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Pokémon Trading Card Game: Difference between revisions

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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 cards}} 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.


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]].
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]].
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[[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)}}
{{main|Glossary (TCG)}}
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 cards}}"'' (the main type of cards used to battle), ''"{{TCG|Trainer card|Trainer cards}}"'' (cards with special effects), and ''"{{TCG|Energy card|Energy cards}}"'' (cards that are required to perform most "''{{TCG|Attack|attacks}}''"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "''{{TCG|Booster pack|Booster packs}}''" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Trainer kit|Trainer kits}}''" or "''{{TCG|Theme deck|Theme decks}}''" 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|matches}} can be held with "''{{TCG|Half deck|Half-decks}}''" 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.


===Who goes first?===
===Who goes first?===
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===Setup===
===Setup===
After determining which player goes first, both players place their {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Shuffle|Shuffled deck}} face down on the upper right side of their respective half of the player area or "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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 "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Hand}}''". Players then place one {{TCG|Pokémon|Basic Pokémon}} from their hand face down in front of them toward the upper center of their half of the field as their "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Active Pokémon}}''". If they have more than one Basic Pokémon, they may place the rest face down directly in from of them in their "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Bench}}''". No more than five Pokémon may occupy a given player’s Bench at the same time. {{DL|Evolution|In the TCG|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 "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Prize Card|Prize cards}}''". Finally, each player reveals (or flips over) their Active and Bench Pokémon.
After determining which player goes first, both players place their {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Shuffle|Shuffled deck}} face down on the upper right side of their respective half of the player area or "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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 "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Hand}}''". Players then place one {{TCG|Pokémon|Basic Pokémon}} from their hand face down in front of them toward the upper center of their half of the field as their "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Active Pokémon}}''". If they have more than one Basic Pokémon, they may place the rest face down directly in from of them in their "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Bench}}''". No more than five Pokémon may occupy a given player’s Bench at the same time. {{DL|Evolution|In the TCG|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 "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Prize Card|Prize card}}s''". Finally, each player reveals (or flips over) their Active and Bench Pokémon.


===Turns===
===Turns===
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# {{DL|Evolution|In the TCG|Evolve}} any of that player's Pokémon in play;
# {{DL|Evolution|In the TCG|Evolve}} any of that player's Pokémon in play;
# [[Retreat cost|Retreat]] that player's Active Pokémon if the Active Pokémon can satisfy the {{TCG|Energy card}} retreat cost;
# [[Retreat cost|Retreat]] that player's Active Pokémon if the Active Pokémon can satisfy the {{TCG|Energy card}} retreat cost;
# Play any {{TCG|Trainer card|Trainer cards}} in that player's {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Hand}} pertaining to the rules on each Trainer card and then typically placing that Trainer card face up in the player’s "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Discard Pile}}''", which is locked on the right side of the player's field just below that player's deck;
# Play any {{TCG|Trainer card}}s in that player's {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Hand}} pertaining to the rules on each Trainer card and then typically placing that Trainer card face up in the player’s "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Discard Pile}}''", which is locked on the right side of the player's field just below that player's deck;
# Use any {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Ability|Abilities}} or {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Pokémon Power|Pokémon powers}} that appear on that player's Active or Bench Pokémon, and
# Use any {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Ability|Abilities}} or {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Pokémon Power}}s that appear on that player's Active or Bench Pokémon, and
# Finally, "''{{TCG|Attack}}''" if that player has the appropriate {{TCG|Energy card|Energy card(s)}} attached on that player's {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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.
# Finally, "''{{TCG|Attack}}''" if that player has the appropriate {{TCG|Energy card|Energy card(s)}} attached on that player's {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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.
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===
===Damage===
Pokémon {{TCG|Attack}}s typically cause {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Damage}} or apply a {{TCG|Special Conditions|Special condition}}.  Special conditions have their own unique rules. Damage to all Pokémon in play is tracked with {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Damage|Damage Counters}} or dice. When the damage to a given Pokémon equals or exceeds that Pokémon’s {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Hit Points}}, it is "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Knock Out|Knocked Out}}''" and placed face up in the player’s {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Discard Pile}} along with any other cards that were attached to it (such as {{TCG|Energy card|Energy cards}}). When an {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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 {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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 {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Prize card|Prize cards}} and put that prize card into that player's hand.
Pokémon {{TCG|Attack}}s typically cause {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Damage}} or apply a {{TCG|Special Conditions|Special condition}}.  Special conditions have their own unique rules. Damage to all Pokémon in play is tracked with {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Damage|Damage Counters}} or dice. When the damage to a given Pokémon equals or exceeds that Pokémon’s {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Hit Points}}, it is "''{{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Knock Out|Knocked Out}}''" and placed face up in the player’s {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Discard Pile}} along with any other cards that were attached to it (such as {{TCG|Energy card}}s). When an {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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 {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|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 {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Prize card}}s and put that prize card into that player's hand.


