(a) Except as provided by Rule 1041.1, the pleadings in an action are limited to
(1) a complaint and an answer thereto,(2) a reply if the answer contains new matter a counterclaim or a cross-claim,(3) a counter-reply if the reply to a counterclaim or cross-claim contains new matter,(4) a preliminary objection and a response thereto.(b) Rescinded. (c) No formal joinder of issues is required.