Advanced Format is what is used at Regional, National, and World Championship Events. Advanced Format includes the Forbidden List, the Limited List, and the Semi-Limited List.

The Forbidden List was made to prevent cards being used that were either too powerful, had no drawbacks, or ended games too quickly. One of the most infamous One Turn Kills/First Turn Kills dealt with involved Magical Scientist and Catapult Turtle. The Last Turn OTK and Tsukuyomi-Based Lockdown has also been addressed in later Advanced Format revision, with further lists tackling Goat Control and the Chaos Series.

Since some players dislike playing without the Forbidden cards, a Traditional Format was set up, in which no cards are Forbidden, only Limited.