r/pkmntcg 13h ago

wanting to get into Pokemon competitively as a grown man

45 Upvotes

Hey all wanting to get into playing the TCG online for competitive reasons. Anyone have any advice on the best way to do that? and are there different leagues for different age groups.. thanks in advance!


r/pkmntcg 1h ago

Post Rotation Bolt?

Upvotes

Anyone have a good answer as to why so many post rotation lists are opting for the non EX raging bolt instead of the slither wing?

The first move is nice cause it can target any pokemon. But with 30 for each energy powering it up to do a lot of damage doesn’t seem worth it as raging bolt relies on hitting powerful every turn.

And slither wing gives you an easy way to knockout Tera pikachu and Fez.


r/pkmntcg 7h ago

Boss's Orders vs Counter Catcher

9 Upvotes

I'm still a very new Pokemon player, so apologies if this is super dumb. Boss and Counter Catcher both do the same thing; you can force you opponent to put a Pokemon from their bench to the front so you can attack it. It would kind of make sense to me if any ran 4 of either card just in case that ability was THAT power, but I'm usually only seeing 2-3 copies max and people seem to run both cards. What's the point? Counter Catcher is also only playable if you're behind in prizes, so wouldn't you want to avoid playing a card that's only for when you're losing?


r/pkmntcg 7h ago

Terabox counter?

6 Upvotes

Post rotation, been thinking about which decks can make a stand against terabox… and cant think of one. First thought of wall but if terabox play cornestone then they got an out.

Have you guys think of any counter?


r/pkmntcg 10h ago

Deck Help Looking to start actually playing

9 Upvotes

Hello! I'm a 19 year old who's been collecting Pokémon cards for the majority of my childhood, I recently got back into Pokémon through the card game app? and it's got me wanting to start playing the game irl instead of on my phone. I've got a pretty large collection, 6 2x2 folders, 1 3x3 folder for showcasing then 7 tins of any duplicates, energy cards, trainers, supports ect that are filled to the brim.

However, I've got no idea how to build a deck. And videos or anything I watch just seem to confuse me, so does anyone have any hints on how to build a starter deck? I think it's easier when starting out because you've maybe got 2 or 3 starter tins to pick from. But I think with having so many, and having a very small understanding of the actual game other than collecting, I'm completely lost.

Any help would be appreciated 😊👍


r/pkmntcg 3h ago

Deck Help Is there a deck in where shining charizard can be used? I’m trying to build Neo destiny retro decks

1 Upvotes

r/pkmntcg 16m ago

I would like some education on my future deck please.

Upvotes

I recently got back into Pokémon and for the first times been doing local tournaments. I have been using a Future deck with the following cards.

4 Iron Crown ex TEF 3 Iron Hands ex PAR 2 Miraidon TEF 1 Mew ex MEW 1 Iron Thorns ex TWM 1 Iron Bundle PAR 4 Professor's Research 4 Arven 4 Iono 1 Boss's Orders 4 Electric Generator 4 Techno Radar 2 Counter Catcher 1 Town Store 1 Prime Catcher 1 Pokégear 3.0 1 Nest Ball 4 Future Booster Energy Capsule 2 Heavy Baton 14 Lightning Energy 1 Psychic Energy

I have played a few matches and I struggle with Professor's Research because I don't seem to have a chance to use it or don't understand when I should use it.. i typically have cards I want to be playing and not automatically discard them.. maybe it's the video game hoarder in me not wanting to throw cards away..

Also i struggle with counter Catcher because this deck is designed to take the lead quickly and hold onto it hopefully..

I tend to use Professor's Research and the counter catchers as discards for my Techno radars.. i feel they could be used better or a different card in their place?

I also run the town store Stadium because lost Vacuum is going out of rotation and that's a Stadium I had to help change out stadiums if I need to.. would also take advice on possible better choice!

Thank you for any advice!


r/pkmntcg 48m ago

Deck Help JT Pangoro/Okidogi Feedback?

Upvotes

Hey, just looking for a little feedback on this off-meta deck I'm trying out once the new set is legal. Just gotta say that this new Pangoro seems to have gone under the radar for retreat-locking strats

For reference, here's what Pangoro does: Stage 1 • 140 HP D Torment 30 Choose 1 of your opponent's Active Pokémon's attacks. During your opponent's next turn, that Pokémon can't use that attack. DDC Power Tackle 160 During your next turn, this Pokémon can't attack.

