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How to Play the Pokémon Trading Card Game

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The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a fun and strategic card game based on the Pokémon video game series. Players collect and battle with Pokémon cards, using strategy and skill to outplay their opponents. Whether you’re new to the game or returning after some time, this guide will walk you through the basics of how to play the Pokémon TCG.

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Understand the Basics

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The Pokémon TCG is played between two players, each with their own deck of 60 cards. The objective of the game is to "knock out" your opponent's Pokémon by using attacks with your own Pokémon. The first player to draw all of their Prize Cards (usually six cards) by knocking out their opponent’s Pokémon wins the game.

Each player’s deck contains different types of cards: Pokémon cards, Trainer cards, and Energy cards. The game is played in turns, and each turn consists of several phases.

 

Types of Cards

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Pokémon Cards

 

These represent the creatures you battle with. Pokémon cards have a name, type, HP (Hit Points), attacks, and abilities. Some Pokémon are Basic Pokémon (can be played immediately), while others are Evolution cards, which can evolve from Basic Pokémon to become stronger.

 

Trainer Cards

 

 These cards represent items, supporters, or stadiums that can help you during the game. There are different kinds of Trainer cards.

 

Item Cards

 

Provide an immediate effect, like healing or searching your deck.

 

Supporter Cards

 

Powerful cards that can only be played once per turn.

 

Stadium Cards

 

Affect the game as long as they are in play, providing benefits or drawbacks to both players.

 

Energy Cards

 

 These cards provide the energy needed to use your Pokémon’s attacks. Each type of Pokémon requires a specific type of Energy (such as Fire Energy, Water Energy, etc.). Energy cards can be attached to your Pokémon during the game.

 

Setup and Starting the Game

 

Choose Your Deck

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Each player needs a deck of 60 cards. There are no restrictions on how many copies of a card you can have (except for some specific cards).

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Shuffle Your Deck

 

Both players shuffle their decks to ensure a random draw.

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Draw Your Starting Hand

 

Each player draws 7 cards from their deck. If you don't have any basic Pokémon in your hand, you must reshuffle and draw 7 new cards. Your opponent may draw an extra card as a result.

 

Place Your Active and Benched Pokémon

 

Place one Basic Pokémon in the "Active" position (this is the Pokémon that will fight). You can also place up to 5 Basic Pokémon in the "Bench" position.These Pokémon are ready to be switched into battle.

 

Determine Who Goes First

 

Players can flip a coin to determine who goes first.

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Game Phases

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A turn is divided into several phases:

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Draw Phase

 

Draw one card from your deck

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Action Phase

 

 You can perform several actions in any order

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• Play a Pokémon: Put a Basic Pokémon onto your Bench.

• Evolve a Pokémon: If you have an Evolution card that matches a Pokémon you have in play, you can evolve it.

• Attach an Energy Card: You can attach one Energy card from your hand to one of your Pokémon.

• Play Trainer Cards: Use Item, Supporter, or Stadium cards to affect the game.

• Retreat: Switch your Active Pokémon with a Pokémon on your Bench by paying a Retreat Cost (usually by discarding Energy from the Active Pokémon).

• Attack Phase: You may attack with your Active Pokémon by using one of its available attacks. Each attack has an energy cost (how much energy is required to use it), and a damage output (how much damage it deals).

• End Phase: Once your attack is resolved, your turn ends, and the opponent begins their turn.

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Attacking and Damage

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Each Pokémon’s attacks are listed on its card. To use an attack, you need to have the required Energy cards attached to that Pokémon. When you attack, the damage dealt is subtracted from the opponent’s Pokémon's HP. If the damage equals or exceeds the Pokémon’s HP, it is knocked out, and the player who knocked it out gets to draw one of their Prize Cards.

 

Winning the Game

 

You win by either

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• Drawing all of your Prize Cards (usually 6) by knocking out your opponent’s Pokémon.

• Your opponent cannot draw a card from their deck at the start of their turn because their deck is empty.

 

​Basic Strategy Tips

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• Balance Your Deck: Make sure your deck has a good mix of Pokémon, Energy, and Trainer cards. Too many Pokémon and not enough Energy can leave you unable to attack. Too many Trainer cards might leave you with an unbalanced deck.

• Plan Your Attacks: Be strategic with your Pokémon's attacks. Some attacks deal damage and others may have added effects like Special Conditions (Burned, Paralyzed, etc.).

• Use Your Bench: Your Bench Pokémon are important for backup. Make sure to evolve them and attach Energy cards so you have options when your Active Pokémon is knocked out.

• Keep an Eye on Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent’s play style and try to anticipate their moves. If they’re trying to set up a powerful Pokémon, you may need to disrupt their plans by using Trainer cards that can damage or heal their Pokémon.​

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The Pokémon Trading Card Game combines strategy, luck, and a bit of creativity to create a fun and engaging experience. Whether you're casually playing with friends or participating in competitive tournaments, the game offers many opportunities for fun and growth as a player. Start by learning the basic rules, practicing with your deck, and soon enough you’ll become a skilled Pokémon trainer on the card battlefield!

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Author: Space Monkey

Collect.Toys