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Pokemon TCG

Why You Should Attend Pokemon Prerelease Events

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Introduction

Pokemon’s newest set, Chaos Rising, releases this week on May 22. That means we are getting some exciting new cards in the format, but it also means another round of Prereleases. This time I was able to make two, but I wish I could do more. Prerelease events are probably the best way to experience the TCG. If you are a beginner trying to figure your way into the hobby, prerelease events are the best introduction. These events are extremely beginner friendly and the vibe (at least from the ones I went to) are chill. I’ve made friends who asked me to go to locals, and I might just take them up on that. If I can find a cool standard deck to play and get someone to help watch the baby.

Table of Contents

The Decks

There are four decks you can pull from pre-release: Delphox, Ampharos, Crobat, and Goodra. I will start by saying that I absolutely hate Goodra, even though the promo is super cute. I hate Goodra so much that I ended up with a playset of the reverse and regular foils. If there is a God, I respect the sense of humor.

Build and Battle Kits

Delphox

Card Type / HP / Stage:Fire / 160 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Flaring Magic Once during your turn, you may discard a Basic Fire Energy card from your hand in order to use this Ability. Draw cards until you have 7 cards in your hand.

Attack 1:[RR] Energized Storm (30x)
This attack does 30 damage for each Energy attached to all Pokémon.

I pulled Dephox for my last deck, and it was so much fun. While it can be a slow start, you can easily fill your board and get that card advantage. In the right circumstances, Delphox can do so much damage. It does rely on their being a lot of energy on the field, so you will need to find a way to accelerate energy and hope that your opponent also uses a lot of energy. Deli bird can help a good amount with this.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Water / 90 / Basic

Attack 1:[C] Pleasing Present
Each player may attach up to 3 Basic Energy cards from their hand to their Pokémon in any way they like. Your opponent does this first.

Attack 2:[CC] Flap (40)

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Mx2 / / 1

My Deck

Delphox can one shot most threats, but some of my opponents got really lucky and pulled creatures I could only chip away at. Either way, I was very happy to pull this deck because I love the art. I got to sprinkle in Mega Pyroar and while it only got to go off once, it is a high I will chase forever.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Fire / 340 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[RC] Ferocious Bellow (80)
During your opponent’s next turn, attacks used by the Defending Pokémon do 50 less damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

Attack 2:[RRC] Fiery Big Bang (290-)
This attack does 10 less damage for each damage counter on this Pokémon.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Wx2 / / 2

Ampharos

Card Type / HP / Stage:Lightning / 160 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Synchro Pulse If you have the same number of cards in your hand as your opponent, attacks used by this Pokémon do 80 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

Attack 1:[LC] Flashing Bolt (140)
During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Flashing Bolt.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Fx2 / / 2

Ampharos was the deck I wanted to pull, not because the card is powerful, but because the art is cool. Both versions (promo and not) are amazing. The two copies of Judge would also be nice since I currently don’t have any. Now I didn’t play anyone with an Ampharos deck even though I saw a few people pull them around me, so I can’t speak too much on this deck. It feels like it wouln’t be consistent enough to do reliable enough damage. It very much feels like the Serperior deck from perfect order, although I was very happy to pull that deck as well. I’ll probably be picking this up as a single for my personal collection.

Crobat

Card Type / HP / Stage:Darkness / 130 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Nighttime Maneuvers Once during your turn, if this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, you may use this Ability. Search your deck for a card. Shuffle your deck, then put that card on top of it.

Attack 1:[D] Poison Sound Wave (80)
Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused and Poisoned.

Crobat is one my my favorite pokemon and I was a little upset that I didn’t pull this deck or the shiny rare. I did play against a couple decks like this, and lost every time. This is the most consistent deck in the prerelease format. The decks seemed very fun to pilot, but most importantly, poison is OP. I am not sure how relevant Crobat will be in the format being a stage 2, but god I need this card in my collection.

