Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

Key Takeaways

  • Build a deck with synergy, not just powerful cards, to execute strategies effectively.
  • Limit types of Pokemon and energies in a deck to 2-3 for consistency in executing moves.
  • Include Trainer cards to tie strategies together, add consistency, and enable effective gameplay.

As a seasoned card game enthusiast with over 20 years of experience under my belt, I wholeheartedly agree that building a successful deck is more than just throwing cards together and hoping for the best. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck – but as they say, consistency is how you make your own luck!


As a novice in the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG), getting a hang of its fundamentals is just the beginning. Mastering the core rules and dynamics is crucial, but constructing a deck capable of dominating battles is the true test.

A deck full of powerful or rare cards doesn’t automatically ensure victory. It takes a careful selection of cards that have synergy, supporting each other to execute strategies effectively. Every card should play a role in achieving the ultimate goal: defeating the opponent’s Pokemon and securing a win.

8 Card Balancing

Distribute Well The Quantity Of Card Types Is Essential

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

To create a Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) deck in the regular version, you pick 20 cards. A standard deck can hold up to 60 cards, and there are multiple strategies for locating the desired cards. However, in the Pokemon TCG Pocket, the process is more straightforward and relies more on luck. Consequently, while constructing a deck, players should take into account the number of each type of card they decide to incorporate.

If your approach primarily involves using Articuno Ex for attacks, having a larger number of Basic Pokémon in your deck reduces the chances of starting with Articuno Ex as your main attacker. It’s recommended to maintain an average of around 12 Pokémon cards and 8 Trainer cards for a good balance.

7 Pokemon Types And Energy Types

Do Not Include Too Many Types Of Energy In The Deck

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

Every move, I’ve got the chance to connect an Energy card with one of my Pokémon. Having diverse attackers in my deck makes it trickier to find and use the appropriate Energy at the crucial moments.

To enhance consistency and strategic focus, aim to use no more than two or ideally three distinct types of Pokémon and energies within a single deck. This approach will facilitate the execution of essential moves leading to triumph.

6 Pokemon Have Different Roles

Each Card Has Its Own Function In The Game

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

In a game like Pokémon, not every Pokémon is solely meant for attacking opponents. Just as in any strategy game, each card within the deck plays a distinct role. Some cards are designed to initiate quick attacks and energize the bench Pokémon, while others function as support, ensuring that attackers remain strong enough for continued battles.

For instance, Gardevoir primarily boosts the power of Psychic Pokemon by providing energy once each round, making it an ideal partner for Mewtwo Ex, which discards two energies every turn. In this combination, Mewtwo Ex acts as the attacker, while Gardevoir assumes a supportive function.

5 Trainer Cards Are The Heart Of A Good Strategy

These Cards Can Help Make Any Strategy Work

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

Although not yet as powerful as in the standard Pokémon TCG, Trainer cards are what tie all strategies together in Pokemon TCG Pocket. They are essential cards that players should include in any deck they plan to build in the game.

These cards, whether they are items, supporters, or strategic tools, play a significant role in various aspects of the game. They can help move an adversary’s Pokemon from the field, boost damage to secure victory, or reduce the cost for Pokemon in the active spot to retreat. Additionally, they include strong Trainer cards that enhance deck consistency, allowing you to find what you need and effectively execute your strategies.

4 Choose The Playstyle That Is Most Enjoyable

Aggressive, Slow Or Control Decks Have Their Own Styles

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

Some strategies prioritize launching attacks immediately, such as the Pikachu Ex deck, while others concentrate on absorbing damage from the opponent, like the Venusaur Ex deck. However, regardless of which approach you prefer, it’s crucial that your strategy matches what feels the most fun and engaging for you to play.

It doesn’t make sense to create a powerful, slow-moving deck when your gameplay strategy is more effective with quicker decks. Consider experimenting with the rental decks first to find your preferred playing style, instead of investing resources in constructing a deck immediately.

3 Take Advantage Of Abilities

Abilities Are The Soul Of Some Pokemon

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

When selecting the Pokemon that will be part of the deck, it’s important to pay attention to the unique abilities each one offers. These abilities can play a crucial role in the overall strategy, so consider which ones align with the tactics players plan to employ.

To strategically select Pokemon based on their roles as described in the “Roles” section, pick creatures whose skills either hinder the opponent’s strategy or boost the power-up speed of attackers. By intelligently combining Pokemon with compatible abilities, you will enhance the unity within your deck, thereby improving your chances of victory during battles.

2 Consistency Is Key

It’s How Players Make Their Own Luck

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

This tip can be applied to any card game: consistency is one of the most important aspects of building a successful deck. In Pokemon TCG Pocket, the maximum limit of repeated cards is two, so it’s essential to include two copies of each card type to increase the chances of drawing it when needed. This ensures a more reliable gameplay experience.

Essential in nearly every deck, cards akin to Professor’s Research serve to uphold uniformity. These cards enable players to smoothly navigate their deck, enhancing the probability of pulling relevant cards when needed.

1 Watch The Game Meta

Research What The Best Players Are Using

Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

When building a deck, keep in mind that the best players have likely already discovered the most effective ways to assemble 20 cards in a manner that ensures synergy and an optimized strategy during matches.

Keep updated with the broader game strategy (metagame) and watch tournament outcomes to learn which decks are commonly played and how they’re structured. This knowledge can help you replicate winning decks or spark fresh ideas, drawing from strategies that have already been thoroughly tested by skilled players on a large scale.

Read More

2024-11-10 02:03