What is Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds?
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's is the newest Yu-Gi-Oh! animated television series. Set in the near future of the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, it centers on Yusei, a young Duelist, and four others
who bear mysterious dragon marks that unite their destinies. Yusei and his friends will compete in exciting card game battles as they race to uncover the secrets of the
dragon marks.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game lets kids relive the exciting card game Duels from the TV show. Kids can collect their favorite monsters, Spells, and Traps from the show,
then combine them into a custom Deck to Duel against their friends.
What Is a Trading Card Game?
A trading card game (TCG) is a unique product that encourages interaction and socialization between the people who play it. Unlike a board game or a video game, which begin
and end in one box, TCGs are constantly changing, adding new and exciting content. Trading card game players can purchase ready-made Decks, and then buy additional booster
packs of cards to add to and alter their Decks. New booster packs with all-new cards are released several times a year, keeping the play environment constantly fresh and new.
The potential for new Decks and strategies is limitless because all the different cards lead to many possibilities.
Some players focus on collecting all the cards, while others focus on the cards they want to play in their Decks. Collecting is an enjoyable activity all by itself, but the
cards are designed with gameplay in mind¡Xtaking the collection, building some Decks, and playing games is a lot of fun.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game booster packs contain nine randomly assorted cards. Each pack contains common cards, which are easy to get, and rarer cards, which are harder to get.
There are a number of different rarities¡XCommon, Rare, Super Rare, Ultra Rare, Ultimate Rare, Secret Rare, and Ghost Rare¡Xand all feature a different look to the cards. Many
of the rarer cards have foil and holographic treatments that make them look flashy and cool. Not all the cards are equal in value, and the excitement of opening booster packs
comes from wondering what you will find inside. Trading to get the cards you want can become an exciting and challenging social activity.
What Is Organized Play?
Organized Play (OP) is the program developed by Upper Deck to offer collectors and players the chance to come together and play the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. Casual local leagues and
tournaments of all sizes are hosted worldwide, so no matter where you are, there should be some Organized Play events nearby.
Organized Play for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG has been around for a long time. We've been running events for more than six years, and every year, we add something new to the program.
There's definitely something for everyone, and we have a team of experienced judges and Tournament Organizers to run and support our events.
Playing casually at home with friends and family is great fun, but there are all kinds of benefits to participating in Organized Play events. Players get the chance to make
new friends, find new players to trade with, learn more strategies and game tips, and even win some cool prizes. Kids receive the benefits of a structured environment that
teaches them good sporting conduct and helps them develop a sense of accomplishment as they become better players.
Math, reading comprehension, communication, social interaction, strategy, and problem solving are all vital skills your child needs, and playing games like the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG
is a fun, engaging way to improve these skills.
How Can My Child Get Started in Organized Play?
Players usually get more out of Organized Play by starting out with the more casual events, developing their skills and meeting other players, and then taking on some of the
more challenging tournaments. Below is an overview of the different Organized Play events you can find in your area, with a description of what to expect at each type of event.
When you're ready to look for an Organized Play event in your area, there is an easy-to-use search tool on the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG website.
An Overview of Organized Play Events
Hobby League
Many card and comic stores run Upper Deck's Hobby League program. Stores receive a kit of promotional products to distribute to participants¡Xplayers can win prizes like playmats,
Deck boxes, and promo cards. Hobby League usually caters to a more casual play atmosphere. If there are several stores offering Hobby League in your area, it's a good idea to check
out more than one, since the players and judges will vary from store to store.
Hobby league offers a good local-level introduction to the game. It's a good place for your child to learn more about the game, develop some good Decks, and improve their play
skills while meeting other Yu-Gi-Oh! fans in your area.
Dragon Duel Series
Dragon Duel Series is an Organized Play program developed for kids ages 12 and under. Judges and staff members are accustomed to working with younger players, and your child will
Duel with other children, rather than teens. Dragon Duel Series tournaments include smaller, local events as well as bigger regional tournaments, and even special tournaments at
National Championships.
