No Idea How To Play or What to Buy

Diesel6401

Diesel6401

Aspiring Trainer
Member
Need some help. My 5yr old recently was given some random Pokémon cards the other day, and of course he asked me "how do we play". I'm clueless lol. Watched video's, read. Still didn't help. Language I don't understand.

My wife and I are very familiar with Pokémon, we watched we when were kids and seen a decent amount of the movies. My son for the last year or so has taken over where my wife and I left, and brought us back to our youth. We avidly play Pokémon Go, but this isn't a different animal. When it comes to this game, we both are out of our league. So were do we begin? Which sets do I purchase for my son and I to play? He's a quick study, I'm sure he will pick it up faster than me. Not a bad thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Links to Amazon, are great also lol.

Thanks in advance.
 
So if he's 5 it's probably going to be a struggle for him to actually play. The math and the reading levels are going to be above his head, but you can come up with some simple games that would probably build some skills into the game. Just off the top of my head, maybe something where he finds Pokemon evolution lines (i.e. here's Raichu, can you tell who he evolves from? If he knows letters, he might even be able to find the evolution chains himself.) or one on one Pokemon battles where he can do some simple math using damage counters. You can play online (go to the Pokemon.com website for link), and he probably would like to sit on your lap and learn along with you. PTCGO (Pokemon Trading Card Game Online) is built to be easy for beginners, and it won't take you too long to learn the basics. I just started playing last March and I've gotten to the point where I have put together several top tier competitive decks. You don't even have to play real human beings, you can play "the computer," and these are generally easier matches for you to get started with.

Good luck and you've done the best thing by asking for advice.
 
At a 5 year old level, you'll probably just want to begin with the theme decks. These are not competitive at all, but will provide instructions and a basic deck to play with. They are normally 12-15 each. The most recent pair are from Evolutions and are called "Pikachu Power" and "Mewtwo Mayhem." Each set has a pair of them that come out, and they come out about every three months. If you go this route I recommend making sure to get a pair that are from the same set. The most recent evolutions set used the original art from the base set so if you're familiar with it from when you were younger it might be fun to have these. Other sets use modern art so the cards will look a little different. Not sure how a five year old is with math and what not, so it might take some patience on your part or it might be something he grows into before he plays for real.

https://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-T...r=8-1&keywords=pokemon+evolutions+theme+decks

https://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-M...r=8-2&keywords=pokemon+evolutions+theme+decks

There are also "Learn to play" decks. These are two half decks, pre-sorted so you can open the manual and have a preplaned game with each turn step by step laid out. After you play the first game you'll need to put them back in order if you want to do the practice steps again, or you can shuffle like normal and play a "Real" game. These are normally $10, but like I mentioned these are two half decks instead of 1 full deck like the theme decks are.

https://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-TCG-...78102443&sr=8-1&keywords=pokemon+trainer+deck

If you want a more competitive deck, then the expanded format has Battle Arena decks. These cost about $30 and have two semi-competitive decks. I don't recommend these since the decks tend to have more complex mechanics than the others I've recommended that a 5 year old may not grasp.

https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Arena...&sr=8-1&keywords=pokemon+rayquaza+battle+deck

Like 21Times mentioned, Pokémon also has a free PC or Ipad game where you can learn to play or play live opponents. If you buy cards in real life you'll get a "Code card" to unlock those cards in the online game.

Also be aware that the products I linked in Amazon may be cheaper at a local Target or Walmart, but you asked for Amazon so I provided that. :)
 
21times said:
So if he's 5 it's probably going to be a struggle for him to actually play. The math and the reading levels are going to be above his head, but you can come up with some simple games that would probably build some skills into the game. Just off the top of my head, maybe something where he finds Pokemon evolution lines (i.e. here's Raichu, can you tell who he evolves from? If he knows letters, he might even be able to find the evolution chains himself.) or one on one Pokemon battles where he can do some simple math using damage counters. You can play online (go to the Pokemon.com website for link), and he probably would like to sit on your lap and learn along with you. PTCGO (Pokemon Trading Card Game Online) is built to be easy for beginners, and it won't take you too long to learn the basics. I just started playing last March and I've gotten to the point where I have put together several top tier competitive decks. You don't even have to play real human beings, you can play "the computer," and these are generally easier matches for you to get started with.

