Looking for a Budget Deck Going Into the New Format

[TheLemonMan]

Hi Guys,

So I'm sure you've heard this before but I used to be really into Pokemon competing in tournaments and the lot. Since the launch of Pokemon GO, I thought I might get back into the TCG. Don't want to spend bucket loads however I understand that Shaymin (ROS) is pretty much a must and I'm willing to splash out on buying them, but if possible can the deck lists include 3 instead of 4?

-TheLemonMan

 

[bbninjas]

Moved from the Deck Garage to the TCG Help & Advice as the Deck Garage is for getting feedback for your complete 60-card decklists. ~bbninjas

 

[camohunter19]

Most lists don't include more than 3 Shaymin--unless it is a REALLY aggressive approach to Mega Rayquaza. You'll probably be fine buying two to start with.

There are lots of new player threads active in the forums right now, so I would suggest looking at those while they sit at the top.

Some general advice:

1. Proxy decks before buying. This means printing your cards yourself and testing things out before you drop real cash on the cards. Alternatively you can test on Pokemon simulators (PTCGO and tcgone come to mind)
2. As a rule of thumb, buy singles. I sunk about $500 on ROS packs before I realized that I could just spend the money on Shaymin. I kept trying to pull one and now I'm in a sticky financial situation because of it. Packs are fun, but they usually net you nothing. Do not get stuck in the mentality that "someone has to pull it". Just buy singles.
3. If you do make the jump and start competing in tournaments, don't be that guy. Wear deodorant, keep track of your stuff, help new players, keep a friendly and amiable spirit about you. It's alright to be a little salty after losing a match against a bad match up, but it's important to put that into perspective. I've recently learned that every match is skill-based, based on what you discard with Ultra Ball, what you chose to grab with it, which Supporter you choose to play, and how you change your playstyle to beat your opponent. Don't be a sore loser, basically.

GL;HF

 

[TuxedoBlack]

...I understand that Shaymin (ROS) is pretty much a must and I'm willing to splash out on buying them, but if possible can the deck lists include 3 instead of 4?
-TheLemonMan

I only run 1 copy of Shaymin EX in all my decks and they perform just fine - I just needed to run other card-draw support. Indeed there are times when I wished I did run 2, but that has not yet occurred often enough for me to run multiple copies of Shaymin EX.

There are a variety of ways to reply to your query, but without knowing your interests, you could get frustrated with the responses. So, I'd suggest you first review the current card sets keeping in mind that a card set rotation is very close and and that the Standard format card decks will be affected. Identify some core Pokémon that might interest you. Peruse the Deck Garage Forum to review decks that may utilize those core Pokémon. Even post a draft of your deck to get feedback and comments. Proxy a deck to test IRL or online. Then price the cards you really want.