Unveiling the Hidden Potential of 151 — Exploring New Strategies and Impactful Cards

Hello, PokeBeach readers! This is Gabriel Semedo, back with another Pokemon TCG article. This time, I’m discussing the 151 set, which has recently become legal in Standard format competitive tournaments.

The new 151 set may initially introduce just one card into the competitive scene, [card name=”Mew ex” set=”151″ no=”151″ c=”name”][/card]. However, it also brings potential possibilities that haven’t received much attention yet. It’s true that this set (or half set) is one of the weakest in recent times and has limited impact. Previous sets have introduced strong decks, such as [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card] in Obsidian Flames, [card name=”Chien-Pao ex” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card] in Paldea Evolved, and [card name=”Gardevoir ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card] in Scarlet & Violet. In contrast, 151 hasn’t made a significant impact, at least not in Japan. Half sets or commemorative editions can contain valuable cards and don’t necessarily have to be less competitive. The Celebrations collection introduced cards that only became part of the metagame later in the Standard format, like [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Celebrations” no=”16″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Flying Pikachu VMAX” set=”Celebrations” no=”7″ c=”name”][/card]. Mew ex will likely follow suit in 151, but for now, it’s the only standout card.

There are some minor additions, such as new [card name=”Charmander” set=”151″ no=”4″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Charmeleon” set=”151″ no=”5″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Pidgey” set=”151″ no=”16″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Pidgeotto” set=”151″ no=”17″ c=”name”][/card] cards that complement current Charizard ex decks, but nothing justifies a substantial impact. [card name=”Wigglytuff ex” set=”151″ no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is a powerful Pokemon, but it still needs to find its place in the metagame. [card name=”Alakazam ex” set=”151″ no=”65″ c=”name”][/card] shows promise by introducing the possibility of attacking from the Bench, but creating a truly competitive deck with this card remains challenging, and requires extensive research and testing. [card name=”Dodrio” set=”151″ no=”85″ c=”name”][/card] is a mandatory inclusion in [card name=”Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”147″ c=”name”][/card] decks, but isn’t enough to reach competitive Tier 1 status. A new [card name=”Ditto” set=”151″ no=”132″ c=”name”][/card] improves your chances of starting with the desired Pokemon you want, while [card name=”Aerodactyl” set=”151″ no=”142″ c=”name”][/card] aims to be a solution against decks that struggle against Charizard ex. [card name=”Zapdos ex” set=”151″ no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] is another valuable addition to [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”81″ c=”name”][/card] decks, and Mew ex stands out as the MVP of the set. While there are potential Trainer cards, none have the same impact as an [card name=”Iono” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”185″ c=”name”][/card].

Here is a more in-depth analysis of my top cards from the new 151 set.

Highlights from 151

70 HP Charmander

[cardimg name=”Charmander” set=”151″ no=”168″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

50 HP Pidgey with Call For Family

The strength of the new Pidgey’s attack is truly impressive. It’s the perfect attack for a Stage-2 Pokemon deck, and it might give you the impression that it’s a necessary addition. Who doesn’t want to setup two free Basic Pokemon to the Bench from their deck? However, the 60 HP Pidgey becomes a liability if you’re concerned about Sableye in your metagame.

It’s true that if you have two 60 HP Pidgey on the field, Sableye can take a Knock Out on both of them. So there’s no distinction between using the 50 HP or 60 HP Pidgey in that scenario. However, the difference becomes apparent when you’re running Charizard ex / Pidgeot ex deck, which features the new 70 HP Charmander. If your field consists of only 60 HP Pidgey and two 70 HP Charmander, this means that Sableye won’t be able to KO two single Prize Pokemon; it will need to target Pidgey and distribute damage counter to the other Pokemon.

100 HP Charmeleon

Using this [card name=”Charmeleon” set=”151″ no=”5″ c=”name”][/card] may seem like a better choice due to its higher HP, but the [card name=”Charmeleon” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”27″ c=”name”][/card] from Obsidian Flames offers the most practical and valuable attack. For just two Fire Energy, it deals 70 damage, which proves sufficient to Knock Out important single Prize targets, such as [card name=”Comfey” set=”Lost Origin” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Ralts” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card]. In contrast, the new Charmeleon deals 90 damage for three Energy, which presents a significant advantage, but this extra Energy often falls short for other attackers.

