The Pokémon Trading Card Game has attracted many players around the world for many years. You are a newbie and wondering how to play Pokemon cards? This blog is for you. We will guide you through the rules of Pokemon cards and explore the best places to buy Pokémon cards. Let’s start!
What do you need to start playing Pokémon cards?
Playing Pokemon TCG is an exciting experience that Pokemon fans do not want to miss out on. However, before learning how to play Pokemon cards, we have many things important to catch up on.
Essential components for Pokémon TCG
Here are the essential components you need to know:
Pokémon Cards
Pokémon cards are the game's main component.
- Pokémon Cards: They represent your Pokémon in battle. They can evolve into Stage 1 and Stage 2.
- Trainer Cards: They include Support, Item, and Stadium cards. They provide special effects and powers for your Pokemon in their strategy.
- Energy Cards: Give your Pokémon the energy in their attacks, such as Basic Energy, such as Fire, Water, Grass, etc., and Special Energy.
Cards abilities
Cards abilities
A Pokémon's basic abilities come naturally and don't need to be activated by any particular action. They may impact the game, other Pokémon in play, or the ability of other Pokémon. They include:
- Intimidate: Reduces the opponent's attack.
- Levitate: When a Pokémon is levitated, it becomes immune to several effects.
- Healing Touch: The Pokémon can restore its HP with the Healing Touch.
- Ancient Characteristics: Only some certain Pokémon have Ancient Traits, which give them exceptional powers or effects. Because they may interact in unique ways with other abilities and rules of Pokemon cards, they offer a layer of complexity to the game.
- Capabilities under Conditions: Certain skills activate only under specific conditions. These conditions may depend on the number of Energy Cards in play, the current state of the game, or other factors.
Choosing between pre-constructed decks and custom decks
Choosing a pre-constructed deck or building a custom deck is not easy to choose. Both options have their good and bad aspects.
Pre-constructed decks
They are friendly for beginners. The prices are quite affordable and have a suitable distribution of Trainer, Energy, and Pokemon cards.
However, they are not very flexible and might not contain the strongest or most competitive cards. Therefore, your competitor can know what is going on next.
Custom decks
With custom decks, you can build around your favorite Pokémon or a specific strategy. It can be adapted to the current meta and give you an advantage in the battle. However, they are much more expensive than Pre-constructed decks. It also takes your time to build.
In overview, if you are a beginner or just play with your friends, Pre-constructed decks are a good option for you. If you like custom decks or being in a competitive tournament, do not hesitate to choose custom decks.
Understanding Pokémon card types
Understanding Pokémon card types is necessary to play this game smoothly. There are 3 types of cards that you need to understand.
Basic Pokémon, stage 1, and stage 2 cards
Basic Pokémon are essential for any Pokémon deck and are the easiest to play. You can use them right away since they don’t need to evolve; you simply play them directly from your hand.
There’s a wide variety of Basic Pokémon, ranging from standard types to more powerful ones like Pokémon V, VMAX, EX, and GX. To start the game, you must have at least one Basic Pokémon in your deck.
The next level is Stage 1 Pokémon, which evolves from Basic Pokémon. These Stage 1 cards typically have higher hit points (HP), stronger attacks, and better abilities compared to their Basic counterparts. They also work well in combination with Basic Pokémon.
At the top are Stage 2 Pokémon, which are the most powerful but require significant time and resources to evolve. A Basic Pokémon must evolve twice to reach this Stage 2 level.
While investing in these Pokémon carries higher risks due to the time and resources needed, the payoff can be substantial, as they often feature the most powerful attacks and the highest HP in the game.
Energy cards and their functions
Energy cards play a crucial role in the Pokémon trading card game, as they enable your Pokémon to use their attacks and abilities. There are two main types of energy cards: Basic Energy Cards and Special Energy Cards.
Basic Energy Cards are the simplest form of energy. They are essential for powering your Pokémon's attacks, as each Pokémon card requires a specific type of energy to perform its moves.
