Introduction to the 2009 Pokémon Worlds Format

Breadth of the Metagame

The beauty of the 2009 Worlds format lies in its diverse and undefined metagame. Unlike many formats with clear dominant decks, 2009 features six or more Tier 1 decks and countless viable variations. No deck in 2009 reaches the "S-Tier" or "Best Deck in Format" (BDIF) status.

The Worlds 2009 Top Cut exemplifies this diversity:

• 1st place: LuxDrill (a rogue variant of Beedrill).

• 3rd and 7th places: Flygon Stall variants, a "secret deck" heading into Worlds.

• 5th place: Gyarados, a previously unknown deck outside of France Nationals.

• SP Toolbox decks, piloted almost exclusively by Japanese players, dominated the Junior and Senior divisions.

While these decks are now considered top-tier, they were largely unknown to many players at the time. This fluid and unpredictable meta means players today can explore refined strategies without the dominance of a single archetype.

Depth of the Metagame

Deck-building is another reason the 2009 format is so rewarding. Tech choices—specific cards added to counter particular threats—are especially impactful in this consistent format. For example, Palkia Lock, the most successful archetype in Worlds' Top 32, had at least three distinct variations, each with its own tech cards to gain an edge in mirror matches (Raichu GL and Luxray GL LV.X were common).

In 2009, tech cards matter more than your archetype. You can adjust up to 15 cards in a deck to either strengthen certain matchups or overhaul your strategy entirely. Some examples:

• Anti-meta techs include Dusknoir DP against setup decks, Azelf MT against SP decks, or Toxicroak G Promo against Luxray GL LV.X.

• Cynthia’s Feelings improves your deck against aggressive disruption but weakens it against slower setups.

• Night Maintenance bolsters resource-intensive matchups at the cost of consistency.

• Starter Pokémon like Chatot, Sableye, and Jirachi increase setup speed but make for easy prizes.

The tech options of 2009 result in a 50/50 matchup balance between most top-tier decks, allowing players to succeed with any core strategy they enjoy.

Variety in Gameplans

One of the most enjoyable aspects of 2009 is its variety of strategies. Unlike many formats that feel repetitive, where players simply power up a Pokémon to hit for damage knockouts, 2009 decks have unique goals and win conditions.

For example:

• Flygon Lock aims to disrupt the opponent’s board.

• Beedrill maximizes speed and swarm tactics.

• Gyarados uses aggressive attacks fueled by discard pile synergy.

• SP Box decks focus on versatility through Cyrus’s Conspiracy.

• Palkia Lock manipulates the opponent’s Poke-Powers.

Each archetype feels distinct, not only in strategy but also in how it sets up. Engines like the Sableye/Felicity’s Drawing discard combo, the reactive Jirachi/Cynthia’s Feelings engine, or the slow and steady Call Energy/Claydol core give different decks their own unique playstyles.

Why 2009 Stands Out

One of the biggest issues in modern TCGs is that early-game randomness often decide matches before meaningful decisions can be made. In 2010, for example, missing a Double Colorless Energy or getting locked by Spiritomb can lead to a slow and frustrating loss.

In contrast, 2009 rewards skillful decision-making over the course of the game. Minor choices can create entirely new game states, ensuring matches remain engaging and unique. The lack of mechanics like Judge-based hand disruption or Spiritomb-based item locks eliminates many frustrating "gates"—moments where a single play invalidates all earlier decisions.

For example:

• Power Spray and Mesprit provide temporary power locks but require careful resource management.

• Item lock from Dialga G or Gastly is present but not central to most strategies.

• Hand disruption is balanced through cards like Looker’s Investigation or Bronzong 4

This design encourages a fair, interactive experience where every turn feels meaningful.

Challenges in 2009

While 2009 is a fantastic format, it has its flaws:

1. Trapping Effects: Strategies like Stallgon (Flygon/Palkia) punish new players unfamiliar with the format’s intricacies, such as benching vulnerable Pokémon like Claydol.

2. Limited Card Pool: While the lack of 2010’s sets improves balance, it also means some exciting DP-block cards, like those from Supreme Victors, are missing.

3. Skill Checks: New players face steep learning curves, as understanding key interactions like Unown G blocking traps or Machamp’s Take Out is critical to success.