Here's what you need to understand about Pokemon card legality:
* Banned Cards: There are some cards that are universally banned from competitive play, such as "Secret Rare" cards from early sets. These cards are considered illegal because they were not printed with the proper rarity markings and are often considered to be counterfeit.
* Restricted Cards: Some cards might be restricted in tournaments, meaning you can only play a certain number of them in your deck. This is usually done to balance gameplay and prevent certain strategies from becoming overpowered.
* Tournament Rules: The rules and regulations for each tournament or event will dictate which cards are legal and which are not. These rules can vary depending on the organization running the event.
* Counterfeits: Any counterfeit cards are illegal and should not be used in any tournament or event.
To find out which cards are legal for a specific event, you should consult the tournament rules or contact the organizers.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and only use cards that you are confident are legal and authentic.