New Rules for Grand Final in Japan

There are new rules to the Japan Final for those that have earned their way into the Finals. The doc can be found here from the Gundam GCG website: https://www.gundam-gcg.com/jp/pdf/wcs_japanfinal_rule_jp.pdf.

Here are some key takeaways from the document, which no one is sure if will spread to the lower tournaments. Highlights include a switch to Best of 3 (BO3) and the allowance of a sideboard.

Deck Construction Rules

• Sideboards are permitted.
• Main Deck: Must consist of exactly 50 cards.
• Sideboard: Must consist of exactly 10 cards (if used). If you do not have exactly 10, you must play without a sideboard.
• Card Limits:
  • You may exchange cards between your Main Deck and Sideboard between games.
  • You may have up to 4 copies of a card with the same card number in your Main Deck and Sideboard combined.
  • Colors: Your deck (Main + Sideboard) may contain cards of up to 2 colors combined.
• Resetting Decks: After a match ends, you must return your deck to its original state (matching your deck list) before the next match.
• Deck Checks: Judges or staff may request a deck check. You must submit your deck immediately if asked.
• Other Requirements: You must also provide a Resource Deck (10 Resource cards), Token cards (including EX Base, EX Resources), and damage counters.

Match Format

Qualifiers (Preliminary Round)

• Format: Swiss Draw, 4 Rounds.
• Match Type: Best-of-3 (First to win 2 games wins the match).
• Time Limit: 60 minutes per match.
• Points: Win: 3 pts, Loss: 0 pts, Draw: 1 pt.
• First/Second Turn:
  • Game 1: Determined randomly (e.g., Rock-Paper-Scissors).
  • Game 2 & 3: The loser of the previous game chooses who goes first.
  • Note: Selection is made after sideboard exchange.
• Sideboard Use: Exchanging cards is included in the match time.
• Ranking Criteria:
  1. Match Points.
  2. Opponent Match Win % (OMW%).
  3. Opponent’s Opponent Match Win % (OOMW%).
  4. Random method determined by organizer.
• Time Limit Procedures (Qualifiers): If time expires during a game:
  • If Player A (First Player) is active: That turn is Turn 0. Play 3 additional turns.
  • If Player B (Second Player) is active: That turn is Turn 0. Play 2 additional turns.
  • Determining the Winner:
    • If Game 1 is in progress: Play extra turns. If active player wins Game 1, they win the match. If no winner after extra turns, match is a Draw.
    • If Game 1 finished, Game 2 not started: Game 1 winner wins the match.
    • If Game 2 is in progress: Play extra turns. If a player reaches 2 wins, they win. If score is 1-1, match is a Draw. If Game 2 is undecided after extra turns, Game 1 winner wins.
    • If Game 3 is in progress: Play extra turns. Winner of Game 3 wins the match. If undecided, match is a Draw.
  • Note: Extra turns have a 10-minute limit.

Finals (Main Tournament)

• Selection: Top 4 players from Qualifiers advance.
• Format: Single Elimination, 2 Rounds.
• Match Type: Best-of-3 (First to 2 wins).
• Time Limit: Unlimited (No time limit).