Mega Dragalge

Card Type / HP / Stage:Dragon / 330 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[CC] Corrosive Liquid
Discard all Pokémon Tools and Special Energy from all of your opponent’s Pokémon.

Attack 2:[WD] Pernicious Poison
Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Poisoned. During Pokémon Checkup, place 16 damage counters on that Pokémon instead of 1.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: / / 2

Shoutout to the guy who got to splash Mega Dragalge ex into his deck. This thing is a beast that strait up wiped everything I tried before I had a change to try anything. 16 damage counters strait up one shots most of the Pokemon in the build and battle decks, and it works so well with Crobat’s ability. My opponent only pulled the regular version, but the Special Illustration should not be slept on:

Goodra

Card Type / HP / Stage:Dragon / 160 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Slimy Sliding When your opponent’s Active Pokémon retreats, your opponent flips a coin. If tails, Energy for its Retreat Cost is not discarded, and they don’t switch Pokémon. The effect of Slimy Sliding doesn’t stack.

Attack 1:[WP] Dragon Pulse (160)
Discard the top card of your deck.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: / / 3

The Goodra promo is so cute and it is one of the cards I wanted to pull. I think all the promos this time around are solid, but I was looking forward to pulling the Goodra deck. Playing the deck wasn’t so much fun. I had very bad luck and had a hard time building Goodra. Where other people had cards to help them build their board and disrupt their opponent, I had Emma who literally did nothing. Discarding the top card to use dragon pulse screwed me out of cards I needed more often than not. The ability also never came into play making it possibly the worst deck in the lock (at least Ampharos can potentially do additional damage). While the card does kill a lot of the build and battle decks, I wouldn’t play it again.

My deck

I pulled the Gourgeist ex Ultra Rare and had to slot into my deck. This little pumkin tanked for me, and even took my first win. Unfortunately, I was only able to build it successfully once. It was still enjoyed it better than Goodra and has earned a special place in my personal collection.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Psychic / 270 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[P] Horrifying Rondo (30+)
This attack does 50 more damage for each of your Benched Pokémon that has any damage counters on it.

Attack 2:[PP] Ghostly Touch (140)
Discard a random card from your opponent’s hand.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Dx2 / F-30 / 2

The Set

I am very excited for this set because it has that cool Crobat I will be chasing. You have cards like Special Red Card that will surely become a stable, but the set has some cool cards I want for my collection. I already have a space for all the bulk cards I pulled because I like the art. Sure everyone will be excited for the Mega Greninja, but there are a few I’ll be looking for (in no particular order):

My Prerelease

This time around, I did two prerelease and had a blast at both. I met some cool people, made some new friends, and got to hang out with people who also love Pokemon. It is really cool to have the opportunity to be around people who just want to sit down and play Pokemon. I don’t really get to do this a lot with my family or friends outside of the locals I never have time for, so I really treasure the time I get to spend playing card games with people who also like playing card games.

Midnight Release

I went to the midnight release at the shop I frequent a lot. The shop is full of cool people, and I’ve done locals of other games there. This time, I was able to stay awake long enough to attend and I regret nothing. I made some very good friends and will do my best to go back. The longer I stayed awake, the more delirious I got which meant I eventually forgot how to play my deck. It is probably why I don’t care for Goodra much, but it is something I would do again. If my old age allows it.

My Regular Prerelease

This is my third Prerelease at this shop. I keep going back because of how good each experience has been. I was surprised when I walked in and the workers signed me up before I had a chance to tell them my names. Some of the regulars recognized me and started to spark up a conversation. While this isn’t my main store, I am reconsidering making it mine because of how cool the community is there. I pulled a Watchhog shiny rare, (a moment that was quickly diminished when the girl next to me pulled the Greninja). Later in during the event, someone found a copy on the floor. One of the guys I had been talking to remembered I had one and called out to me to check if it was mine. It wasn’t but they quickly found the proper owner.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Colorless / 100 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[C] Snap Inspection
Flip 3 coins. If any of them are heads, your opponent reveals their hand. For each heads, choose a card you find there and shuffle it into your opponent’s deck.

