Cardfight!! Vanguard (Japanese):
Fighters' Rule
- Premium Format, V Premium Format & Standard Format
[As of 1st January 2025 (Japanese Edition)]
- Fighters' Rule refers to a set of rules that prevent the specific use of cards in official tournaments.
- These rules can be different between the different languages of the game.
- The main reason for those adjustments is because those cards are excessively used by many fighters, promoting less variety in decks.
(i) Fighters' Rules for Cardfight!! Vanguard for the Standard Format
Section A: Removed Restriction
The card is no longer part of the Card Restrictions.
Keter Sanctuary:
Monster Strike:
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Section B: Restricted / Cannot be used at all
The card cannot be included in any deck at all.
---NIL---
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Section C: Restricted to 1
You may only have up to one single copy of that card in your deck.
Dragon Empire:
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Section D: Trigger Restriction
You can only have up to 8 cards of the trigger types in the main deck.
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Section E: Choice Restriction
If you want to have a group of cards in your deck, neither of them cannot be included in the same deck. For example, you may have four copies of card A and zero copies of card B, but you cannot have three copies of card A and one copy of card B, in order to meet this criteria.
Dragon Empire:
OR
Keter Sanctuary:
OR
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Section F: G Deck Regulation
The comprehensive rules regarding G deck.
(I) Stride Decksets
- [New] Fighters can only have a G deck if they have the specific Grade 3, Grade 2, Grade 1, and Grade 0 in their Ride Deck.
- Please refer to the image above for details of the combination.
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- The number of cards in a Fighters’ decks will be changed.
Currently:
• Cards in Main Deck is 50 Cards.
• Cards in the Ride Deck consists of 1 copy each of grade 0, 1, 2, 3 units from main deck of 50 cards.
Changes:
• Cards in Main Deck is 50 Cards.
• Cards in the Ride Deck consists of 1 copy each of grade 0, 1, 2, 3 units, separate from the main deck of 50 cards. (A portion of exceptions have been removed.)
Q: Is the card quantity limit in the main deck & ride deck counted separately?
A: No, the total of the card quantity is from both the main deck and ride deck. A player can only have four copies of any particular card in any game.
Q: For decks with “Griphosid", what happens to the number of cards in the main deck and ride deck?
A: Aside from the 50 cards in the main deck, your ride deck can have 3 Calamity cards, 1 over trigger, “Griphosid”, and 1 ride deck crest, making it a total of six cards.
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- How to determine who start the game will be changed.
Currently:
• Determine which player goes first in a random manner. The player who wins will go first, and the player who loses will go second. (E.g. The player who wins Rock, Paper, Scissors will go first.)
Changes:
• Determine which player goes first in a random manner. The player who wins will decide whether to go first or second. (E.g. The player who wins Rock, Paper, Scissors will choose between going first or second.)
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Section I: Energy Generator, Divine Skills & Crest
(I) Clarifications on Energy Generator
• If one neglects to perform an Energy Charge at the commencement of their ride phases, it is imperative to rectify the oversight to align with the mandatory nature of the Energy Charge ability on the Energy Generator.
• This correction ensures that the game state conforms to the mandatory ability activations. In a tournament setting, if such oversight is not promptly identified by the opponent, it is advisable to summon a judge during instances like the main phase, as failing to address a mandatory ability becomes an infraction.
• It is essential to maintain sportsmanship; if your opponent forgets, kindly inform them promptly to avoid exploiting the situation and causing unnecessary delays. Both players may receive a warning in the event of such oversights.
~~~~~~~~~
• Substituting a Fighter's Coin is permissible with any object, but certain restrictions apply, including the prohibition of:
- Items exceeding 2.5 cm in diameter.
- Unstable objects prone to falling or rolling.
- Dice or similar items that may lead to ambiguity in number interpretation (e.g., a dice on counter 3 with the face showing 6).
- Prohibited items outlined in the Floor Rules, such as coins, banknotes, and electronic devices.
