, Gardevoir ex, Charizard ex, and more in Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates
==Rules==
The Gym Leader Challenge format is mainly derived from the (i.e., cards from the expansion onward are legal), with the following rules:Rules — Gym Leader Challenge
* A deck can contain only one of Pokémon.
** Dual-type Pokémon are allowed in decks focusing on either of their types, as long as they have the type innately. For example, Galvantula (Steam Siege 42) is a Pokémon, so it is allowed in either a or deck; however, Gallade (Cosmic Eclipse 82) is innately a Pokémon (even though the "Double Type" Ability makes it both a and while in play), so it can only be played in a Psychic-type deck.FAQ and Rulings — Gym Leader Challenge
* Only one copy of each card with the same name can be put in a deck, except for s, which a deck can have multiple copies of. Any type of Basic Energy cards are allowed regardless of the Pokémon's type.
** Note that the official Pokémon TCG ruling that a deck can only have either or (not both) remains in place. This also applies to , , and , of which a deck can only contain one of the three. Other cards that share the same effects are allowed as long as they have different names, e.g. and .
* A deck may not contain any of these cards:
** Cards with a . This includes , , cards (including Prism Star Trainer and Energy cards), , , , etc.
** s.
** Cards that cannot be used in official tournaments.
** There is also a ban list (separate from the Expanded format ban list), which includes the following cards:Ban List — Gym Leader Challenge
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(Until November 16, 2021, Pokémon with s were not allowed. When those Pokémon were allowed, the first bans took place: and .)GLC Update 1.0 — Gym Leader Challenge
*In contrast to the community held rules, the GLC rules in the Alternative Play Handbook only prevent the play of Pokémon with Rule Boxes, leaving Prism Star Trainers and Energy allowed.
==References==
==External links==
* Official website
** Getting started guide
* Official introductory video
* Gym Leader Challenge playlist on the Tricky Gym YouTube channel
* Gym Leader Challenge playlist on the OmniPoke YouTube channel (includes video guides)
Category:TCG tournament format
Category:Fandom