View source for Rule variants

{{outdated|needs=stuff about newer generations}}
'''Rule variants''', also known as '''formats''', are sets of regulations that players follow when engaging in competitive {{pkmn|battle}}s. Rule variants typically restrict the species, [[level]]s, [[item]]s, and [[move]]s of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, or place time limits on battles.

Rules are employed in official settings (such as in-game content and officially organized tournaments), as well as unofficial settings.

==Rules==
While normally banning unreleased and/or illegitimate Pokémon, [[move]]s, [[item]]s, and [[Ability|Abilities]], there are other sets of rules set to be followed by players in varying contexts, may they be official or otherwise.

Most rule variants employ certain restrictions, which are known as '''clauses''' in the fandom. The following clauses have seen considerable usage:

* '''Species clause''': Each Pokémon on a player's team must be of different species or [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|National Pokédex number]].
* '''Level Sum Limit''': The three Pokémon that were chosen for the battle should have a specific Level Sum, e.g., in the case of the [[Poké Cup]], the Level Sum Limit must be between 150 and 155. This rule is only used in the [[Pika Cup]], the [[Petit Cup]] and both iterations of the Poké Cup.
* '''Item clause''': Each Pokémon on a player's team must be holding different items.
* '''Cleric clause''': All pokémon must be healthy at the beginning of the battle, this means that they must have full [[HP]], full [[PP]], and no [[status condition]]s like {{status|sleep}} or {{status|freeze}} (though the [[Pokérus]] is allowed, as well as the {{status|confusion}} caused by the [[Berserk Gene]]). Games like {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}} enforce this rule automatically by "curing" all Pokémon before the battle.
* '''Self-KO clause''': The player automatically loses if his last Pokémon uses {{m|Selfdestruct}} or {{m|Explosion}}. {{m|Destiny Bond}} and {{m|Perish Song}} also fail when used by the last Pokémon.
* '''Recoil moves clause''': If both players' last pokémon faints due to a Recoil move, then the win is given to the player whose pokémon used the move.
**In [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] Recoil moves don't harm the user when it is the last pokémon left and it KOs the last opposing Pokémon.
* '''Event clause''': Pokémon and items that have only been released through [[event Pokémon|events]], such as {{p|Mew}}, are ineligible. This is often unheard of due to the Pokémon (and sometimes items) banned being specified.
* '''Sleep clause''': Each player can only have one Pokémon asleep at a time (Pokémon that are put to sleep due to {{m|Rest}} or {{m|Sleep Talk}} do not count). 
**Rest and Sleep Talk do count for the [[Pokémon Stadium series]], [[Pokémon Colosseum]], and [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]; also, in those games, when a Pokémon is sleeping and one of its teammates is attacked by a move that induces sleep like {{m|Spore}}, the move fails.
* '''Freeze clause''': Each player can only have one Pokémon frozen at a time. In games like Pokémon Stadium 1, when a Pokémon is frozen and another Pokémon of the same team is attacked with a move that causes [[Freeze]], the Freeze rate is reduced to 0 %.
* '''Evasion clause''': {{m|Double Team}} and {{m|Minimize}} are banned. This is sometimes expanded to include less direct measures to increase evasion, such as {{m|Acupressure}}, {{a|Moody}}, {{a|Sand Veil}}, and {{a|Snow Cloak}}.
*'''Evasion items clause''': Items that lower the accuracy of the opponent, like [[BrightPowder]], are banned.[https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/apply-evasion-clause-to-all-forms-of-evasion.3703252/]
* '''One-hit KO clause''': {{m|Fissure}}, {{m|Horn Drill}}, {{m|Guillotine}}, and {{m|Sheer Cold}} are banned. 
* '''Semi Invincibility clause''': Only used in Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow when the moves [[Dig]] and [[Fly]] are allowed. If a Pokémon gets stuck during the Semi Invincibility phase of the moves Dig or Fly, its next successful action must be Dig, Fly or Switch. If the next successful action is none of the ones mentioned before, the Pokemon's player loses the game. [https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/semi-invincibility-clause.3650376/]
*'''Tradebacks clause''': Only used in the [[Generation I]] games. Players can't use Pokémon or moves that are only obtainable with the [[Generation II]] games, e.g. a level 20 [[Tauros]] in the [[Pika Cup]], a level 26 [[Koffing]] in the [[Petit Cup]] or a level 100 [[Mewtwo]] with [[Flamethrower]] in the [[Prime Cup]]. Curiously the rule doesn't ban Pokémon with maximum [[Individual values|DVs]] or [[Effort values|Stat Experience]], this is because players prefer to use Pokémon with maximum statistics in Gen I matches (e.g. it is allowed to use a level 20 [[Chansey]] with max stats in the Pika Cup or a level 100 [[Exeggutor]] with max stats in the Prime Cup). Tradeback Pokémon and moves can be allowed only if the players and/or the tournament organizers agree to it.
* '''Sleep trapping clause''': Followed mainly in [[Generation II]] competitive play, {{status|sleep}}-inducing moves cannot be used in conjunction with moves that trap the opposing Pokémon permanently such as {{m|Mean Look}}; however, it is allowed to use Sleep inducing moves in conjunction with moves that only trap the opposing Pokémon for a limited time like {{m|Whirlpool}}.
*'''Mean pass clause''': Another rule exclusive of the Generation II competitive play. A Pokémon can't have a move that traps the opponent permanently (such as {{m|Spider Web}}) and {{m|Baton Pass}} in the same moveset; however, it is allowed to use moves that only trap the opposing Pokémon for a limited time, like {{m|Wrap}}, with Baton Pass. This clause is notable for having been introduced 22 years after the first games of the second generation were released.[https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/gsc-ou-mean-look-spider-web-baton-pass.3704578/]
* '''Moody clause''': The ability {{a|Moody}} is banned.
* '''Swagger clause''': Followed mainly in [[Generation V]] and [[Generation VI]] competitive play, the move {{m|Swagger}} is banned.
* '''Mega Rayquaza clause''': {{p|Rayquaza}} cannot [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]].
* '''Dynamax clause''': [[Dynamax]]ing is disallowed.

There are other rules normally followed only by official tournaments, such as:
* No two or more Pokémon can have the same nickname.
* Pokémon cannot be nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (e.g. an {{p|Unfezant}} named "Pidove" or "Arbok").

In addition, official [[Generation V]] tournaments have required the use of the {{DL|Pokémon Storage System|Battle Box}} feature introduced by {{game|Black and White|s}}.

==Tiers==
{{main|Tier}}
In unofficial multiplayer play, Pokémon are typically divided into tiers. A Pokémon's tier placing depends on several factors, including its [[base stats]], [[type]], [[Ability|Abilities]], [[move]]pool, and usage. 

Tiers also serve as banlists. Battles take place according to tier, with all Pokémon in a higher tier banned. In the most common metagame, the '''Standard''' or '''Overused''' metagame, all Pokémon in the Uber tier are banned. In the '''Underused''' metagame, all Pokémon in the Borderline or higher tiers are banned. 

As a variation of tiers, in certain communities, players are only allowed to use a maximum of one Pokémon out of a select group of Pokémon. This group of Pokémon is usually limited to {{pkmn2|legendary}} and [[pseudo-legendary Pokémon]].