~~~~~~~~~
• In response to an inquiry from your opponent regarding the presence of a G Zone, it is mandatory to provide a truthful response. While there is no obligation to proactively disclose this information, if directly asked, it is incumbent upon you to confirm whether your deck includes a G Zone and if applicable, specify the number of cards contained therein.
~~~~~~~~~
It is apparent that the inclusion of the Energy Generator Crest is obligatory for D Standard format. To participate in officially sanctioned Bushiroad events, it is imperative to have this crest within your ride deck.
• Key Point: Blangdmire specifically nullifies the abilities of the "vanguard CURRENTLY on [V]" and "the fighter".
Nullified Abilities of the Vanguard:
- Text Box abilities.
- Icons such as Twin Drive.
- Abilities obtained from [your vanguard gets "~"] (indicated by red text).
Nullified Abilities of the Fighter:
- Abilities obtained from [you get "~"] (indicated by red text).
Example:
- Rezael's Divine Skill.
- The [Power] +10000 / [Critical] +1 ability of Gallmageheld (Dark States’ over Trigger).
• The abilities documented on the Crest are attributed to the Crest itself, distinct from the Fighter's abilities, and thus remain unaffected by nullification. This allows for actions such as Striding (using Deckset’s Crests), searching for Mushi cards (with the Mushi crest), and activating [E-Blast (7)] to draw (via the Energy Generator).
• Although the abilities within the Touken Ranbu’s Crests for each sword type lack red text, they are nonetheless attributed to the Vanguard due to special wording. Consequently, these abilities are subject to nullification.
(The restrictions preventing the ride of units with different card names from the Vanguard, as well as the Vanguard's transformation into grade 3 and its [Power] increase to 13000, remain in effect. However, Twin Drive is nullified.)
Q1: What is the impact on the UnisonDress state and Final Burst state?
A1: The status of a unit or fighter is not considered an acquired ability, thus it will persist. However, it's important to note that the ability to Final Rush at the beginning of the next ride phase or to Final Burst at the start of the battle phase is nullified.
Q2: How are abilities like DressUp ("During this fight, this card is also regarded as the specified card") affected?
A2: Such abilities are nullified, rendering the card to only possess the printed card name. Even if a card with the same name as the specified extra name is ridden, Persona Ride will not activate. Additionally, in the case of Alvari, the Greedon name is forfeited, preventing riding into Greedon Masques, necessitating caution.
Q3: What happens to the cards equipped to Bavsargra?
A3: Even if Bavsargra has its abilities nullified, the equipped Arms will remain, as their abilities are inherent to the Arms themselves, not the vanguard. Consequently, the abilities of the Arms persist and can be utilized as they are unaffected by nullification.
Q4: If the vanguard is not selected, are the fighter's abilities still nullified?
A4: Yes, as the ability resolves to the fullest extent possible, only the fighter's abilities are nullified.
Q5: What occurs if "Chronojet Dragon," whose abilities are nullified, is Stridden upon by "Chronodragon Nextage"?
A5: As the heart card remains on the vanguard circle, its nullified state persists. The "Stride Bonus" ability (When your G unit Strides) cannot be activated, and even upon Nextage returning to the G Zone, Chronojet's abilities remain nullified (similarly for other Stride deckset units).
Q6: Is "Fountain of Wisdom, Eva," whose abilities are nullified, still classified as [Glitter]?
A6: Yes, it retains its classification. Despite the nullification of the [Glitter] ability, it remains attributed as such and is still referred to as [Glitter].
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Section G: Card Errata
All cards will be using the new changes in the card text.
Lyrical Monasterio:
Original Text:
ACT [V] [1/Turn]: COST[C-Blast (1)], and perform one of the following. If you have four or more units with different card names, perform two instead of one, and if you have five or more, perform all instead of one.
Errata Text:
ACT [V] [1/Turn]: COST[C-Blast (1)], and perform one of the following. If you chose four units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, perform two instead of one, and if you chose five or more units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, perform all instead of one.
