Do you want to start playing Pokémon cards but are unsure how it works in practice? The Pokémon Trading Card Game is easy to get into and quickly provides an understanding of how matches are played. In this guide, we'll go through everything you need to know to play your first match.
How to play Pokémon TCG?
Pokémon TCG is played between two players where the goal is to take all your Prize Cards by knocking out your opponent's Pokémon. You build a deck of 60 cards, play Pokémon, attach energy, and use Trainer cards to gain advantages. The first player to take all Prize Cards or leave the opponent with no Pokémon wins.
What is Pokémon TCG?
Pokémon TCG is a strategic card game where you build a deck of 60 cards. You play Pokémon, use Trainer cards to gain advantages, and attach Energy cards to be able to attack. The game is easy to understand fundamentally but offers a lot of depth as you start to develop your strategy.
How do you win?
There are three ways to win a match:
- Take all 6 Prize Cards by knocking out your opponent's Pokémon
- Leave your opponent with no Pokémon to play
- Your opponent cannot draw a card at the beginning of their turn
The deck and card types
A deck contains exactly 60 cards and a maximum of four copies of the same card. You must have at least one Basic Pokémon.
- Pokémon cards are used to attack and evolve
- Trainer cards help you control the game
- Energy cards are required to use attacks
The playing field
- Active Pokémon is your active Pokémon
- Bench contains up to five Pokémon in reserve
- Deck is your deck of cards
- Discard Pile contains used cards
- Prize Cards are the cards you take when you knock out a Pokémon
How to start the game
- Shuffle your deck
- Decide who goes first
- Draw seven cards
- Place a Basic Pokémon as Active
- Place up to five Pokémon on the Bench
- Lay out six Prize Cards
- Flip the cards and start playing
If you don't have a Basic Pokémon in your starting hand, you must reshuffle and draw new cards. The opponent then gets to draw an extra card.
What do you do during your turn?
Each turn begins with drawing a card. After that, you can do several things in any order:
- Play Pokémon to the Bench
- Evolve Pokémon
- Attach an Energy card
- Play Trainer cards
- Switch your active Pokémon
- Use abilities
- Attack and end the turn
The player who starts cannot attack on the first turn.
Attacks and damage
To attack, your Pokémon must have the correct energy. When a Pokémon takes enough damage, it is knocked out and sent to the discard pile. You then take a Prize Card.
Some Pokémon are weak against specific types, causing them to take more damage. Others have resistance that reduces damage.
Special Conditions
Status problems affect the game and can change the pace of the match:
- Asleep means the Pokémon cannot attack
- Burned deals damage between turns
- Confused can cause your attack to fail
- Paralyzed stops both attack and retreat
- Poisoned deals continuous damage
Status problems disappear when you switch or evolve your Pokémon.
Tips for beginners
- Plan how you use energy early in the match
- Use Trainer cards to get the right cards at the right time
- Don't play out more Pokémon than you need
- Keep track of your Prize Cards
- Protect your cards with sleeves and storage
Get started right away
If you want to start playing or build your first deck, you can find everything you need here:
Summary
Pokémon TCG is an accessible card game that quickly becomes more strategic the more you play. With the right start and a basic understanding, you can start playing immediately and develop over time.
Explore the selection on Hobbykort.se and build your first deck today.
FAQ – Pokémon TCG Rules
How many cards are in a Pokémon TCG deck?
A deck contains exactly 60 cards.
Can you attack on the first turn?
No, the player who starts cannot attack on the first turn.
How many Energy cards can you attach per turn?
Normally one Energy card per turn.
How do you win in Pokémon TCG?
You win by taking all Prize Cards, leaving your opponent with no Pokémon, or if they cannot draw a card.
What is a Mulligan?
If you lack a Basic Pokémon in your starting hand, you must draw new cards, and your opponent gets an extra card.