===Winning a match===
===Winning a match===
To win a match, players must:
To win a match, players must:
# Take their six [[Glossary (TCG)#Prize Card|prize cards]] by {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Knock Out|knocking out}} their opponent's Pokémon by using {{TCG|Attack|attacks}} to reduce the opponent's [[Glossary (TCG)#Hit Points|HP to zero]].
# Take their six [[Glossary (TCG)#Prize Card|prize cards]] by {{DL|Glossary (TCG)|Knock Out|knocking out}} their opponent's Pokémon by using {{TCG|Attack}}s to reduce the opponent's [[Glossary (TCG)#Hit Points|HP to zero]].
# Players may also win when their opponent ''runs out of Pokémon'' on the field of play, which includes their [[Glossary (TCG)#Active Pokémon|Active Pokémon]] and [[Glossary (TCG)#Bench|Bench Pokémon]], or
# Players may also win when their opponent ''runs out of Pokémon'' on the field of play, which includes their [[Glossary (TCG)#Active Pokémon|Active Pokémon]] and [[Glossary (TCG)#Bench|Bench Pokémon]], or
# 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.
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{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
==={{TCG|Trainer card|Trainer cards}}===
==={{TCG|Trainer card}}s===
*{{TCG|Ace Spec card}}
*{{TCG|Ace Spec card}}
*{{TCG|Goldenrod Game Corner card}}
*{{TCG|Goldenrod Game Corner card}}
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*{{TCG|Supporter card}}
*{{TCG|Supporter card}}
*{{TCG|Technical Machine}}
*{{TCG|Technical Machine}}
==={{TCG|Energy card|Energy cards}}===
==={{TCG|Energy card}}s===
*{{DL|Energy card (TCG)|Basic Energy cards}}
*{{DL|Energy card (TCG)|Basic Energy cards}}
*[[List of Special Energy cards|Special Energy cards]]
*[[List of Special Energy cards|Special Energy cards]]
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===Exclusive decks===
===Exclusive decks===
====Original era====
====Original era====
*{{TCG|Starter Deck}} (random assortment of cards)
*{{TCG|Starter Deck}} (random assortment)
*{{TCG|Nivi City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Nivi City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Hanada City Gym}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Hanada City Gym}} (Full Deck)
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*{{TCG|Leaders Pokémon Theater Limited Edition}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Leaders Pokémon Theater Limited Edition}} (Half Deck)
====e-Series====
====e-Series====
*{{TCG|Pokémon-e Starter Deck}} (Half Deck) <!-- -->
*{{TCG|Pokémon-e Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Theater Limited VS Pack}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Theater Limited VS Pack}} (Half Deck)
====ADV era====
====ADV era====
*{{TCG|Treecko Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Treecko Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Torchic Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Torchic Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Mudkip Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Mudkip Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Flygon Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Flygon Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Salamence Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Salamence Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Magma Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Magma Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Aqua Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Aqua Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Gift Box}}
*{{TCG|Gift Box}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Metagross Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Metagross Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
====PCG era====
====PCG era====
*{{TCG|Venusaur/Charizard/Blastoise Random Constructed Starter Decks}}
*{{TCG|Venusaur/Charizard/Blastoise Random Constructed Starter Decks}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Deoxys Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Deoxys Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Rayquaza Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Rayquaza Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Space Fissure's Deoxys}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Space Fissure's Deoxys}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Black Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Black Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Silver Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Silver Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Gift Box Emerald}}