You can use an unlimited number of Basic Energy Cards in your deck, allowing you to fuel your Pokémon's attacks throughout the game continually.
On the other hand, Special Energy Cards provide unique effects and advantages beyond just powering attacks. These cards can offer benefits such as drawing extra cards, providing multiple energy types at once, or increasing damage.
However, you can only include a maximum of four Special Energy Cards in your deck. This limitation encourages strategic thinking, as you must decide how to best incorporate these cards into your overall strategy.
Trainer cards: Types and uses
Trainer cards include three main types: Item Cards, Supporter Cards, and Stadium Cards
- Item Cards are the most common cards. They can be played as many times as you choose in your battle. However, their power is just medium.
- Supporter Cards own much more powerful effects. However, you are only allowed to use them once per turn.
- Stadium Cards are special Trainer cards. Like the Supporter Cards, these cards can be played once per turn. These cards help you often provide ongoing effects that can benefit you, interfere with your opponent, or affect the game as a whole.
Setting up the Pokémon TCG game
Now, let’s see how to set up the Pokémon TCG game. How to set up a Pokémon game is as important as how to play Pokemon TCG game.
Initial game setup and drawing cards
Move your deck around. Your deck should be properly shuffled. If the deck doesn't have enough sixty cards, ask your competitor if it's ok to use a deck with fewer than sixty cards. Ensure that the number of cards in your decks is equal for both you and your opponent.
Placing Pokémon in the active and bench spots
Decide who goes first. To choose who starts, flip a coin. On their initial turn, the first player is not allowed to attack.
Draw seven cards. Seven cards should be taken face down from the top of the deck and set aside.
Establishing prize cards
Prize Cards are one of the main goals throughout a match in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). This is how to set it up:
- Shuffle Your Deck: Completely shuffle your deck once each player has placed their Active Pokémon and Bench Pokémon (if any) and chosen their initial hand of seven cards.
- Six Prize Cards are drawn: Select the top six cards and place them face down in front of you. They are your Prize Cards.
- Do Not Look: You are allowed to see these cards after you get them by defeating your opponents.
Game phases in Pokémon TCG
So, how to play Pokemon cards? There are 3 game phases in Pokémon TCG. In each phase, you need to know exactly what you should do to have a wonderful and full experience.
Draw phase: What happens?
At the start of every turn, the player picks a card, from the top of their deck. Remember to draw one card per turn unless there is a rule preventing you.
If your deck runs out of cards and you can't draw anymore. That's game over for you. Make sure to avoid running out of cards by monitoring the number of cards remaining in your deck at all times.
To help you restock your hand, use draw-support cards (such as Professor's Research).
Main phase: Actions you can take
In the Pokémon TCG, the main part of a player's turn is called the Main Phase. The majority of the strategic choices are made at this point, and you have a range of choices.
They include arranging your board, evolving your Pokémon, and getting ready for assaults. Let's examine the most important things you can do in this stage:
- Play Pokémon Basic to Get Your Bench
- Develop Pokémon
- Add Energy Cards
- Use the item, supporter, and stadium trainer cards.
- Utilize Pokémon's skills
- Pull your active Pokémon back
Attack phase: Engaging the opponent
During the Attack Phase, you can engage your opponent by using your Active Pokémon to launch an attack. First, check that you have enough Energy attached to your Active Pokémon to meet the attack's cost.
Next, select the specific attack you want to use. After that, consider any effects that might modify the attack.
When calculating damage, remember a few key factors: if your opponent's Active Pokémon is weak to your Pokémon's type, the damage is doubled. Conversely, if the opponent's Pokémon has Resistance, you can reduce the damage by 20 points.
If the total damage dealt to the opponent's Active Pokémon is equal to or greater than its hit points (HP), that Pokémon is knocked out.
Winning conditions in Pokémon TCG
The main objective of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is to defeat your opponent and fulfill one of the winning conditions listed below.
Taking all your prize cards
Taking all of your Prize Cards is the most popular method of winning a game. Every player begins with six prize cards. Whenever you knock out a Pokémon of your opponent, you receive one or more prize cards.