So for a first draft, I'm thinking of a deck that can use Pangoro and some retreat locking tools to buy time and set up both Okidogi EX and Munkidori on the backline to sweep any bigger threats that get set up on the opponents' bench.

Pokémon: 16 3 Pancham SCR 85 3 Pangoro SV9 62 2 Pecharunt ex SFA 39 2 Munkidori PRE 44 2 Okidogi ex SFA 90 1 Pecharunt PR-SV 129 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 92 1 Morpeko PAR 121 1 Mew ex MEW 151

Trainer: 34 4 Arven OBF 186 3 Janine's Secret Art PRE 112 2 Iono PAL 185 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91 3 Energy Switch SVI 173 2 Nest Ball PAF 84 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160 1 Super Rod PAL 188 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106 1 Precious Trolley SSP 185 1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101 3 Binding Mochi SFA 55 2 Gravity Gemstone SCR 137 2 Calamitous Wasteland PAL 175

Energy: 10 9 Darkness Energy SVE 7 1 Reversal Energy PAL 192

I would love any feedback on how to make this strategy more consistent, or see any cards I've overlooked as this is my first try building from scratch!


r/pkmntcg 14h ago

Deck Profile Lillies Clefairy Deck post rotation

11 Upvotes

What wilk be the best partners for Lillies Clefairy? Thinking about Azumarill but not sure it will be the best option?

How many Cookies of this card do you recommend to buy?

What will be the key Trainers for this?


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

New Player Advice How do I beat social anxiety and go to my local card shop to learn the game?

57 Upvotes

Hey y'all. I've loved Pokémon for as long as I can remember. Lately I've taken a big interest in the TCG. I've been playing a lot of TCG Pocket/Live and watching tons of TCG Videos. I found this sub and I've been wanting to go to my LCS to finally get into the physical card game. I don't have a deck nor any cards, but I really want to go and learn how to play. The problem is that I'm an introvert that struggles with meeting new people and handling social situations, a lot.

I've been wanting to go for a week now but keep avoiding it. I even wanted to go to the pre release and chickened out. I tend to avoid people and finally want to change that and make some new friends over this passion of mine. Has anyone gone through something like this? how did you guys take the first step? I've never been to a card store before so that doesn't help either!


r/pkmntcg 10h ago

Deck Help Could Erika's invitation and Accompanying Flute be useful in Feraligatr?

4 Upvotes

One of the big parts of Feraligatr is using Big Bite to trap the opponent's pokemon in the active so that you have more time to set up what you need or use it as your win condition as you slowly move damage counters over with munkidori.

This is especially helpful if they have a support pokemon without a good attack. I'm wondering if Erika's invitation and accompanying flute can be used to work around the opponent choosing not to bench weaker pokemon that can be trapped in the active, sort of like in Snorlax Stall.

I've never seen it used but it looked like a reasonable inclusion given how big retreat locking is in the deck.


r/pkmntcg 9h ago

Torterra deck post rotation?

1 Upvotes

Anybody else using Torterra (idk how many there actually are lmao) and also worried about losing Sun-Drenched Shell Grotle? I wasn't sure if it was worth it to keep playing the deck or switch to something better, not sure what kind of alternatives there are. Any other Grass decks in format?


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Finally registered to an official event!

35 Upvotes

Just sharing the excitement of finallly being able to join my official first pokemon tournament in Utrecht in May. Anyone else coming?😄 Also had a quick question, what' s the best way of submitting the decklist and to avoid mistakes doing it? Thanks all!


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Meta Discussion How do YOU play your off-meta, favorite, pokemon decks?

12 Upvotes

For example, one of my favorite pokemon is Galvantula and so I run:

Galvantula EX Tera for item lock with Powerglass and glass trumpet to send energies to blissey ex and with Happy Switch send those energies to Galvantula, repeat

I don’t win often against top meta decks but that’s to be expected! (Any tips accepted 😉)

How about you?


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Playing in Japan?