*{{TCG|Gift Box Emerald}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Quick Construction Packs}}
*{{TCG|Quick Construction Packs}} (Quarter Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Meganium Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Meganium Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Typhlosion Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Typhlosion Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Feraligatr Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Feraligatr Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Mirage's Mew Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Mirage's Mew Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Master Kit}}
*{{TCG|Master Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Aura's Lucario}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Aura's Lucario}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Fire Quarter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Fire Quarter Deck}} (Quarter Deck)
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Water Quarter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Water Quarter Deck}} (Quarter Deck)
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Lightning Quarter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Holon Research Tower Lightning Quarter Deck}} (Quarter Deck)
*{{TCG|Gift Box Mew • Lucario}}
*{{TCG|Gift Box Mew • Lucario}} (Quarter Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Earth's Groudon ex Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Earth's Groudon ex Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Ocean's Kyogre ex Constructed Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Ocean's Kyogre ex Constructed Starter Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Shockwave! Tyranitar ex Constructed Standard Deck}}
*{{TCG|Shockwave! Tyranitar ex Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Imprison! Gardevoir ex Constructed Standard Deck}}
*{{TCG|Imprison! Gardevoir ex Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Sea's Manaphy}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Sea's Manaphy}} (Half Deck)
====DP era====
====DP era====
*{{TCG|Entry Pack}}
*{{TCG|Entry Pack}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Random Construction Starter Deck}}
*{{TCG|Random Construction Starter Deck}} (random assortment)
*{{TCG|Bastiodon the Defender}}
*{{TCG|Bastiodon the Defender}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Rampardos the Attacker}}
*{{TCG|Rampardos the Attacker}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Dialga LV.X Constructed Standard Deck}}
*{{TCG|Dialga LV.X Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Palkia LV.X Constructed Standard Deck}}
*{{TCG|Palkia LV.X Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|10th Movie Commemoration Set}}
*{{TCG|Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Entry Pack '08}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Entry Pack '08}}
*{{TCG|Heatran vs Regigigas Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Heatran vs Regigigas Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Giratina vs Dialga Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Giratina vs Dialga Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|11th Movie Commemoration Set}}
====DPt era====
====DPt era====
*{{TCG|Entry Pack DPt}}
*{{TCG|Entry Pack DPt}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Gift Box DPt}}
*{{TCG|Gift Box DPt}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Infernape vs Gallade SP Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Infernape vs Gallade SP Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Garchomp vs Charizard SP Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Garchomp vs Charizard SP Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Collection Packs}}
*{{TCG|Collection Packs}} (12-card Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Arceus LV.X Deck: Grass & Fire}}
*{{TCG|Arceus LV.X Deck: Grass & Fire}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Arceus LV.X Deck: Lightning & Psychic}}
*{{TCG|Arceus LV.X Deck: Lightning & Psychic}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Pokémon Battle Tour 09 Challenge Deck}}
*{{TCG|Pokémon Battle Tour 09 Challenge Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}}
====LEGEND era====
====LEGEND era====
*{{TCG|Random Basic Pack}}
*{{TCG|Random Basic Pack}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Battle Starter Decks}}
*{{TCG|Battle Starter Decks}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Leafeon vs Metagross Expert Deck}}
*{{TCG|Leafeon vs Metagross Expert Deck}} (Full Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Steelix Constructed Standard Deck}}