==Generation I==
===In the games===
====Pokémon Stadium (Japanese)====
The {{jap|Pokémon Stadium|first Pokémon Stadium}} game, which was only released in Japan on August 1, 1998,  features a tournament mode with two divisions: the L1-30 division, based on Nintendo Cup '98, and the L50-55 division, based on Nintendo Cup '97. The finalists from the Nintendo Cup '97 appear as opponents in the L50-55 Division.

Each division features a set of rules that would become standard for all console games: 
* The species, self-KO, sleep, and freeze clauses are in effect.
* Both teams are shown before the battle, and each player must select three Pokémon to battle. 

The game also features a Free Battle mode where players can customize the rules.

{| width="40%" align="center" style="background: #c7000b; border: 3px solid #6d0308; {{roundy|5px}}"
|-
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytl|5px}}" |
! style="background:#f4535b" | L1-30 Division
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytr|5px}}" | L50-55 Division
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b" | Level Limit
| style="background:#fff" | 1-30
| style="background:#fff" | 50-55
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundybl|5px}}" | Total Level
| style="background:#fff" | N/A
| style="background:#fff; {{roundybr|5px}}" | 155
|}

====Pokémon Yellow====
The [[Cable Club]] in [[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red, Green,]] and [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue]] feature no rule regulations. However, {{game|Yellow}} features an exclusive battle arena, Colosseum 2, with three Cups.

Each player can only use three Pokémon, and no additional rules are in effect, with the exception of level limitations. These Cups would later be used in the international {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}} and future international tournaments. 

{| width="40%" align="center" style="background: #c7000b; border: 3px solid #6d0308; {{roundy|5px}}"
|-
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytl|5px}}" |
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Pika Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Petit Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Poké Cup}}
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b" | Level Limit
| style="background:#fff" | 15-20
| style="background:#fff" | 25-30
| style="background:#fff" | 50-55
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundybl|5px}}" | Total Level
| style="background:#fff" | 50
| style="background:#fff" | 80
| style="background:#fff; {{roundybr|5px}}" | 155
|}

====Pokémon Stadium====
[[File:PKM Stadium 2 JPN Cups.png|thumb|200px|The Japanese Stadium Cups in Pokémon Stadium]]

The second Pokémon Stadium game, which was released internationally as {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}, features tournaments called [[Stadium Cup]]s.

All versions of Pokémon Stadium featured the Pika and Petit Cups from Pokémon Yellow Version's Colosseum 2, along with the Prime Cup, a no-holds barred tournament based on the normal Cable Club battles. 

The Japanese version, known as Pokémon Stadium 2, also features three Nintendo Cups based on the first three Japanese tournaments, Nintendo Cups '97, '98, and '99. In-game representatives of its real-life participants appear as opponents in Round 2 of Nintendo Cup '98, while Nintendo Cup '99 and the Prime Cup each have four divisions. All three cups follow the species, self-KO, sleep, freeze, and event clauses.

{| width="40%" align="center" style="background: #c7000b; border: 3px solid #6d0308; {{roundy|5px}}"
|-
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytl|5px}}" |
! style="background:#f4535b" | Nintendo Cup '97
! style="background:#f4535b" | Nintendo Cup '98
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Nintendo Cup '99
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b" | Level Limit
| style="background:#fff" | 50-55
| style="background:#fff" | 1-30
| style="background:#fff" | 1-50
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundybl|5px}}" | Total Level
| style="background:#fff" | 155
| style="background:#fff" | N/A
| style="background:#fff; {{roundybr|5px}}" | N/A
|}

In the international versions, the Nintendo Cups were replaced with the Poké Cup from Yellow's Colosseum 2. The Poké Cup features the four divisions and the arena of Nintendo Cup '99, but the rules of Nintendo Cup '97. All four Cups follow the species, self-KO, sleep, and freeze clauses, while only the Pika and Poké Cups follow the event clause.

{| width="40%" align="center" style="background: #c7000b; border: 3px solid #6d0308; {{roundy|5px}}"
|-
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytl|5px}}" |
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Pika Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Petit Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Poké Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Prime Cup}}
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b" | Level Limit
| style="background:#fff" | 15-20
| style="background:#fff" | 25-30
| style="background:#fff" | 50-55
| style="background:#fff" | N/A
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundybl|5px}}" | Total Level
| style="background:#fff" | 50
| style="background:#fff" | 80
| style="background:#fff" | 155
| style="background:#fff; {{roundybr|5px}}" | N/A
|}

Pokémon Stadium also introduced a [[Gym Leader Castle]], where the player has to defeat the eight [[Gym Leader]]s and the [[Elite Four]] of the Generation I games. While the Castle features no level restrictions, all of the opposing Pokémon will be at level 50 by default. If the player uses a higher leveled Pokémon, all of the opponents' Pokémon would be at the same level as the player's highest-leveled Pokémon. A similar auto-leveling feature would appear in the battling facilities such as the [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Generation III Battle Frontier]]. The Castle features the same clauses as the Stadium Cups.

Pokémon Stadium was also the first Pokémon game that allowed more than two players to battle at a time. Up to four players can compete in the Free Battle mode; if two players are on a team, each player can only select and control three Pokémon. A similar mode of play, Multi Battle, was introduced in the [[Generation III]] main series games.

===In tournaments===
====Nintendo Cup '97====
A series of annual tournaments sponsored by Nintendo began in 1997, taking place in various locations across Japan. These tournaments, which would later be referred to as Nintendo Cups in the Japanese version of the [[Pokémon Stadium series]], established the first set of rule variants that would pave the way for future tournaments and Pokémon games.

In the first of these tournaments, Nintendo Cup '97, [[Full Battle]]s did not take place due to time constraints, instead, each player selected three Pokémon to battle after showing their party of six to their opponent. The battles took place in the Game Boy.

The event consisted of 14 regional tournaments. At the end, the 14 champions and one runner-up competed in a national tournament to determine who was the best trainer. The national event took place during the Nintendo Space World '97. Toru "Miyasawa" won the tournament thus becomming the first national champion in Pokémon History; on the other hand, Hiroki Yoshi was the runner-up, while the third place was a tie between Yojiro Yuki and Yusuke Suzuki.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/19980224224633/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n12/report/112302.html</ref><ref>http://pokemon.s20.xrea.com/historia-single.html#1997</ref>

The players of the national tournament were depicted as opponents in the {{jap|Pokémon Stadium|first}} Japanese Pokémon Stadium game, with eight out of the 15 players being randomly selected to appear on any given playthrough. In addition, most of the [[Pokémon Stadium (Japanese)#Pokémon|Pokémon that appeared]] in Pokémon Stadium were selected due to their tournament performance.<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_npsj/qa/qa.html] Pokémon Stadium Q&A</ref>

In the international scene, the Nintendo Cup '97 was renamed Poké Cup and appeared in the games Pokémon Yellow and Pokémon Stadium 1.

{{GBU|jp|Nintendo Cup '97|black=no|white=no|red=yes|green=yes|blue=yes|
registration=???|duration=August 29 to November 23, 1997|rankings=November 23 1997|entries=3,584|
format=Single Battle|btime=10 minutes|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=50-55|totallevel=155|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}
}}

====Nintendo Cup '98====
The Nintendo Cup '98 made use of the first Japanese {{jap|Pokémon Stadium}} game 12 days before it was officially released. In the tournament, only Pokémon that were available in that game were allowed to participate. The restriction to level 30 or lower narrowed down the choice of Pokémon even further, with a total of 33 species legal for use. 

