Article:
World of Warcraft TCG - Core Format Introduction

The folks at UDE (Upper Deck Entertainment) have come up with a new format for new players to enjoy this year. This format is something that we’ve seen from other games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon; and is focused on a “multiple block” format. In WoW, any Core constructed tournament will only allow cards from the last three blocks and miscellaneous cards associated with those blocks (crafted cards, small releases such as the Feast of Winter’s Veil).

So if you were to play the Core format this year, you would have to put away those first three sets (from the first block) – Heroes of Azeroth, The Dark Portal, and Fires of Outland, together with the Onyxi’s Lair and Molten Core treasure packs, Blizzcon 2007 promo, Feast of Winter’s Veil, and Burning Crusade Collector’s Edition promos.

Never fear though – UDE will be printing Class Decks this year which will reprint some of the iconic abilities associated with each class, making those cards still legal for the Core Format.

Also, unlike other games, UDE will continue support the Classic format (where all cards are legal). They have announced that all National events this year will feature the Core format, but the Worlds event will feature the Classic format.

Why the new Core format? UDE states that the new Core format is a way to encourage new players to play the game, and a way to avoid the problem of Block format which is really only good for about one third of the year. With this aim in mind, any tournament run in the new Core format features best of one matches (no side deck!) and 30 minute rounds – but more tournament rounds overall. So new players can get a taste of the game, player lots of opponents, and not have to worry about building side decks. For veterans, this creates interesting new challenges in having to build more robust and balanced decks.

As for the details on the rounds, here’s a comparison:

Three game match rounds and cut         One game match rounds and cut
4-8       –      3 rounds  (Top 2)      4-8       –      4 rounds  (Top 2)