

Generally this means that the trainer can keep fighting Pokémon in the area until one is encountered that has not been caught yet, which then immediately counts as the first encounter. Species/Dupes Clause: Adjusting the first encounter rule to prevent the player from having to catch multiple of the same Pokémon, for the sake of variety.Likewise, in the games where the rival battle is immediately after getting the starter Pokémon, the 'any that faint must be released' rule is often not enforced at that time. For example, the Poochyena R S OR AS/Zigzagoon E that the player has to save Professor Birch from is not counted as the first encounter on the route, and not counting any other encounters as such until they can catch.

Not officially enforcing the rules until the player has Poké Balls and can catch Pokémon.Alternatively, use the Trainer ID modulo 3 for the same purposes. If the last number is 1-3 the player starts with a Grass type, 4-6 is Fire type, 7-9 is Water type, 0 is the player's choice. Starter Pokémon is based on the player's Trainer ID number.Though the above rules tend to stay consistent with all challengers, many optional variations and amendments to the rules also exist to further adjust difficulty. Being able to do so would render all of the other rules pointless.