Like the previous event, the Nintendo Cup '98 was divided into two phases: seven local tournaments and one national tournament. The national tournament took place at the Studio 1 of TV Tokyo on August 30, 1998. The contestans were the seven champions from the local tournaments. Norishige Hanamoto was the champion, Tatsuya Hori was the runner-up, Shinji Yoshikawa won the third place and Shōhei Yanagisawa won the fourth place. The first three places got a gold, silver and bronze trophy repectively, on the other hand, the first four places got a [[Game Boy Light]], a [[Game Boy Printer]] and a copy of the [[Pokémon Yellow Version]] once it was released.<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_npsj/btour/yosen.html</ref><ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_npsj/btour/</ref>

The seven finalists of the national tournament, along with one generic {{tc|Youngster|Lad}} trainer to fill out the roster, were depicted as opponents in the {{eng|Pokémon Stadium|second}} Japanese Pokémon Stadium game, in the Round 2 mode.

{{GBU|jp|Nintendo Cup '98|black=no|white=no|red=yes|green=yes|blue=yes|stadiumj=yes|bannedpokemon=no|
registration=???|duration=July 19 to August 30, 1998|rankings=August 30, 1998|entries=1,528|
format=Single Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=1-30|totallevel=90|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|015|Beedrill}}{{MSP/3|022|Fearow}}{{MSP/3|025|Pikachu}}{{MSP/3|031|Nidoqueen}}{{MSP/3|034|Nidoking}}{{MSP/3|051|Dugtrio}}{{MSP/3|057|Primeape}}{{MSP/3|059|Arcanine}}{{MSP/3|065|Alakazam}}{{MSP/3|068|Machamp}}{{MSP/3|076|Golem}}{{MSP/3|082|Magneton}}{{MSP/3|091|Cloyster}}{{MSP/3|094|Gengar}}{{MSP/3|095|Onix}}{{MSP/3|097|Hypno}}{{MSP/3|101|Electrode}}{{MSP/3|103|Exeggutor}}{{MSP/3|113|Chansey}}{{MSP/3|115|Kangaskhan}}{{MSP/3|121|Starmie}}{{MSP/3|123|Scyther}}{{MSP/3|124|Jynx}}{{MSP/3|127|Pinsir}}{{MSP/3|128|Tauros}}{{MSP/3|130|Gyarados}}{{MSP/3|131|Lapras}}{{MSP/3|132|Ditto}}{{MSP/3|134|Vaporeon}}{{MSP/3|135|Jolteon}}{{MSP/3|136|Flareon}}{{MSP/3|142|Aerodactyl}}{{MSP/3|143|Snorlax}}|
info=<center>[[File:Pocket Monsters Tour 98 pass.jpg|100px|A pass for the Nintendo Cup '98]]</center>
}}

====Spring Pokémon League====
[[File:Spring Pokémon League Postcard 1.png|180px|right|thumb|The instructions about the front side of the {{wp|return postcard}} required for the event entry]]
[[File:Spring Pokémon League Postcard 2.png|180px|right|thumb|The instructions about the back side of the return postcard required for the event entry]]
The [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/event/p_fes/p_fancy/index.html Spring Pokémon League] was a series of tournaments organized by Nintendo. The events took place in March and April 1999 in Japan. To give variety to the game, the tournaments used the rules of the Petit Cup, which only allowed "cute" Pokémon. Battles used {{eng|Pokémon Stadium|Pokémon Stadium 1}} before it was released, and the competitors could use their Pokémon from their Game Boy cartridges. To participate, players had to send a postcard to Nintendo before a certain date, after which the company sent them an invitation in case they were selected or a notice of loss in case they were rejected. The reply mail was sent at least one week before each tournament started and there was no entry fee.

There were five regional tournaments. The Kumamoto tournament took place on March 27 and 28 at the TKU Plaza and was won by Naruyoshi Isasaka. The Osaka tournament took place on April 4 at the ATC Hall and was won by Atsushi Fujiwara. The Tokyo tournament took place on April 11 at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center and was won by Yasuaki Yoshitake. The Sendai tournament took place on April 25 at the San Festa and was won by Zenichiro Murakami. Finally, the Nagoya tournament took place on April 29 at the Fukiage Hall and was won by Kenta Takeshita. Unlike the previous events, there was not a national tournament.<ref>http://pokemon.s20.xrea.com/historia-single.html#1999</ref>

{{GBU|jp|Spring Pokémon League|black=no|white=no|red=yes|green=yes|blue=yes|yellow=yes|stadium=yes|bannedpokemon=no|
registration=March 3 to April 9, 1999|duration=March 27 to April 29, 1999|rankings=April 29, 1999|entries=256 per tournament|
format=Single Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=25-30|totallevel=80|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|001|Bulbasaur}}{{MSP/3|004|Charmander}}{{MSP/3|007|Squirtle}}{{MSP/3|010|Caterpie}}{{MSP/3|013|Weedle}}{{MSP/3|016|Pidgey}}{{MSP/3|019|Rattata}}{{MSP/3|021|Spearow}}{{MSP/3|023|Ekans}}{{MSP/3|025|Pikachu}}{{MSP/3|027|Sandshrew}}{{MSP/3|029|Nidoran♀}}{{MSP/3|032|Nidoran♂}}{{MSP/3|035|Clefairy}}{{MSP/3|037|Vulpix}}{{MSP/3|039|Jigglypuff}}{{MSP/3|041|Zubat}}{{MSP/3|043|Oddish}}{{MSP/3|046|Paras}}{{MSP/3|050|Diglett}}{{MSP/3|052|Meowth}}{{MSP/3|054|Psyduck}}{{MSP/3|058|Growlithe}}{{MSP/3|060|Poliwag}}{{MSP/3|063|Abra}}{{MSP/3|066|Machop}}{{MSP/3|069|Bellsprout}}{{MSP/3|074|Geodude}}{{MSP/3|081|Magnemite}}{{MSP/3|083|Farfetchd}}{{MSP/3|090|Shellder}}{{MSP/3|092|Gastly}}{{MSP/3|098|Krabby}}{{MSP/3|100|Voltorb}}{{MSP/3|102|Exeggcute}}{{MSP/3|104|Cubone}}{{MSP/3|109|Koffing}}{{MSP/3|116|Horsea}}{{MSP/3|118|Goldeen}}{{MSP/3|129|Magikarp}}{{MSP/3|132|Ditto}}{{MSP/3|133|Eevee}}{{MSP/3|138|Omanyte}}{{MSP/3|140|Kabuto}}{{MSP/3|147|Dratini}}
}}

====Nintendo Cup '99====
Nintendo Cup '99 combined aspects from the previous tournaments. In addition to the legendary Pokémon {{p|Mewtwo}} and {{p|Mew}}, the Pokémon used by the finalists of the Nintendo Cup '97 and the Nintendo Cup '98 were also banned from the tournament. In the event, battles took place in {{eng|Pokémon Stadium|Pokémon Stadium 1}} where players used the Transfer Pak to use their teams from Pokémon Red, Green, Blue and Yellow.

