Learn to Play: Pokémon TCG!
Welcome to Your Ultimate Guide to the Pokémon Trading Card Game!
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in the world of Pokémon? Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or a newcomer eager to learn, our guide will provide you with all the essentials to start playing and mastering the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). From deck building to battle strategies, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and discover the exciting universe of Pokémon TCG!
🧭 What’s the Goal?
The goal of the game is to knock out your opponent’s Pokémon and collect Prize cards.
The first player to draw all 6 Prize cards wins!
🃏 What You’ll Need
- A 60-card deck (you can buy a pre-built one to start)
- Damage counters or dice
- A coin for flips
- Your own playmat or flat surface
⚙️ Game Setup
- Flip a coin to decide who goes first.
- Shuffle your deck and draw 7 cards.
- Choose a Basic Pokémon as your Active Pokémon.
- Place up to 5 Basic Pokémon on your Bench.
- Set aside the top 6 cards of your deck as your Prize cards (face-down).
- Flip all Pokémon face-up when both players are ready.
If you don't have a Basic Pokémon in your starting hand, reshuffle and draw a new 7. Your opponent may draw 1 extra card.
🔁 Turn Breakdown
Each turn (except the very first player’s first turn), you can:
1. Draw a card
2. Take actions in any order:
- Play Basic Pokémon to your Bench
- Evolve Pokémon
- Attach 1 Energy per turn
- Use Trainer cards (1 Supporter per turn, unlimited Items)
- Retreat your Active Pokémon (pay Energy cost)
- Use Abilities (if available)
3. Attack
- Choose one of your Active Pokémon’s attacks
- Make sure you have the required Energy
- Apply damage or effects
- End your turn
💥 Knockouts & Prize Cards
When you knock out an opponent’s Pokémon, you take 1 Prize card — or more if it’s an EX, V, or similar card. If you take all your Prize cards, you win!
🧠 Types of Cards
🟡 Pokémon Cards
- Use them to battle!
- Some evolve into stronger forms.
- Look at the HP, attacks, and Energy cost.
🟢 Trainer Cards
- Help your strategy.
- Types: Items, Supporters, Stadiums.
🔵 Energy Cards
- Power your Pokémon’s attacks.
- Most decks focus on 1 or 2 types for consistency.
🏁 How to Win
You win the game if:
- You draw all 6 Prize cards
- Your opponent has no Pokémon left in play
- Your opponent can't draw a card at the start of their turn
🔰 Beginner Tips
- Start with a Theme or Battle Deck
- Don’t overload your deck with too many types
- Practice online with Pokémon TCG Live
- Watch tutorials or gameplay on YouTube to see how turns flow