Sneak Previews
Every three months, a new Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG booster pack is released. To celebrate these new cards, Upper Deck hosts Sneak Previews. Sneak Previews are casual events designed to give
players the chance to play with the newest set of cards before it is placed on store shelves. Sneak Previews are easy and convenient events, and your child doesn't need a Deck to
participate! Included in the registration fee are five brand new packs of cards. Your child uses these packs to build their Deck. They will then play at least five casual matches
against other attendees, and once those matches are finished, your child earns an additional booster pack. Your child keeps the cards that they opened. Some players like to stay
for the entire event, while others are finished and ready to leave in about an hour. Judges and tournament staff are available to answer your questions about the game and to help
your child find opponents, which makes Sneak Previews a great choice for a beginner event.
Shonen Jump Championships
These are big, showcase events held all around the country. Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG players from far and near come together to play the game, meet one another, and trade. Shonen Jump
Championships are two-day events, which usually occur over a weekend. Attendance at Shonen Jump Championship tournaments can range from around 200 players to over a thousand-
there is something for everyone! In a normal event, the large main tournament happens on Saturday, a Regional runs on Sunday, and smaller side events, such as Dragon Duel
tournaments, Team Tournaments (where players play their matches in two-person teams, ideal for friends and family members), and other smaller events offering prizes like
electronics and booster packs, are set up throughout the weekend.
Regional Tournaments
A Regional event is larger than a Hobby League tournament, and the competition is much keener. Players in Regional tournaments are competing for one of four invitations to the
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG National Championship, as well as a playmat and booster packs. Many of the best Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG players in the area attend a Regional tournament. While most Regionals
are for all ages, Dragon Duel Regionals are only for kids ages 12 and under.
National and World Championships
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG National Championships are tournaments in which the best of the best compete to get the chance to represent their country at the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Championship.
National Championships are invitation-only events-in order to compete, a player must have earned an invitation at a Regional or Shonen Jump Championship. National Championships
are exciting for everyone, because a lot of cool prizes are given out and other events also take place.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Championship brings together National Championship winners from all over the world, and the winner is crowned Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Champion. This event has
taken place in various locations around the world, including New York City, New York; Anaheim, California; Tokyo, Japan; and Berlin, Germany.
What Kind of Event Is Best?
With so many events to choose from, it can seem tricky to pick the right tournament! You know your own child, and what their interests and social tendencies are. Does your child
prefer to relax and have fun with friends, rather than focus on serious competition? If so, you should look for Hobby Leagues, small local tournaments, and Sneak Preview events
that foster a sense of fun and games. Does your child take hobbies more seriously, seeking to get better and better through stronger competition? Then you should look for local
events with a more skilled player base and Regional Tournaments that offer a higher level of competition. A lot of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG players like fun and competition, and enjoy a mix
of all Organized Play has to offer. In general, start with the more casual events and let your child determine what they enjoy the most.
How to Find an Event
You can find whichever kind of event you're interested in by using the Tournament Search function on the Yu-Gi-Oh! website. Start here:
Please click here
and you'll see a menu of different events: Hobby Leagues, Sneak Previews, local tournaments, and more. Click on the kind of event you're interested in, and you'll arrive on a
page with a search function to find tournaments in your area in an adjustable range of dates. Enter in your location and the dates you're interested in, and a list of tournaments
will appear. Click on the Tournament Name, and you can get more information about the location, times, and the person hosting the event.
Getting Ready to Participate in Organized Play
Once you've found an event to attend, there are a few things you'll need to do to help your child get ready. You'll both enjoy the event much more if you know what to expect and
are fully prepared¡Xreading over this section will give you the basic information you'll need to get the most out of an event.
What Your Child Should Bring to the Tournament
A Deck
Most tournaments are Constructed events. This means that your child will need to bring their own Deck. A Deck is not just a random handful of cards from your child's collection.
A well-built Deck includes good cards and strategies. In addition, the Deck must meet certain requirements in order to promote fair play. For their first Deck, your child will
probably enjoy one that contains their favorite cards, perhaps with some cards recommended by other players. You can also purchase a ready-made Starter or Structure Deck that is
ready to play right out of the box.
Most players like to put card sleeves on the cards in their Deck to keep them clean and in good shape. Card shops and most other stores that sell trading cards carry these sleeves,
as well as boxes in which to store the Decks.
