I just want tips for the TCG. I've played for a few years, but I want to become a little more competitive. Deck making tips and tips for the battles themselves are needed. Heck this might help other people too...
Pokemon TCG Tips
- Thread starter PokeBoss123
- Start date
GadgetJax
Traveling Storyteller and Card Faker
One of the hardest tips to follow is this...
USE WHATEVER DECK YOU LIKE - This is probably the most hypocritical tip that I'll be giving anyone ever in my life, and I'm bound to go against it many times, but what I'm trying to say is that 'just because a deck is popular or strong doesn't mean you need to use it'.
Build any deck you like, use the Pokemon of your choice, anything goes! I mean, if you want to build a deck featuring Pokemon like Beedrill from XY or Sylveon from Furious Fists, then do it. The whole point of the Trading Card Game is to have fun, so only play a deck that is enjoyable to use.
Sure, you may not always win with those kinds of cards, but if you enjoyed playing the deck, that's all that matters!
USE WHATEVER DECK YOU LIKE - This is probably the most hypocritical tip that I'll be giving anyone ever in my life, and I'm bound to go against it many times, but what I'm trying to say is that 'just because a deck is popular or strong doesn't mean you need to use it'.
Build any deck you like, use the Pokemon of your choice, anything goes! I mean, if you want to build a deck featuring Pokemon like Beedrill from XY or Sylveon from Furious Fists, then do it. The whole point of the Trading Card Game is to have fun, so only play a deck that is enjoyable to use.
Sure, you may not always win with those kinds of cards, but if you enjoyed playing the deck, that's all that matters!
In general, tips generally vary from deck to deck, as they use different strategies, and deck practise is the main tip. As GadgetJax pointed out, do not feel binded or restricted to the cards you use; it's your choice and your freedom! Also, don't feel like you need to go and buy cards. If you're low on cards, then I suggest buying a theme deck. They come with Pokemon cards, energy and trainers.
However, have a look at a few strong decklists - or even post one - around PB (such as here). Most of these decks focus on one or two types, using around 10 to 15 Pokemon, 10 energy and 25 trainers.
Ideally, you should have multiple of the same Pokemon (for consistency) in a deck, but remember you cannot have more than 4 of the same card in your deck (except basic energy). Try and find cards that compliment each other. The link in this paragraph shows some popular and competitive decks with complimentary cards.
Energy is generally kept low, as trainers help draw it, and you often don't need heaps. With trainers, here you can find some note worthy cards. But... in general, you want to have around 10 or so support cards like N and Juniper/Sycamore (cards that draw more cards). The rest of the trainers really depend on the deck.
These links - here and here - has some really good tips in making decks.
A few tips while playing include:
However, have a look at a few strong decklists - or even post one - around PB (such as here). Most of these decks focus on one or two types, using around 10 to 15 Pokemon, 10 energy and 25 trainers.
Ideally, you should have multiple of the same Pokemon (for consistency) in a deck, but remember you cannot have more than 4 of the same card in your deck (except basic energy). Try and find cards that compliment each other. The link in this paragraph shows some popular and competitive decks with complimentary cards.
Energy is generally kept low, as trainers help draw it, and you often don't need heaps. With trainers, here you can find some note worthy cards. But... in general, you want to have around 10 or so support cards like N and Juniper/Sycamore (cards that draw more cards). The rest of the trainers really depend on the deck.
These links - here and here - has some really good tips in making decks.
A few tips while playing include:
- Always check weakness and resistence! They are often overlooked.
- Try and attach energy (unless via ability or other card, one per turn)
- Think about which Pokemon are best in which situations - maybe to counter weaknesses or abilities
- Practise! The more you get to know your deck = the better you play!
- Supporters (particularly draw supporters) should be played most turns - but remember you can only play 1 supported per turn, so choose wisely
Make sure you know how to play a deck before you play it. If you see a really good deck that is winning cities or regionals like Donphan for instance, it is a great tier 1 deck, but if you don't know how to play it, then you probably won't go really far.
Practice playing whatever deck you chose, play against multiple other decks so you can get used to different circumstances. Try to learn what cards are played together so when you end up playing against a deck you will be able to plan ahead and set up what ever you need.
Use Pokemon.com's Event Locator to find tournaments and Leagues in your area. Joining a League (it's easy, fun, and you get free promos!) is a great way to meet other Pokemon TCG players, make friends, and test your deck in a casual setting. Try to play against lots of different people and many different deck types so you don't run into a lot of surprises in a competitive event.
Also, be sure to study your local metagame and plan accordingly. Just because a lot of people are playing a certain deck doesn't necessarily mean you should follow suit. For example, if Donphan is as popular in your arae as it is in mine, try a deck like Seismitoad, which has a favorable matchup against it. This is just one example. However, knowledge of the metagame and what's popular is crucial to success.
Also, be sure to study your local metagame and plan accordingly. Just because a lot of people are playing a certain deck doesn't necessarily mean you should follow suit. For example, if Donphan is as popular in your arae as it is in mine, try a deck like Seismitoad, which has a favorable matchup against it. This is just one example. However, knowledge of the metagame and what's popular is crucial to success.