Pokémon Trading Card Game: Difference between revisions

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m (→‎Who goes first?: fixed typo ("tails" was "tales"))
(added expansions and reorganized the Japanese section to list only expansions here and decks on the Theme Decks page)
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{{search|Trading Card Game itself|the Game Boy game related to this game|Pokémon Trading Card Game (game)}}
`{{search|Trading Card Game itself|the Game Boy game related to this game|Pokémon Trading Card Game (game)}}
[[File:Pokémon TCG logo.png|right|200px|thumb|International Logo]]
[[File:Pokémon TCG logo.png|right|200px|thumb|International Logo]]
The '''Pokémon Trading Card Game''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンカードゲーム''', ''Pokémon Card Game''), often abbreviated as '''Pokémon TCG''' or just '''TCG''', is a tabletop game that involves collecting, trading and playing with Pokémon themed playing cards. It has its own set of rules but uses many motifs and ideas derived from the [[core series|video games]]. There are {{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s for every [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|species]] of Pokémon, as well as {{TCG|Trainer card}}s featuring characters, items and other themes of the franchise (each with a different use) and {{TCG|Energy card}}s to power various actions. The artwork for the cards is provided by numerous artists.
The '''Pokémon Trading Card Game''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンカードゲーム''', ''Pokémon Card Game''), often abbreviated as '''Pokémon TCG''' or just '''TCG''', is a tabletop game that involves collecting, trading and playing with Pokémon themed playing cards. It has its own set of rules but uses many motifs and ideas derived from the [[core series|video games]]. There are {{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s for every [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|species]] of Pokémon, as well as {{TCG|Trainer card}}s featuring characters, items and other themes of the franchise (each with a different use) and {{TCG|Energy card}}s to power various actions. The artwork for the cards is provided by numerous artists.
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==How to play==
==How to play==
[[File:Cardback.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Back of an English language card]]
[[File:Cardback.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Back of an English language card]]
{{main|Glossary (TCG)}}
:''See the {{TCG|Glossary}} for a definition of most the Pokémon Trading Card Game terms.''
:''Also see the [http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/play-online/tutorial/ Step-by-step Web Browser TCG Tutorials] on [[Pokémon.com]] for a visual introduction to the card game.''
The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' is a two player game for all ages.  Each player builds a [[Deck]] of sixty (60) cards using a combination of various ''"{{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s"'' (the main type of cards used to battle), ''"{{TCG|Trainer card}}s"'' (cards with special effects), and ''"{{TCG|Energy card}}s"'' (cards that are required to perform most "''{{TCG|Attack}}s''"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "''{{TCG|Booster pack}}s''" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Trainer kit}}s''" or "''{{TCG|Theme deck|Theme Deck}}s''" that already have all the cards needed to play. The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' officially requires a deck of 60 cards for {{TCG|Standard format|Standard}} or {{TCG|Expanded format|Expanded}} play, though shorter {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Match}}es can be held with "''{{TCG|Half deck|Half Deck}}s''" consisting of 30 cards instead. During a 60 card match, only four of any one card, excluding {{TCG|Energy card|Basic Energy}} cards, are allowed in each deck. This is further limited to two of any one card in a Half Deck match. Many fans have also created their own game rules and playing methods and have websites devoted to providing alternative playing methods. These rules and methods are not allowed in [[Play! Pokémon]] competitions.
The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' is a two player game for all ages.  Each player builds a [[Deck]] of sixty (60) cards using a combination of various ''"{{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s"'' (the main type of cards used to battle), ''"{{TCG|Trainer card}}s"'' (cards with special effects), and ''"{{TCG|Energy card}}s"'' (cards that are required to perform most "''{{TCG|Attack}}s''"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "''{{TCG|Booster pack}}s''" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Trainer kit}}s''" or "''{{TCG|Theme deck|Theme Deck}}s''" that already have all the cards needed to play. The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' officially requires a deck of 60 cards for {{TCG|Standard format|Standard}} or {{TCG|Expanded format|Expanded}} play, though shorter {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Match}}es can be held with "''{{TCG|Half deck|Half Deck}}s''" consisting of 30 cards instead. During a 60 card match, only four of any one card, excluding {{TCG|Energy card|Basic Energy}} cards, are allowed in each deck. This is further limited to two of any one card in a Half Deck match. Many fans have also created their own game rules and playing methods and have websites devoted to providing alternative playing methods. These rules and methods are not allowed in [[Play! Pokémon]] competitions.


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# If their opponent ''cannot draw a card'' from their [[Deck]] at the beginning of their turn.
# If their opponent ''cannot draw a card'' from their [[Deck]] at the beginning of their turn.


