The OFFICIAL introduction to Gym Leader Challenge: a custom Pokémon TCG format

Learn more about Gym Leader Challenge: gymleaderchallenge.com/
Video animated and edited by @pigchefer
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Welcome to Tricky Gym, the best competitive Pokemon Card channel on the internet! Whether you are new to the Pokemon Trading Card Game and want to learn how to play Pokemon Cards or a seasoned Worlds Competitor, Tricky Gym has something for you! My weekly videos include Standard, Gym Leader Challenge and retro Pokemon Trading Card Game gameplay, Pokémon news, set reviews, product openings and more! Thanks for watching!

[@joshtodd354]

Andrew is now the canonical voice for Ball Guy. Sorry, I don't make the rules.

[@wikidbeanz1741]

Man’s gotta rock the ball guy playmat and deck box now on streams

[@MoonduckPsy]

1st time I heard AM talk on TrickyGym, I thought, “Is that Ball Guy?” Turns out the answer was “Yes!”

[@GreenFlatEarth]

Seems fitting as Mahone is akin to a NPC, forgettable and usually insufferable

[@joshtodd354]

@@GreenFlatEarth why are you watching this video then? please get a life

[@MoonduckPsy]

@joshtodd354 If Taylor Swift got flamed like that, her Swifties would descend like ravening hordes on detractors. So does that make us Mahonies? Ball Guy-ies? Pig Cheffies?

[@pigchefer]

When Andrew first asked me to animate this entire video, I was beyond excited. I only really had my silly animation videos when I first applied to edit for him, and I didn’t think at all that he (or even I) would find any of that useful at all! So the fact that I got to make THIS - a video Andrew said he only wanted to produce when he knew it would be good enough - felt like everything was worth it in the end, and I was sure to give it my all!! 😊I really hope everyone enjoys it; I spent nearly a month coming up with ideas and drawing everything and it was very fun to make art of Ball Guys and Pokémon cards and not pigs and Jigglypuffs as I usually do for my own KZbin stuff haha 🐖 I’ve spent way more time on this than any other video I’ve edited for Tricky Gym and I am very tired after it but I am still very proud of it and hope everyone has as much fun with it (and GLC) as I did!! Now I will probably fall on my bed and sleep for the next 15 hours now that I’m finally done good night everyone 🛏

[@MoonduckPsy]

I will be going out and looking for the classic Emboar in honor of your work. This was STELLAR!

[@extinitynoob5659]

your editing is amazing

[@wakeupclumsy]

Oh, she wanna meet me she want henny brodie brought the tp she think she know me she heard neaky

[@MsHanBun]

It was worth the effort! 👌🏻💚 You made a great format look even more fun 🤗 Fabulous work dear 👍🏻💐

[@greengaleproductions]

The editing is super smooth and the art is adorable. Fantastic work, it came out amazing!

[@babyalexander]

I love the way Andrew talks about himself in the 3rd person

[@MoonduckPsy]

Who is this “Ann Dru”? We of the Royal Pokémon Hegemony recognize Sir Ball Guy, but this other personage is unknown to Us.😂

[@TrickyGym]

Andrew? this video is narrated by ball guy

[@alec_314]

This may be Tricky’s best video so far

[@raandomuser710]

You know it’s a banger when a video edited by pig dropped

[@CodeMasterMike]

I love playing BLT!

[@DrWurstpeter]

I just recently got introduced to the GLC idea and stumbled over this video. I like it, I'm totally down for this!

[@Vinishowww]

Here in brazil, some old cards are hella expensive so our local GLC league allow players to use proxys, this makes so casual and fun to play since you can use pretty much every card

[@timbarton44]

We're slowly growing our PTC community (we're a bunch of mtg players) and plan on doing GLC events later this year

[@ShawnOnSea]

I've played in 3 GLC tournaments, and honestly it's become my favorite format

[@stuffrus]

This is so cool! Whoever edited this should get a promotion

[@CalicoAura]

pigchefer :3

[@joseleonardohernandezcanela]

Ain't no way he got LDF to trash talk GLC

[@calebnelson4932]

Probably didn't take too much after the GLC Conquest video they did together. It was a slaughter

[@alexnas9634]

its not a good format

[@aninother]

PIGCHEF COOKED ONCE AGAIN!!! AMAZING WORK, GUYS!

