2001-02 Modified format (TCG)

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The 2001-02 Modified format of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (now referred to as Standard format) was the first Standard format used in Wizards of the Coast's DCI sanctioned tournaments, used between from September 1, 2001 to August 2002.

This format only allowed cards from the Team Rocket set on up through Neo Destiny, with the exception of Sneasel, which was banned. This format was informally known as Rocket-On.

Development History

The Modified Format was first announced during a Wizards of the Coast chat on August 10, 2001^[1]. It was developed by Wizards as an alternative to the Unlimited Format, as a way to remove broken cards from sanctioned tournament play without banning them outright. The format itself was based on the "Type 2" Format Wizards used for Magic The Gathering at the time, which only allowed cards from the sets released within the last two years. Magic's "Type 2" Format has since been renamed as "Standard" as well.

The fundamental concept of the Modified Format stood the test of time, and has long since replaced the Unlimited Format as the main format for sanctioned play.

Play period

DCI sanctioned tournaments began using the Modified Format during the 2001-2002 season, starting with the qualifiers for the upcoming West Coast Super Trainer Showdown.

• North America: September 1, 2001 to August 2, 2002
• Europe: September 1, 2001 to August 2, 2002
• Japan: Since the Japanese tournaments were not DCI sanctioned tournaments, Japan did not use this format.