Attack 2:[C] Low Kick (50)

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Fx2 / / 1

This moment stands out to me for two reasons. One, the fact that no one tried to steal something, even if the value isn’t there, is admirable. The kid who lost it was so happy to get his watchhog back and that made me happy. Two: I only spend 15 minutes of time with these people, even less at times and the fact that they not only remembered my name, but cared enough to check to see if I lost my card is enough to make a grown man cry. Maybe I’ve been lucky with the communities I’ve been able to join, but it is something I am happy I am able to do and hope that I can keep doing.

Conclusion

Chaos Rising prelease has been my favorite so far. The set has a few cards I will be chasing, but I am officially comfortable enough to join a community that I am happy to be a part of. If your on the fence or looking for a sign to get into card games, this is your sign. It doesn’t even need to be Pokemon. Pick up your favorite starter deck, head down to locals and someone there will point you in the right direction. Sure there might be the one or two people who will be weird about you joining, but there is someone out there who is excited to not only get you into the hobby, but willing to be your friend. Thank you for reading!

Pokemon TCG

My Experience at the Pokemon Perfect Order Prerelease

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Table of Contents

Intro

Pokemon’s newest set, Perfect Order, releases on March 27. That means you are probably not getting any sealed product unless you have bots ready to scoop up that next Walmart drop. I wouldn’t be too worried however because singles are very available. If you aren’t going after the pumped products, you’re doing just fine. This is how I’ve been rebuilding my collection, and regret nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to crack a pack and be able to go into Target to pick up an ETB at MSRP. I also understand, I am not that lucky and wouldn’t pull the cards I need. Instead of ending up with more bulk than I need, I’ll probably keep buying singles. I will however shell out the money to open packs at a prerelease.

What is Prerelease

Prerelease for the uninitiated is an event that occurs up to two weeks before the official launch of a new Pokemon set that isn’t a special set. The event gives players a chance to play with cards from set, open packs, and even buy product early. These events are very beginner friendly and the best way to wet your feet as a new player. The event runs three rounds of best of one matches where players use decks they build from their Build and Battle box. Prizing varies between stores. The one I went to handed out a pack per round, others might support based on wins.

What is a Build & Battle Box?

Build & Battle Boxes include:

  • 1 of 4 Special Stamped Promo
  • 1 of 4 40-card Themed decks from the current set
  • 4 x Booster packs of the current set

For Perfect Order, the decks are Serperior, Barbacle, Tyrantum, and Douablade. Bulbpedia has the set list for those curious. Tyrantum seems to be the most valuable with four copies of Poke Pad, and Serperior seems the least valuable with none. I would argue since you can open Poke Pads from packs, you’ll be okay with whatever you chose. I don’t think Poke Pad will be that scarce as people start to open more product.

Why I do Prerelease

This is my second ever Prerelease event because the first one I went to was a magical experience I wanted again. I play a lot of Pokemon TCG on PTCG live because I don’t have the time to go play in real life. I’ve actually did build a standard deck I have been so excited to play, but my daughter’s gymnastics class is at the same time, and I rather be there for my daughter. Prerelease however happens around my schedule and I will do my best to make time. Some people will do prerelease to buy product early, others for a chance to crack some packs, but I was there because I wanted to play some Pokemon and make some new friends.

Why you should do prerelease

If you haven’t made it out to locals because you are intimidated misguided expectations, don’t be. Sure there will be a few people who will talk down to you (or not at all), but a majority of the people in the community have been incredibly nice and welcoming. Prerelease is a special beast with a more casual vibe that is better suited for beginners. You don’t even need to know how to play (although it is recommended you at least try to pick up the basics).

Depending on the store and community, someone will sit down and help you build your decks, sort your cards, explain the rules, and even teach you how to play. Because this is a more casual event, players are more understanding and will take the time to teach you the game. Sure there might be a few people that take the game too seriously, but most people are there to have fun and play some Pokemon. Prerelease is a great way to learn the game, get some product, and even make some new friends.