[@leosc24]

Pigchefer knocked the animation out of the park! Well done

[@clutch_no]

This just got me back into Pokemon cards again, not just glc, but standard and expanded deck ideas are also flowing. Thanks Andrew.

[@cmt43368]

This was great! I took the over approach and made 24 decks so far.

[@MoonduckPsy]

Seems reasonable to me…

[@TrickyGym]

That rules!!!

[@adamkareem]

This seems so awesome and a lot of what I was looking for. Excited to try the format out🎉

[@sirmurford2737]

Great video with great starter information for the format. And also spectacular art and editing by Pig!

[@allaboutthatbaisch]

This was a much needed video! Top quality as always!

[@MsHanBun]

The best format in Pokémon! 🙌🏻💚 This is truly a brainchild you can be proud of Andrew! 👌🏻💜 Beautifully explained in this video and the graphics are amazing pig chef 🤩

[@Tekno560]

Beautiful video Really wanna start playing over the summer

[@EbonMagician34]

GLC is an exceptionally fun format to build for. I love taking to time to cull through all the options, looking for unique and obscure interactions to capitalize on. The format is picking up steam in my area, too. We’re considering trying GLC events for certain league nights now.

[@benjaminscott294]

I laughed so hard at 6:44!!! That was a perfect edit!

[@timepopsicle3495]

i cannot wait for this format to blow up, just sent this to my lgs owner and hopefully we can get a league running!

[@Jdog176]

Let's go! Nice animations Mr. Pigchefer!

[@marvelousjefferson7272]

GLC is so freaking good!

[@professorburch]

One of my goals this year is to make a trip to Full Grip to play in a GLC tournament. Recently joined the Discord, and Im learning the different styles of decks and discovering what cards are competitive. This format is amazing because it makes out-of-rotation cards playable again. I knew i was holding onto my bulk for a reason 😅

[@oliverharris4719]

Yo Andrew I love your videos. I took the inspiration from the metal deck you built and actually won a local tournament with it. Though I have been playin fire more recently, it's just more fun to pilot lol

[@toadsie6273]

So glad to see GLC get more attention

[@al2642]

Being old school, I love this format. Sounds amazing!

[@sparklysilvally1944]

Pigchefer's art is killing it in this one! I can really tell he's improved a ton

[@zampankratz3058]

This is awesome! More content like this!

[@RSanchez111]

My locals do a GLC tournament once a month and I finally built my own GLC deck, I'm so excited! So far, Jumpluff with all the new TMs has been pretty fun in playtesting. Double TM Devo in a format with just one rare candy can be devastating.

[@tcoolowski]

Sound super fun, I'll try this!

[@Schmino]

GLC is the best thing to happen to Pokémon. Thanks, Ball Guy!

[@Schmino]

Also goals: Mahone autographed full art ball guy card.

[@DanielDeLeon69]

Nice Introduction Video 😊

[@hunterthorne4671]

since GLC format was kind of born out of the runaway popularity of mtg commander, I feel like there should be rules for GLC multiplayer as well maybe

[@JessePrker]

Wow this video was fantastic! Well done andrew and pigchefer! I have been a huge fan of GLC ever since it came out. Huge breath of fresh air vs standard. Oh, and psychic is the best type btw. 😊🔮

[@MoonduckPsy]

Turbo Colorless says “Hello”, while Turbo Dark chews on your Pokemon for 200%. 🤣. Nice to see Ball Guy getting all this great support!

[@chrisjeffery8783]

This video is perfect. The art and Easter egg lore throughout is really entertaining. Thanks for putting so much care into this!