Nintendo Cup '99 also consisted of two phases: 12 local tournaments and one national tournament. The national tournament took place during the Nintendo Space World '99. The contestants were the 12 champions from the local tournaments. Yukifumi Aoki was the champion, Yasuhito Kajihara was the runner-up and Akihiro Nagai won the third place.<ref>http://pokemon.s20.xrea.com/historia-single.html#1999</ref>

Nintendo Cup '99 also appeared in Pokémon Stadium 1; however it was cut in the international version.

{{GBU|jp|Nintendo Cup '99|black=no|white=no|red=yes|green=yes|blue=yes|yellow=yes|stadium=yes|bannedpokemon=yes|
registration=???|duration=July 1 to August 28, 1999|rankings=August 28, 1999|entries=???|
format=Single Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=1-50|totallevel=150|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|003|Venusaur}}{{MSP/3|051|Dugtrio}}{{MSP/3|065|Alakazam}}{{MSP/3|076|Golem}}{{MSP/3|082|Magneton}}{{MSP/3|094|Gengar}}{{MSP/3|097|Hypno}}{{MSP/3|101|Electrode}}{{MSP/3|103|Exeggutor}}{{MSP/3|113|Chansey}}{{MSP/3|115|Kangaskhan}}{{MSP/3|121|Starmie}}{{MSP/3|124|Jynx}}{{MSP/3|128|Tauros}}{{MSP/3|130|Gyarados}}{{MSP/3|131|Lapras}}{{MSP/3|132|Ditto}}{{MSP/3|134|Vaporeon}}{{MSP/3|135|Jolteon}}{{MSP/3|143|Snorlax}}{{MSP/3|144|Articuno}}{{MSP/3|145|Zapdos}}{{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}
}}

====Pokémon League Summer Training Tour '99====
The [https://web.archive.org/web/19991009100957/http://www.pokemon.com/news/summertour.html Pokémon League Summer Training Tour '99] was the first series of Pokémon tournaments that took place in the United States. From July 10 to September 12 players could visit the nearest mall to compete in Pokémon battles, play Trading Card Game matches, try out the new titles: [[Pokémon Pinball]] and [[Pokémon Snap]], participate in a [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_European_language_event_Pok%C3%A9mon_distributions_(Generation_I)#Pok.C3.A9mon_League_Nintendo_Training_Tour_.2799_Mew Mew distribution event] or watch Nintendo employees demonstrating the upcoming game: [[Pokémon Yellow Version|Pokémon Yellow]]. The event took place in 20 cities, these were: Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Kansas City (Missouri), Salt Lake City, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Dallas, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Bethesda (Maryland), New Jersey and New York. Each city had its own series of tournaments.

The event was also famous because it marked the debut of the [[Pika Cup]], the [[Poké Cup]] and the [[Prime Cup]] outside of Japan. The Pika Cup was for Pokémon of Levels 15-20 ({{p|Mewtwo}} and {{p|Mew}} were banned along with Pokémon that were impossible to obtain at those levels); on the other hand, the Poké Cup was for Pokémon of levels 50-55 (Mewtwo and Mew were still banned); finally, the Prime Cup was for Pokémon of levels 1-100 (Mewtwo and Mew were allowed).

Each division was opened to a maximum of 1,000 players between ages 7 to 14. To participate, players had to bring their [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Pocket]] or [[Game Boy Color]] and a game of [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Pokémon Red]] or [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Pokémon Blue]]; [[Game Link Cable|Link Cables]] were provided by Nintendo employees and battles took place with Colosseum 1 mechanics. Before each battle, players had to show their six Pokémon to their opponent (all had to be of a different species), then they had to choose three for the battle and deposit the other three in [[Pokémon Storage System|Bill's PC]]. Like their Japanese counterparts, the Pika Cup and the Poké Cup had a Level Sum Limit for the Pokémon that were chosen for the battle: 50 for the Pika Cup and 155 for the Poké Cup. All formats featured Freeze, Sleep and Self-KO clauses; finally, if a player's Game Boy ran out of batteries he lost the match.

All tournament registrants got a Pokémon sticker sheet,  a mini-poster with all the Pokémon, a window decal and a tournament brochure. Players could also earn Badges depending on their performance: a Competition Badge just for competing, a Boulder Badge for winning one match and a Cascade Badge for winning two matches. Players that earned the three Badges could be selected to play against a Gym Leader from Nintendo, they got a Pokémon Trainer Cap in case they won.<ref>https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/08/pokemon-summer-training-tour-kicks-off</ref><ref>http://archive.thegia.com/features/f990814.html</ref><ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/41952/poke-memories-justin-berube-features-editor</ref>

Due to the success of the event, it was extended from October 9 to November 7. The second half of the event was renamed as the [https://web.archive.org/web/19991009134306/http://www.pokemon.com/news/summertourschedule.html Pokémon League Nintendo Training Tour '99] due to the change of season. The new event included San Francisco and Los Angeles and six new cities: Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Boston, Mesa (Arizona), St. Louis and Miami. The formats and rules were the same; however, the tournaments were now opened for players of all ages and Pokémon Yellow was banned despite the fact that it was officially released during the first days of the event.
<gallery>
File: Pokemon League Summer Training Tour 99 picture 1.jpeg|A picture of the Dallas event, some kids can be seen playing competitive battles in the left.
File: Pokemon League Summer Training Tour 99 picture 2.jpeg|Nintendo employees demonstrating the upcoming game: Pokémon Yellow.
File: Pokemon League Summer Training Tour 99 picture 3.jpg|The Pikabeetle.
File: Pokemon League Summer Training Tour 99 paraphernalia.png|Pokémon paraphernalia that was given away to the people that registered for the tournaments.
File: Pokemon League Summer Training Tour 99 Ruleset.jpeg|The rules of the different formats.
</gallery>

{{GBU|na|Pokémon League Summer Training Tour '99|black=no|white=no|red=yes|blue=yes|
registration=July 10 to November 7, 1999|duration=July 10 to November 7, 1999|rankings=???|entries=1,000 per tournament|
format=Single Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=Varies|totallevel=Varies|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon=Varies depending of the format|
info=<center>[[File:Pokemon League Summer Training Tour 99 logo.jpg|200px|Pokémon League Summer Training Tour '99 logo]]</center>
}}

====Pokémon 2000 Stadium Tour====
A series of tournaments were held in Canada and the United States during the [[Pokémon 2000 Stadium Tour]], which took place to promote {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}. Competitors were separated into three skill groups: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Each skill group was assigned to one division of Pokémon Stadium: [[Pika Cup]] for Beginners, [[Poké Cup]] for Intermediate players and [[Prime Cup]] for Advanced players. Battles took place in the Game Boy and in Pokémon Stadium. In the case of the Game Boy, if both players had a Yellow Version they played in the Colosseum 2 mode; however, if one or both had a Red or Blue Version they played in the Colosseum 1.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20000303033354/http://www.pokemon.com/events/stadiumtour_rules.html</ref>

<!--Each Cup division only lasted for two rounds. Each participant received a Pokémon Stadium Tour Competition Badge; in addition, players who won one match would receive a {{badge|Boulder}} while players who won both matches would receive the {{badge|Cascade}}.-->