*{{TCG|Steelix Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Tyranitar Constructed Standard Deck}}
*{{TCG|Tyranitar Constructed Standard Deck}} (Full Deck)
====BW era====
====BW era====
*{{TCG|Beginning Set}}
*{{TCG|Beginning Set}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Battle Strength Decks}}
*{{TCG|Battle Strength Decks}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Battle Theme Deck: Victini}}
*{{TCG|Battle Theme Deck: Victini}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Reshiram-EX Battle Strength Deck}}
*{{TCG|Reshiram-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Zekrom-EX Battle Strength Deck}}
*{{TCG|Zekrom-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Battle Gift Set: Thundurus vs Tornadus}}
*{{TCG|Battle Gift Set: Thundurus vs Tornadus}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Hydreigon Half Deck}}
*{{TCG|Hydreigon Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Garchomp Half Deck}}
*{{TCG|Garchomp Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Keldeo Battle Strength Deck}}
*{{TCG|Keldeo Battle Strength Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|National Beginning Set}}
*{{TCG|National Beginning Set}} (Half Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Team Plasma's Powered Half Deck}}
*{{TCG|Team Plasma's Powered Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Master Deck Build Box EX}}
*{{TCG|Master Deck Build Box EX}} (collection)
*{{TCG|Black Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}}
*{{TCG|Black Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|White Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}}
*{{TCG|White Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Team Plasma Battle Gift Set}}
*{{TCG|Team Plasma Battle Gift Set}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Everyone's Exciting Battle}}
*{{TCG|Everyone's Exciting Battle}} (Quarter Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck}}
*{{TCG|Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Mewtwo vs Genesect Deck Kit}}
*{{TCG|Mewtwo vs Genesect Deck Kit}} (Half Deck kit)
====XY era====
====XY era====
*{{TCG|XY Beginning Set}}
*{{TCG|XY Beginning Set}} (Full Deck kit)
*{{TCG|Xerneas Half Deck}}
*{{TCG|Xerneas Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|Yveltal Half Deck}}
*{{TCG|Yveltal Half Deck}} (Half Deck)
*{{TCG|M Charizard-EX Mega Battle Deck}}
*{{TCG|M Charizard-EX Mega Battle Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Hyper Metal Chain Deck}}
*{{TCG|Hyper Metal Chain Deck}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Super Legend Set: Xerneas-EX & Yveltal-EX}}
*{{TCG|Super Legend Set: Xerneas-EX & Yveltal-EX}} (Full Deck)
*{{TCG|Magma Gang vs Aqua Gang: Double Crisis}}
*{{TCG|Magma Gang vs Aqua Gang: Double Crisis}}
*{{TCG|M Rayquaza-EX Mega Battle Deck}}
*{{TCG|M Rayquaza-EX Mega Battle Deck}}
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*{{TCG|DP-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|DP-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|PPP Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|PPP Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|10th Movie Commemoration Set}}
*{{TCG|11th Movie Commemoration Set}}
''DPt era''
''DPt era''
*{{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|Pokémon Rumble}}
*{{TCG|Pokémon Rumble}}
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}}
''LEGEND era''
''LEGEND era''
*{{TCG|L-P Promotional cards}}
*{{TCG|L-P Promotional cards}}

Revision as of 23:17, 14 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 (a newer 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 Neo Destiny. 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 Black & White, 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. M Pokémon-EX were introduced in XY expansion and introduce the Mega Evolution mechanic featured in Pokémon X and Y to the TCG. The Dragon Pokémon type was introduced in the Dragon Vault expansion of the Black & White Series. The XY Series 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
Main article: Glossary (TCG)

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 tales), 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

POP Series

Black Star Promos

McDonald's Collection

Japanese sets

Exclusive decks

Original era

Neo era

VS era

e-Series

ADV era

PCG era

DP era

DPt era

LEGEND era

BW era

XY era
Back of the current Japanese language card, since 2002

Exclusive sets

VS era

Web era

DP era

LEGEND era

BW era

Promotional series

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.
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