[@joshuasims5421]

I love GLC, it lets unique pokemon shine who aren’t just ex. I hope they continue to support it officially, it lets them keep making ex giants while having a reason to design cool, unique regular cards.

[@br000ly]

Didn't expect to see that jobby clip but it's appreciated 🤣

[@Jbzeck]

Great video!!

[@CMgnarles]

Love it! GLC is my preferred Format to play the Pokemon TCG

[@AceTrainerX]

I wish I could get more people into GLC, it's not a popular format around me. I even bought bulk staples to give out...

[@vs_seeker]

Bro cannot fathom the amount of hard work creativity & passion you have put into this single video. Really wish you the best. Hope soneday ptcgl will bring the expanded back again for online players like us. best wishes VS_SEEKER

[@TrickyGym]

Hope you are doing well bro! Thanks for the kind words 😁

[@nicroseamelia4880]

I was so hype for this video

[@TopComicsPressing]

Andrew you need 1 more rule!!!!! Eevee can go in any deck!!!! Adds so much for soooo little!!!! It’s a must. (And don’t tell me we can’t Handel 1 more rule! Benefit >>> cost)

[@TrickyGym]

**taps sign** NO EXCEPTIONS

[@TopComicsPressing]

Will start the petition then… have to see how many dogs I can get 😂

[@trashgoat3119]

Loved the cameos haha

[@Fangs-jo4bq]

I now know why I like this format. It's similar to MTG commander. With the one card rule in both games.

[@WoodyREC]

Of course Pokémon's Mr Fun himself Ball Guy is the head of GLC - amazing video to intro an unbelievable format!

[@gamerpaul21]

Such a great video, just played my first game of GLC this past weekend and now I’m hooked!!

[@TrickyGym]

I’m glad you’re enjoying it :)

[@MoonduckPsy]

It’s addictive. No question!

[@miguelmartos6092]

Lets gooo🎉 playing GLC in my city from Spain💪🏻

[@giulio_sa]

Meu formato favorito. Queria que aqui em Recife, tivesse mais eventos de GLC

[@jonunciate7018]

My nephew was just asking me if there were other ways to play pokemon, like in mtg. Looks fun.

[@MoonduckPsy]

GLC is so much fun that I built decks in all 11 types (“our decks go up to 11!”) to teach local kids how to play. A lot more fun and a better chance for people to make more creative decks than “Ooh, Another Lost Box with One Different Card! WHOOOOOOA!”😂

[@tituswu691]

to be fair, standard format could be more diverse. you don't HAVE to play meta decks or decks created by other people. if you have a solid grasp of the game, it's possible to build a deck of your own creation that's substantially different from anything else. all my decks I've competed with have been that way

[@MoonduckPsy]

@@tituswu691 agreed- although because of the current meta, most decks have no competitive chance. Klawf is still considered “rogue”, as was Gengar VMAX and Kyurem.

[@AceTrainerX]

That's not really true in competitive GLC, just like it's not true in local standard play. The GLC meta is near exclusively water and psychic, there's rarely a deck outside that type at big events. So.. the same can be said about competitive standard. A meta exists for competitive play, it doesn't matter the format.

[@takenname8053]

This is a way better explanation, then when I try to tell my nieces and nephews about it. Thanks Ballguy!

[@Turtleslayr]

Incredible ❤️❤️

[@DonnieBlades]

Great video Andrew. N pigchief killed it too. Great work guys

[@frac4L]

this is an interesting introduction!!! i will eventually get to this entire thing, when i buy me some cards.... (student cash tier life my beloved)

[@miroslavmaly2782]

Tricky Gym is The Best. I hope that GLC expands to other countries and becomes known to more players. Keep it up buddy.

[@leosc24]

"All the decks" YAAS 😂😂

[@ski4307]

I love how we can all tell Andrew reached out to friends in the community to trash talk him all in good fun for the video.

[@Trujones]

I love this!

[@dnatal09]

I should try this ❤

[@MoonduckPsy]

Fun stuff. Promise!

