Key takeaways
- A deck has exactly 60 cards.
- Mix Pokémon, Trainer and Energy cards.
- Start with a plan, then build around it.
- Test it, then tweak it. Your first deck will change.
A deck is the 60 cards you bring to a game. Building one is half the fun. This is a simple recipe for a first deck, and it uses only rules facts, not "best deck" advice.
Pick a plan
Pick a plan
Choose one idea: a Pokémon you like, one energy type or a simple way to win. A deck with one clear plan is easier to play than a mix of everything.
Choose your core
Choose your core Pokémon
Pick the Pokémon that carry your plan, and its evolution line if it has one. You need at least one Basic Pokémon in the deck so you can start a game.
Add helpers
Add Trainer cards as helpers
Trainer cards help you draw cards, find Pokémon or power up. Add the ones that support your plan. A deck can have up to 4 copies of cards with the same name, except basic Energy cards.
Add energy
Add Energy cards
Your attackers need Energy of the right type. Look at the attacks you want to use and add Energy to match.
Count to 60
Count to exactly 60
Count your cards. A deck for official play has exactly 60, not 59 and not 61. Cut the weakest card if you are over, add one if you are under.
Test it
Shuffle, draw 7 and play a few games
Shuffle, draw 7 and look at your hand. Can you start a game and do something useful? If not, change the deck. A hand with no Basic Pokémon is redrawn under the rules. After a few games, swap the cards that never helped.
The AI deck builder is coming soon: it will suggest a list from the cards you own, and you will decide every card.