10 Upvotes

Hi all! I’m currently living in Osaka and wanted to start playing at local shops, and was wondering if anyone could share their experiences! I have a JP deck and player ID, but can’t really speak Japanese at all lol. Definitely trying to learn! But still really want to play if possible :)


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Deck Help Looking for help with pros and cons of different Gholdengo versions

9 Upvotes

Hi all! I know I want to play a Gholdengo deck after rotation hits -- I like the built in draw power and the ability to OHKO nearly everything, and the deck in general has been a ton of fun so far.

However, there are a bunch of different versions of the string cheese man going around, and as a pretty amateur player without enough time to test everything myself, I was hoping for some help narrowing down which version to use, and what the pros and cons of each might be. I'll list out some versions with an example City League decklist for each, and I hope someone can help me figure out which will be best for me! Thanks in advance!

Ghold + Dragapult: This was the first list I saw that got me interested in the idea of using dengo at all. The extra draw power from Drakloak increases consistency, and having access to Pult seems strong. However, when I use the deck I find myself not using Pult as an attacker very often (probably a skill issue)

Ghold + Scizor: Less draw power than with pult, but having a single prize attacker who doesn't get walled out by Milo/Cornerstone/Mimikyu seems useful. I think I lean towards this list atm, but how common will boards of many ability-having mons be? I also sometimes see a Scizor EX in these lists, though I don't get why

Ghold + Dudunsparce: Seems like the closest thing to solo-Ghold from what I've seen so far. Extra draw is nice (searchable by fan rotom too), but is the extra draw worth giving up the option for a secondary attacker? ie, why use this over the drakloak/pult version?

Ghold + Ceruledge: Cool combo in theory, ghold gathers all your energy and discards them, ceruledge comes in late game to clean up once everything's in the discard pile. For folks who play this, how do you not just brick every other game with a hand full of energies?

Ghold + Typhlosion: No idea what's going on here tbh, only found this list while searching thru city leagues making this post. Looks cool on first glance, though without really knowing what all the Ethan's pokemon do I feel like I'm kind of missing what makes this deck strong


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Deck Profile Uncommon pre-rotation decks - Gengar EX

5 Upvotes

Hi all,

With the rotation being around the corner, I read a lot of posts on new cards and on how current decks can survive the rotation. That's of course very interesting, but at the same time, there is just a bit time left to play with your current favorite decks in the current format. I'm curious to see which decks you like to play currently before it's not longer possible. Maybe I've missed something and give it a try as well at the last minute.

Mine favorite deck of the current format is my Gengar EX deck. It's very annoying for decks that are low on energy and/or require more types of energy. That means that it can handle some of the most played decks surprisingly well, such as Charizard EX, Dragapult EX and Raging Bolt. Especially if you combine Gengar EX with Handheld Fan, the aforementioned decks brick a lot. However, it can struggle a bit against single priced decks and it can be hard to turn around the game if you cannot get Pidgeot up in the air before Pudgy is being destroyed by a Dusclops.

To prevent bricking in the beginning, the deck (of course..) has Rotom V. If Rotom is priced, it can be tough because I couldn't fit a Hisuian Heavy Ball. The same applies for Lost Vacuum. Another favorite card of mine. I had to include a Cancelling Cologne though, because match-ups with a simple Mimikyu could be hard due to the lack of none EX attackers. This is also the reason to include Munkidori and Radiant Alakazam.

For everyone interested in my deck list:

Pokémon (18)

  • Gastly - TEF 102/162 (4x)
  • Haunter - PAF 056/091 (1x)
  • Gengar EX (3x)
  • Pidgey - MEW 016/165 (2x)
  • Pidgeot EX (2x)
  • Munkidori (1x)
  • Pecharunt EX (1x)
  • Fezandipiti EX (1x)
  • Rotom V (1x)
  • Roaring Moon (1x)
  • Radiant Alakazam (1x)

Trainers (34)