Original Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit attacks a grade 3 or greater unit, if you have four or more units with different card names, this unit gets [Power] +10000 until end of that battle.
Errata Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit attacks a grade 3 or greater unit, choose four of your units. If you chose four units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, this unit gets [Power] +10000 until end of that battle.
Original Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit boosts a grade 3 or greater vanguard with "Krysrain" in its card name, if you have four or more units with different card names, COST[E-Blast (3)], and until end of that battle, when your opponent would call cards without Sentinel from hand to [G], they must call three or more cards with different grades at the same time.
Errata Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit boosts a grade 3 or greater vanguard with "Krysrain" in its card name, choose four of your units. If you chose four units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, COST[E-Blast (3)], and until end of that battle, when your opponent would call cards without Sentinel from hand to [G], they must call three or more cards with different grades at the same time.
Original Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit boosts, if you have three or more units with different card names, COST[C-Blast (1) & E-Blast (2)], draw a card, and this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle.
Errata Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit boosts, choose three of your units. If you chose three units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, COST[C-Blast (1) & E-Blast (2)], draw a card, and this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle.
Original Text:
AUTO [V]: At the end of the battle this unit attacked, if you have three or more units with "FL∀MMe-Gramme" in their different card names, COST[C-Blast (1)], choose a "FL∀MMe-Gramme, Bleulcaire" from your soul, ride it as [Stand], and until end of turn, that unit loses all of its AUTO abilities, and gets [Power] +2000 for each card in total in your and your opponent's damage zones. At the end of that turn, choose a "FL∀MMe-Gramme, Rosea" from your soul or drop, and ride it as [Rest].
Errata Text:
AUTO [V]: At the end of the battle this unit attacked, choose three of your units. If you chose three units and all chosen units have "FL∀MMe-Glam" in their different card names, COST[C-Blast (1)], choose a "FL∀MMe-Gramme, Bleulcaire" from your soul, ride it as [Stand], and until end of turn, that unit loses all of its AUTO abilities, and gets [Power] +2000 for each card in total in your and your opponent's damage zones. At the end of that turn, choose a "FL∀MMe-Gramme, Rosea" from your soul or drop, and ride it as [Rest].
Original Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit is chosen by the ability of your grade 3 or greater vanguard with "Krysrain" in its card name, choose one of your vanguards, and it gets [Power] +10000 until end of turn.
AUTO [R]: When this unit attacks, if you have three or more units with different card names, this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of turn, and if you have four or more units with different card names, at the end of that battle, choose one of your other rear-guards, and return it to hand.
Errata Text:
AUTO [R]: When this unit's [Power] is increased by the ACT ability of your grade 3 or greater vanguard with "Krysrain" in its card name, choose one of your vanguards, and it gets [Power] +10000 until end of turn.
AUTO [R]: When this unit attacks, choose any number of your units. If you chose three units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of turn, and if you chose four or more units and all chosen units have different card names from each other, at the end of that battle, choose one of your other rear-guards, and return it to hand.
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Premium Format
Section A: Removed Restriction
The card is no longer part of the Card Restrictions.
---NIL---
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The card cannot be included in any deck at all.
Oracle Think Tank:
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- Esteemed Deity of Abundant Waters, Ichikishima (豊水尊神 イチキシマ)
Shadow Paladin:
Gold Paladin:
- Flame Wind Lion, Wonder Ezel (風炎の獅子 ワンダーエイゼル)
Genesis:
Kagero:
Nubatama:
Murakumo:
Narukami:
Link Joker:
Dark Irregulars:
Pale Moon:
Gear Chronicle:
Bermuda △:
- Luxury Wave, Elly (ラグジュアリーウェーブ エリー)
Aqua Force:
Great Nature:
Cray Elemental:
- Rain Elemental, Zarzan (レインエレメンタル ザーザン)
- Tempest Sphere (テンペスト・スフィア)
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Section C: Restricted to 1
You may only have up to one single copy of that card in your deck.
