What happens at a Pokémon TCG prerelease?

A prerelease is a chance to try cards from an upcoming Pokémon TCG expansion and meet other players. You build a deck from the cards provided at the event, then play matches with it.

Build a deck at the venue

At a typical Play! Pokémon prerelease, each player receives a Build & Battle Box. It contains a ready-to-play 40-card deck and four booster packs. You use the supplied cards to build a 40-card deck, with basic Energy available from the organiser.

Prerelease matches use four Prize cards. You do not need to bring your usual constructed deck to play this format. The organiser explains the deck-building time and match arrangements on the day.

Check what your entry includes

Read the listing for the entry price, the expansion being used, the number of places and what is included. Check the organiser’s information about participation packs, payment and cancellations rather than assuming every listing has the same arrangements.

Check-in may start before deck building or matches. Note each time separately and arrive early enough to collect your materials.

Bring supplies and ask for help

Bring sleeves for your new deck, dice or damage counters, condition markers and a playmat if you use one. Check whether supplies are available to buy at the venue if you need them.

If this is your first event, tell the organiser and ask any questions before play begins. Read the event’s description for age divisions and beginner arrangements.

Official information

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