Over the course of it’s life, L5R has had some significant changes to the rules that dictate how the game is played. As a result, several format variations are available for players to choose from. It seems that these can be divided into three general areas:

Ivory/20 Festivals – This is the most recent rules set which is generally a good starting point for all L5R formats.

Legacy - This is the most open format which allows for most cards in the game's history to be played. It seems that the most common legacy versions are the orinal AEG legacy format, the Obsidian Hand legacy format and the Eternal L5R legacy format.

Alternative - These are formats with some significant variations like Modern, Big Deck and Strategic L5R.

At GenCon this year, we will be hosting three tournaments using three different rulesets: 20F/Ivory Limited, Modern, and Obsidian Hand Legacy. Below you will find rules "highlights" for each format as well as a link to a comprehensive rules PDF:

20F/Ivory format (Comprehensive Rules PDF)

• Uses the Twenty Festivals ruleset which now serves as the starting point for most L5R CCG formats.
• Deck construction is 40/40 minimum (at least 40 cards in the fate and dynasty decks).
• Gold splitting is used, but you pay what you see on personalities so no in-clan discounts.
• For you old school players, cavalry and naval are handled differently (some might say powered down), so you might want to read up on it :)
• Dueling is also different now. You can focus up to 4 times from your hand or off the top of your deck, and duelists win ties.
• There are no starting holdings like Border Keep or Bamboo Harvesters, but the legacy holding rule is used and there is a first turn player action that is essentially the same as Border Keep.
• The cardpool is limited to the Ivory and Twenty Festivals arcs.

Modern format (Comprehensive Rules PDF) 

• Use the Twenty Festival ruleset as a default (with the following exceptions)
• This is a 50/50 format (exactly 50 cards in the fate and dynasty decks)
• This is a "highlander" format (only one of any card can be included)
• The card pool is limited to Samurai Arc through Twenty Festivals (this includes the Celestial, Emperor, and Ivory arcs as well)

Obsidian Hand Legacy format (Comprehensive Rules PDF) 

• Most cards from the history of the game can be played, but there is a banned list (check the rules PDF)
• Starting holdings are used (Border Keep and Bamboo Harvesters)
• Gold splitting is not used, but the in-clan discount rule is used.
• Naval and cavalry are more inline with original L5R, but players can opt to use the new cavalry rules at the beginning of the game.

As we continue planning for GenCon 2023 we'll start posting decklists for Modern, Legacy, and Ivory/20F limited. No guarantees about the quality of the decks, but here's a good starting point for any deck ...

1x Daigotsu Hotako (Exp 3)

Decklists Page Visit our decklist page for ideas for each clan in each format.

Update (7/2/23) 

I'm very excited to reveal the alternate art card that will be given out to tournament participants at GenCon this year ...   The amazing Jonathan Hill donated the artwork so please go check him out!   Website - oneofthejohns.com Instagram - @oneofthejohns Twitter - @oneofthejohns

Original Post

L5R is back! A return to the story tournaments of the Legend of the Five Rings collectible card game now with the added bonuse of supporting charity. Players will compete for the right to resolve some unfinished storyline prizes and the privelege of winning $500 for the charity of their choice. Their exploits will be recorded in the annals of Rokugani history by former members of the AEG story team (a big thank you to Shawn Carman and Fred Wan!) In addition, all participants will win money for charity just by competing in the event.

Update (6/17/23)

Here is the final schedule for our L5R tournaments at GenCon:

We are limited to 32 players per tournament, so head to GenCon.com and register ASAP.

Rules for each format can be found HERE, and ideas for decks will start to show up HERE over the next few weeks!

Playccg is undergoing a few changes, and we will be a bit dark for a few days while we set all of this up. The result should be faster service and better selection overall, so bear with us!

<rawr: bear>

So in the new FF version, what are you pairing Crab with? I'm going crab with a splash of lion, but I'd love to see deck lists. Email me!

Well, stick something - In honor of the soon to be realeased lcg, I've lowered the price on Bumper Stickers to a quarter. Show your clan loyalty in this new era!

Do you want to make games? Do you know people who want to make games? I have a tool for you!

One of my current projects is the White Box, a book of essays and box of bits to help new designers make games. Well, it's up! The kickstarter went live this morning, and I'd really value your promoting/posting/tweeting about it. Take a look at this link here:


https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jefftidball/the-white-box-a-game-design-workshop-in-a-box

Plug it, if you like. If you tell me you did in the notes of any order I'll include a bunch of free loot for you.

YJ

I'm doing my planning for Gencon and my usual room plan fails me this year. Anyone got a room to share with a small Yasuki?

Well, tis the season. Who is doing L5R themed costumes? Send us pics!