[@RockerBug17]

Of course, it has to be fans that improve and innovate in the Pokemon space, because the billion dollar franchise can't be bothered.

[@goncaloferreira6429]

nice add. GlC is a cool mix of pauper and singleton and a much needed alternative format for the game. Now, can someone answer a few questions? 1- where to look at decklists? 2- average price of GLC decks? 3- Can anyone outside the US say the format is played elsewhere?

[@BlueThiccFish]

look mom im in a tricky gym video

[@Ravenclaw776]

Yooooo you're there for three seconds woooooohoooo

[@TrickyGym]

L E G E N D

[@Pokephantom]

Very cool!

[@martinteece8983]

The one per car no special rule box means it not same old decks being done over and over, ofcause downside is if you matched against your weakness

[@TrickyGym]

Weakness can be overcome with smart play and deck building, just like in standard

[@dragonsigner]

I got that fluffy bidoof plush at Knoxville regionals earlier this month. And shout out to LDF. He is ONE of my favorite poketubers along side Wossy from ptcgradio. And trickygyms GLC format.. I love GLC .it's better than standard imo..

[@mshenay]

Mmmmmhm the community is really cool! N the content is always great

[@siraubric7898]

The best format ever. Have fun playing Pokemon GLC ❤

[@avecescocino]

After months on being talking and playing GLC with 2-3 friends , we got a variety of deck to spare with locals new players and the other day we got almost 16 people playing and enjoying the format. It was awesome. I play Pokemon tcg since jungle expansion (with some pauses) and after many years playing the standard format, it got boring, always fast/strong decks making the game over in no more than 3-4 turns :c but in GLC anything can happen, it's like the old times pokemon tcg. Now we play glc tournaments every week on our local store. The next step is to implement the badges system. The only thing that make people think about playing is the difficult to get the older cards. Besides that almost every player that tries the format love it Thanks Andrew to create this

[@colelittle6068]

Best way to play Pokémon, me and my roommate have a deck of every type (not fairy tho)

[@MarkLogna]

I love seeing this format grow. While I have strayed away from 1v1 games in favor of multiplayer card games like Magic: the Gathering's Commander format, it's still awesome to see fans embrace this format as their own. I'm not sure how it would work, but they day PTCG has a multiplayer format (with rules and card formatting to match) more focused on the social interactions between players, plus the deck restrictions seen in GLC, I'm dropping a full paycheck on cards 😂

[@AceTrainerX]

Please no, keep pod politics out of Pokemon. It's why I quit Magic.

[@xcyphs]

okay now this is epic

[@duncancrowley6643]

A work of art

[@glenseaman5057]

Another incredible job editing and animating from pig chef. Insane work on this one

[@dragonsigner]

Trickygym has been making this format for a while before covid. And in the official rules for alternate play at Pokemon they have gym leader challenge format mentioned and give credit to trickygym for this format ..

[@ARDIZsq]

I love GLC for a few reasons. Chief among them are the fact that we can see decade old cards being played again AND alongside modern cards in a non-broken format like Expanded, and you actually can focus on evolving Pokémon, a CORE MECHANIC of the TCG that largely gets ignored in Standard. To me, GLC just FEELS like the true TCG experience.

[@GLamb3895]

This video was hilarious

[@kvera]

How about a "Trainer Challenge" where they must build a deck with at most one evolution line of each type of pokemon and each evolution line must be from a different type of pokemon?

[@yotameshel7876]

We need the full versions of the "trash talks" - especially the OmniPoke one

[@TrickyGym]

posted omni's to twitter

[@susiemartinez8983]

Man I've heard of Gym Leader Format way before since 2021. Did I miss something? I like the challenge though. Love it.

[@bigk3170]

I appreciate the appearance of jobby the Hong 😂

[@xhadheartx]

I love glc!