Angel Feather:
- Doctoroid Refros (ドクトロイド・リフロス)
- Conquering Supreme Dragon, Stunverse Dragon (征天覇竜 スタンバース・ドラゴン)
Dimension Police:
Narukami:
- Commander Laurel (コマンダーローレル)
[Premium Standard: Old Version; No restriction for the V series. E.g. You can use 3 V series and 1 Old Version or 4 V series and 0 Old Version]Dark Irregulars:
Pale Moon:
- Seven Seas Helmsman, Nightcrow (七海操舵手 ナイトクロウ)
Bermuda △:
- Delight Genius, Ange (ディライトジーニアス アンジュ)
Neo Nectar:
- Cosmos Pixy, Lizbeth (コスモスの妖精 リズベット)
Stoicheia:
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Section D: Restricted First Vanguard
You cannot choose that card as your first vanguard at the beginning of the fight.
Oracle Think Tank:
- Magical Calico (マジカル・キャリコ)
Gold Paladin:
- Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph (紅の小獅子 キルフ)
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Section E: Choice Restriction
If you want to have a group of cards in your deck, neither of them cannot be included in the same deck. For example, you may have four copies of card A and zero copies of card B, but you cannot have three copies of card A and one copy of card B, in order to meet this criteria.
United Sanctuary:
OR
- Over Triggers
Pale Moon:
- Purple Trapezist (パープル・トラピージスト) - Non-V Series Edition
OR
OR
- Jumping Jill (ジャンピング・ジル) - V Series Edition
Bermuda △:
- Colorful Pastorale, Fina (カラフル・パストラーレ フィナ)
OR
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Section F: Trigger Ruling
The comprehensive rules regarding Stand Triggers.
Example of units performing drive check on [R]:
• Giant Deity of Distant World, Valkerion (絶界巨神 ヴァルケリオン)
• Vision Token (幻焔)
- Rear-guards that [Stand] by a Stand Trigger cannot perform drive checks until end of turn.
※ If a rear-guard reveals a Stand Trigger for its drive check, and that rear-guard [Stand] by its effect, that drive check will be fully performed.
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V Premium Format
Section A: Removed Restriction
The card is no longer part of the Card Restrictions.
---NIL---
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Section B: Restricted / Cannot be used at all
The card cannot be included in any deck at all.
Angel Feather:
Nubatama:
- Stealth Beast, Kokushigarasu (忍獣 コクシガラス)
Dark Irregulars:
.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/275?cb=20190802013132)
Gear Chronicle:
Granblue:
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Section C: Restricted to 1
You may only have up to one single copy of that card in your deck.
Gold Paladin:
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Section D: Restricted to 2
You may only have up to two copies of that card in your deck.
Narukami:
- Fiendish Sword Eradicator, Cho-Ou (妖剣の抹消者 チョウオウ) - V Series Edition
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Section E: Restricted First Vanguard
You cannot choose that card as your first vanguard at the beginning of the fight.
---NIL---
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Section E: Choice Restriction
If you want to have a group of cards in your deck, neither of them cannot be included in the same deck. For example, you may have four copies of card A and zero copies of card B, but you cannot have three copies of card A and one copy of card B, in order to meet this criteria.
Shadow Paladin:
OR
OR
- Dragheart, Luard (覚醒を待つ竜 ルアード) - V Series Edition
Dark Irregulars:
OR
Bermuda △:
OR
OR
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Section F: Double Restriction
The card has two of the mentioned restrictions simultaneously.
---NIL---
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Section G: Card Errata
All cards will be using the new changes in the card text.
Murakumo:
.png/revision/latest?cb=20190725001317)
Original Text:
ACT [V] [1/Turn]: COST[C-Blast (1)], search your deck for up to one card with the same grade as one of your opponent's units, call it to [R], shuffle your deck, and until end of turn, change the card name of all of your and your opponent's units to this unit's card name.