{{GBU|na|Pokémon 2000 Stadium Tour|black=no|white=no|red=yes|blue=yes|yellow=yes|stadium=yes|
registration=???|duration=February 5 to April 9, 2000|rankings=N/A|entries=1,000 per day|
format=Single Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=Varies|totallevel=Varies|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon=Varies depending of the format|
info=<center>[[File:Stadium tour logo.png|100px|Pokémon 2000 Stadium Tour logo]]</center>
}}

====Pokémon 2000 World Championship====
Thunder for Down Under, a worldwide qualifier, took place in various countries in the year 2000. In this tournament, players from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States all competed in regional championships, with the winners heading for the Pokémon 2000 World Championship, the first Pokémon World Championship, in Sydney, Australia. The regional and Continental events featured three formats: Pika Cup, Poké Cup and Prime Cup; however, the World event only featured the Prime Cup. Pokémon Stadium was used for the battles. Regarding the Prime Cup rules, Mewtwo was allowed in the Spanish tournament, on the other hand, Mew was banned in all the events. Darryn Van Vuuren, from the United Kingdom, won the World tournament thus becoming the first World Champion in Pokémon History; on the other hand, Edwin Krause from Germany finished on second place, Sergio García Maroto from Spain finished on third place and Ian Garvey from the United States finished on fourth place.<ref>https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/06/hes-the-master</ref><ref>https://informepokemon.wordpress.com/2020/03/19/reconstruyendo-un-gran-pedazo-de-historia/</ref>

{{GBU|napal|Pokémon 2000 World Championship|black=no|white=no|red=yes|blue=yes|yellow=yes|stadium=yes|
registration=???|duration=June 1 to September 22, 2000|rankings=September 22, 2000|entries=???|
format=Single Battle|btime=10 minutes|ctime=12 seconds|levelcap=Range|cap=Varies|totallevel=Varies|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|naitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon=Varies depending of the format
}}

==Generation II==
===In the games===
====Pokémon Stadium 2====
The final Pokémon Stadium game, [[Pokémon Stadium 2]], features four [[Stadium Cup]]s. The Poké and Prime Cups returned from the original; however, the Prime Cup only had one division. The [[Little Cup]] and the [[Challenge Cup]] were added, with the latter featuring four divisions. The moves {{m|Dragon Rage}} and {{m|SonicBoom}} are banned in the Little Cup, making it the first rule variant to prohibit certain moves. In the game, players can customize and save various sets of rules. Still, all cups follow the species, item, self-KO, sleep, and freeze clauses; only the Prime Cup follows the event clause. With a total limit of 155, only the Poké Cup has a total level limit.

{| width="40%" align="center" style="background: #c7000b; border: 3px solid #6d0308; {{roundy|5px}}"
|-
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytl|5px}}" |
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Little Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Challenge Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Poké Cup}}
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Prime Cup}}
|- align="center"
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundybl|5px}}" | Level Limit
| style="background:#fff" | 5
| style="background:#fff" | Varies
| style="background:#fff" | 50-55
| style="background:#fff; {{roundybr|5px}}" | N/A
|}

====Pokémon Crystal====
{{game|Crystal}} introduced the first {{Gdis|Battle Tower|II}}, a special battling facility. The Battle Tower's rules are similar to [[Pokémon Stadium series|Pokémon Stadium]]'s, and this was later followed by future Battle Towers:
* Players must select three different Pokémon to battle.
* All Pokémon must be holding different items.

A change from the Pokémon Stadium games, a draw will end the player's streak, even if the opponent's Pokémon causes the draw with a move such as Explosion. Also, items cannot be used from the [[Bag]]. 

Unlike future Battle Towers, event Pokémon can be used in the level 70 and higher divisions.

===In tournaments===
====Nintendo Cup 2000====
[[File:2000 Cup logo.png|thumb|300px|Nintendo Cup 2000 logo]]

In Japan, a fourth series of tournaments for the Pokémon games, Nintendo Cup 2000, was held. The event used [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] to organize battles days before the game was officially released. Similar to Nintendo Cup '97, the tournaments took place using Pokémon from levels 50-55, with a total limit of 155. At the end, the winners of the eleven local tournaments competed in a national tournament. Yuki Sato won the event, Akira Nakamura finished on second place and Tatsuaki Fujita finished on third place. The runner-up and the third place won a silver and a bronze trophy respectively, on the other hand, the champion won a Game Boy Advance once it was released.<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_np3j/league/</ref><ref>http://pokemon.s20.xrea.com/historia-single.html#2000</ref>

Like the other official tournaments, the Nintendo Cup 2000 appeared in the game Pokémon Stadium 2. In the English versions of the game, the format inherited the name of the Poké Cup due to its smilarities with the tournament that appeared in the international Pokémon Stadium 1.

{{GBU|jp|Nintendo Cup 2000|black=no|white=no|red=yes|green=yes||blue=yes|yellow=yes||gold=yes|silver=yes|stadium2=yes|
registration=???|duration=November 3rd, 2000 to January 14th, 2001|rankings=January 14th, 2001|entries=???|
format=Single Battle|btime=15 minutes|ctime=30 seconds|levelcap=Range|cap=50-55|totallevel=155|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|noitems=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}|
info=Additional rule:
* {{mcolor|Perish Song|000}} and {{mcolor|Destiny Bond|000}} fail when used by the final Pokémon.
}}

====Mobile Cup 2001====
[[File:Mobile Cup 2001.jpg|thumb|200px|The logo photographed at the last matches of Mobile Cup 2001]]

The last Japanese national tournament of the [[Game Boy Color]] era, the Mobile Cup 2001, was held with 1,000 players  who were selected in a drawing. It used the [[Mobile System GB]], a feature exclusive of the Japanese {{game|Crystal}}.<ref>http://pokemon.s20.xrea.com/historia-single.html#2001</ref>

The tournament used Pokémon from levels 1 to 30, on the other hand, each player had three Pokémon and all went into the battle. The rules only said that Mew and Celebi were banned; however, technically other 22 Pokémon were also banned because they were not available at level 30. Unlike previous tournaments, Species Clause was absent, also, Team Preview, Sleep Clause, Freeze Clause and Self-KO Clause were only enforced in the semi-finals, the third place play-off and the final. Another oddity was that players didn't face each other until the semi-finals. In the firsts six rounds each player had to defeat a Nintendo player in a Mobile Battle in Pokémon Crystal within a 10 minute time limit. If the player won he got a Trainer Certification Card. Players were allowed to change teams after each round.<ref>https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2001/4/18/e7cc7e57c9e986401d7ee24435937a2d.html</ref>

The day of the match, the player got a phone call from the Nintendo player, the latter initiated the communications so that the company would pay the charges of the match. Players that disconnected or ran out of time lost the battle and were eliminated from the tournament. In the sixth round, the four players that spent the fewest turns to win the match advanced to the semi-finals.<ref>https://gamememolog.hatenablog.com/entry/2013/04/06/035300</ref>

The last matches took place at the Nintendo Space World 2001 and were played on Pokémon Stadium 2. Akihiro Nagai won the tournament, Shiori Yamamoto was the runner-up, Kotaro Ochiai finished on third place and Mika Fujita on fourth. The four players got a [[Celebi]]-colored [[Game Boy Advance]] and a certificate while the champion was also rewarded with an [[e-Reader]] once it was released.
<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20160917205417/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/event/sw2001/sokuho/26/page09.html</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20160917205749/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/event/sw2001/sokuho/26/page09_2.html</ref>

