8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck

Key Takeaways

• Build a deck with synergy, not just powerful cards, to execute strategies effectively.
• Limit types of Pokemon and energies in a deck to 2-3 for consistency in executing moves.
• Include Trainer cards to tie strategies together, add consistency, and enable effective gameplay.

Understanding how to play Pokemon TCG Pocket is the first step for any new player entering the world of the card game. While grasping the basic rules and mechanics is essential, learning how to build a deck that can consistently win matches is the real challenge.

A deck full of powerful or rare cards doesn’t automatically ensure victory. It takes a careful selection of cards that have synergy, supporting each other to execute strategies effectively. Every card should play a role in achieving the ultimate goal: defeating the opponent’s Pokemon and securing a win.

8 Card Balancing

Distribute Well The Quantity Of Card Types Is Essential

To build a deck, select 20 cards. In the standard Pokemon TCG, there is space for 60 cards in a deck, with various ways to search for the cards needed. However, in Pokemon TCG Pocket, things are a bit simpler and more luck-based. Therefore, when assembling a deck, players need to consider the number of each type of card they choose to include.

If the strategy revolves around using Articuno Ex to attack, having more Basic Pokemon in the deck decreases the likelihood of starting with Articuno Ex, the main attacker. Aim to keep an average of 12 Pokemon cards and 8 Trainer cards for good balance.

7 Pokemon Types And Energy Types

Do Not Include Too Many Types Of Energy In The Deck

Each turn, the player has the option to attach one energy to one of their Pokemon. The more different types of attackers a deck has, the harder it becomes to get the right energy at the right moment.

Therefore, avoid including too many different types of Pokemon and energies in a single deck. Limit it to two or at most three types to create a consistent list focused on executing the necessary moves for victory.

6 Pokemon Have Different Roles

Each Card Has Its Own Function In The Game

Not every Pokemon is there just to attack the opponent. As with any game involving different strategies, each card in the deck has its own purpose. Some may be there to start attacking quickly while energizing the Pokemon on the bench. Others serve as support, helping keep attackers in better shape to strike.

For example, Gardevoir’s main role is to energize Psychic-type Pokemon once per turn. This makes it a perfect match for Mewtwo Ex, which discards two energies per turn. In this setup, Mewtwo Ex serves as the attacker, while Gardevoir fulfills a support role.

5 Trainer Cards Are The Heart Of A Good Strategy

These Cards Can Help Make Any Strategy Work

Although not yet as powerful as in the standard Pokémon TCG, Trainer cards are what tie all strategies together in Pokemon TCG Pocket. They are essential cards that players should include in any deck they plan to build in the game.

These cards, whether items or supporters, can be crucial for moving a powerful opponent’s Pokemon to the bench, increasing damage to clinch a win, or lowering the retreat cost for the Pokemon in the Active Spot. Include strong Trainer cards that add consistency to the deck, helping to find what is needed and enabling strategies to work effectively.

4 Choose The Playstyle That Is Most Enjoyable

Aggressive, Slow Or Control Decks Have Their Own Styles

Some decks focus on attacking as quickly as possible, like the Pikachu Ex. Other decks focus on withstanding damage from the opponent, like the Venusaur Ex. Regardless of the choice, it is essential that the deck’s playstyle aligns with what is most enjoyable to use.

There’s no point in building an exceptional deck that takes time to attack if the player’s profile is better suited to fast decks. Players can try using the Rental Decks to discover their favorite playstyle before spending resources on building a deck.

3 Take Advantage Of Abilities

Abilities Are The Soul Of Some Pokemon

When selecting the Pokemon that will be part of the deck, it’s important to pay attention to the unique abilities each one offers. These abilities can play a crucial role in the overall strategy, so consider which ones align with the tactics players plan to employ.

Using the concepts mentioned in the “Roles” section, carefully choose Pokemon whose abilities either disrupt the opponent’s plans or accelerate the energization of attackers. By thoughtfully integrating Pokemon with complementary abilities, the deck’s synergy will be strengthened, increasing the chances of success in battle.

2 Consistency Is Key

It’s How Players Make Their Own Luck

This tip can be applied to any card game: consistency is one of the most important aspects of building a successful deck. In Pokemon TCG Pocket, the maximum limit of repeated cards is two, so it’s essential to include two copies of each card type to increase the chances of drawing it when needed. This ensures a more reliable gameplay experience.

Cards like Professor’s Research are vital in almost every deck because they help maintain consistency. They allow players to cycle through their deck efficiently and improve their chances of drawing the right cards at the right time.

Research What The Best Players Are Using

When building a deck, keep in mind that the best players have likely already discovered the most effective ways to assemble 20 cards in a manner that ensures synergy and an optimized strategy during matches.

Stay informed about the metagame and pay attention to the results of tournaments to understand which decks are being used the most and how they are being constructed. This can serve as a guide for copying a successful deck or inspiring new ideas based on strategies already tested on a large scale by high-level players.