{{-}}
==[[Card types]]==
==[[Card types]]==
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{{-}}
==Wizards of the Coast sets==
==Wizards of the Coast sets==
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="{{{class|}}} multicol" style="background:{{{bgColor|transparent}}}; width:{{{width|100%}}};"
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==={{DL|Promotional cards (TCG)|Wizards of the Coast sets era|Promotional series}}===
==={{DL|Promotional cards (TCG)|Wizards of the Coast sets era|Promotional series}}===
*{{exp|Southern Islands}} {{TCG|Southern Islands}}
*{{exp|Southern Islands}} {{TCG|Southern Islands}}
*{{exp|Best}} {{TCG|Best of Game Cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|Wizards Black Star Promos}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|Wizards Black Star Promos}}
*{{exp|Best}} {{TCG|Best of Game Cards}}
*[[File:Gold W.jpg|40px]] {{TCG|W Promotional cards}}
*[[Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)/1999-2004]]
===Unreleased sets===
===Unreleased sets===
*{{TCG|Crosstrainer}}
*{{TCG|Crosstrainer}}
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|}
|}


{{-}}
==Nintendo sets==
==Nintendo sets==
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="{{{class|}}} multicol" style="background:{{{bgColor|transparent}}}; width:{{{width|100%}}};"
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="{{{class|}}} multicol" style="background:{{{bgColor|transparent}}}; width:{{{width|100%}}};"
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*{{exp|Dragon Frontiers}} {{TCG|EX Dragon Frontiers}}
*{{exp|Dragon Frontiers}} {{TCG|EX Dragon Frontiers}}
*{{exp|Power Keepers}} {{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}
*{{exp|Power Keepers}} {{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}
*[[File:SetSymbolLatiasHalfDeck.png|40px]]''' / '''[[File:SetSymbolLatiosHalfDeck.png|40px]] {{TCG|EX Trainer Kit}}
*{{TCG|EX Battle Stadium}}
*[[File:SetSymbolPlusleHalfDeck.png|20px]]''' / '''[[File:SetSymbolMinunHalfDeck.png|23px]] {{TCG|EX Trainer Kit 2}}
*{{TCG|EX Series Value Pack}}


{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
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*{{exp|Legends Awakened}} {{TCG|Legends Awakened}}
*{{exp|Legends Awakened}} {{TCG|Legends Awakened}}
*{{exp|Stormfront}} {{TCG|Stormfront}}
*{{exp|Stormfront}} {{TCG|Stormfront}}
*[[File:ManaphyHalfDeckSymbol.png|42px]]''' / '''[[File:LucarioHalfDeckSymbol.png|20px]] {{TCG|Diamond & Pearl Trainer Kit}}
====Platinum Series====
====Platinum Series====
*{{exp|Platinum}} {{TCG|Platinum}}
*{{exp|Platinum}} {{TCG|Platinum}}
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*{{exp|Undaunted}} {{TCG|Undaunted}}
*{{exp|Undaunted}} {{TCG|Undaunted}}
*{{exp|Triumphant}} {{TCG|Triumphant}}
*{{exp|Triumphant}} {{TCG|Triumphant}}
*[[File:GyaradosHalfDeckSymbol.png|32px]]''' / '''[[File:RaichuHalfDeckSymbol.png|40px]] {{TCG|HS Trainer Kit}}
====Call of Legends Series====
====Call of Legends Series====
*{{exp|Call of Legends}} {{TCG|Call of Legends}}
*{{exp|Call of Legends}} {{TCG|Call of Legends}}


{{-}}
|-
|-
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
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*{{exp|Dark Explorers}} {{TCG|Dark Explorers}}
*{{exp|Dark Explorers}} {{TCG|Dark Explorers}}
*{{exp|Dragons Exalted}} {{TCG|Dragons Exalted}}
*{{exp|Dragons Exalted}} {{TCG|Dragons Exalted}}
*{{exp|Dragon Vault}} {{TCG|Dragon Vault}}
*{{exp|Dragon Vault}} {{TCG|Dragon Vault}} — mini set
*{{exp|Boundaries Crossed}} {{TCG|Boundaries Crossed}}
*{{exp|Boundaries Crossed}} {{TCG|Boundaries Crossed}}
*{{exp|Plasma Storm}} {{TCG|Plasma Storm}}
*{{exp|Plasma Storm}} {{TCG|Plasma Storm}}
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*{{exp|Plasma Blast}} {{TCG|Plasma Blast}}
*{{exp|Plasma Blast}} {{TCG|Plasma Blast}}
*{{exp|Legendary Treasures}} {{TCG|Legendary Treasures}}
*{{exp|Legendary Treasures}} {{TCG|Legendary Treasures}}
*[[File:ExcadrillHalfDeckSymbol.png|40px]]''' / '''[[File:ZoroarkHalfDeckSymbol.png|40px]] {{TCG|Black & White Trainer Kit}}


