How to Play VGC

A beginner's guide to the official Video Game Championship format of Pokémon.

The Core Rules

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Doubles FormatAll official VGC matches are played in a 2v2 format. You will always have two Pokémon on the field at once.
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Bring 6, Pick 4Your team consists of 6 Pokémon, but you only bring 4 to each battle after previewing your opponent's team.
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Item ClauseNo two Pokémon on your team can hold the exact same item.

Open Team Sheets (OTS)

In modern VGC Arena tournaments, players use Open Team Sheets. This means before the battle begins, both players receive a list containing the exact details of their opponent's Pokémon, including:

Moves

Abilities

Items

Tera Types

Note: Exact stat numbers (EVs and IVs) remain hidden to preserve strategy.

Advanced Mechanics

Protect

Protect is the best move in Doubles. It blocks almost all attacks for a turn, allowing your partner to freely attack or set up without fear of retaliation.

Speed Control

Moves like Tailwind and Trick Room alter the speed mechanics of the battle, determining which Pokémon moves first. Controlling the speed is often the key to victory.

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