[@dillansantiago707]

Jobby jumpscare lmao

[@LittleDarkFury]

Pigchefer 🐐

[@keatonborutskie707]

The Chef has cooked once again

[@laszlokaszas1003]

Guys, guys!!! I figured out how to make the format even more fun🤯: -You can have 1 pokémon with Rule Box in your deck, let's call it your Commanding Pokémon. -Your Commanding Pokémon starts the game in an extra zone, and you can play your Commanding Pokémon in your bench any time, just like you would playing from your hand. -If your Commanding Pokémon would be put in any zone from the field, you can put it back into their starting zone and you can play it again! But to balance this out, you need to discard 2 energy from your Pokémon for each time you already played your Commanding pokémon. I hope you all like my new and original format idea😉

[@ericzimmer]

GLC is only what me and my friends play now

[@TheLordShiki5577]

Mmmm... :/ let's go water type hydro pump deck ! go go go

[@jibbyjackjoe]

The only thing I don't like about this format is the weakness mechanic. It's kinda hard to have fun when you're entire type you selected is weak to the entire deck of your opponent

[@TrickyGym]

The weakness mechanic exists in all forms of the pokemon TCG. Not all water pokemon are weak to lightning, not all fighting pokemon are weak to grass. There are also cards that negate weakness like weakness guard energy and weakness policy tool card. I would argue that weakness plays a smaller role in GLC than it does in standard. Ask me how I like playing my Mew VMAX deck against roaring moon ex!

[@MoonduckPsy]

@@TrickyGym I’ll go with “As infrequently as possible” for $500 in store credit, Alex.

[@AceTrainerX]

The hardest part is getting around the water/psychic meta in GLC.

[@nuggetoftruth865]

W PIGCHEFER W FORMAT

[@Zorroark]

My main problem with glc is that getting BW and SM cards is pretty difficult since stores in my area don't even sell sword and shield packs anymore so it'd be a miracle if I saw anything from before Brilliant Stars for sale. It still looks really fun to play but I don't know if you could make a good deck with just SV and SS cards.

[@unsaidrumble1790]

Yeah that can be difficult to get older cards however most of my older cards I got for glc come from online shops like TCG player or full grip games

[@TrickyGym]

You can always order singles you need online!

[@MoonduckPsy]

…or find someone keeping old cards in a Home Despot bucket (true story!)

[@keltheskeleton]

Honestly thought Ball Guy was gonna sound like 1960's Jackie Vernon.

[@Raxin5]

I was there when glc was born.

[@typemasters2871]

Gym Leader Challenge has me thinking, it would be cool if there was another format that was similar to GLC but instead of one copy of each Pokemon, you can only have one evolution line I.E. if I could, I would create an Infernape deck with 6 Infernapes, 6 monferno, and 6 Chimchar as my only Pokemon

[@TrickyGym]

This seems neat but also like a very solvable format with a very clear best deck

[@typemasters2871]

@@TrickyGym indeed, which is probably why having a limit of 2 evolution lines would make more sense competitively It all comes down to taste, I’m someone who would want either 1 of each Pokemon or no rule box Pokemon but obviously you can’t just go “here’s a new format, it’s like this previous format but with 1 less rule” because otherwise that’s just taking a format and slapping on a easy mode to it X)

[@guillaumecloutier5162]

Awesome intro video to the format, great stuff Pigchefer! (Fairy is a valid type... HOPIUM)

[@KantoCacho]

Psychic spread is where it's at. Mismagius Azelf and Dusknoir op 😂

[@user-eh6lv7nq4p]

Why would anyone ever hate on GLC? Such a good format that focuses on cards and pokemon that are overlooked in Standard. The pokemon company would do well to sanction tournaments or events that use the GLC format similiar to how VGC has online tournaments with special rule sets. The only thing I can say is the pokemon company would have to legalize cards from Sun moon onward because of access reasons.

[@MoonduckPsy]

Would Have to go all the way back to Black & White…which would be a fair bit of work.

[@AceTrainerX]

People who came over from Magic because of how Commander destroyed (and Hasbro's greed) destroyed the game mostly. I can see it, it's a very slippery slope.