Errata Text:
ACT [V] [1/Turn]: COST[C-Blast (1)], search your deck for up to one card with the same grade as any of your opponent's units, call it to [R], shuffle your deck, and until end of turn, change the card name of all of your and your opponent's units to this unit's card name.
Bermuda △:
- Top Idol, Riviere (トップアイドル リヴィエール) - V Series Edition
Original Text:
AUTO [V]: At the end of the battle it attacked, COST[discard two cards from your hand], ride up to one card with "Riviere" in its card name from your hand as [Stand], and that unit gets drive -1 until end of turn.
Errata Text:
AUTO [V]: At the end of the battle it attacked, COST[discard two cards from your hand], ride up to one card with "Riviere" in its card name from your hand as [Stand], and that unit gets drive -1 until end of turn. This ability may only be used by a card with the same card name once a turn.
Original Text:
AUTO [V]: At the end of the battle it attacked, COST[discard two cards from your hand], ride up to one card with "Riviere" in its card name from your hand as [Stand], and that unit gets drive -1 until end of turn.
Errata Text:
AUTO [V]: At the end of the battle it attacked, COST[discard two cards from your hand], ride up to one card with "Riviere" in its card name from your hand as [Stand], and that unit gets drive -1 until end of turn. This ability may only be used by a card with the same card name once a turn.
- Additionally, when using these cards in official sanctioned tournaments, please print and bring along the following PDF for ability reference.
Aqua Force:
Original Text:
AUTO [V]: When it attacks, [Stand] one of your back row rear-guards.
Errata Text:
AUTO [V] [1/Turn]: When it attacks, [Stand] one of your back row rear-guards.
Regarding cards with the same abilities:
- When referencing the text for the card abilities, and its related rule resolutions, it will refer to the latest version of text released. (e.g. When you play G-BT02/103EN “Rain Elemental, Tear”, it will be treated to have the text of PR/0463EN)
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(iv) Clan Fight Format Gameplay Ruling for Cardfight!! Vanguard
As of 1st May 2018, there will be changed in some of the phrases and process in the gameplay.
Currently:
You may choose any number of cards from your hand and shuffle them into your deck. If you do, draw the same number of cards returned to the deck.
New:
You may choose any number of cards from your hand, put it on the bottom of your deck, draw the same number of cards that was placed at the bottom of the deck, and shuffle them into your deck.
(B) G-assist
Currently:
- Look at five cards from the top of your deck.
- From among them, put up to one card that is a grade greater than your vanguard into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
- If you put a card into your hand, choose two cards from your hand and two cards from your G zone, and remove the chosen cards from the game. These cards can no longer be used for the rest of the game.
New:
- Look at five cards from the top of your deck.
- From among them, put up to one card that is a grade greater than your vanguard into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
- If you put a card into your hand, choose two cards from your hand, and remove the chosen cards from the game. These cards can no longer be used for the rest of the game.
(C) Guardians
Currently:
- Choose a card with grade equal or lesser than your vanguard’s grade from your hand and normal calls it to your [G] as [Rest].
New:
- Choose a card from your hand and normal calls it to your [G] as [Rest], you can call cards with grades higher than your vanguard’s grade from your hand and normal calls it to your [G] as [Rest].
(D) Stride
Currently:
- When both players’ vanguards are grade 3 or greater.
New:
- When both players’ vanguards are grade 3 or greater OR when you have a grade 3 vanguard at the start of your turn.
(E) 1/Turn
Currently:
- [1/Turn] ability are forced to trigger/active when the fulfillment is met.
New:
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(iv) Clan Fight Format Tournament Time Limit for Cardfight!! Vanguard
- Official Tournament's Time Limit for each round will increase from 20 minutes to 25 minutes.
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(v) Clan Fight Format Deck Construction Restriction List for Cardfight!! Vanguard for the Premium Standard Format
- Fighters’ decks (including G-Units) must only contain cards from the same clan, with the exception of:
• Cray Elemental cards.
• Royal Paladin decks may consist of up to 4 copies of “Blaster Dark”.