{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
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*{{exp|Phantom Forces}} {{TCG|Phantom Forces}}
*{{exp|Phantom Forces}} {{TCG|Phantom Forces}}
*{{exp|Primal Clash}} {{TCG|Primal Clash}}
*{{exp|Primal Clash}} {{TCG|Primal Clash}}
*[[File:SylveonHalfDeckSymbol.png|40px]]''' / '''[[File:NoivernHalfDeckSymbol.png|40px]] {{TCG|XY Trainer Kit}}
*[[File:SetSymbolDoubleCrisisJP.png|35px]] {{TCG|Double Crisis}} — mini set
* {{TCG|XY Trainer Kit: Bisharp & Wigglytuff}}


|-
|-
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{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
==={{DL|Promotional cards (TCG)|Nintendo sets era|Promotional series}}===
==={{DL|Promotional cards (TCG)|Nintendo sets era|Promotional series}}===
''Miscellaneous cards''
*[[Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)/2005-2010]]
*{{DL|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)|2011|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)/2011}}
*{{DL|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)|2012|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)/2012}}
*{{DL|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)|2013|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)/2013}}
*{{DL|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)|2014|Miscellaneous Promotional cards (TCG)/2014}}
''Miscellaneous sets''
*[[File:Kids WB logo.png|22px]][[File:None2.png|7px]] {{TCG|Poké Card Creator Pack}} — ''EX Series'' (non-tournament legal)
*{{exp|Pokemon Rumble}} {{TCG|Pokémon Rumble}} — ''Platinum Series''
*{{exp|Best}} {{TCG|Winner cards}}
*{{exp|Base Set}} {{TCG|Prerelease cards}}
*{{exp|Base Set}} {{TCG|Jumbo cards}} — non-tournament legal
''[[Play! Pokémon#POP packs|POP Series]]''
''[[Play! Pokémon#POP packs|POP Series]]''
*{{exp|POP Series 1}} {{TCG|POP Series 1}}
*{{exp|POP Series 1}} {{TCG|POP Series 1}}
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*{{exp|McDonalds Collection}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2011}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2011}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection 2012}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2012}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection 2012}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2012}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection 2013}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2013}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection 2013}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2013}} — non-tournament legal
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection 2014}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2014}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection 2014}} {{TCG|McDonald's Collection 2014}}
|}
|}
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{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="{{{class|}}} multicol" style="background:{{{bgColor|transparent}}}; width:{{{width|100%}}};"
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="{{{class|}}} multicol" style="background:{{{bgColor|transparent}}}; width:{{{width|100%}}};"
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
===Exclusive decks===
===[[Generation I]]===
====Original era====
====Original era====
*{{TCG|Starter Deck}} (random assortment)
*{{exp|Base Set}} {{TCG|Expansion Pack}}
*{{TCG|Nivi City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*{{exp|Jungle}} {{TCG|Pokémon Jungle}}
*{{TCG|Hanada City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*{{exp|Fossil}} {{TCG|Mystery of the Fossils}}
*{{TCG|Kuchiba City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*{{exp|Team Rocket}} {{TCG|Rocket Gang}}
*{{TCG|Tamamushi City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolGym Booster.png|32px]] {{TCG|Leaders' Stadium}}
*{{TCG|Quick Starter Gift Set}} (Full Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolGym Booster.png|32px]] {{TCG|Challenge from the Darkness}}
*{{TCG|Yamabuki City Gym}} (Full Deck)
 
*{{TCG|Guren Town Gym}} (Full Deck)
===[[Generation II]]===
*{{TCG|Intro Pack}} (40-card Deck kit)
====Neo era====
====Neo era====
*{{TCG|Neo Starter Deck}} (Full Deck plus)
*{{exp|Neo Genesis}} {{TCG|Gold, Silver, to a New World...}}
*{{TCG|Intro Pack Neo}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Neo Discovery}} {{TCG|Crossing the Ruins...}}
====VS era====
*{{exp|Neo Revelation}} {{TCG|Awakening Legends}}
*{{TCG|Leaders Pokémon Theater Limited Edition}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Neo Destiny}} {{TCG|Darkness, and to Light...}}
====e-Series====
====e-Series====
*{{TCG|Pokémon-e Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolBase Expansion Pack.png|30px]] {{TCG|Base Expansion Pack}}
*{{TCG|Theater Limited VS Pack}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolThe Town on No Map.png|30px]] {{TCG|The Town on No Map}}
*[[File:SetSymbolWind from the Sea.png|30px]] {{TCG|Wind from the Sea}}
*[[File:SetSymbolSplit Earth.png|30px]] {{TCG|Split Earth}}
*[[File:SetSymbolMysterious Mountains.png|30px]] {{TCG|Mysterious Mountains}}
 
