Learn to Play
Pokémon TCG
Never played the Pokémon Trading Card Game before? Don't worry. Our beginner-friendly guide will take you through the basics and get you ready to battle.
START LEARNING ↓🎴 Welcome, Trainer!
Pokémon TCG is a strategy card game where you use Pokémon, Energy and Trainer cards to battle your opponent.
Build your team, attach Energy, use powerful attacks and knock out your opponent's Pokémon to collect your Prize cards.
It may look complicated at first, but once you understand the basics, the game becomes much easier to follow.
The Basics
Here are some of the important numbers to remember when learning the game.
Know Your Cards
There are three main types of cards you'll use during a Pokémon TCG game.
Pokémon Cards
Pokémon are the cards you use to battle. They can attack your opponent's Pokémon, use Abilities and evolve into stronger Pokémon.
Energy Cards
Energy powers your Pokémon's attacks. Different attacks require different types and amounts of Energy.
Trainer Cards
Trainer cards provide useful effects that can help you draw cards, search your deck, switch Pokémon and control the game.
Understand the Battlefield
Knowing where your cards go makes your first game much easier.
Setting Up Your Game
Follow these steps before the first turn begins.
Shuffle
Shuffle your deck thoroughly.
Draw 7
Draw seven cards for your opening hand.
Active Pokémon
Place a Basic Pokémon face down in your Active Spot.
Bench
Place additional Basic Pokémon on your Bench if you wish.
Prize Cards
Place six cards face down as your Prize cards.
How Does a Turn Work?
Once the game begins, turns follow a simple sequence.
🔄 Your Turn
Using Energy
Energy allows your Pokémon to use their attacks.
🔋 Attach Energy
During your turn, you can normally attach one Energy card from your hand to one of your Pokémon.
Check the Attack Cost
Look beside the attack name to see the Energy symbols required.
Power Your Attack
Once your Pokémon has the required Energy, you can use the attack if all other requirements are met.
Evolving Pokémon
Evolution can give your Pokémon more HP, stronger attacks and useful Abilities.
Start with a Basic
Basic Pokémon are normally the starting point for an evolution line.
Play the Evolution
Place the appropriate Evolution Pokémon on top of the Pokémon it evolves from, following the card's requirements.
Become Stronger
Evolved Pokémon often have higher HP, stronger attacks or useful Abilities.
Trainer Cards
Trainer cards give you powerful tools to help control the game.
🎒 Item Cards
Items can help you draw cards, search your deck, heal Pokémon, switch Pokémon and much more.
Supporter Cards
Supporters can have powerful effects, but normally only one Supporter can be played during your turn.
Stadium Cards
Stadium cards can change the conditions of the battlefield and affect either player.
Attacking
This is where your Pokémon battle.
⚔️ Choose Your Attack
Check the attacks listed on your Active Pokémon. Each attack shows the Energy required to use it.
Confirm that your Pokémon has the required Energy and that any other requirements are met.
Announce the attack and follow the instructions written on the card.
Damage is then calculated according to the attack, Weakness, Resistance and any relevant effects.
Special Conditions
Some attacks and effects can leave Pokémon with special conditions.
Asleep
A sleeping Pokémon may have restrictions on attacking or retreating.
Poisoned
A Poisoned Pokémon can take damage between turns.
Burned
A Burned Pokémon can take additional damage between turns.
Confused
Confusion can make attacking risky depending on the result of the check.
Paralyzed
A Paralyzed Pokémon is temporarily restricted from attacking or retreating.
🏆 How Do You Win?
Your goal is to defeat your opponent's Pokémon and take your Prize cards.
Beginner Tips
You don't need to master everything in your first game.
Read Your Cards
Card text tells you what your attacks, Abilities and Trainer cards do.
Plan Ahead
Think about your Active Pokémon, your Bench and where your Energy should go.
Don't Rush
Take your time while learning. Understanding your plays is more important than playing quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from new Pokémon TCG players.
How many cards are in a Pokémon TCG deck?
A standard Pokémon TCG deck contains 60 cards. Different formats can have different deck-building rules, so always check the format you're playing.
How many Pokémon can I have on my Bench?
You can normally have up to five Benched Pokémon.
How many Energy cards can I attach?
Under the standard rules, you can normally attach one Energy card from your hand during your turn. Card effects can provide exceptions.
Can I evolve a Pokémon immediately?
A Pokémon generally cannot evolve during the same turn it was played. Special effects can change normal rules.
Do I need expensive cards to start playing?
No. A simple ready-to-play or beginner-friendly deck is a great way to learn the game before building your own competitive deck.
Where can I find the official rules?
The latest Pokémon TCG rules and resources are available through the official Pokémon website.
Ready to Start Playing?
Build your collection, find the cards you need and start your Pokémon TCG journey with PokeOutpost.
🛒 VISIT THE SHOP ✉️ CONTACT POKEOUTPOSTOfficial Rules: Pokémon's official rules and resources should always be checked for the latest rules and updates.