My Perfect Order

I went into this event with the intention of coming out with Serperiour because I love grass pokemon and the promo is so pretty. Everyone around me was so quick to give me their condolences when I pulled my pretty green snake, but I was jumping out of my seat with joy. I even got 2 Poke Pads to sweeten the deal.

All of my opponents were amazing. Friendly and patient as I did my best to keep my ADHD in check. I even won a raffle for a prize pack where I pulled a card I needed for the Sharpedo deck I’ll never get to play. Although I only won 1 of my three matches, I have never had more fun losing. To end an already perfect day, I pulled the IR Clafairy I didn’t know I wanted. I definitely used up all my luck for the rest of the year, but I don’t care because the card is so cute!

Conclusion

If you want to get into Pokemon and have a chance to join a prerelease, head to your LGS and do it. It is one of the best things you can do as a new player, even if you’ve never played the game in your life. If you are reading this after the fact, the next one is in May.

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Twilight Masquerade Set List is live!

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Twilight Masquerade is in stores now, and it features a couple of cards you’re going to want to chase. I didn’t think I would like the Ogerpon cards, but here I am, wanting them all. Players are going to need some of these new cards for this shifting meta, and collectors are going to want some of the beautiful art included in this set. Whatever your stake in the hobby is, you’re going to want to get yourself some Twilight Masquerade.

Always support your LGS, but you can pick up some Twilight Masquerade off of TCG Player using my affiliate link. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Pokemon TCG

The Pokemon Battle Academy is a Great Place to Start Learning

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If you’re looking to learn to play or teach someone to play the Pokemon Trading Card Game, the Battle Academy is a fantastic starting point. Keep in mind that this product was designed for kids and includes a more streamlined and stripped-down version of what you see in competitive play. If you’re trying to get into the competitive play, playing on PTCL for the automation and picking up the deck you want to take to locals is where you want to start. If you’re trying to onboard your kids or someone who doesn’t do much TCG, the Battle Academy sets are a fantastic product for you. 

What’s in the Box?

Pokemon Battle Academy kits come with everything you need to get you started with the TCG. I know the 2024 version is coming June 24, but the 2022 is good enough and its cheap! The box includes:

  • 3 60-card decks (Cinderace V, Eevee V, and Pikachu V)
  • 2 player gameboard
  • 3 Tutorial Guides
  • Coin
  • Cardboard damage counters

Quality

The quality is fantastic. The cards are printed nicely, with very cute foil mascots for each deck. The gameboard is easy to read, feels sturdy, and is easy to fold. I love the game board. It makes this kit feel like a board game you want to pull out when you want to play an even match of Pokemon TCG. The guides are easy to read and follow and are very handy if you don’t know how to play the game. We didn’t use them when we played, but I’ll explain in the review section below. 

The damage counters the kit are fine, but I prefer using dice. I feel like the cardboard cutouts are unnecessarily messy, and don’t look as nice. I swapped mine out for dice. 

The kit comes neatly packed in a plastic insert with sections big enough to store all the materials. My complaint is that it only fits the unsleeved decks. Sleeved decks will spill out of their compartments and get mixed up in transit. The product wasn’t made with crazy people like me who sleeve everything, so it’s not a huge deal. The decks do come numbered so if they get mixed up, you can put them back in order before the next lesson. Overall, I am happy with the presentation and it looks great on the shelf. 

The Teaching Experience

I used the Battle Academy to teach my ten-year-old cousin who collects Pokemon cards how to play the card game. He’s never played a trading card game, and I have more years of experience than I would like to admit. We didn’t use the guides, although he did flip through to look at the pictures. Instead, we set up and started taking our turns. We played our first game with our hands showing as I walked him through the phases and rules. I recommend the decks in order for this first game because it makes teaching easier.  