===[[Generation III]]===
====ADV era====
====ADV era====
*{{TCG|Treecko Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Ruby and Sapphire}} {{TCG|ADV Expansion Pack}}
*{{TCG|Torchic Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Sandstorm}} {{TCG|Miracle of the Desert}}
*{{TCG|Mudkip Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Dragon}} {{TCG|Rulers of the Heavens}}
*{{TCG|Flygon Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} {{TCG|Magma VS Aqua: Two Ambitions}}
*{{TCG|Salamence Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Hidden Legends}} {{TCG|Undone Seal}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Magma Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Aqua Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Gift Box}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Metagross Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
====PCG era====
====PCG era====
*{{TCG|Venusaur/Charizard/Blastoise Random Constructed Starter Decks}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolFlight of Legends.png|30px]] {{TCG|Flight of Legends}}
*{{TCG|Deoxys Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Deoxys}} {{TCG|Clash of the Blue Sky}}
*{{TCG|Rayquaza Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Team Rocket Returns}} {{TCG|Rocket Gang Strikes Back}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Space Fissure's Deoxys}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Unseen Forces}} {{TCG|Golden Sky, Silvery Ocean}}
*{{TCG|Black Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{exp|Legend Maker}} {{TCG|Mirage Forest}}
*{{TCG|Silver Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{exp|Delta Species}} {{TCG|Holon Research Tower}}
*{{TCG|Gift Box Emerald}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{exp|Holon Phantoms}} {{TCG|Holon Phantom}}
*{{TCG|Quick Construction Packs}} (Quarter Deck kit)
*{{exp|Crystal Guardians}} {{TCG|Miracle Crystal}}
*{{TCG|Meganium Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{exp|Dragon Frontiers}} {{TCG|Offense and Defense of the Furthest Ends}}
*{{TCG|Typhlosion Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
 
*{{TCG|Feraligatr Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
{{Col-2}}
*{{TCG|Mirage's Mew Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
[[File:TCG Card Back Japanese.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Back of the current Japanese language card, since 2002]]
*{{TCG|Master Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
===[[Generation IV]]===
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Aura's Lucario}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Fire Quarter Deck}} (Quarter Deck)
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Water Quarter Deck}} (Quarter Deck)
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Lightning Quarter Deck}} (Quarter Deck)
*{{TCG|Gift Box Mew • Lucario}} (Quarter Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Earth's Groudon ex Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Ocean's Kyogre ex Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Shockwave! Tyranitar ex Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Imprison! Gardevoir ex Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Sea's Manaphy}} (Half Deck)
====DP era====
====DP era====
*{{TCG|Entry Pack}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolSpace-Time Creation.png|40px]] {{TCG|Space-Time Creation}}
*{{TCG|Random Construction Starter Deck}} (random assortment)
*[[File:SetSymbolSecret of the Lakes.png|40px]] {{TCG|Secret of the Lakes}}
*{{TCG|Bastiodon the Defender}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:None2.png|7px]]{{exp|Power Keepers}} {{TCG|World Champions Pack}}
*{{TCG|Rampardos the Attacker}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolShining Darkness.png|40px]] {{TCG|Shining Darkness}}
*{{TCG|Dialga LV.X Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolCry from the Mysterious Temple of Anger.png|40px]] {{TCG|Cry from the Mysterious}}
*{{TCG|Palkia LV.X Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolCry from the Mysterious Temple of Anger.png|40px]] {{TCG|Temple of Anger}}
*{{TCG|Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolIntense Fight in the Destroyed Sky.png|40px]] {{TCG|Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky}}
*{{TCG|Entry Pack '08}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Heatran vs Regigigas Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Giratina vs Dialga Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
====DPt era====
====DPt era====
*{{TCG|Entry Pack DPt}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolGalactic Conquest.png|40px]] {{TCG|Galactic's Conquest}}
*{{TCG|Gift Box DPt}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolBonds to the End of Time.png|40px]] {{TCG|Bonds to the End of Time}}
*{{TCG|Infernape vs Gallade SP Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolBeat of the Frontier.png|40px]] {{TCG|Beat of the Frontier}}
*{{TCG|Garchomp vs Charizard SP Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolAdvent of Arceus.png|40px]] {{TCG|Advent of Arceus}}
*{{TCG|Collection Packs}} (12-card Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Arceus LV.X Deck: Grass & Fire}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Arceus LV.X Deck: Lightning & Psychic}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Pokémon Battle Tour 09 Challenge Deck}} (Half Deck)
====LEGEND era====
====LEGEND era====
*{{TCG|Random Basic Pack}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolHeartGold Collection.png|35px]] {{TCG|HeartGold Collection}}
*{{TCG|Battle Starter Decks}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolSoulSilver Collection.png|35px]] {{TCG|SoulSilver Collection}}
*{{TCG|Leafeon vs Metagross Expert Deck}} (Full Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolReviving Legends.png|35px]] {{TCG|Reviving Legends}}
*{{TCG|Steelix Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolClash at the Summit.png|35px]] {{TCG|Clash at the Summit}}
*{{TCG|Tyranitar Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
 
