Contents
Card Types
Pokémon TCG Pocket has two kinds of cards: Pokémon cards and Trainer cards (Items and Supporters).
Trainer Cards
- ItemFrequently played cards that take effect and are then discarded.
- SupporterCards with powerful effects — you can only play one per turn.
- Fossil ItemCards that can evolve into certain Pokémon. You can put them in play just like a Basic Pokémon.
Note: You can include up to 2 copies of a card with the same name in a deck. (e.g., Zapdos and Zapdos ex count as different names, so you can run 2 of each.)
Field Layout
- DeckMade up of 20 cards; up to 2 copies of any card with the same name.
- Active SpotWhere your Active Pokémon sits — the only position that can attack.
- BenchHolds up to 3 Pokémon in reserve.
- Energy ZoneGenerates your Energy — you can attach one Energy per turn to a Pokémon.
- Discard PileUsed cards and Knocked Out Pokémon go here.
Getting Started
Initial Setup
- 1.Each player draws 5 cards.
- 2.Place one Basic Pokémon face down in the Active Spot, then both players flip them face up at the same time.
- 3.You can put up to 3 Basic Pokémon in play, including your Bench.
Game Conditions
- Points:Both players start at 0 points (first to 3 points wins).
- Time:Matches are played within a 20-minute time limit.
Turn Structure
Basic Order
- 1.Decide who goes first with a coin flip (heads goes first, tails goes second). The player going first cannot attach Energy on their first turn.
- 2.Draw phase: you must draw one card.
- 3.Energy Zone update: if the zone is empty, the queued Energy moves up and a new Energy is added to the queue.
Available Actions
Unlimited Actions
- • Put Basic Pokémon on the Bench (up to 3)
- • Evolve your Pokémon
- • Play Item cards
Limited Actions (once per turn)
- • Attach Energy
- • Play a Supporter card
- • Use a Pokémon's Ability
- • Switch your Active Pokémon
Win Conditions
Scoring Points
Knock Out an opponent's Pokémon to score 1 point. Knocking Out a Pokémon ex scores 2 points.
Instant Win
If your opponent's Active Pokémon is Knocked Out and they have no Benched Pokémon to replace it, you win immediately.
Draw
The game ends in a draw after 30 turns, or if both players are tied on points.
Pokémon ex
Pokémon ex are cards with stronger attacks and abilities than regular Pokémon.
Note: When Knocked Out, they give your opponent 2 points.
Evolved Pokémon ex can only evolve from regular Pokémon of the same name.
Special Conditions & Pokémon Checkup
Special Conditions only apply to the Active Pokémon.
Poisoned
10 damage at every Pokémon Checkup
Burned
20 damage at every Checkup. Flip a coin to see if it recovers.
Asleep
Can't attack or retreat. Flip a coin at Checkup to see if it wakes up.
Paralyzed
Can't attack or retreat. Recovers automatically after one turn.
Confused
Flip a coin when attacking. On tails, the attack fails and the turn ends.
Colorless Energy
Colorless Energy (CO) can be paid with Energy of any type.
Example: Charizard ex's attack cost of
can also be paid with
.
Pokémon Types & Weakness
Pokémon Types
GrassFire
WaterLightning
Psychic
Fighting
DarknessMetal
DragonColorlessWeakness: Attacks of that type deal +20 extra damage.
Deck Building Basics
Deck Building Tips
Choose Your Core Pokémon
Pick the Pokémon you want to build around, plus the cards that support it.
Add Support Cards
Include cards that help you search out Pokémon, switch, and generate resources.
Improve Consistency
Run 2 copies of each card so bad draws don't derail your strategy.
Tip: To keep your deck consistent, it's best to run 2 copies of each card. You'll draw the cards you need more often, and your deck will be far more reliable.