However, if your [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card] deck already includes an effective single Prize attacker, doesn’t utilize [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Battle Styles” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card], and rarely requires Charmeleon, then the 100 HP Charmeleon is undoubtedly the superior choice. [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card] cannot take a surprise Knock Out when Charmeleon is on the Bench, and the 100 HP makes it slightly more challenging for Sableye to secure Knock Outs.

80 HP Pidgeotto

Using [card name=”Pidgeotto” set=”151″ no=”17″ c=”name”][/card] in decks featuring [card name=”Pidgeot ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”164″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t a very common addition, but it’s not a bad idea if there’s room in your list. Despite its 80 HP, slightly less than the other [card name=”Pidgeotto” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”163″ c=”name”][/card] with 90 HP, the new Pidgeotto offers the advantage of having free Retreat Cost, a valuable attribute.

The more I play with the Charizard ex / Pidgeot ex deck, the more I find myself inclined to include Pidgeotto. Pidgeot ex becomes the most appealing and viable target for your opponent after the third turn. When you have two Charizard ex, an [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] (which you’ve already used its VSTAR Power), and a Pidgeot ex on the field, what is the most valuable target that can give your opponent hope of winning? Undoubtedly, it’s Pidgeot ex because without it, you can’t keep searching for [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”name”][/card] turn after turn to pick up Prizes more, nor can you find for Iono to thwart your opponent’s strong turns. With Pidgeotto, you can more easily prepare for the inclusion of a second Pidgeot ex without the need for both to be fully evolved on the field.

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Fire-type Charizard ex

Jut to be sure, I decided to test a copy of the new [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”151″ no=”6″ c=”name”][/card] in a conventional Charizard ex Darkness-type list. In doing so, I added some copies of [card name=”Magma Basin” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”144″ c=”name”][/card] and made other changes to help improve its consistency. In the end, the answer is clear—it’s not worth it. It’s simply not good. If you have the opportunity to evolve into the Darkness-type Charizard ex, which can search for Fire Energy from the deck, filter the deck, and prepare your attackers, it becomes highly unlikely that you would ever want to evolve into the Fire-type Charizard ex. Instead of providing ease, options, and consistency, it offers the opposite in exchange for raw power.

Sandshrew

This is one of the most robust and straightforward anti-control Pokemon I’ve ever encountered in the Pokemon TCG. It’s true that in the last two sets, several Trainer cards focused on a control strategy were released, so it wouldn’t be surprising to witness the emergence of a new and potent control deck at the Latin America International Championships (LAIC). The issue, however, is that such a deck doesn’t exist as of now. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to employ [card name=”Sandshrew” set=”151″ no=”27″ c=”name”][/card] to safeguard against a control deck that may never materialize. Nonetheless, should a control deck gain popularity, then adding Sandshrew would be a viable choice.

Wigglytuff ex

This Pokemon makes for a valuable addition to the Colorless-type [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] deck. Although it’s not considered a must-have Pokemon, I would readily include at least a 1-1 [card name=”Wigglytuff ex” set=”151″ no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] line because this Pokemon can absorb damage and tank multiple attacks. Even facing a [card name=”Gardevoir” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card] with nine Psychic Energy attached, it only amounts to “just” 330 damage, and the same holds for a [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Celebrations” no=”16″ c=”name”][/card] with a whopping 10 Psychic Energy attached, provided Wigglytuff ex has a [card name=”V Guard Energy” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] attached.

Having a single copy of [card name=”Cheren’s Care” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”134″ c=”name”][/card] at your disposal can be quite handy since the entire deck revolves around Colorless-type Pokemon and can effectively fully heal Wigglytuff ex.

Creating a deck entirely centered on Wigglytuff ex and its Ability could be intriguing, but ultimately, it would be a refined version of the [card name=”Oinkologne ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”158″ c=”name”][/card] deck. Linear strategies like this tend to struggle against highly competitive decks, which boast numerous potent attack options and solutions.

Alakazam ex

[cardimg name=”Alakazam ex” set=”151″ no=”201″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

For the first time in the Pokemon TCG, it’s now possible to attack with a Benched Pokemon, thanks to [card name=”Alakazam ex” set=”151″ no=”65″ c=”name”][/card]. Notably, [card name=”Kadabra” set=”151″ no=”64″ c=”name”][/card]’s card can now be printed again after 20 years! OOne of the most mysterious Pokémon in the collection brings a series of uncertainties about its true strength. As an experiment, you can ask any of your friends whether they consider Alakazam ex to be good or bad. None of them are likely to provide a definitive answer, as it’s indeed challenging to assess without researching and testing all the possible combinations that can be made with this Pokemon.