===[[Generation V]]===
====BW era====
====BW era====
*{{TCG|Beginning Set}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolBlack Collection.png|40px]] {{TCG|Black Collection}}
*{{TCG|Battle Strength Decks}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolWhite Collection.png|40px]] {{TCG|White Collection}}
*{{TCG|Battle Theme Deck: Victini}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolRed Collection.png|40px]] {{TCG|Red Collection}}
*{{TCG|Reshiram-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolPsycho Drive.png|40px]] {{TCG|Psycho Drive}}
*{{TCG|Zekrom-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolHail Blizzard.png|40px]] {{TCG|Hail Blizzard}}
*{{TCG|Battle Gift Set: Thundurus vs Tornadus}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolDark Rush.png|40px]] {{TCG|Dark Rush}}
*{{TCG|Hydreigon Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolDragon Blast.png|40px]] {{TCG|Dragon Blast}}
*{{TCG|Garchomp Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolDragon Blade.png|40px]] {{TCG|Dragon Blade}}
*{{TCG|Keldeo Battle Strength Deck}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbol FreezeBolt.png|40px]] {{TCG|Freeze Bolt}}
*{{TCG|National Beginning Set}} (Half Deck kit)
*[[File:SetSymbolCold Flare.png|40px]] {{TCG|Cold Flare}}
*{{TCG|Team Plasma's Powered Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbol PlasmaGale.png|40px]] {{TCG|Plasma Gale}}
*{{TCG|Master Deck Build Box EX}} (collection)
*[[File:SetSymbolSpiral Force.png|40px]] {{TCG|Spiral Force}}
*{{TCG|Black Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolThunder Knuckle.png|40px]] {{TCG|Thunder Knuckle}}
*{{TCG|White Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*[[File:SetSymbolMegalo Cannon.png|40px]] {{TCG|Megalo Cannon}}
*{{TCG|Team Plasma Battle Gift Set}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Everyone's Exciting Battle}} (Quarter Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Mewtwo vs Genesect Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
====XY era====
*{{TCG|XY Beginning Set}} (Full Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Xerneas Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Yveltal Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|M Charizard-EX Mega Battle Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Hyper Metal Chain Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Super Legend Set: Xerneas-EX & Yveltal-EX}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Magma Gang vs Aqua Gang: Double Crisis}}
*{{TCG|M Rayquaza-EX Mega Battle Deck}}


===[[Generation VI]]===
====XY era==== <!--missing proper Japanese set symbols-->
*{{exp|XY}} {{TCG|Collection X}}
*{{exp|XY}} {{TCG|Collection Y}}
*{{exp|Flashfire}} {{TCG|Wild Blaze}}
*{{exp|Furious Fists}} {{TCG|Rising Fist}}
*{{exp|Phantom Forces}} {{TCG|Phantom Gate}}
*{{exp|Primal Clash}} {{TCG|Gaia Volcano}}
*{{exp|Primal Clash}} {{TCG|Tidal Storm}}
*[[File:SetSymbolDoubleCrisisJP.png|50px]] {{TCG|Double Crisis}} — mini set
*{{TCG|Emerald Break}}
{{-}}
|-
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
[[File:TCG Card Back Japanese.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Back of the current Japanese language card, since 2002]]
===Exclusive sets===
===Exclusive sets===
''VS era''
''VS era''
*{{TCG|Pokémon VS}}
*[[File:SetSymbolVS.png|45px]] {{TCG|Pokémon VS}}
''Web era''
''Web era''
*{{TCG|Pokémon Web}}
*[[File:Web-Logo.png|35px]] {{TCG|Pokémon Web}}
''DP era''
''DP era''
*{{TCG|Moonlit Pursuit/Dawn Dash}}
*[[File:SetSymbolMoonlit Pursuit Dawn Dash.png|35px]]  {{TCG|Moonlit Pursuit}}
*[[File:SetSymbolMoonlit Pursuit Dawn Dash.png|35px]]  {{TCG|Dawn Dash}}
''LEGEND era''
''LEGEND era''
*{{TCG|Lost Link}}
*[[File:SetSymbolLost Link.png|35px]] {{TCG|Lost Link}}
''BW era''
''BW era''
*{{TCG|Shiny Collection}}
*[[File:SetSymbolShiny Collection.png|30px]] {{TCG|Shiny Collection}}
===Promotional series===
 
