Card types

In the Pokémon TCG, there are three basic types of cards players can use to build their decks. Any combination of these is allowed, however, to be playable and legal, several other notes must be followed.

Pokémon cards

Main article: Pokémon (TCG)

Pokémon cards are cards that depict one of the 719 creatures themselves, and make appearances in one of four distinct evolutionary levels. Every Pokémon card has some combination of attacks and/or Pokémon Powers.

Trainer cards

Main article: Trainer card (TCG)

Trainer cards generally have a one-time effect, and are then discarded. Several subclasses of these cards exist as well, especially Stadium cards and Supporter cards.

Energy cards

Main article: Energy card (TCG)

Energy cards provide the power needed to use Pokémon attacks. There are two types of energy cards: Basic Energy cards, which come in nine basic types, which provide both their type and Colorless, and Special Energy cards, which have additional effects or provide multiple types of Energy.