Good luck and you've done the best thing by asking for advice.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.

He has tons of Pokémon books and knows a lot of the mon, (more than me actually) same with their evolutions. He is starting basic add/subtraction in school, so he's picking it up. This may actually help him with his math and reading as it's something he's really interested in. I'll give the online thing a try, just so I can learn the basics and then play with him together. Thanks!
 
There's no doubt in my mind that this will help with math and reading, and you can probably work in some problem solving as well. Just be patient as I'm sure he'll need your help.

And be careful of PTCG online or you'll get addicted to it like I am!
 
TheGuardian118 said:
At a 5 year old level, you'll probably just want to begin with the theme decks. These are not competitive at all, but will provide instructions and a basic deck to play with. They are normally 12-15 each. The most recent pair are from Evolutions and are called "Pikachu Power" and "Mewtwo Mayhem." Each set has a pair of them that come out, and they come out about every three months. If you go this route I recommend making sure to get a pair that are from the same set. The most recent evolutions set used the original art from the base set so if you're familiar with it from when you were younger it might be fun to have these. Other sets use modern art so the cards will look a little different. Not sure how a five year old is with math and what not, so it might take some patience on your part or it might be something he grows into before he plays for real.

https://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-T...r=8-1&keywords=pokemon+evolutions+theme+decks

https://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-M...r=8-2&keywords=pokemon+evolutions+theme+decks

There are also "Learn to play" decks. These are two half decks, pre-sorted so you can open the manual and have a preplaned game with each turn step by step laid out. After you play the first game you'll need to put them back in order if you want to do the practice steps again, or you can shuffle like normal and play a "Real" game. These are normally $10, but like I mentioned these are two half decks instead of 1 full deck like the theme decks are.

https://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-TCG-...78102443&sr=8-1&keywords=pokemon+trainer+deck

If you want a more competitive deck, then the expanded format has Battle Arena decks. These cost about $30 and have two semi-competitive decks. I don't recommend these since the decks tend to have more complex mechanics than the others I've recommended that a 5 year old may not grasp.

https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Arena...&sr=8-1&keywords=pokemon+rayquaza+battle+deck

Like 21Times mentioned, Pokémon also has a free PC or Ipad game where you can learn to play or play live opponents. If you buy cards in real life you'll get a "Code card" to unlock those cards in the online game.

Also be aware that the products I linked in Amazon may be cheaper at a local Target or Walmart, but you asked for Amazon so I provided that. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you so much.

He's watched the older that I grew up on, but he likes XY & XYZ better and he's all about Mega Evolutions and the newer stuff. He knows his numbers, he recognizes all the Pokémon by their pictures and I have no problem working and being patient with him. If were spending time together and he's having fun, it's all good in my book. I know that sound's corny.

So the Pikachu and Mewtwo are the same set? I should be set just purchasing them? I'm thinking of buying the beginner set you listed, for learning purposes and then playing more with the Pikachu and Mewtwo sets once we ge the hang of things. OK route to take?

Once again thanks.
 
Diesel6401 said:
Thank you so much.

He's watched the older that I grew up on, but he likes XY & XYZ better and he's all about Mega Evolutions and the newer stuff. He knows his numbers, he recognizes all the Pokémon by their pictures and I have no problem working and being patient with him. If were spending time together and he's having fun, it's all good in my book. I know that sound's corny.

So the Pikachu and Mewtwo are the same set? I should be set just purchasing them? I'm thinking of buying the beginner set you listed, for learning purposes and then playing more with the Pikachu and Mewtwo sets once we ge the hang of things. OK route to take?

