Returning Player - Looking For A Starting Point

[Davidism]

I played the PTCG at its inception. The last official cards I remember were after the Team Rocket Set, I believe it was the Gym Heroes era. I would like to return as, I now have a Seven year old interested in playing. The idea is casual play at the moment, with possible league play if interest catches on. Any advice on what set to start with, and if there are 2-player starting sets to relearn the rules?

 

[bbninjas]

Great to see a returning player of the TCG! Perhaps the first thing that you need to know is that there are two formats you could play in during the current 2016 rotation - Expanded or Standard. The former uses BW-onwards, while Standard is limited to XY-onwards. The exact sets usable in each rotation can be found here. As both a casual player, you probably won't mind, and as a competitive player, you will generally end up participating in both formats anyway.

Here is a list of kits that are cut into into two 30-card decks (Trainer Kits) or 60-card decks (Battle Arena Decks), split from worst to best from a competitive player's perspective. The Battle Arena Decks are notably superior in content, containing many competitive cards that are also fun in a casual game. Each kit does contain a helpful guide, and you can also find the most recent rulebook here.

XY Trainer Kit: Latias & Latios
Black & White Trainer Kit *
XY Trainer Kit: Bisharp & Wigglytuff
XY Trainer Kit
Battle Arena Decks: Xerneas vs Yveltal
Battle Arena Decks: Mewtwo-EX vs Darkrai-EX *
* Usable in Expanded only.

 

[Yo-yos]

I suggest going to a league and asking for 2 decks, ask for as much help from your local pokemon league, they should be more then willing to help.

And then buy something.