On my turn, I would show him my cards, and explain what I was doing, and why. On his turn, I would let him make his turn, and assist if there were things he missed or didn’t understand. I would occasionally explain strategies that didn’t seem obvious. He picked up the rules pretty quickly. By the end of the first game, he was ready to play on his own. 

The second game we played with our hands concealed and I would only chime in when needed. Aside from a few missed phases, towards the beginning, he didn’t need much guidance. He won his second game, and he was hooked. He even asked me if I had different decks, which I definitely do. 

Review

The Pokemon Battle Academy is the product you get if you want to teach someone who has never played a card game into the hobby. The gameplay is streamlined enough to make teaching and learning easy, but not so easy that it isn’t engaging. While it won’t get you ready to win the next regionals, it will build that solid foundation every good trainer needs. 

The key thing to consider before making this purchase is skill level. As previously stated, trainers who want to take on the hobby seriously have better avenues, especially when considering that the cards included in the Battle Academy aren’t standard legal. They have special stamps and numbers to indicate this. On the other hand, if you’re casually trying to onboard a friend or get your kids interested in the TCG, this is great.

The decks themselves are pretty balanced and easy to learn. I do feel like the Eevee deck is a little easier, but not enough to make a difference. The decks will lack the consistency, power, and speed of the meta decks, but they are fun casual decks. Once you grasp the fundamentals and figure out you like the game, you can start buying into the archetype you want to play. Pokemon meta decks are pretty cheap, but you can always proxy if your funds are limited. 

I love this product. It is a great way to teach your reading-aged kids or anyone casually looking into the card game. You won’t be ready for the current meta, but you’ll have fun learning the fundamentals. If you have kids on the younger side, the best place to start is with the My First Battle product. Check out my full review. 

You can pick up the 2022 Battle Academy on TCG Player for $14 using my affiliate link. Be sure to read the description carefully! Some people are only selling the individual decks and not the whole kit. You can also wait for the 2024 Battle Academy to launch on June 24 if you want a kit with more modern mechanics. I don’t think it matters if you’re just using this product to play casually, but that is totally up to you. 

If you enjoy these reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Top 3 Meta Decks Post Rotation – EUIC

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EUIC was this weekend and it was the first big tournament post-rotation. While some of you won’t be happy with Charizard on top, it’s nice to see a tournament not dominated by Lost Box. There was a pretty healthy spread of archetypes, which is a great sign for a healthy meta. It is really cool to see the new meta take shape as we head to worlds. Cleffa presented itself as a useful piece of utility, and Buddy-Buddy Poffin has cemented itself as a solid staple. 

I collected the top three deck lists and will leave links to to the singles for those who want them. It isn’t an unsurprising batch, but the new archetypes are off to a strong start. It looks like we’re in for an interesting season. 

If you need to pick up any Pokemon as the new Temporal Forces set, pick it up at TCG Player through my affiliate link. If you enjoy these updates, leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials! I am currently doing pack openings of Battle Spirits Saga on my TikTok and YouTube. 

1. Charizard – Tord Reklev

Pokémon: 20
4 Charmeleon OBF 27
1 Charmander PAF 7
3 Charizard ex OBF 125
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
1 Bidoof CRZ 111
1 Bibarel BRS 121
1 Rotom V CRZ 45
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Cleffa OBF 80
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Jirachi PAR 126

Trainer: 34
3 Arven OBF 186
3 Iono PAL 185
2 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
2 Professor Turo’s Scenario PAR 171
1 Roxanne ASR 150
1 Team Yell’s Cheer BRS 149
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Counter Catcher PAR
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Choice Belt PAL 176
1 Defiance Band SVI 169
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137

Energy: 6
6 Fire Energy 2

2. Lost Tina – Isaiah Bradner

Pokémon: 19
4 Comfey LOR 79
3 Giratina V LOR 130
3 Giratina VSTAR LOR 131
2 Shuppet SVI 87
1 Banette ex SVI 88
1 Banette LOR 73
1 Sableye LOR 70
1 Cramorant LOR 50
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Iron Leaves ex TEF 25