Once again thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Pikachu and Mewtwo are from the Evolutions set. All that means is they are numbered in the same numbering and were released at the same time. They can also be pulled from the same booster packs if you buy him packs ever. Below is a link to all the expansions. If you go there, click on Evolutions, and then press "View cards from this expansions" you'll see all the cards from it. Pickachu is 35/108 and Mewtwo is 51/108. The main reason I recommend getting the same set is that they usually aren't weak to each other and are kinda built to go against each other. If you were to get ones from different sets and happen to pick ones that are weak to each other, say fire and water based ones, then the games may be one sided since the water would do double damage to the fire.

Every three months or a new set comes out, and for as long as I've been playing seriously there are always two theme decks to go with them. They provide a good way to get a prebuilt deck using common cards from the current set, along with some support from prior sets, without spending too much, but the decks won't be good for serious tournament play.

Starting with that trainer deck would be good. I didn't think of it till after I posted, but the fact that they are half decks won't mater to him since he is only five, and they would be a great way to learn the game. Then you can go to the full sized decks once you and he get the hang of playing. These trainer decks are not part of a "set" so you won't pull most of those cards from booster packs. The one I posted was the Pikachu Libre one. That product is the ONLY way to currently get that particular Pickachu Libre card.

Link to all the expansions:
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/trading-card-expansions/
 
homeofmew said:
I suggest going to a league if he's interested in playing, however he may struggle in competitive events.
https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/find-an-event/
Click to expand...

I may check those out for myself. Maybe a little down the road if he's interested, he can participate. Thanks.

TheGuardian118 said:
Yes, the Pikachu and Mewtwo are from the Evolutions set. All that means is they are numbered in the same numbering and were released at the same time. They can also be pulled from the same booster packs if you buy him packs ever. Below is a link to all the expansions. If you go there, click on Evolutions, and then press "View cards from this expansions" you'll see all the cards from it. Pickachu is 35/108 and Mewtwo is 51/108. The main reason I recommend getting the same set is that they usually aren't weak to each other and are kinda built to go against each other. If you were to get ones from different sets and happen to pick ones that are weak to each other, say fire and water based ones, then the games may be one sided since the water would do double damage to the fire.

Every three months or a new set comes out, and for as long as I've been playing seriously there are always two theme decks to go with them. They provide a good way to get a prebuilt deck using common cards from the current set, along with some support from prior sets, without spending too much, but the decks won't be good for serious tournament play.

Starting with that trainer deck would be good. I didn't think of it till after I posted, but the fact that they are half decks won't mater to him since he is only five, and they would be a great way to learn the game. Then you can go to the full sized decks once you and he get the hang of playing. These trainer decks are not part of a "set" so you won't pull most of those cards from booster packs. The one I posted was the Pikachu Libre one. That product is the ONLY way to currently get that particular Pickachu Libre card.

Link to all the expansions:
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/trading-card-expansions/
Click to expand...

Thanks again, everyone has been very helpful.
 
I downloaded the online game yesterday and played a little. Wow that really is fun! I can see how you can get addicted to it quickly. I also think the starter deck with the half the deck would be best for my son. I'm thinking of getting him a binder to collect the cards separately. He watches me collect baseball cards and comic books, wouldn't be a bad idea for him to collect something on his own, plus he loves Pokémon so win/win. Thanks again everyone! I'll be lurking around lol.
 
good luck with your son.
I started my son around 7. and I've taught other kids how to "play".
it really helps when he can do the math and multiplication. x10 x20 x30s.
i recommend you play the same decks a LOT to get the mechanics and sequence down.
and when I say a lot, i mean 50+ games.
pokemon is very similar to chess when you get further into it.
its not just luck, there is quite a bit of strategy and counter play.

100% re getting a binder and keeping cards organized.
as you play more, you can tweak and edit your existing decks.
or branch out into other theme decks.
theme decks are great for starting out, but their composition isn't ideal for more advanced play.

my son still plays quite a bit and has done well in organized competitive play.
 
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