- When you knock out a common Pokémon, you receive one prize card.
- You take two prize cards when knocking out Pokemon V, Pokemon GX, and Pokemon EX
- You receive three prize cards for eliminating strong Pokémon, such as VMAX Pokémon and VSTAR Pokémon
Knocking out all of your opponent's Pokémon
At the end of your turn, if your opponent has no Pokémon left on the field, you can win as well. It's commonly known as a "Bench-Out" victory.
The game is instantly yours if your opponent's Active Pokémon gets knocked out and they have no more Pokémon on their bench.
Opponent's deck running out of cards
Players have to draw a card from their deck every turn. If your opponent starts their turn with no cards left to draw, you win.
Playing Pokémon cards online
How to play Pokemon cards online? This is the most concerned part of fans who want to enjoy the game without the need for physical cards or an in-person opponent.
Overview of Pokémon TCG Live
Pokémon TCG Live is the latest digital version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It was created to replace the Pokémon TCG Online app.
With its updated experience, TCG Live enables all players to enjoy the game more easily. The players access it on desktop and mobile devices, including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
How to transition from physical to digital gameplay
How to play Pokemon cards online? There are two steps to transition from physical to digital gameplay:
Step 1: Download and set up
Get Pokémon TCG Live: Visit the official Pokémon website or app store to download the app. Then log in to your account: Sign in to your account. If you do not have one, create a new one.
Step 2: Transfer your cards
You can’t directly transfer your physical Pokémon cards to Pokémon TCG Live. However, if you've played Pokémon TCG Online before, you can move your digital collection to TCG Live.
If you have physical Pokémon TCG code cards, you can use them to get digital booster packs and cards in Pokémon TCG Live. Simply scan or enter the code to unlock these digital items.
Tips for beginners in Pokémon TCG
How to play Pokemon cards for beginners? These are some tips that can help beginners to play Pokemon TCG better. Check these tips and you can have wonderful moments with this game.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many beginners make common mistakes when building their Pokémon decks.
One key issue is not fully understanding the different types of cards and what they do. This often results in having too many Pokémon cards and not enough Trainer or Energy cards. A typical starter deck should have about 20 Pokémon, 20 Trainer cards, and 20 Energy cards.
Additionally, some newcomers attach Energy cards without a clear plan, which can lead to wasted resources. Another common mistake is evolving Pokémon too early, as this can make players vulnerable to attacks.
Lastly, ignoring the opponent’s strategy can lead to significant errors, so it’s important to pay attention to their moves and adjust your strategy as needed.
Recommended starter decks for new players
A pre-constructed deck is one of the best ways to start playing Pokémon TCG. Pre-constructed decks are more affordable and easier to play than the other decks.
They also offer a good starting point. Besides, they allow you to practice and become familiar with the rules of Pokemon cards.
Where can you buy Pokemon cards?
Now, you certainly know how to play Pokemon trading card games. But where we can buy Pokemon cards to play? You can buy Pokemon Cards from many reliable sources, including online retailers, specialty websites, and forums.
Online retailers
These are some reliable online retailers that can help you find your beloved Pokemon cards.
Amazon Japan
If you are looking for Pokémon cards that are only available in Japan, Amazon Japan is a good option for you. The Japanese Pokémon cards from this site are famous for their high quality.
Because there is less demand locally, their products may be less expensive than English ones. This site offers international shipping to many countries, but not all. However, you should double-check before buying.
Learn more: How to Order from Amazon Japan: Guide to Easy Shopping
Rakuten
Along with Amazon Japan, Rakuten is another good option. This site is one of Japan's largest e-commerce platforms. You can find a wide range of Pokémon TCG products, such as single cards, booster boxes, accessories, and exclusive Japanese sets.
The big plus of this site is that prices can sometimes be more affordable than those of other global marketplaces. Several sellers on Rakuten offer international shipping. Therefore, foreign buyers usually use a proxy service like Japan Flow to order from this site.