{{Col-2}}
===Promotional sets===
''Original era''
''Original era''
*{{TCG|Unnumbered Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Base Set}} {{TCG|Unnumbered Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|Vending Machine cards}} - Extended Sheet 1 to 3
*[[File:SetSymbolVending.png|28px]] {{TCG|Vending Machine cards}} - Extended Sheet 1 to 3
*{{TCG|Southern Islands}}
*{{exp|Southern Islands}}  {{TCG|Southern Islands}}
''e-Card era''
''e-Card era''
*{{TCG|P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|T Promotional cards}}
*[[File:SetSymbolTrainer Magazine.png|35px]] {{TCG|T Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|J Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|J Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|McDonald's Pokémon-e Minimum Pack}}
*[[File:SetSymbolMcDonalds Minimum Pack.png|30px]] {{TCG|McDonald's Pokémon-e Minimum Pack}}
''ADV era''
''ADV era''
*{{TCG|ADV-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|ADV-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|PLAY Promotional cards}}
*[[File:SetSymbolPokémon Players.gif|25px]][[File:None2.png|7px]] {{TCG|PLAY Promotional cards}}
''PCG era''
''PCG era''
*{{TCG|PCG-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|PCG-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|PokéPark Blue}}
*[[File:SetSymbolPokéPark Blue.png|35px]] {{TCG|PokéPark Blue}}
*{{TCG|PokéPark Forest}}
*[[File:SetSymbolPokéPark Forest.png|35px]] {{TCG|PokéPark Forest}}
''DP era''
''DP era''
*{{TCG|DP-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|DP-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|PPP Promotional cards}}
*[[File:SetSymbolPokémon Players.gif|25px]][[File:None2.png|7px]] {{TCG|PPP Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|10th Movie Commemoration Set}}
*[[File:SetSymbolM10.png|30px]] {{TCG|10th Movie Commemoration Set}}
*{{TCG|11th Movie Commemoration Set}}
*[[File:MoviePremiumSheet2008Symbol.png|30px]] {{TCG|11th Movie Commemoration Set}}
''DPt era''
''DPt era''
*{{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|Pokémon Rumble}}
*[[File:SetSymbolPokemon Rumble.png|30px]] {{TCG|Pokémon Rumble}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}}
*[[File:MovieRandomPackSymbol.png|30px]] {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}}
''LEGEND era''
''LEGEND era''
*{{TCG|L-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|L-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|World Collection|World Collection - Pikachu World 2010}}
*{{exp|Base Set}} {{TCG|World Collection|World Collection - Pikachu World 2010}}
''BW era''
''BW era''
*{{TCG|BW-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|BW-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|Journey Partners}}
*{{exp|McDonalds Collection}} {{TCG|Journey Partners}}
''XY era''
''XY era''
*{{TCG|XY-P Promotional cards}}
*{{exp|Promo}} {{TCG|XY-P Promotional cards}}
''Miscellaneous''
''Miscellaneous''
*{{TCG|Unreleased cards}}
*{{TCG|Unreleased cards}}

Revision as of 17:55, 18 January 2015

`

This article is about the Trading Card Game itself. For the Game Boy game related to this game, see Pokémon Trading Card Game (game).
International Logo

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (Japanese: ポケモンカードゲーム, Pokémon Card Game), often abbreviated as Pokémon TCG or just TCG, is a tabletop game that involves collecting, trading and playing with Pokémon themed playing cards. It has its own set of rules but uses many motifs and ideas derived from the video games. There are Pokémon cards for every species of Pokémon, as well as Trainer cards featuring characters, items and other themes of the franchise (each with a different use) and Energy cards to power various actions. The artwork for the cards is provided by numerous artists.

The Pokémon TCG is a popular and steady aspect of the Pokémon franchise and is played and enjoyed by many fans. Nearly 15 billion Pokémon Trading Card Game cards have been produced worldwide. The game is part of the Play! Pokémon organized play along with the video game series and is also used in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online.