{{GBU|jp|Mobile Cup 2001|black=no|white=no|crystal=yes|stadium2=yes|
registration=April 15 to May 11, 2001|duration=June 3 to August 26, 2001|rankings=August 26, 2001|entries=1,000|
format=Single Battle|btime=10 minutes|ctime=???|levelcap=Range|cap=1-30|totallevel=90|party=3 per battle<br>3 per entry|noitems=yes|
selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|003|Venusaur}}{{MSP/3|006|Charizard}}{{MSP/3|009|Blastoise}}{{MSP/3|018|Pidgeot}}{{MSP/3|139|Omastar}}{{MSP/3|141|Kabutops}}{{MSP/3|144|Articuno}}{{MSP/3|145|Zapdos}}{{MSP/3|146|Moltres}}{{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|154|Meganium}}{{MSP/3|157|Typhlosion}}{{MSP/3|205|Forretress}}{{MSP/3|219|Magcargo}}{{MSP/3|221|Piloswine}}{{MSP/3|243|Raikou}}{{MSP/3|244|Entei}}{{MSP/3|245|Suicune}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}
}}

==Generation III==
===In the games===
====Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire====
{{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} introduced [[Double Battle]]s, where each player battles with two Pokémon at a time. In Double Battles, certain attacks affect multiple Pokémon and certain Abilities, such as {{a|Plus}} and {{a|Minus}}, only take effect in Double Battles. This format has been used in almost every tournament since the one held in Pokémon Festa 2004 and is the main format in the story modes of [[Pokémon Colosseum]] and [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]. 

In the Cable Club, four players can play a Double Battle variant called the [[Multi Battle]]. Similar to Pokémon Stadium, each player can only select and control three Pokémon at a time. 

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire featured a {{Gdis|Battle Tower|III}} similar to {{Gdis|Battle Tower|II|Pokémon Crystal's}}. However, only two divisions are available: the Level 50 and the Level 100 division. Also, Double Battles can not be conducted.

====Pokémon Colosseum====
In [[Pokémon Colosseum]], the [[Stadium Cup]]s were replaced with [[Colosseum]]s. While the general clauses remain from the [[Pokémon Stadium series]], the Colosseums have no special rules in place, with the exception of level divisions. Each Colosseum can be challenged in a single or Double Battle format.

Pokémon Colosseum also introduced [[Poké Coupon]]s, which are rewarded to the player upon completing portions of [[Mt. Battle]]. Poké Coupons can be traded in for various [[TM]]s or items; however, the player receives a 15% penalty for each legendary Pokémon used.

{| width="40%" align="center" style="background: #c7000b; border: 3px solid #6d0308; {{roundy|5px}}"
|-
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Division
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Phenac Colosseum|Phenac}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Pyrite Colosseum|Pyrite}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Under Colosseum|Under}}
! style="background:#f4535b" | {{color2|000|Orre Colosseum|Orre}}
! style="background:#f4535b; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Realgam Colosseum|Tower}}
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#f4535b" | Level 50
| Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| No
|- align="center"
| style="background:#f4535b; {{roundybl|5px}}" | Level 100
| style="background:#fff" | No
| style="background:#fff" | No
| style="background:#fff" | No
| style="background:#fff" | Yes
| style="background:#fff; {{roundybr|5px}}" | Yes
|}

====Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen====
In these games, a Battle Tower is not present; instead, [[Trainer Tower]] took its place. 

While the Battle Tower values winning streaks, Trainer Tower prioritizes speed. In the Japanese version, players can scan [[e-Cards]] to change the floor layouts; in international versions, the [[e-Reader]] support was removed, and many of the card layouts were incorporated into the Tower. 

Trainer Tower features four modes of play: Singles, Doubles, Knockout, and Mixed. In a Knockout Battle, the player has to defeat three Trainers in a single battle consecutively. The Mixed mode incorporates battles from the other three layouts.

Unlike the Battle Tower, no clauses are in effect, items can be used from the [[Bag]], and the player can interrupt their challenge to use the [[Pokémon Center]] in the lobby at any time. 

In addition, a special battle format is present in the [[Union Room]]. Each Trainer can select two Pokémon up to Level 30 in a Single Battle format.

====Pokémon Emerald====
Pokémon Emerald introduced the first {{OBP|Battle Frontier|Generation III}}. In addition to the Battle Tower, it features six other facilities with special rules, similar to the [[Stadium Cup]]s. 

Each facility can be challenged in a Single Battle or a Double Battle format. In addition, two players can team up in a Multi Battle format, where each player can control two Pokémon at a time. Players can battle in a Level 50 division or an Open Level division where all of the opponent's Pokémon will be at the same level as the player's highest-leveled Pokémon. 

Unlike the previous Battle Tower, players do not receive items after winning a streak. Instead, players receive [[Battle Point]]s. Like [[Poké Coupon]]s, Battle Points can be saved and traded in for certain items or moves; however, there is no penalty for using legendary Pokémon. 

====Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness====
Unlike {{g|Colosseum}}, {{Pokémon XD}} does not feature a Battle Mode. However, after completing the game, the player may challenge the [[Orre Colosseum]], which has similar regulations to the Colosseums in Battle Mode. 

Like almost all of the battles in the game, the Colosseum uses the Double Battle format. 

{{GBU|noko|Orre Colosseum|black=no|white=no|xd=yes|
registration=N/A|duration=N/A|rankings=N/A|entries=N/A|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=60|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|enigmaberry=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}
}}

===In tournaments===
{{incomplete|section|Misc. official/Nintendo-supported tournaments worldwide}}
====???====<!--insert name of Pokémon Festa 2003 tournament-->
The first tournament of [[Generation III]] took place during [[Pokémon Festa]] 2003. Unlike previous Japanese tournaments, two divisions were available: a Level 50 and a Level 100 Division. The tournament used the Single Battle format, and only Pokémon from the [[List of Pokémon by Hoenn Pokédex number (Generation III)|Hoenn Pokédex]] could be used.

{{GBU|jp|???|black=no|white=no|ruby=yes|sapphire=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50 or 100|party=???<!--3 or 6?--> per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|enigmaberry=yes|
species=yes|nomoves=yes|i=yes|ii=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}<!--Deoxys was not yet released-->
}}

====???====<!--insert name of Pokémon Festa 2004 tournament-->
The following tournament took place at Pokémon Festa 2004. This tournament used the Double Battle format. Unlike single battles, each player selected four Pokémon for battle. In addition to the previous rules, new restrictions were placed on nicknames: no vulgarities are to be used nor any Pokémon could be named after another Pokémon (e.g. a Smeargle nicknamed "KYOGRE"). 

As {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} were released earlier that year, almost all of the Pokémon in the [[National Pokédex]] were available for use.

{{GBU|jp|???|black=no|white=no|ruby=yes|sapphire=yes|firered=yes|leafgreen=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|enigmaberry=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}
}}

====???====<!--insert name of Pokémon Festa 2005 tournament-->
The tournament of Pokémon Festa 2005 featured nearly identical restrictions; however, {{p|Kyogre}} and {{p|Groudon}} were also banned.

