New to Pokémon TCG?
Start here. Learn what the Pokémon Trading Card Game is, how to understand a card, identify its rarity, and discover what can make certain cards valuable.
WHAT IS POKÉMON TCG?
The Pokémon Trading Card Game—commonly called Pokémon TCG—is a collectible card game based on the world of Pokémon.
Some people collect the cards for their artwork, favourite Pokémon or rarity. Others build decks and battle against other players. Many fans enjoy both collecting and playing.
There are three main types of cards:
- Pokémon cards – Your Pokémon for battling.
- Trainer cards – Provide useful actions, items and support.
- Energy cards – Power the attacks used by your Pokémon.
Highlight:
You don’t have to play the game to enjoy Pokémon cards. You can collect your favourite Pokémon, complete a set, trade with others or build a competitive deck.
HOW TO READ A POKÉMON CARD?
No | Card part | Meaning |
1 | Pokémon name | The name of the Pokémon |
2 | HP | How much damage it can take before being Knocked Out |
3 | Type | The Pokémon’s elemental type, such as Fire, Water or Lightning |
4 | Stage | Shows whether it is a Basic, Stage 1 or Stage 2 Pokémon |
5 | Ability | A special effect the Pokémon may use |
6 | Attack | The move the Pokémon can perform |
7 | Energy cost | Energy required to use the attack |
8 | Weakness | The type that usually deals extra damage |
9 | Resistance | The type from which it receives less damage |
10 | Retreat cost | Energy that must be discarded to move it from the Active Spot |
11 | Set number | Identifies the card within its expansion |
12 | Rarity symbol | Indicates the card’s rarity category |
Beginner tip:
A card can look powerful or shiny without necessarily being rare or valuable. Always check the set number and rarity marking near the bottom of the card.
UNDERSTANDING CARD RARITY
WHY ARE SOME POKÉMON CARDS VALUABLE?
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