The Pokemon cards have been around for more than two decades and are still popular among adults and kids. With the recent increase in the popularity of Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), many people are looking to collect and play Pokemon cards.
If you are one of the people who are interested in trading cards, this guide will definitely come in handy. We will take a closer look at everything you need to know about Pokemon cards.
What are Pokemon Cards?
The Pokemon cards were released in the year 1996 and featured different characters and creatures from the Pokemon anime franchise. Their card game proved to be an instant hit worldwide.
The game starts with a deck of 60 cards with different Pokemon characters. Each player takes turns to attack their opponent's Pokemon and knock them all out to win the game.
What are the Different Types of Pokemon?
You will find a variety of Pokemon cards; each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common Pokemon cards include:
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Basic Cards
Basic cards are the most common type of cards which represent the Pokemons in their basic form. The Pokemon in this category have low Hit Points (HP) and weaker attacks compared to other options.
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Stage 1 Cards
These cards represent the first evolved form of a Pokemon. They usually have a higher HP and better attacks compared to basic-form Pokemons.
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Stage 2 Cards
The stage 2 cards represent the final form of a Pokemon. Usually, they have the highest HP and strongest attacks among all Pokemon cards.
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EX/GX/VSTAR/VMAX Cards
These are special Pokemon cards that feature Pokemons with powerful abilities and attacks. These Pokemons also have a higher HP compared to other Pokemon.
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Trainer Cards
The trainer cards can be used to support your Pokemon during duels. Using these helps your Pokemon to heal, draw extra cards, or increase the amount of attack.
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Energy Cards
Players can use energy cards to level up their Pokemon attacks. Energy cards will vary from Pokemon to Pokemon as each requires a different energy card for their attacks.
How to Play Pokemon Trading Card Game?
Since the game is based on the popular Pokemon video game franchise, it follows the same rules. Here’s how you can get started with the Pokemon Trading Card game:
The first thing you need to keep in mind is to have a minimum of 60 cards in your deck. When you are building a deck, you should consider the following factors:
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Pokemon
Make sure that your deck has a mix of basic and evolved Pokemon. Choose options that complement each other. For instance, if you have a Pokemon who is weak against water attacks, then include a card that is strong against water attacks.
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Energy Cards
Energy cards are a vital part of your deck as they help you power up your Pokemon’s attack. Make sure you have a good mix of energy cards available in your deck.
- Trainer Cards:
With the help of trainer cards, you can draw more cards from your deck, heal Pokemon, and remove “energy cards” from your opponent.
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Item Cards
These cards can give your Pokemon additional abilities or hinder the abilities of your opponent’s Pokemon.
When you are building a deck, it is vital to have a good balance of different cards. Having a good balance of cards will increase your chances of winning.
Prize Cards and How to Win Games
One of the crucial aspects of the Pokemon game is the prize cards. Every player starts with at least 6 prize cards that are faced down. To win the game, a player must collect all of the opponent’s prize cards.
In addition to that, a player can also win games by two other conditions which are:
- Knock out all the opponent’s Pokemon and leave them behind with no active attacker.
- Force the opponent to run out of cards in their deck.
Winning requires plenty of planning and strategy. Therefore, it is vital to balance your offense and defense to maximize your chances of winning.
How to Collect Pokemon Cards and Where to Buy them?
Collecting Pokemon is one of the most rewarding hobbies. However, it can be overwhelming for beginners. But here are some of the tips that will help you get started:
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Buy a Theme Deck:
The theme decks are pre-constructed decks that will help you get started. They are a great way to lay the foundation for you as a beginner.
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Buy Booster Packs
Booster packs can be a great way to get a rare and valuable card collection. You can potentially find some of the rarest Pokemon.
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Trade your Cards with Other Players
Another thing you can do is trade your cards with other players which can help you get rid of the cards you don’t need.
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Buy Cards Online
Online stores such as ZGames are the best places to find Pokemon for your collection. We have an amazing range of Pokemon cards available on our online store that you can buy right now!
Final Thoughts
Pokemon is one of the most popular franchises in the world and its popularity is increasing every day. We hope this guide proved helpful to you.
Now you can invest in your own Pokemon cards and start your own Pokemon journey. Make sure to always have fun and enjoy playing and collecting Pokemon trading cards. So what are you waiting for? Get your Pokemon trading cards now from ZGames.