Yahoo Shopping
Many fans usually buy Pokémon cards on Yahoo Shopping Japan. This site offers both new and rare Pokémon TCG products. You can buy many Japanese-exclusive sets here, including promo cards, and even older vintage items.
Yahoo Shopping Japan often has competitive prices for both new and older sets. Just several sellers on Yahoo Shopping Japan offer international shipping, so fans worldwide usually use Japan Flow to buy items on this site, too. Click here to visit Japan Flow and start to order!
Specialty Websites
Besides the online retailers, Pokemon fans can also purchase these items from specialty websites. These are some trustworthy sources you can take for reference.
TCGPlayer
Japanese people visit TCGPlayer first when they are wandering to find Pokémon cards. This site mainly focuses on trading card games (TCGs), including Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh.
TCGPlayer provides an abundant variety of Pokémon cards. The big plus point of this site is their prices are very good, particularly if you choose to purchase lightly or moderately used cards rather than near-mint ones.
Pokémon Center Online Japan
Pokémon Center Online Japan is one of the sites you need to visit first. This is the official online store for Pokémon products in Japan.
They offer many fantastic options for accessing authentic and exclusive Pokémon cards. They even offer items that can not be seen anywhere else.
Find out more: How to order from Pokemon Center Japan
Auction and marketplace sites
Auction and marketplace sites are also popular sources to buy Pokemon cards. These are some references for you.
Mercari
Mercari is one of the most popular online marketplaces which mainly serves Japan and the US market. Mercari sells a fantastic collection of Pokémon TCG cards and other Pokémon TCG items.
There are Mercari US and Mercari Japan to serve buyers in the US and Japan. Both of them do not provide the delivery to other countries. Therefore, fans outside of Japan and the US usually use Japan Flow to order Pokémon TCG cards from these sites.
Yahoo Auctions Japan
You can buy Pokémon cards on Yahoo Auctions Japan. This is a famous site offering rare, exclusive, and vintage cards, as well as bulk lots and Japanese-exclusive sets.
Because Yahoo Auctions Japan normally only ships within Japan, we recommend you use a proxy service like Japan Flow to make a purchase if you are outside of Japan.
Reddit (r/pkmntcg)
Reddit (r/pkmntcg) is a popular forum among Japanese people. It creates a community for players, collectors, and fans of the Pokémon TCG to share information, discuss cards, and engage in trading Pokémon cards.
Sometimes, you can even share how to play Pokemon trading card games on this forum. You should review the feedback and selling history of the sellers to make sure they are trustworthy. Before buying, check with the sellers if they can ship internationally. If they do not, you can use Japan Flow to buy from them.
How to order Pokémon cards from Japan with Japan Flow
Step 1: Visit the online store
Start by going to the website where you want to purchase products. It's best to use Google Chrome for this, as it can help translate the website if you don’t know Japanese.
Step 2: Search for items
Use the search box to look for the items you want to buy.
Step 3: Check product details
Click on the image or title of the product to go to its detail page. Here, you’ll find important information about the item. Make sure to check all the details to ensure it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 4: Copy and paste your item links on Japan Flow
Next, go to the Japan Flow website and create a new buying request. Copy the links for your items and paste them into the form. You can also fill out additional information to help ensure your order is processed accurately.
Step 5: Complete your order with Japan Flow
Once you’ve filled out the form, click “Create a buy request” to finalize your order.4
Make your first payment, which includes the cost of the product and the service fee. After your payment is processed, your item will arrive at Japan Flow’s warehouse in the next 2-3 days.
You’ll receive a notification to make a second payment, which will cover the packing and shipping fees. After your second payment is confirmed, Japan Flow will start shipping your order.
Now, you know how to play Pokemon cards and where to buy them. Remember, understanding the rules of Pokemon cards is key to enjoying the game. When it comes to acquiring Pokémon cards, there are many platforms available for both newcomers and seasoned collectors. If you find any difficulties, Japan Flow can help you order much more easily.