{{GBU|jp|???|black=no|white=no|ruby=yes|sapphire=yes|firered=yes|leafgreen=yes|emerald=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|enigmaberry=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}
}}

====Pokémon Masters 2005====
{{n|Pokémon Masters 2005 to entertain Parisians|A tournament held September 17 to 18, 2005 in Paris, France}}, Pokémon Masters 2005 was organized by French fansites and sponsored by the likes of Nintendo and Bandai.

{{GBU|fr|Pokémon Masters 2005|black=no|white=no|ruby=yes|sapphire=yes|firered=yes|leafgreen=yes|emerald=yes|
registration=???|duration=September 17 to 18, 2005|rankings=N/A|entries=512|
format=Single Battle|btime=20 minutes|ctime=20 seconds|cap=100|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|enigmaberry=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}
}}

====Pokémon Emerald Ultimate Frontier Brain Battle====

A small competition called the [[Pokémon Emerald Ultimate Frontier Brain Battle]] took place in 2005 to commemorate the international release of {{game|Emerald}}.

The tournament used the Single Battle format. Unlike other Generation III tournaments, all items were banned. 

{{GBU|na|Pokémon Emerald Ultimate Frontier Brain Battle|black=no|white=no|colo=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Single Battle|btime=30 minutes|ctime=20 seconds|cap=100|party=3 per battle<br>6 per entry|allitems=yes|
species=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}
}}

====???====
Following the ''[[Pokémon Emerald Ultimate Frontier Brain Battle]]'', another North American tournament took place during the [[Pokémon 10th Anniversary Journey Across America|Journey Across America]] tour in 2006 commemorating Pokémon's 10th anniversary.

The rules were similar to the Pokémon Festa 2004 rules; however, only event Pokémon were banned. 

{{GBU|na|???|black=no|white=no|ruby=yes|sapphire=yes|firered=yes|leafgreen=yes|emerald=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|enigmaberry=yes|leftovers=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|sleep=yes|freeze=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}|
info=<center>[[File:Video Game Nationals.jpg|150px|The logo for the tournament's nationals]]</center><br>
* Only {{pcolor|Wobbuffet|000}} is prohibited from holding Leftovers.
}}

==Generation IV==

===In the games===
====Pokémon Diamond and Pearl====
In {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, six Cups were introduced for wireless battles in the Pokémon Colosseum Club Colosseum, many of which are similar to those in the [[Pokémon Stadium series]]. In addition, players can set the levels of all Pokémon to 50 or 100 during [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Wi-Fi]] battles. 

[[Mix Battle]]s were also introduced, wherein players swap one Pokémon with each other from a team of three, then battle.

Unlike Pokémon Emerald, Diamond and Pearl does not have a Battle Frontier, only a {{si|Battle Tower}}. In addition, a level cap of 50 is established.

====Pokémon Battle Revolution====
Colosseums made their return in [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]; however, like the [[Stadium Cup]]s, each Colosseum features a special rule. Each battle takes place in a Level 30 or a Level 50 mode, and can eventually be challenged in a Single or a Double Battle format. Players may use [[Rental Pass]]es or [[Custom Pass]]es in any Colosseum except for the Gateway Colosseum, which restricts the player to Rental Passes. 

Under Colosseum battles, the sleep, freeze, species, item, and self-KO clauses are followed.

In addition, Pokémon Battle Revolution features a mode of online play against random players, a system that eventually carried on to Pokémon Black and White. Battles can be conducted in a single or Double Battle format, with each player selecting three or four Pokémon before battle. All Pokémon are set to level 50, Pokémon nicknames are not used, and Trainer quotes are set to default. Other than that, there are no further restrictions.

====Pokémon Platinum====
As with Pokémon Emerald, a new {{gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}} incorporated the Battle Tower and added four other battle facilities: the Battle Factory, Battle Arcade, Battle Castle, and Battle Hall. Each facility has a set of rules to be followed, all depending on the format of battle selected.

====Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver====
[[Flat Battle]] mode was introduced in HeartGold and SoulSilver at the Pokémon Communication Club Colosseum. Regardless of rule set, all Pokémon are set to level 50 for the duration of the battle. The exact same Battle Frontier from Pokémon Platinum also made a return.

===In tournaments===
====???====<!--insert name of Pokémon Festa 2006 tournament-->
The first tournament for [[Generation IV]] took place in [[Pokémon Festa]] 2006, wherein Pokémon only found in the [[Sinnoh Pokédex#Diamond and Pearl edition|original Sinnoh Pokédex]] were eligible. No Pokémon are allowed to hold [[Soul Dew]], which remained a banned item throughout all Generation IV competitions from 2006 to 2010.

{{GBU|jp|???|black=no|white=no|diamond=yes|pearl=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|nomoves=yes|i=yes|ii=yes|iii=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|483|Dialga}}{{MSP/3|484|Palkia}}{{MSP/3|490|Manaphy}}<!--Darkrai, Shaymin and Arceus were not yet introduced; see footer-->|
}}

====???====<!--insert name of Pokémon Festa 2007 tournament-->
The [[Pokémon Festa]] 2007 tournament featured similar rules; however, Pokémon outside of the [[List of Pokémon by Sinnoh Pokédex number|Sinnoh Pokédex]] were eligible. 

{{GBU|jp|???|black=no|white=no|diamond=yes|pearl=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|483|Dialga}}{{MSP/3|484|Palkia}}{{MSP/3|485|Heatran}}{{MSP/3|486|Regigigas}}{{MSP/3|487|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|489|Phione}}{{MSP/3|490|Manaphy}}{{MSP/3|491|Darkrai}}<!--Shaymin and Arceus were not yet introduced; see footer-->|
}}

====Pokémon Video Game Showdown 2008====
The [[Pokémon Video Game Showdown 2008]] took place in the in-game [[Double Cup]]. For the first time it implemented the '''Junior''' and '''Senior''' age divisions on Pokémon Video Game tournaments that were originally from the TCG tournaments, so younger players would have a fairer chance on competition.

{{GBU|jpna|Pokémon Video Game Showdown 2008|black=no|white=no|diamond=yes|pearl=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=128|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>4 per entry|souldew=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|149|Dragonite}}{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|483|Dialga}}{{MSP/3|484|Palkia}}{{MSP/3|485|Heatran}}{{MSP/3|486|Regigigas}}{{MSP/3|487|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|489|Phione}}{{MSP/3|490|Manaphy}}{{MSP/3|491|Darkrai}}{{MSP/3|492|Shaymin}}<!--Arceus was not yet introduced; see footer-->|
info=<center>[[File:Video Game Showdown 2008 logo.png|100px]]</center>
}}

====Pokémon Video Game Championships 2009====

In 2009, the Pokémon Video Game Championships were included in the yearly Pokémon World Championships, which previously only featured the TCG. In the [[2009 World Championships|Video Game World Championships for 2009]], players could only use {{game|Platinum}}, and the [[List of Pokémon with form differences|alternate forms]] introduced in Platinum were ineligible. The [[Double Cup]] rules were reinstated. 