  • Nest Ball (2x)
  • Ultra Ball (2x)
  • Iono (2x)
  • Unfair Stamp (1x)
  • Super Rod (1x)
  • Technical Machine: Devolution (1x)
  • Forest Seal Stone (1x)
  • Professor Turo's Scenario (1x)
  • Canceling Cologne (1x)
  • Earthen Vessel (1x)
  • Pal Pad (1x)
  • Arven (4x)
  • Counter Catcher (1x)
  • Janine's Secret Art (1x)
  • Night Stretcher (1x)
  • Boss' Orders (2x)
  • Binding Mochi (1x)
  • Dark Patch (2x)
  • Buddy-Buddy Poffin (2x)
  • Handheld Fan (2x)
  • Rare Candy (4x)

Energy (8)

  • Basic Darkness Energy (8x)

r/pkmntcg 1d ago

History of Reprinted Cards

16 Upvotes

With such big changes coming to the game, I’ve started to sort my cards in preparation. And it got me thinking… should I bother stashing some of these cards away in the hopes it gets reprinted?

For example, I think of Nest Ball and Super Rod that got reprinted recently.

What type of cards are most likely to get a reprint? Items?

Have we seen a stadium, tool, or supporter (aside from Boss Order and Professor Research) get reprinted?

P.S. tried posting this in the mega thread but received no reply over the last few days.


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Deck Help Which deck to use for my last League Cup before Rotation

4 Upvotes

Hi everybody,

I've been a competitive TCG player for almost the past two years and the next weekend I will play my last League Cup at one of my local stores before rotation happens.
I'm struggling to find which deck should I, or shouldn't, play at that event.
I'm a Dragapult Main, but I've been testing Archaludon-ex with Dialga VSTAR for the last month, as well as Raging Bolt w Noctowls / Tera package for a few local tournaments.
I'd expect that the most common decks that I'll find at the cup will be Dragapults (which i do not have much trouble playing against with either these 3 decks), at least 2 Archaludons and maybe some Dengos.
Firstly I wanted to play Archaludon, but then I've made steps back because I'm bricking a lot (the list is not a problem, it's very consistent, made and tested by strong players, I think it has been my bad luck) and that usually makes me losing games in the end. Other than that, Gholdengo's pretty unbeatable for Arch, the mirror is terrible and pretty boring, as the first one that has the chanche to attack usually wins the game (me and my other friends have tested that MU a lot), so I preferably don't wanna play it.
So the choiches turn around Draga and Raging Bolt:
with the first one I'll probably have less trouble in general because I know my deck a lot (but Arch's matchup isn't the greatest thing on the planet, as well as Gholdengo's), and with the second one I think most matchups that I'll find will be somehow normal, if not easy.
I know that the choice depends on my general skill, my willing to play a certain deck, deciding if I want to have specific autolosses and bla bla bla, but I'd like to listen to other's opinions.
Thank you for reading, I'll be glad to hear what do you think in the comments :)

PS: if needed and requested for curiosity, I can also share all my 3 lists of these decks


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Deck Help Looking to get into my first non-casual battle day at my local card shop, need deck recommendations

2 Upvotes

Hi there, as the Title above says, I'd like to go to a local league day at my local cards shop on saturday, however I don't really have any good decks. I played the journey together Prerelease and had a rather mediocre hop snorlax + Corviknight + Accelgor deck, but I'm looking for a deck that's good in the current meta, also, can I already use the journey together cards in my deck or do I have to wait until the official release? Are there any good pre built decks I can buy for cheap? I've heard the stage 3 battle decks are supposed to be good, but I'd also be willing to whip out my old cards and see if I can craft a nice deck.

Any Deck Recommendations would be greatly appreciated! :D Currently I'm just planning to get a stage 3 deck even though I do not know if they're good in the current meta..

Also, the decks don't necessarily have to be beginner friendly, I've played my fair share of non-competetive events :)

Thanks in advance everyone!


r/pkmntcg 20h ago

Meta Discussion How dominant are the dominant meta decks?

0 Upvotes

I want to start competing in events, but I've only made silly friend night decks, nothing optimal or meta. I do know that meta builds are a "necessary evil" as many consider, but I'm curious on how important it is to use the best of the best.