History

Original back of Japanese cards

The Pokémon Trading Card Game was originally published in Japan in 1996 by Media Factory. While other Pokémon card series existed in the past, this was the first card game based on the Pokémon series. The first Pokémon TCG sets took inspiration from the then released Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue video games and initially featured illustrations by Ken Sugimori, Mitsuhiro Arita and Keiji Kinebuchi. Soon new expansions began to release with many new artists contributing artwork. Three years later in 1999, Pokémon TCG was introduced in North America by Wizards of the Coast with the Base Set, and worldwide soon after. In 2003, Wizards of the Coast's license was transferred to the The Pokémon Company International by Nintendo.

New features constantly appear in the Pokémon TCG. With the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver video games, the Neo Series (the second series of expansions), started bringing several new Pokémon into play. The Metal and Darkness types of Pokémon cards were also introduced, along with Light Pokémon and Dark Pokémon. These were eventually discontinued to prevent confusion with the Darkness type, but returned briefly with the release of the Neo Destiny expansion. The e-Card Series used Game Boy Advance add-on e-Reader to display Pokédex data about the Pokémon, play a minigame, play various tunes in a Melody Box, or activate a special attack for that Pokémon. The EX Series was released next (the first series released by The Pokémon Company International instead of Wizards of the Coast), introducing the stronger Pokémon-ex into the game. The Diamond & Pearl Series brought Pokémon LV.X, which were stronger, "Leveled-up" versions of final evolutions. Pokémon LV.X essentially replaced Pokémon-ex and continued until the Platinum: Arceus expansion. The HeartGold & SoulSilver Series featured two more types of card, Pokémon LEGEND, two-part cards with one Pokémon on each card, and Pokémon Prime, Pokémon with powerful and/or tactical attacks. With the release of the Black & White expansion, Poké-Powers (Poké-POWERs and Poké-BODYs) were combined into one mechanic and renamed Abilities. Pokémon-ex returned as Pokémon-EX in the Black & White Series starting with the Next Destinies expansion. The Dragon Pokémon type was introduced in the Dragon Vault expansion of the Black & White Series. M Pokémon-EX were introduced in XY expansion and introduce the Mega Evolution mechanic featured in the Pokémon X and Y video games to the TCG. The XY Series also introduced the Fairy type Pokémon.

With the release of the EX Series worldwide, Pokémon TCG started publishing directly under Nintendo via its whole owned subsidiary The Pokémon Company International, instead of Wizards of the Coast. In 2006, The Pokémon Company replaced Media Factory in distributing the cards in Japan starting with the Diamond & Pearl Series.

Two Game Boy Color video games based on the card game were created: Pokémon Trading Card Game was released in 1998 and worldwide in 2000, and its sequel, Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!, was released three years later. Pokémon Card Game: How to Play DS was released in Japan in 2011 and taught players how to play the Pokémon TCG. In 2011, the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online was introduced as a browser-based game but later became a downloadable game for PC, Mac, and iPad. Other media related to Pokémon TCG include several manga titles, such as the series How I Became a Pokémon Card.

How to play

Back of an English language card
See the Glossary for a definition of most the Pokémon Trading Card Game terms.
Also see the Step-by-step Web Browser TCG Tutorials on Pokémon.com for a visual introduction to the card game.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a two player game for all ages. Each player builds a Deck of sixty (60) cards using a combination of various "Pokémon cards" (the main type of cards used to battle), "Trainer cards" (cards with special effects), and "Energy cards" (cards that are required to perform most "Attacks"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "Booster packs" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "Trainer kits" or "Theme Decks" that already have all the cards needed to play. The Pokémon Trading Card Game officially requires a deck of 60 cards for Standard or Expanded play, though shorter Matches can be held with "Half Decks" consisting of 30 cards instead. During a 60 card match, only four of any one card, excluding Basic Energy cards, are allowed in each deck. This is further limited to two of any one card in a Half Deck match. Many fans have also created their own game rules and playing methods and have websites devoted to providing alternative playing methods. These rules and methods are not allowed in Play! Pokémon competitions.

Who goes first?

A game of the Pokémon Trading Card Game is called a "Match". To begin a match, players need a Coin or a six-sided die (where the even number sides represent Heads and the odd number sides represent Tails). One player calls heads or tails, while the other player flips the coin or rolls the die. If the player calling the coin flip gets his choice (heads or tails), that player gets to choose which player goes first. If the player calling the coin flip does not get his choice, the player flipping the coin gets to choose which player goes first. The player who goes first is not allowed to Attack on that player's first turn.

