How to Play Pokémon TCG Pocket

Last updated on: Nov 14, 2024

Pokémon TCG Pocket is a simplified yet strategic version of the traditional Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) designed for mobile play. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will walk you through the basics to get started with the game.

Type of Cards

Pokémon TCG Pocket features two main types of cards:

  • Pokémon Cards: These are the core of the game, representing the Pokémon you control. They can attack, evolve, and use special abilities.
  • Trainer Cards: These cards help you accelerate your game plan. There are three types of Trainer cards:
    • Items: Utility cards that help you manage resources. These are discarded after use.
    • Supporters: Powerful cards that provide a big advantage, but you can only play one per turn (except on your first turn).
    • Fossil Items: Special cards that can be treated like Pokémon, allowing certain Pokémon to evolve from them.

Field of Play

The playing field is composed of several sections where your cards interact:

  • Deck: Your deck contains 20 cards. You can play up to two cards with the same name.
  • Active Spot: Your Active Pokémon is placed here and is the only Pokémon that can attack.
  • Bench: Holds up to three Pokémon that are not actively participating in battle but can evolve or be swapped in later.
  • Energy Zone: This area contains Energies that are attached to your Pokémon for attacking or retreating. Energies are not drawn from your deck, but are managed in this zone for easy access.
  • Discard Pile: Cards that are discarded from play go here.

Turn Structure

Each turn is divided into several phases:

  • Draw Phase: Draw a card (mandatory).
  • Energy Phase: Attach an Energy from the Energy Zone to one of your Pokémon.
  • Action Phase: You can play items, evolve your Pokémon, and perform other actions, such as using Pokémon abilities or playing Supporters.
  • Attack Phase: Your Active Pokémon attacks, dealing damage to the opponent’s Active Pokémon. If the attack knocks out the opponent’s Pokémon, you gain a point.
  • End Phase: After the attack, the turn ends, and you prepare for the next player's turn.

Win Conditions

You win by fulfilling one of the following conditions:

  • Collect All Points: Knock out your opponent’s Pokémon to collect points. If your opponent's Pokémon is a Pokémon ex, you get two points for knocking it out.
  • Opponent Cannot Promote a Pokémon: If your opponent has no Pokémon left on their bench or in play to promote after their Active Pokémon is knocked out, they lose.

Pokémon ex and Special Conditions

Pokémon ex are powerful cards with strong abilities and attacks. However, when a Pokémon ex is knocked out, your opponent gains two points instead of one. Additionally, Pokémon can suffer from Special Conditions like Poison, Asleep, Paralysis, Burn, or Confusion. These conditions affect the Pokémon's ability to attack or retreat and can be removed through specific actions, such as evolving or using recovery cards.

Energy and Types

Energy is essential for attacks and retreating. There are eight types of Basic Energy: Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, and Metal. Additionally, Pokémon attacks may require Colorless Energy, which can be paid with any type of energy.

Basic Deck Construction

When building a deck, consider including a mix of Pokémon, Trainer cards, and Energies. You need at least one Basic Pokémon in your deck, and it’s helpful to have several on your Bench to ensure you’re not left vulnerable. Focus on consistency by including support cards that complement your deck's strategy and avoid having too many cards that don’t contribute to your game plan.

Archetypes

Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket are often defined by the core Pokémon you build around, known as archetypes. The archetype dictates the overall strategy and playstyle of your deck, whether you’re aiming for quick aggression or more controlled, defensive moves. Experiment with different cards to create the perfect deck for your style.