• Link Joker: decks may consist of cards with “Яeverse” in its name.
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(vi) Regarding “gift markers”, “token cards” and “marker cards”
- Please use officially released “gift markers”, “token cards” and “marker cards”.
- You may use “gift markers”, “token cards” and “marker cards” without card sleeves.
- If you choose to use sleeves, please follow the regulations stated in the floor rules, and note that sleeves used must be easily distinguishable from your main deck.
- However, you can choose to use the same sleeves for your G zone, or choose to use clear sleeves, and choose to use different sleeves for each “gift markers”, “token cards” and “marker cards”.
- Please prepare sufficient “gift markers” before the start of the fight, and put it face down in an area separate from the zones of the game.
- You do not need to announce beforehand the type of “Imaginary Gift” you are using to your opponent.
- At the start of the fight, you do not need to announce that you are using “token cards” or “marker cards”.
- Additionally, when you use “token cards” or “marker cards”, you do not need to report it to your opponent.
- If you do not have sufficient “gift markers”, “token cards” or “marker cards” in the middle of a fight, and it is a level 2 or higher tournament, (e.g. Regional tournaments, World Finals etc.), you will be penalized.
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(vii) Regarding “Gift Markers”
- Please use the “Gift Markers” sold or distributed.
- You may use “Gift Markers” without sleeves. If you use sleeves, please use different sleeves from your main deck as stated in the floor rules. However, they may have the same sleeves as your G zone, and clear sleeves may be used.
- You may use different sleeves for the cards used as your “Gift Markers”.
- Please prepare the necessary pieces of “Gift Markers” and place them in a game area before the fight. You do not need to declare which “Imaginary Gift” you are using to your opponent.
- You will be penalized if you do not have enough “Gift Markers” during a Level 2 or higher tournament.
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(viii) Regarding Fighter’s Counters and Fighter’s Coins
- Official Fighter’s Counters and official Fighter’s Coins may be used to indicate any changes to the power and/or critical.
- When using these items, do take note to place them in such a way that vital information to the fight, such as the power, or ability text, is not hidden from view.
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(viv) Using triple or more card sleeves
- You may not put cards in triple or more card sleeves.
- You may only put cards in up to double card sleeves.
※ Even if you are using double or less card sleeves, if it is seen that it interferes with the play of the game, the tournament manager or official may instruct you to remove those card sleeves.
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(vv) Regarding G unit
- Please follow the indications on sleeves in the floor rules. However, you may use different sleeves and/or clear sleeves from your main deck.
- You may use different sleeves for the cards within your G zone.
- Please confirm the number of cards in your opponent’s G zone before the fight.
- You may have 0 to 16 cards in your G zone.
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(vvi) Regarding playmat usage
- You may use a playmat that you have prepared beforehand.
- You may not use playmats that have zones different from vanguard.
- Please obtain permission from your opponent before using your playmat.
※ A staff may deem your playmat unsuitable for usage due to piracy and/or morality.
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(vvii) On manners during a Cardfight
- Fight fairly by following the rules and paying respect to your opponent at all times.
- Communicate with your opponent by speaking and making actions clear. Also, when you opponent makes a move, give a response to express that you understand his or her actions.
- Do not touch your opponent’s cards without his or her permission. If you handle your opponent’s cards, handle them with care.
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(vviii) None Tournament Legal Cards for Japanese Cardfight!! Vanguard:
- Not a tournament legal card
- Not a tournament legal card
Vanguard Fighter, Daigo (ヴァンガードファイター DAIGO)
- Not a tournament legal card
Note by Bushiroad:
Reason for Adjustment in the Japanese Version:-
'With regards to the over usage of the above mentioned cards and an imbalance in tournament results, the adjustments will be made to refresh the game environment for the fighters.'
Bushiroad's Statement:
'As the situation is different for the Japanese and English versions, there are no plans to implement the following restriction for the English version of Cardfight!! Vanguard at all!'
Information from http://cf-vanguard.com/howto/fighters_rule/