How to Play the Pokémon Trading Card Game | How-To and Rules
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a strategic card game where two players compete against each other using their own 60-card decks. This guide explains the game step by step, so you can get started right away.
1. Objective of the game
The goal is to win all of your opponent's prize cards or leave them without any playable Pokémon.
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Each player starts with six prize cards .
Prize cards are six cards that each player sets aside face down on top of their own deck while preparing to play. When you knock out an opponent, you take one of your prize cards and add it to your hand. If you're the first to draw your last prize card, you win! Each player has their own prize cards. -
Each time you defeat your opponent's Pokémon, you may take one Prize Card .
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Whoever first collects all of their prize cards wins the game.
2. The types of cards
In Pokémon TCG there are three main types of cards:
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Pokémon cards – The foundation of your team. They have HP, attacks, and sometimes special abilities.
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Energy Cards – Needed to perform your Pokémon’s attacks.
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Trainer cards – Provide special benefits, such as drawing extra cards or healing Pokémon.
🔗 View all Pokémon cards at RubyGator.
3. Game setup
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Shuffle your deck and draw seven cards .
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Place one Basic Pokémon into the Active Position (center of the playing field).
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You may place up to five additional Basic Pokémon on the Bench.
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Place six cards face down as your prize cards .
💡 A playmat helps keep the setup clear and is often found in an ultra-premium collection.
🔗 View ultra premium collections
4. Game turns
Each turn consists of three phases:
Phase 1 – Pulling Phase
Draw one card from your deck.
Phase 2 – Action Phase
You may in any order:
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Assign an Energy card to one of your Pokémon.
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Pokémon Evolve (Basic → Stage 1 → Stage 2).
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Play trainer cards.
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Retreat Pokémon (retreat cost payable).
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Place new Pokémon on your bench.
Phase 3 – Attack Phase
When you have enough energy, launch an attack with your Active Pokémon.
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Calculate damage, apply type advantage or disadvantage, and discard defeated Pokémon.
💡 Each Elite Trainer Box contains a pack of 65 energy cards
🔗 Check out Pokémon Elite Trainer boxes
5. How do you win?
You win if:
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You've grabbed all the price tags .
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Your opponent has no more Pokémon on the field.
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Your opponent can no longer draw a card at the start of his turn.
6. Tips for beginners
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Use a starter deck to learn to play.
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Protect your cards with sleeves.
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Learn the type effectiveness: Water > Fire, Fire > Grass, etc.
🔗 Discover Toploaders for your Pokémon cards
🔗 Buy protective sleeves for Pokémon cards
Conclusion
The Pokémon TCG combines strategy, luck, and the fun of collecting. With a little practice, you'll quickly learn the rules and build your own winning deck. Start small, learn the basics, and discover your preferred play style.
Keywords:
Pokémon TCG rules, how to play Pokémon cards, Pokémon trading card game explanation, starter deck, energy cards, trainer cards, RubyGator
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