Setup

After determining which player goes first, both players place their Shuffled deck face down on the upper right side of their respective half of the player area or "Field". The field is roughly split in half with each player utilizing the half closest to them. The players then each take seven cards from the top of their respective decks. These cards go into their "Hand". Players then place one Basic Pokémon from their hand face down in front of them toward the upper center of their half of the field as their "Active Pokémon". If they have more than one Basic Pokémon, they may place the rest face down directly in from of them in their "Bench". No more than five Pokémon may occupy a given player’s Bench at the same time. Evolved Pokémon count as only one Pokémon when in play on the field. If a player does not have any Basic Pokémon in their hand during setup, they must reshuffle all the cards in their hand back into their deck, and then draw seven more cards. Repeat this process until each player can play a Basic Pokémon as their Active Pokémon. If a player has to reshuffle to get a Basic Pokémon into play, that player’s opponent gets to take an extra card from the top of their deck and put it into their hand (one card per each reshuffle). Next, each player sets aside six cards from the top of their deck face down to the left side of their half of the field. These six cards are their "Prize cards". Finally, each player reveals (or flips over) their Active and Bench Pokémon.

Turns

A player’s turn consists of the following:

  1. First, draw a card from the top of that player's deck;
  2. Attach one Energy card to one of that player’s Pokémon in play (either Active or Bench Pokémon);
  3. Play Basic Pokémon to that player's Bench,
  4. Evolve any of that player's Pokémon in play;
  5. Retreat that player's Active Pokémon if the Active Pokémon can satisfy the Energy card retreat cost;
  6. Play any Trainer cards in that player's Hand pertaining to the rules on each Trainer card and then typically placing that Trainer card face up in the player’s "Discard Pile", which is locked on the right side of the player's field just below that player's deck;
  7. Use any Abilities or Pokémon Powers that appear on that player's Active or Bench Pokémon, and
  8. Finally, "Attack" if that player has the appropriate Energy card(s) attached on that player's Active Pokémon. Attacking always ends that player’s turn. The first player to have a turn is not allowed to attack, but all other actions are allowed as described above.

Other than the first and last actions, players may perform any action in any order. Players alternate turns until one player wins the game.

Damage

Pokémon Attacks typically cause Damage or apply a Special condition. Special conditions have their own unique rules. Damage to all Pokémon in play is tracked with Damage Counters or dice. When the damage to a given Pokémon equals or exceeds that Pokémon’s Hit Points, it is "Knocked Out" and placed face up in the player’s Discard Pile along with any other cards that were attached to it (such as Energy cards). When an Active Pokémon is knocked out, the player's whose Pokémon was knocked out must replace the former Active Pokémon with another Pokémon from that player's Bench. At the same time, the player who knocked out his or her opponent's Pokémon gets to take any one of that player's remaining face down Prize cards and put that prize card into that player's hand.

Winning a match

To win a match, players must:

  1. Take their six prize cards by knocking out their opponent's Pokémon by using Attacks to reduce the opponent's HP to zero.
  2. Players may also win when their opponent runs out of Pokémon on the field of play, which includes their Active Pokémon and Bench Pokémon, or
  3. If their opponent cannot draw a card from their Deck at the beginning of their turn.


Card types

Pokémon card

Trainer cards

Energy cards

Miscellaneous card information

On the bottom right corner of most cards, there is a small logo that indicates its rarity.

  • Rarity Common.png (Common)
  • Rarity Uncommon.png (Uncommon)
  • Rarity Rare.png (Rare)

No symbol usually denotes a card that is part of a promotional set or a Basic Energy card.


Wizards of the Coast sets

Generation I

Original Series

Generation II

Neo Series

Legendary Collection Series

e-Card Series

Wizards of the Coast were the western distributors of the game between 1999 and 2003

Promotional series

Unreleased sets


Nintendo sets

Generation III

EX Series

Nintendo has since taken over the TCG from Wizards

Generation IV

Diamond & Pearl Series

Platinum Series

HeartGold & SoulSilver Series

Call of Legends Series


Generation V

Black & White Series

Generation VI

XY Series

World Championships Decks

Promotional series

Miscellaneous cards

Miscellaneous sets

POP Series

Black Star Promos

McDonald's Collection

Japanese sets

Generation I

Original era

Generation II

Neo era

e-Series

Generation III

ADV era

PCG era

Back of the current Japanese language card, since 2002

Generation IV

DP era

DPt era

LEGEND era

Generation V

BW era

Generation VI

XY era


Exclusive sets

VS era

Web era

DP era

LEGEND era

BW era

Promotional sets

Original era

e-Card era

ADV era

PCG era

DP era

DPt era

LEGEND era

BW era

XY era

Miscellaneous

See also

On Bulbagarden forums

External links


Project TCG logo.png This article is part of Project TCG, a Bulbapedia project that aims to report on every aspect of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.