How to Play · Pokémon
How to Play the Pokémon TCG
The longest-running TCG still on shelves. You build a 60-card deck around a team of Pokémon, attach Energy to power up their attacks, and race your opponent to take six Prize cards.
I Game Objective
Be the first player to take all six of your Prize cards. You can also win immediately if your opponent has no Pokémon left in play, or if your opponent cannot draw a card at the start of their turn.
II Building Your Deck
Deck size
Exactly 60 cards.
Card types
- Pokémon
- The creatures you battle with. Basic Pokémon can be played straight from your hand. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pokémon must be evolved from the previous stage already in play. Special mechanics like ex, V, VMAX and Tera all sit on top of these base types.
- Trainer
- Support cards. Items can be played freely. Supporters are limited to one per turn. Stadiums sit in play and replace any existing Stadium. Pokémon Tools attach to one Pokémon and stay there.
- Energy
- The fuel for attacks. Attach one Energy per turn from your hand to one of your Pokémon. Basic Energy can be included in unlimited quantities; Special Energy follows the standard 4-copy rule.
Deck restrictions
- Maximum 4 copies of any card with the same name.
- Basic Energy cards are exempt — include as many as you like.
- Deck must be exactly 60 cards, no more, no less.
III Setting Up the Game
- Shake hands, shuffle your deck, and present it to your opponent for a cut.
- Flip a coin (or rock-paper-scissors) — the winner chooses who goes first.
- Each player draws 7 cards.
- Place one Basic Pokémon face-down as your Active Pokémon, and up to 5 more Basics face-down on your Bench.
- Count out the top 6 cards of your deck and set them aside face-down as your Prize cards.
- Both players flip their Active and Benched Pokémon face-up. First player begins their turn.
Starting hand
7 cards.
Mulligan
If you have no Basic Pokémon in your opening hand, reveal your hand to your opponent, shuffle it back into your deck, and draw 7 again. For each mulligan you take, your opponent may draw one extra card before play begins.
IV Turn Flow
- Draw
- Draw the top card of your deck. If you cannot draw, you lose.
- Main
- In any order: play Basic Pokémon to your Bench, evolve Pokémon, attach one Energy, play Trainer cards, retreat your Active Pokémon (paying its Retreat Cost), and use Abilities.
- Attack
- Declare one attack with your Active Pokémon if you have the required Energy. Resolve damage and effects, then end your turn. The first player cannot attack on turn 1, and cannot play a Supporter on turn 1.
V Good to Know
- Knocking out an opposing Pokémon lets you take 1 Prize card — or more for ex, V, VMAX, and similar high-value Pokémon.
- Special Conditions (Burned, Poisoned, Asleep, Paralyzed, Confused) are tracked by rotating the Active Pokémon.
- Format legality (Standard, Expanded) changes each year — always check the current rotation before tournament play.