Welcome to the Pokémon Trading Card Game : A How-To Play Guide

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a strategic, turn-based card game where players battle using Pokémon, Energy, and Trainer cards. Each player builds a deck, sets up Pokémon in play, and takes turns attacking and outmaneuvering their opponent.

This guide will teach you:

  • How to set up a game
  • How turns work
  • How to attack, evolve, and win
  • Key rules every player should know

No prior experience is required.

1. Objective of the Game

Your goal is to defeat your opponent by achieving one of three win conditions:

  1. Collect all 6 Prize Cards
    You take Prize Cards by Knocking Out your opponent’s Pokémon.

  2. Your opponent has no Pokémon left in play
    If they cannot replace their Active Pokémon, you win immediately.

  3. Your opponent cannot draw a card at the start of their turn
    If their deck is empty when they must draw, you win.

Tip: Most games are won by collecting Prize Cards.

2. What You Need to Play

Each player needs the following:

  • A 60-card deck
  • Damage counters or dice
  • A coin or die (for coin flips)
  • A playmat (optional but recommended)

Card Types

There are three types of cards in the Pokémon TCG:

Pokémon Cards

These are your battlers. They remain in play and perform attacks.

  • Basic Pokémon - can be played directly
  • Stage 1 Pokémon - evolves from Basic Pokémon
  • Stage 2 Pokémon - evolves from Stage 1 Pokémon

Energy Cards

Energy cards power your Pokémon’s attacks. You may normally attach only one Energy per turn.

Trainer Cards

Trainer cards provide support and effects.

  • Item - can be played any number of times per turn
  • Supporter - only one per turn
  • Stadium - affects both players while in play

3. Understanding a Pokémon Card

Every Pokémon card contains key information you’ll use throughout the game:

  • Name & HP - how much damage it can take
  • Type - affects Weakness and Resistance
  • Attacks - actions the Pokémon can perform
  • Energy Cost - energy required to use an attack
  • Weakness & Resistance - damage modifiers
  • Retreat Cost - energy required to switch Pokémon

If you understand HP, Energy cost, and Retreat cost, you can play confidently.

4. Setting Up the Game

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Shuffle your deck thoroughly.
  2. Draw 7 cards to form your opening hand.
  3. Choose 1 Basic Pokémon and place it face-down as your Active Pokémon.
  4. Place up to 5 Basic Pokémon face-down on your Bench.
  5. Take the top 6 cards of your deck and place them face-down as Prize Cards.
  6. Flip a coin to decide who goes first.
  7. Turn all Pokémon face-up.

Mulligan Rule

If you do not draw any Basic Pokémon in your opening hand:

  1. Reveal your hand
  2. Shuffle it back into your deck
  3. Draw 7 new cards
    Your opponent may draw one extra card for each mulligan.

5. Playmat Layout

Each player’s play area includes:

  • Active Pokémon - The Pokémon currently battling
  • Bench - Up to 5 Pokémon waiting to battle
  • Deck - Where you draw cards from
  • Discard Pile - Where used cards go
  • Prize Cards - Rewards for Knock Outs

Keeping your play area organised makes the game faster and clearer.

6. Turn Structure

Each turn follows the same sequence:

  1. Draw
    Draw one card from your deck.

  2. Take Actions
    You may perform any of the following in any order:
    • Play Basic Pokémon to your Bench
    • Evolve Pokémon
    • Attach 1 Energy
    • Play Trainer cards
    • Retreat your Active Pokémon
    • Use Abilities

  3. Attack

    Choose one attack from your Active Pokémon. After attacking, your turn ends.

7. Attacking & Damage

To attack:

  • Your Active Pokémon must have the required Energy attached
  • Choose one attack and apply its damage and effects

Damage Rules

  • Damage is placed using damage counters
  • Damage is usually counted in multiples of 10
  • Apply Weakness (often ×2)
  • Apply Resistance (often −30)

If a Pokémon’s damage equals or exceeds its HP, it is Knocked Out.

8. Prize Cards

When you Knock Out an opponent’s Pokémon:

  • Take 1 Prize Card (most Pokémon)
  • Some powerful Pokémon award 2 Prize Cards

The first player to take all 6 Prize Cards wins the game.

9. Special Conditions

Some attacks cause Special Conditions that affect Pokémon between turns:

  • Asleep - Must flip a coin to wake up
  • Burned - Takes damage between turns
  • Confused - May hurt itself when attacking
  • Paralyzed - Cannot attack or retreat for one turn
  • Poisoned - Takes damage between turns

10. Evolution

Pokémon can grow stronger through Evolution:

  • Basic → Stage 1 → Stage 2
  • A Pokémon must usually be in play for one turn before evolving
  • You may evolve Pokémon on your Bench

Evolution removes all Special Conditions and increases power.

11. Beginner Tips

  • Attach Energy every turn when possible
  • Avoid filling your Bench without a strategy
  • Read Trainer cards carefully — timing matters
  • Keep your discard pile tidy
  • Plan Prize Cards, not just attacks

You’re Ready to Play

With these rules and visuals, you’re ready to start playing Pokémon TCG.
As you gain experience, explore deck building, advanced strategies, and competitive play.

 

Pokémon and Pokémon Trading Card Game are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., GAME FREAK inc., and The Pokémon Company.
This guide is for educational use.

 

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