Trainer: 28
4 Colress’s Experiment LOR 155
1 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
1 Roxanne ASR 150
4 Mirage Gate LOR 163
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Switch SVI 194
2 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Ultra Ball SVI 196
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Temple of Sinnoh ASR 155
1 Artazon PAL 171

Energy: 13
5 Psychic Energy 5
4 Grass Energy 1
4 Jet Energy PAL 190

3. Pidgeot Control – Alessandro Cremascoli

Pokémon: 13
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
1 Chi-Yu ex PAL 40
1 Noibat PAF 68
1 Noivern ex PAF 69
1 Bouffalant LOR 148
1 Rotom V CRZ 45
1 Luxray V ASR 50
1 Mimikyu PAL 97
1 Mawile LOR 71

Trainer: 42
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Penny SVI 183
1 Eri TEF 146
1 Iono PAL 185
1 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
1 Thorton LOR 167
1 Roseanne’s Backup BRS 148
1 Cyllene ASR 138
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
3 Pal Pad SVI 182
3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
2 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Ultra Ball SVI 196
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Switch Cart ASR 154
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
2 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Hero’s Cape TEF 152
1 Defiance Band SVI 169
1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
1 Artazon PAL 171

Energy: 5
2 Fire Energy 2
2 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
1 Mist Energy TEF 161

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Temporal Forces Trainer Card List & Translations

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Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Trainer cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out. 

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials

Awakening Drum

Draw a card for each of your Ancient Pokémon in play.

Bianca’s Sincerity

Heal all damage from 1 of your Pokémon that has 30 HP or less remaining.

Buddy Poffin

Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Pokémon with 70 HP or less and put them onto your bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

Cryptomaniac’s Deciphering

Search your deck for 2 cards, shuffle your deck, then put those cards on top of it in any order.

Dangerous Jungle

During Pokémon Checkup, put 2 more damage counters on each Poisoned Pokémon (except any [D] Pokémon).

Emergency Board

The Retreat Cost of the Pokémon this card is attached to is [C] less. If that Pokémon has 30 HP or less remaining, it has no Retreat Cost instead.

Eri

Your opponent reveals their hand. Choose up to 2 Item cards you find there and discard them.

Explorer’s Guidance

Look at the top 6 cards of your deck and put 2 of them into your hand. Discard the other cards.

Full Metal Lab

All [M] Pokémon (both yours and your opponent’s) take 30 less damage from attacks from the opponent’s Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

Hand Trimmer

Each player discards cards until they have 5 cards in their hand. (Your opponent discards first. Players with 5 or fewer cards in their hand don’t discard any cards.)

Heavy Baton

If the Pokémon with a Retreat Cost of exactly 4 this card is attached to is your Active Pokémon and is Knocked Out by damage from an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon, move up to 3 Basic Energy cards from that Pokémon to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like.

Hero’s Cape

The Pokémon this card is attached to gets +100 HP.

Master Ball

Search your deck for a Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Maximum Belt

Attacks used by the Pokémon this card is attached to do 50 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon ex (before applying Weakness and Resistance.)

Morty’s Conviction

You can use this card only if you discard another card from your hand.

Draw a card for each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.

Order Box

Search your deck for up to 2 Item cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Your turn ends.

Prime Catcher

Switch in 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. If you do, switch your Active Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

Reboot Pod

Attach a Basic Energy card from your discard pile to each of your Future Pokémon in play.

Salvatore

Search your deck for a Pokémon, except any Pokémon with an Ability, that evolves from 1 of your Pokémon in play and put it on that Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck. (You can use this card on a Pokémon that was put into play when setting up to play or on the turn it was put into play.)

Mist Energy

As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides [C] Energy.

Prevent all effects of attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon done to the Pokémon this card is attached to. (Existing effects are not removed. Damage is not an effect.)

Neo Upper Energy

As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides [C] Energy.

