Beginning with the Marvel Heralds of Galactus season starting on September 9, 2006, the Vs. System Pro Circuit Qualifier (PCQ) program will see some significant changes.

Currently, a “twin format” PCQ consists of two tournaments held on the same day—one Constructed and one Sealed Pack. The Constructed tournament follows the format of the latest Pro Circuit, and the Sealed Pack tournament uses the most recently released booster set.

Starting on September 9, PCQs will no longer offer both a Constructed and a Sealed Pack tournament on the same day. There will be roughly an equal number of tournaments using either the current Constructed or Sealed Pack format, and the format for each tournament will be available on the PCQ schedule at www.ude.com/pcq and at each organizer’s website.

As Vs. System players are well aware, competitive Vs. tournaments with money on the line can take a long time to finish. Having two tournaments held on the same day means that the second tournament lasts until very late. This is a significant burden on players, judges, staff, and the venue where the events are being held. Single tournament PCQs will shorten the day. As an additional benefit, moving to a one-per-day structure will open up new locations to host PCQs that were not able to stay open late enough to commit to a “twin format” PCQ.

The new program simplifies tournaments for the organizers and players. Players will no longer have to make a choice to drop out with a 1-1 record if they want to play in the other PCQ. Organizers will require less staffing to run events.

Most importantly, this new change will allow the program to reach more areas. We will be increasing the number of PCQs over the next few seasons. Players will see PCQs more regularly in their area, and the additional events will also allow organizers to spread them to new cities that may not have had a PCQ previously. With smaller staff requirements, judges will get a chance to play every now and again.

We are also adding more prizes to Pro Circuit Qualifiers, for both experienced and new players. The summary of changes is outlined below:

• Second place will now receive a Vs. System playmat and deck tin from the current set.

• Third and fourth place will now receive a Vs. System deck tin from the current set.

• The first 24 players to register for the PCQ each day will receive a new Extended Art foil participation promo card just for signing up.

• The top-performing amateur player who did not make the Top 8 playoff will win a Vs. System playmat, a deck tin, and booster pack prizes.

• The next three amateur players who did not make the Top 8 playoff will win a Vs. System deck tin and booster pack prizes.

There are very strong pros and cons to moving away from the “twin format” PCQ. We have been discussing the various options with players, judges, and organizers since March, and we’ve closely monitored data from event attendance and player participation. I can assure you it was not a decision that was made lightly, and I’m confident it will continue our strategy to make Vs. System Organized Play even more successful.

Cheers,

Ben Drago

Premier Events Manager

Upper Deck Entertainment