I am new to the game and am trying to get local gamers interested. One of the big questions myself and others have is...What sets and/or cards are currently legal for standard play, and when is the next rotation and what will be leaving in it?

The next set rotation is set to happen next month, with the release of the new sets. (officially at least, since many playgroups have already made the switch)

After the rotation, the sets that will still be legal for tournament play are:

Set 8 - Cutting Edge/Domination

Set 9 - Realm of Midnight/Deadly Ground

Set 10 - King of Fighters 2006/Flash of the Blades

Set 11 - Flames of Fame/Warrior's Dream

Set 12 (next month's releases) - Shadowar/Soul Calibur 4: Tower of Souls