If this card is attached to a Stage 2 Pokémon, this card provides every type of Energy but provides only 2 Energy at a time instead.

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Temporal Forces Normal Type List & Translations

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Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Normal Type cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out. 

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials

Lickitung

[C] Tongue Reel: Your opponent reveals their hand. Put up to 2 Basic Pokémon you find there onto your opponent’s Bench.

[C][C][C] Strength: 50 damage.

Lickilicky

[C][C] Body Slam: 50 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

[C][C][C][C] Tonguenado: 70x damage. Flip 4 coins. This attack does 70 damage for each heads.

Hoothoot

[C][C] Silent Wing: 20 damage. Your opponent reveals their hand.

Noctowl

[C][C] Talon Hunt: 70 damage. You may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Dunsparce

[C] Gnaw: 10 damage.

[C][C] Dig: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.

Dudunsparce

Ability: Dashing Draw
Once during your turn, you may draw 3 cards. If you do, shuffle this Pokémon and all attached cards into your deck.

[C][C][C] Land Crush: 90 damage.

Skitty

[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for a Basic Pokémon and put it onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C][C] Tackle: 20 damage.

Delcatty

[C] Tail Trickery: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.

[C][C][C] Energy Mixer: 110 damage. You may move any amount of Energy from your Pokémon to your other Pokémon in any way you like.

Chatot

[C] Acapella: Search your deck for up to 3 Basic Pokémon and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C] Gust: 20 damage.

Pidove

Ability: Emergency Evolution
Once during your turn, if this Pokémon’s remaining HP is 30 or less, you may search your deck for an Unfezant or Unfezant ex and put it on this Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C] Gust: 10 damage.

Tranquill

[C] Speed Dive: 20 damage.

[C][C] Jet Wing: 70 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Unfezant

[C][C] Reverse Wind: 70 damage. You may put 2 Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon into their hand.

[C][C][C] Boundless Power: 180 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Minccino

[C] Beat: 10 damage.

[C][C] Cleaning Up: Discard up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards attached to your opponent’s Pokémon.

Cinccino

[C] Gentle Slap: 30 damage.

[C][C] Special Roll: 70x damage. This attack does 70 damage for each Special Energy card attached to this Pokémon.

Drampa

[C] Gentle Slap: 20 damage.

[C][C][C] Raging Charge: If all of your Benched Pokémon have at least 1 damage counter on them, this attack does 120 more damage.

Iron Jugulis

Ability: Auto Marshal
If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot and is damaged by an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), put 3 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.

[C][C][C] Blasting Wind: 110 damage.

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Temporal Forces Dragon Type List & Translations

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Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Steel Type cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out. 

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials

Koraidon

[F][C] Primeval Battering: 30x damage. This attack does 30 damage for each of your Ancient Pokémon in play.

[F][F][C] Shred: 130 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Koraidon ex

[C][C] Vengeful Hammer: 20+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each damage counter on this Pokémon.

[R][F][F] Kaiser Tackle: 280 damage. This Pokémon does 60 damage to itself.

Miraidon

[C] Accelerating Peak: 40 damage. Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards and attach them to your Future Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.

[L][L][P] Sparking Strike: 160 damage.

Miraidon ex

[L][P] Repulsion Bolt: 60+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon already has any damage counters on it, this attack does 100 more damage.

[L][P][C] Cyber Drive: 220 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Cyber Drive.

Raging Bolt ex

[C] Bursting Roar: Discard your hand and draw 6 cards.

[L][F] Climactic Descent: 70x damage. You may discard any amount of Basic Energy from your Pokémon. This attack does 70 damage for each card you discarded in this way.

Pokemon TCG

New Temporal Forces Battle Pass Coming To PTCGL

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Temporal Forces hits PTCGL this week on March 22nd, which means we’re getting a new battle pass and two new decks. Get ready for the ladder to be flooded with Raging Bolt and Iron Crown decks.

