Where do I start? Pokémon: Trading Card Game
Unless you have been living under a rock since the early 90s, Pokémon has taken the world by storm. These little “pocket monsters” have stolen the hearts and wallets of us geeks and nerds alike, to become one of the worlds most successful franchises.
Although we are all aware of what Pokémon is, we have all been affected by it in different ways. You may have watched the TV show in its entirety, or you may only be familiar with the earlier generations, such as the Kanto or Johto Regions. When it comes to those of us interested in the gaming side of this franchise, many aren't quite sure how to "catch 'em all" without switching on to a Nintendo device, teaching surf to a Lapras, and lurking every corner of a digital map.
Whether you are a video gamer, a collector, observer or somebody who wants to get back to the game, here is what you need to know about the cards to get started with Pokémon: Trading Card Game.
In this blog, we'll talk you through the basics of the cards you'll get in a pack. This way, you can get an idea of how to structure a battle correctly, knowing what each card does before you enter the arena and face your first foe.
We all have preferences when it comes to our favourite Pokémon (if we have dipped into the franchise elsewhere). So pick a team you think you will feel most happy playing. Whether you base your team on types (fairy, fire, water), or just Pokémon that go well together; it is your deck, so it is your choice.
TIP! Play with Pokémon that you like, not what you think (or have heard) are strong! Playing with Pokémon that you do not necessarily care for, can make you feel a little detached from the game. The point is to enjoy what you are playing, so put the Pokémon in that you like.
If you hadn't guessed it already, Pokémon themselves are characterized by cards. Each person is able to have six Pokémon out in play at a time. You can only use one card at any given time to attack, known as your 'Active' card. While your first Pokémon is battling it out, the other five randomly dealt Pokémon in your hand have to sit dormant - warming the bench and having a good time waiting for their turn.
Before you decide who out of your Pokémon is going to battle it out first, you need to check whether the card has the "Basic" Pokémon label. These cards are the only cards that can be put on the field immediately when you start a battle. You can play more than one of the same cards if you have duplicates and like the attacks, as there are no rules against having more than one!
You can check whether your Pokémon has this label by looking at the top left corner of a card. If you are as clued up on your Pokémon knowledge as an Alakazam, you'll know that basic cards are likely always to be the Pokémon who are in the youngest stage of evolution.
Just like on any other platform, each player takes a turn to launch an attack on their opponent. Each Pokémon has a certain amount of HP (hit points) that represents their health and the amount of damage that Pokémon can take before being knocked out. Once (If) your Pokémon gets knocked out for taking too much damage, it is then time for a Pokémon on the bench to take its place in battle. You can find your Pokémon’s HP in the top right corner.
Pokémon evolve, so be sure to put in your Pokémon’s evolutions in the deck too! These can be played on top of basic Pokémon to give them access to stronger attacks, but you can only do this once per turn.
You may take your card from ‘basic’, to ‘stage one’, then to ‘stage two’. Realistically, it will take a good few turns to get your Pokémon fully evolved, powered up and where you want to be. I would recommend having roughly 6-8 basic Pokémon in your deck, with around 14 Pokémon in total so you can evolve them to your ultimate team by the end of the battle.
TIP - You can only take your Pokémon from basic and skip to stage two if you have a Rare Candy card. So we would recommend putting four of those in your deck to be able to have more Pokémon on your team.
Believe it or not, these cards are not just to put at the back of your collectors’ folder of Pokémon cards! These are some of the most important cards in the game. It is all well and good having strong Pokémon, but not having the power behind your moves - you may as well be a sitting Psyduck.
Attacking your opponent is entirely fueled by ‘Energy’ cards. For your Pokémon to use an attack, they must have the required amount of energy cards and type attached to it.
Take this Carbink, for example:
To use the move ‘Crystal Barrier’, you will need to look at how much energy this move requires. To use this move, you will need to look at the symbol next to the attack, to see what and how many energy cards you need.
You can bet that the most powerful attacks on your Pokémon require the most energy. Which is why it may take your fully evolved Pokémon to get to its biggest and most powerful attacks, so you will need plenty of Energy Cards in your deck to reach your full potential.
TIP As you must have a deck of 60 cards to take with you to battle, I highly suggest having roughly 14 energy cards in there, just so you have plenty to power up your Pokémon. If you have a ‘Water Team’, you can put in all water energy cards to stop you from being hindered.
Trainer/Supporter can benefit you (and your opponent) in multiple ways. These work entirely to your preference. Some cards will allow you to shuffle your deck, and some cards will make you immune to specific attacks, also in general - these cards are there to work in your favour at the right time.
Each player must use a 60 card deck in Pokémon TCG. So in my opinion, for a successful battle, roughly half of those cards should be trainer cards to ensure that you get the best out of the battle. The only way to learn these cards to their fullest is by reading them! Even though there are many different Trainer Cards and Support Cards available, it's about finding the ones that work best with you and your team..
What is nice about transitioning into the card game from playing it as a turn-based game, is that you are already clued up on the lore and move-set, and how teams work together: it is just playing with them on another platform.
If you are looking to become the very best; like nobody ever was - get started on your new Pokémon adventure today. We have lots of 60 card decks, such as the Soaring Storm and Laser Focus - Unified Minds Theme Decks, readily available to help you jump straight into your first gym, and face your first foe.
Keep your eyes out for future blogs taking you through how to battle in the arena, and how to build a deck.
