Bandai has released an important update regarding the Block Number System for the One Piece Card Game, outlining which cards are eligible for Championships and official tournaments. Here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know.
What Is the Block Number System?
Introduced on April 1, 2026, the Block Number System defines the card pool eligible for use in Standard Regulation — the format used in Championships and official tournaments. Each card is assigned a Block Number printed in the lower right corner of the card.
Block Numbers are updated every year, grouping booster packs as follows:
- Booster Packs 1–4 = Block ①
- Booster Packs 5–8 = Block ②
- And so on with each subsequent year
With a simultaneous worldwide release schedule now in place, Bandai implemented this system to keep the game accessible for new players while ensuring current players can continue to enjoy a fresh, manageable card pool. Without rotation, the pool of cards available for deck building would include four years’ worth of cards by 2026 — and ten years’ worth by 2032.
The Two Regulations
🟦 Standard Regulation
Standard Regulation uses the Block Number System to limit the card pool to approximately three years’ worth of the latest cards. This keeps deck building and gameplay difficulty consistent, and ensures players are competing in a refined, up-to-date environment.
Here’s how the rotation works in practice:
- April 2026 – March 2027: Blocks ② to ⑤ are legal. Block ① is not.
- April 2027 – March 2028: Blocks ③ to ⑥ are legal. Blocks ①–② are not.
Importantly, cards with updated Block Numbers will have all past illustrations become available for use — so your favourite art versions won’t necessarily rotate out just because the card number does.
🟥 Extra Regulation
Extra Regulation is the open format — you can build decks using cards from Block ① all the way to the most recent cards. This format is for players who want to use their favourite cards from previous sets and engage with a highly flexible, expansive card pool.
Bandai is also working on additional unique experiences for Extra Regulation to differentiate it further from Standard. More details will be announced in due course.
How Block Number Updates Work
Starting from April 2026, certain cards receive updated Block Numbers to reflect changes in the player environment. There are two types of updates:
- Type ①: Cards designated with a specific Block Number regardless of reprints.
- Type ②: Cards that have been reprinted with updated Block Numbers.
Super Parallel Rares & Block Number “X”
Super Parallel Rare cards from past products — and cards sharing the same card number — will generally remain legal in Standard Regulation regardless of reprints. From April 2026 onward, newly released Super Parallel Rares bear Block Number “X”, ensuring ongoing legality similar to existing Super Parallel Rares.
The following cards carry Block Number “X” (updated as of May 29, 2026):
- EB01-006 Tony Tony Chopper
- EB02-061 Monkey D. Luffy
- EB03-061 Uta
- EB04-044 Koby
- OP01-016 Nami
- OP01-120 Shanks
- OP02-013 Portgaz D. Ace
- OP03-122 Sniper King
- OP04-083 Sabo
- OP05-069 Trafalgar Law
- OP05-074 Eustass Kid
- OP05-119 Monkey D. Luffy
- OP06-118 Roronoa Zolo
- OP06-119 Sanji
- OP07-051 Boa Hancock
- OP08-118 Silvers Rayleigh
- OP09-004 Shanks
- OP09-051 Buggy
- OP09-093 Marshall D. Teech
- OP09-118 Gold D. Roger
- OP09-119 Monkey D. Luffy
- OP10-119 Trafalgar Law
- OP11-118 Monkey D. Luffy
- OP12-118 Jewelry Bonney
- OP13-118 Monkey D. Luffy
- OP13-119 Portgas D. Ace
- OP13-120 Sabo
- OP14-119 Dracule Mihawk
- OP15-118 Enel
- OP16-063 Kuzan
- OP16-065 Sakazuki
- OP16-073 Borsalino
Cards Eligible Under Block Number ⑤
The following cards are assigned Block Number ⑤ regardless of any reprints, and are legal for Standard Regulation from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029 (updated as of July 23, 2025):
- OP01-039 Killer
- OP01-055 You Can Be My Samurai!!
- OP02-005 Curly Dadan
- OP02-068 Gum-Gum Rain
- OP03-008 Buggy
- OP03-044 Kaya
- OP03-048 Nojiko
- OP03-072 Gum-Gum Jet Gatling
- OP03-097 Six King Pistol
- OP04-016 Bad Manners Kick Course
- OP04-077 Ideo
- OP04-096 Corrida Coliseum
- ST01-011 Brook
- ST02-007 Jewelry Bonney
- ST06-008 Hina
July 2026 Update: Reprinted Cards with Updated Block Numbers
As of July 17, 2026, the following cards have received updated Block Numbers due to reprints:
- OP01-016 Nami
- OP04-016 Bad Manners Kick Course
If you own reprinted versions of these cards, check the Block Number printed on your copy to confirm legality in your chosen format.
Key Takeaways for Players
- Check your Block Number before building a tournament deck — legality is determined by Block Number, not just card name.
- Super Parallel Rares are protected — your premium pulls from older sets won’t rotate out under normal circumstances.
- Plan around the rotation window — Block ⑤ cards are legal until March 31, 2029.
- Reprints can change Block Numbers — always verify the Block Number on the specific printing you own.
- Extra Regulation lets you use your entire collection with no rotation restrictions.
Final Thoughts
The Block Number System is a thoughtful, long-term solution to one of the biggest challenges facing any growing TCG: keeping the game accessible without abandoning its history. By protecting Super Parallel Rares, clearly defining rotation windows, and offering both Standard and Extra formats, Bandai is giving players the flexibility to engage with the game on their own terms.
Bandai’s development team has stated their commitment to maintaining “simple and enjoyable card text for everyone” — and the Block Number System is a meaningful step toward that goal.
Stay tuned to Knightly Gaming for the latest One Piece Card Game news, product releases, and competitive updates.
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