Unlocking online battles in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket opens up a world of competitive deck-building. New players often struggle with creating effective decks from their Booster Pack cards. This guide provides six crucial tips to build a powerful Pokémon TCGP deck and dominate your online matches.
Balancing Your Card Types for Optimal Gameplay
Pokemon TCGP battle demonstration.Nintendo
A deck solely focused on fighting Pokémon won’t lead to victory in Pokémon TCGP. A balanced mix of Pokémon, Item, and Trainer cards is key. Aim for 12-14 Pokémon cards, forming the core of your deck. Include around two healing Item cards and several Trainer cards. Trainer cards, featuring people, enable actions like drawing cards or boosting attack power. Fill the remaining slots with Item cards like Pokéballs, which help bring Pokémon from your deck to your hand. This balanced approach provides versatility, allowing you to support your Pokémon, disrupt your opponent, and execute strategic plays.
Focusing on One or Two Pokémon Types for Energy Efficiency
A common mistake is building a Pokémon TCGP deck with too many Pokémon types. Pokémon require Energy cards matching their type to perform actions. You receive one Energy card per turn, so having multiple types hinders your ability to consistently power up your Pokémon. A single-type deck guarantees you’ll receive the needed Energy each turn. Two types offer a reasonable 50/50 chance. While some Pokémon utilize any Energy type, limiting your deck to one or two types ensures consistent energy flow.
Including Strong Evolutions for Enhanced Power
Three Charizard cards in Pokemon TCGP.Nintendo
As you acquire more cards, prioritize evolving your Basic Pokémon. Evolved Pokémon generally possess greater strength and abilities. Remember, evolutions require their Basic forms. Ensure you have the entire evolutionary line (e.g., Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur). If you’re missing a stage, utilize the Pack Point Exchange in the Booster Pack menu to acquire specific cards using Pack Points earned from Booster Hourglasses.
Utilizing Auto-Build as a Learning Tool
Playing Moltres card in Pokemon TCGP.Nintendo
For beginners, the auto-build function is invaluable. It creates decks based on selected Pokémon types, providing a solid foundation and illustrating effective deck construction. While not perfect, auto-built decks offer a starting point for customization and learning. Once familiar with deck structure, you can build decks from scratch.
Building Around a Powerful Pokémon for Strategic Synergy
Unpacking a powerful Pokémon from a Booster Pack presents an opportunity to build a deck around its strengths. Consider its evolution line, including necessary stages. Look for cards that synergize with its abilities, boosting its power or providing support. Include supporter Pokémon that can attack from the bench or offer beneficial effects. Premium Pass holders can leverage exclusive cards for even greater customization.
Testing and Refining Your Deck for Optimal Performance
The final, crucial step is consistent testing. Battle repeatedly to identify strengths and weaknesses. Real-world battles often reveal issues not apparent during deck construction. After testing, revise your deck based on your findings. Continuous testing and refinement are essential, especially as you acquire new cards. Your deck should constantly evolve to incorporate your latest and most powerful Pokémon.
