Pokémon TCG Pocket deck building guide: how to build good decks?

If you've already tried out the Pokémon TCG Pocket battles, you'll know that the rules have been simplified compared to the physical game. However, without a good card mix, it will be difficult to win against your opponents, even if you know the rules perfectly. In this Pokémon TCG Pocket deck-building guide, we give you all the advice you need to put together the best combination of cards.

Deck building Pokémon TCG Pocket: find the right balance between card types

There are two types of card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Pokémon cards and Trainer cards, which include cards representing trainers and items (the Pokéball, the Red Card, etc., the healing potion, etc.). If you're a beginner, you may tend to prefer Pokémon cards to Trainer cards.

In this Pokémon TCG Pocket deck building guide, we recommend that you find the right balance, with a ratio of 12 Pokémon cards to 8 Trainer cards. To complete your collection, don't forget the PTCGP wonder pick!

Here are a few Trainer cards that you absolutely must have in your decks:

• Sabrina or Giovanni: the former lets you replace your opponent's most powerful Pokémon. The second boosts your damage by 10.
• X Speed +: This allows you to replace a card using less energy.
• Red Card: This card forces your opponent to shuffle their deck and draw 3 cards.

If you want to know the best card mix, check out our selection of the best Pokémon TCG Pocket decks.

To build your deck, concentrate on a single type of Pokémon

In this Pokémon TCG Pocket deck building guide, we advise you to always focus on the same type of Pokémon for your deck compositions (fire, plant, psy, electric, etc.). If you can't, then limit yourself to two types, or three types maximum.

Why should you do this? Quite simply because, unlike the physical card game, there are no Energy cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Energies appear on the board automatically and depend on the type of Pokémon you have in your deck. If you choose to have Pokémon of several types in your deck, you'll find it harder to match energies and therefore to use your Pokémon.

For beginners, we suggest you build Battle-oriented decks, for example with a Fire deck or by choosing a Mewtwo booster as your first pack. The Plant deck is also a good option.

Pokémon TCG Pocket Deck building: the role and skill of your cards

There are three Pokémon cards you'll need in your deck:

• Pokémon with a low Escape Cost: These are perfect for starting a match, as they allow you to build up energy and then send a stronger Pokémon. Choose a Pokémon with at least 70HP. Pokémon in this category include Mr. Mime, Scyther and Heatmor.
  
  
  
  
• Pokémon that can attack quickly: These Pokémon have a low attack cost (less than 2 energy) and can also flee without costing you too much energy. If you have a basic card and its evolution, they can even replace the previous card type. Examples include Venonat, Vulpix and Tentacool, and their evolutions.
  
  
  
  
• Pokémon capable of inflicting major damage: these are mainly EX cards that allow you to inflict major damage on your opponent. These include the rarest cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket.

In addition, in this Pokémon TCG Pocket deck building guide, we advise you to take note of the special skill, which you can use only once per turn, and sometimes even from the bench. It can be very useful in getting you out of a tight spot.

Pokémon TCG Pocket deck building must suit your style of play

To conclude this Pokémon TCG Pocket deck-building guide, we suggest you try out several card combinations to find the one that suits you best. Some players prefer to play fast and attack (if this is your case, prefer a Pikachu deck), while others take their time by effectively resisting their opponent's attacks.

Find the style of play that suits you, and design a deck that you'll enjoy playing! And if you need any other PTCGP tips and tricks, don't hesitate to consult our other guides!