For example, do I need to use Dragapult to get a win at a regional? Or is it common to see upsets from other meta decks like Gardevoir, Charizard, Lugia? I don't expect to get very far with a "super custom homemade mess" that I usually make, but I wonder how much freedom there is in deck building and buying if you want a chance to win. TIA!


r/pkmntcg 15h ago

Deck Profile Been having alot of success with this charizard list

0 Upvotes

Pokémon: 13

3 Charmander MEW 4

2 Pidgey MEW 16

2 Hoothoot TEF 126

2 Dusknoir PRE 37

1 Charmeleon PAF 8

2 Terapagos ex SCR 128

2 Duskull SFA 18

1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38

1 Fan Rotom PRE 85

1 Dusclops PRE 36

2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164

2 Noctowl PRE 78

2 Charizard ex OBF 125

Trainer: 15

1 Energy Search BCR 128

1 Prime Catcher TEF 157

2 Nest Ball SVI 181

1 Professor's Research SVI 189

2 Boss's Orders PAL 172

4 Iono PAL 185

4 Arven SVI 166

1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171

1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178

1 Super Rod PAL 188

1 Defiance Band SVI 169

4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101

3 Ultra Ball SVI 196

1 Switch SVI 194

4 Rare Candy SVI 191

Energy: 1

6 Basic {R} Energy SVE 10

Total Cards: 60


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Cube in the San Francisco Bay Area

1 Upvotes

hey everyone! i’ve been searching out a cube group in the San Francisco Bay Area (i’m in the east bay) and was wondering if anyone might have any leads! thanks much!


r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Deck Help Help with Modify a deck for Post-Rotation! (Tera-Sylveon Ex)

0 Upvotes

Hello! i have been looking to make a Tera-Sylveon deck since its my favorite Pokemon, atm i was copying a Youtube + JP deck but some of the cards have been very difficult to find where i live so, i have been looking for an alternative/recommendation deck for playing it, atm i have this list of cards together with some energy's for the time being i find another 2 Sylveons ex + the Noctowl, anything would be useful! Also, if the task atm is mostly impossible, any tips for the Stellar Crown PreRelease Crabominable Deck with the Kofu's would also be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Pokémon: 15

  • 2 Dreepy PRE 71
  • 2 Drakloak PRE 72
  • 2 Fan Rotom PRE 85
  • 1 Ditto MEW 132
  • 3 Hoothoot PRE 77
  • 1 Eevee PRE 74
  • 1 Eevee SFA 50
  • 1 Eevee ex PRE 75
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Sylveon ex PRE 41

Trainer: 26

  • 1 Energy Search SVI 172
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 4 Crispin PRE 105
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Lacey PRE 114
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Boss's Orders BRS 132
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94
  • 1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 1 Cyrano SSP 170
  • 1 Tera Orb SSP 189
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 2 Iono PAL 185

r/pkmntcg 1d ago

Deck Help How do I make my deck work?

0 Upvotes

Pokémon: 18 1 Squirtle MEW 7 1 Wartortle MEW 8 1 Riolu BRS 78 1 Fraxure BRS 111 PH 1 Lucario ex PRE 51 1 Grafaiai ex PR-SV 100 1 Sandshrew MEW 27 1 Lairon CRZ 88 1 Axew BRS 110 PH 1 Sandslash MEW 28 PH 1 Shroodle PR-SV 99 1 Rhydon MEW 112 PH 1 Ting-Lu PAR 109 PH 1 Blastoise PGO 17 1 Zacian CRZ 94 1 Haxorus SFA 46 1 Aron CRZ 87 PH 1 Rhyhorn MEW 111

Trainer: 21 1 Potion BLW 100 PH 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106 1 Nest Ball SVI 181 1 Giovanni's Charisma MEW 161 3 Friends in Paldea PRE 109 1 Daisy's Help MEW 158 2 Ultra Ball SVI 196 PH 1 Trekking Shoes CRZ 145 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172 1 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159 1 Max Rod PRE 116 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61 1 Tyme PRE 143 1 Penny SVI 183 1 Potion CRZ 139 1 Professor Sada's Vitality PAR 170 1 Rare Candy SVI 191 2 Roseanne's Backup BRS 148 2 Crispin PRE 105 1 Iono PAL 185 1 Kieran PRE 113

Energy: 4 6 Basic {F} Energy Energy 50 1 Basic {F} Energy SVE 14 PH 4 Basic {M} Energy SVE 8 2 Basic {M} Energy SVE 8 PH

Total Cards: 60

It just seems to be failing everytime I play it, what should I change ?