If your child would like to build their own Deck, make sure you help your child verify that the Deck contains the correct number of cards required for that event. You can do this
by reviewing the Format List page. Upper Deck changes this list every six months to promote new Deck ideas and to keep the game exciting for the players. Here is a link to the
Format List page, which will explain which cards your child can use in their Deck:
Please click here
Once you've found a Hobby League or two, you will usually meet a judge, Tournament Organizer, or more experienced player who can give your child some additional assistance with
their Deck.
Tournament Supplies
Your child should also bring a Deck box in which to keep their Deck, a pencil and paper or calculator to keep track of Life Points, and tokens or dice if any of their cards
require them. Your child should keep all of these things in a bag or backpack that they will be able to keep track of easily. For first events, your child probably doesn't
need to bring every card they own.
Learn about Tournament Policies
While Hobby League and local tournaments are often very casual, there are guidelines in place for all Upper Deck Organized Play events. These guidelines are designed to promote
good sporting conduct and a fair play experience for all participants. It is a good idea to review these polices and go over them as is appropriate for your child, so both of
you will know what is and is not allowed at a tournament. This gives you a good opportunity to discuss the concept of rules with your child, and why it is important to
understand and follow them. Tournament policies and rules are in place to help events run smoothly and fairly, not to target or punish the players indiscriminately.
Upper Deck keeps current copies of all tournament policies online, where you can access them easily. Here is a link to the list of files¡Xthey are updated several times during
the year.
Tournament Policies
It is also a good idea to look over the Yu-Gi-Oh! gameplay page¡Xhere are pages with card rulings, explanations of how the cards work, an interactive demo, and other information
about how to play the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG.
Game Play
Talk about Being a Good Sport
Players at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG event are always expected to show good sporting conduct. Wins and losses should be given and accepted with good spirits and congratulations to the opponent,
no matter what the age of the player. Players, especially when they are starting out, shouldn't be discouraged by or focus on losses, but rather learn from each Duel and think
about enjoying the game. Talk to your child beforehand about good sporting conduct¡Xdiscuss how to be a gracious in wins as well as in losses. Games are meant to be fun!
At the Event
Okay, so you're taking your child to an Organized Play event. What now? Most events have an area where parents can wait for their kids, so bring along something to read or do
while your child plays in the event. Or, you can watch from the side of the tournament to see how your child is doing.
If you do decide to watch your child play, remember that you cannot interfere in any of your child's matches. If you are concerned about something going on during the game,
you can always alert a judge, who can investigate. You can certainly talk to your child about their Duels when the match is over, but offering advice or suggestions during
the match isn't allowed. Judges and tournament officials are often a great source of information about the tournament and the game in general.
Trading
Trading is a great way for players to expand their collections and exchange cards that they already have or don't want for cards that they are looking for. Since not every card
is of equal value, it can take a bit of practice and preparation to make the best trades. If your child is interested in trading, you can help them get the most out of the process.
First, help your child organize and store their collection. Providing card boxes or binders keeps cards off the floor and in good condition, and easy to locate when needed.
Organization is a good skill to learn, and maintaining a card collection is a great place to begin.
Encourage your child to learn about the value of their cards. There are a variety of collectable magazines and online stores that list current prices. Your child doesn't have
to learn about every card, but having an idea of what their more appealing cards are worth will help your child make balanced decisions when trading.
When your child is starting out, you might want to put limits on which cards can be traded-if your child has any valuable cards or cards given as gifts, you can let your child
know that they should not trade them. Let your child know that they don't have to trade if they don't want to-sometimes children feel pressured into trades. It's okay to
turn down a trade if you don't feel comfortable about it.
After the Event
When the event is over, make sure to celebrate your child's accomplishments. Congratulate them on examples of good sporting conduct, games won, exciting trades, or making a new
friend. If your child had a good time and would like to go back, find out about upcoming events and mark them on the calendar.
Consider joining in the fun! You can always build your own Deck and enter the tournament alongside your child, or consider becoming a volunteer at an upcoming event. Many judges
and other tournament staff become involved in the game in order to share in their child's interest.
If you have any questions about Yu-Gi-Oh!, you can always email
entertainment@upperdeck.com, and our customer service department will do what they can to find you the answer.
Enjoy your experience with our game!