{{GBU|noko|Pokémon VGC 2009|black=no|white=no|platinum=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|248|Tyranitar}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|479|Rotom}}{{MSP/3|479O|Rotom}}{{MSP/3|479W|Rotom}}{{MSP/3|479R|Rotom}}{{MSP/3|479F|Rotom}}{{MSP/3|479L|Rotom}}{{MSP/3|483|Dialga}}{{MSP/3|484|Palkia}}{{MSP/3|487|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|487O|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|489|Phione}}{{MSP/3|490|Manaphy}}{{MSP/3|491|Darkrai}}{{MSP/3|492|Shaymin}}{{MSP/3|492S|Shaymin}}{{MSP/3|493|Arceus}}|
info=<center>[[File:Video Game Championships 2009 logo.png|100px]]</center>
}}

====Pokémon Video Game Championships 2010====
In 2010, powerful legendary Pokémon such as {{p|Mewtwo}} were allowed once again in the [[2010 World Championships]]. These Pokémon, referred to as '''special Pokémon''', were limited to two per battle, but four were allowed per team. Event-only Pokémon such as {{p|Mew}} were still banned. 

The tournament used only {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, and the rules followed the [[GS Cup]] rule set found in [[Flat Battle]] mode. All Pokémon above level 50 were leveled down to 50, while Pokémon below level 50 will retain their levels. Also, Pokémon that evolve at levels above 50 like {{p|Dragonite}} and {{p|Tyranitar}} could compete. While Item Clause was in effect, players could switch items between Pokémon in-between games.

{{GBU|noko|Pokémon VGC 2010|black=no|white=no|heartgold=yes|soulsilver=yes|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|souldew=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|nomoves=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|489|Phione}}{{MSP/3|490|Manaphy}}{{MSP/3|491|Darkrai}}{{MSP/3|492|Shaymin}}{{MSP/3|492S|Shaymin}}{{MSP/3|493|Arceus}}
----
'''Special Pokémon'''<br>
{{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|483|Dialga}}{{MSP/3|484|Palkia}}{{MSP/3|487|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|487O|Giratina}}|
info=<center>[[File:Video Game Championships 2010 logo.png|100px]]</center><br>
* A maximum of four "special Pokémon" are allowed in a party. 
* Only two "special Pokemon" can be used per battle.
}}

==Generation V==
===In the games===
====Pokémon Black and White====
{{game|Black and White|s}} introduced [[Triple Battle]]s, [[Rotation Battle]]s, and the [[Wonder Launcher]] were introduced, the last of which is only available on multiplayer. As with the introduction of [[Double Battle]]s, these introduced a new set of rules to be followed when battling under these formats.

Black and White also brought about the [[Pokémon Global Link]], with the [[Global Battle Union]] alongside it. Accessible in [[Pokémon Center]]s is the new Random Matchup mode wherein players may face random opponents over [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] without Friend Codes. Any type of battle may be selected. Random Matchup follows its own set of rules for every format available, which updates at times. It also presents a ranking system, with worldwide ranks available on the Global Battle Union section of the Global Link.

===In tournaments===
====Global Battle Union tournaments====
{{main|Global Battle Union#Competitions|Global Battle Union}}
The Global Battle Union hosts its own tournaments via the Battle Competition option on the game menu, and acts similarly to Random Matchup. These tournaments are participated entirely through Wi-Fi connection, and randomly match the player with an opponent. Players are not eliminated, but instead lose points for losing. Each tournament can be joined by anyone with the appropriate region set on their accounts on the Global Link if there is space, and these tournaments each have their own set of rules. All Pokémon used must be placed in the {{DL|Pokémon Storage System|Battle Box}}.

====Pokémon Video Game Championships 2011====
The [[2011 World Championships|2011 Video Game Championships]] became the venue for the first [[Generation V]] tournament. As with the first tournaments of [[Generation III]] and [[Generation IV]], only Pokémon in the [[List of Pokémon by Unova Pokédex number|Unova Pokédex]] may be used. The tournament continued to use the Double Battle format, and due to a [[Sky Drop glitch|glitch]] {{m|Sky Drop}} was banned in this format.

{{GBU|noko|Pokémon VGC 2011|
registration=???|duration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|
format=Double Battle|btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|party=4 per battle<br>6 per entry|noitems=yes|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|skydrop=yes|i=yes|ii=yes|iii=yes|iv=yes|
pokemon={{MSP/3|494|Victini}}{{MSP/3|643|Reshiram}}{{MSP/3|644|Zekrom}}{{MSP/3|646|Kyurem}}|
info=<center>[[File:Pokémon World Championships 2011 logo.png|100px]]</center>
}}

====Pokémon Video Game Championships 2012====
For the [[2012 World Championships|Pokémon Video Game Championships 2012]], all Pokémon from the [[National Pokédex]] may be used rather than only those in the [[List of Pokémon by Unova Pokédex number|Unova Pokédex]], but there are still some banned Pokémon. Most of the rules remain unchanged from the previous year, with the only difference with {{m|Dark Void}} being banned.

{{GBU|noko|Pokémon VGC 2012|
btime=???|ctime=???|cap=50|duration=August 10 to 12, 2012|registration=???|rankings=N/A|entries=???|format=Double Battle|
species=yes|item=yes|selfko=yes|skydrop=yes|darkvoid=yes|noitems=yes|<!--Soul Dew, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect are not yet released; refer to footer-->
pokemon={{MSP/3|150|Mewtwo}}{{MSP/3|151|Mew}}{{MSP/3|249|Lugia}}{{MSP/3|250|Ho-Oh}}{{MSP/3|251|Celebi}}{{MSP/3|382|Kyogre}}{{MSP/3|383|Groudon}}{{MSP/3|384|Rayquaza}}{{MSP/3|385|Jirachi}}{{MSP/3|386|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386A|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386D|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|386S|Deoxys}}{{MSP/3|483|Dialga}}{{MSP/3|484|Palkia}}{{MSP/3|487|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|487O|Giratina}}{{MSP/3|489|Phione}}{{MSP/3|490|Manaphy}}{{MSP/3|491|Darkrai}}{{MSP/3|492|Shaymin}}{{MSP/3|492S|Shaymin}}{{MSP/3|493|Arceus}}{{MSP/3|494|Victini}}{{MSP/3|643|Reshiram}}{{MSP/3|644|Zekrom}}{{MSP/3|646|Kyurem}}|
info=Additional rules: 
* No two or more Pokémon can have the same nickname.
* Pokémon cannot be nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon.
* Pokémon must be placed in the Battle Box.
}}

==References==
<references/>

==Exernal links==
* [http://www.pokemonvgc.com/ International Pokémon Video Game Championships website]
* [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_np3j/league/ List of Nintendo Cup 2000 finalists]
* [http://pokemon.maruamyu.net/btl_rule/ List of official battle rules (Japanese)]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D14tC7JtuMwQ&rurl Pokémon Festa 2004 Finals]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abz5Ppjy7TM&feature=related Pokémon Festa 2005 Finals]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dg7Ji9udPVMs&rurl Pokémon Festa 2006 Finals]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWEjUxpUGQQ Video Game Championship 2010 Finals]
* [http://www.smogon.com/dp/articles/intro_comp_pokemon Smogon's Introduction to Competitive Play]

{{Project Games notice|game mechanic}}

[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Pokémon meta]]

[[fr:Règles]]