The ladder is also getting a major revamp, which is fantastic news for those of us who like to climb. A post on the official Pokemon Reddit this week highlighted features from the upcoming update on the 19th. The post reads:

The current system sucks. I don’t even try to do the climb anymore because it isn’t worth it. If you’ve attempted to climb the ladder, you understand my frustration. Currently, you lose and gain 10 points per match depending on the results. Having a decent win rate helps you climb, but sometimes you do everything right but never pull the cards you need. It becomes a soul-crushing grind and I can’t wait to see what comes with the revamp.

Now if you don’t care about rank, but do want to play some pokemon, now is a great time to start. The start of the season will net you two new decks, and historically, these decks are solid, with some even becoming meta. The battlepass also has some nice treats to bling up your decks.

Raging Bolt ex

Pokemon

  • 2 Raging Bolt ex TEF 123
  • 2 Garganacl PAR 104
  • 1 Naclstack PAL 122
  • 3 Nacli PAR 102
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 046

Trainer

  • 4 Arven SVI 166
  • 2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAL 185
  • 2 PokéStop PGO 068
  • 4 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
  • 4 Energy Sticker MEW 159
  • 4 Gutsy Pickaxe ASR 145
  • 4 Nest Ball SVI 181
  • 4 Trekking Shoes ASR 156
  • 3 Rare Candy SVI 191
  • 3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
  • 2 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159

Energy

  • 7 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 006
  • 3 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 004

Iron Crown ex

Pokemon

  • 2 Iron Crown ex TEF 081
  • 4 Iron Thorns TEF 062
  • 4 Iron Valiant TEF 079
  • 3 Miraidon TEF 121

Trainers

  • 4 Ciphermaniac’s Codebreaking TEF 145
  • 4 Professor’s Research (Professor Turo) SVI 190
  • 2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAL 185
  • 4 Electric Generator SVI 170
  • 4 Switch Cart ASR 154
  • 4 Techno Radar PAR 180
  • 2 Nest Ball SVI 181
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 4 Future Booster Energy Capsule PAR 164

Energy

  • 11 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 004
  • 4 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 005

Reaching Level 50

Reaching level 50 on the Premium Battle Pass gets some very pretty alt arts

Conclusion

If you haven’t done so, start grinding for the Premium Pass because that is worth the grind. If you haven’t preorderd your Temporal Forces product, check with your LGS to see if they have any left. But if that isn’t an option, you can preorder Temporal Forces on TCG Player through my affiliate link!

IF you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Temporal Forces Dark Type List & Translations

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Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Dark Type cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out. 

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials

Ekans

[D] Mixed Poison: Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused and Poisoned.

[D][D] Bite: 30 damage.

Arbok

[D] Panic Poison: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned, Confused, and Poisoned.

[D][D] Darkness Fang: 70 damage.

Gastly

[D] Mysterious Beam: Flip a coin. If heads, discard an Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

[D][D] Suffocating Gas: 30 damage.

Haunter

[D][D] Super Poison Breath: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Poisoned.

Gengar ex

Ability: Gnawing Curse
Whenever your opponent attaches an Energy card from their hand to 1 of their Pokémon, put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon.

[D][D] Tricky Steps: 160 damage. You may move an Energy from your opponent’s Active Pokémon to 1 of their Benched Pokémon.

Poochyena

[D][C] Gnaw Off: 30+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 more damage.

Mightyena

[D][C] Kick Away: 50 damage. Switch out your opponent’s Active Pokémon to the Bench. (Your opponent chooses the new Active Pokémon.)

[D][D][C] Sharp Fang: 130 damage.

Sableye

[D] Claw Slash: 20 damage.

[C][C] Damage Collector: Move any number of damage counters from your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to their Active Pokémon.

Farigiraf ex

Ability: Armor Tail
Prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks from your opponent’s Basic Pokémon ex.

[P][C][C] Dirty Beam: 160 damage. This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

Roaring Moon

[D][D] Vengeful Feathers: 70+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each Ancient card in your discard pile.

[D][C][C][C] Speed Wing: 120 damage.