I intend to dedicate my upcoming article to a comprehensive study of Alakazam ex, presenting the best deck list I can create for it. For now, here’s a list of potential combinations that can serve as a wall while Alakazam ex attacks safely from the Bench.

1. Weezing: [card name=”Weezing” set=”151″ no=”110″ c=”name”][/card] is suggested even in the 151 Elite Trainer Box booklet, and it’s not a mistake. This single Prize Pokemon has the ability to Knock Out the opponent’s Pokemon with its Ability, something that has a 50% chance of being perfect. However, it becomes a high-risk deck, as you pay a price if this Ability doesn’t work. Weezing is a Stage-1 Pokemon that requires effort to evolve, especially considering that Alakazam ex is a Stage-2 Pokemon.
2. Glimmora and Glimmora ex: Both are excellent wall Pokemon with good attacks as well. [card name=”Glimmora ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] excels as a wall against Gardevoir ex, [card name=”Mew ex” set=”151″ no=”151″ c=”name”][/card], and decks that require bench space to set up. Baby [card name=”Glimmora” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”126″ c=”name”][/card], on the other hand, is a great wall for any reason, given its 50% chance of preventing your opponent from taking any Prizes due to its Ability. Alakazam ex and Glimmora ex can coexist in the same deck, even with different types of Energy. [card name=”Luminous Energy” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”191″ c=”name”][/card] can assist in this mission. Start with baby Glimmora’s Poison for six damage counters to apply pressure on big Pokemon ex. Inflict Poison first, then attack with Alakazam ex to reap the double benefit. Glimmora ex can also Inflict Poison, which leads me to consider whether [card name=”Radiant Hisuian Sneasler” set=”Lost Origin” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] might be a better choice just to boost the poison damage. However, [card name=”Radiant Alakazam” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”59″ c=”name”][/card] is my preferred Radiant card for any Alakazam ex decks because the deck requires the Ability to fix damage counters – you might sometimes be 10-20 damage short of a Knock Out, and that’s where Radiant Alakazam shines. [card name=”Cheryl” set=”Battle Styles” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] is a great Supporter card to make Glimmora ex a better wall
3. Qwilfish CRE: While other Pokemon in the format have Abilities similar to [card name=”Qwilfish” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”101″ c=”name”][/card], none are as potent. [card name=”Hitmonchan” set=”151″ no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] only deals three damage counters, and [card name=”Stunfisk” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] deals five damage counters but requires a Pokemon Tool attached. In contrast, Qwilfish deals six damage counters if it’s Knocked Out, and its attack can also be useful
4. Ting Lu ex: [card name=”Ting-Lu ex” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] ranks among the most robust walls in the format. The caveat was that it was only useful when Ting-Lu ex attacked, as there was no way to deal decent damage while it was in the Active Spot — until now, with Alakazam ex. The idea is straightforward: Alakazam ex will attack while Ting-Lu ex stays in the Active Spot. Without the need to attach Energy to Ting-Lu ex, you’re free to use [card name=”Penny” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”239″ c=”name”][/card] to heal it whenever it takes damage. With [card name=”Bravery Charm” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”173″ c=”name”][/card], Ting-Lu ex now boasts 290 HP, making it a formidable wall.
5. Klefki: [card name=”Klefki” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] stands out as the best wall for the Alakazam ex deck. This Pokemon possesses a potent Ability, particularly in the early game. Moreover, Klefki can be fetched using [card name=”Fog Crystal” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Battle Styles” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card]. Klefki has the potential to counter Lost Box and Mew VMAX decks. Ideally, include three copies in your deck to ensure you have another Klefki on the Bench if your opponent plays [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Battle Styles” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card].
6. Radiant Jirachi: While Radiant Alakazam is my top choice due to the damage spread across the opponent’s field, it’s worth noting that [card name=”Radiant Jirachi” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card] is an incredible wall in itself and can provide remarkable consistency to a deck featuring a Stage-2 Pokemon.
7. Mimikyu: Similar to Klefki, I believe that every Alakazam ex deck should incorporate at least one copy of [card name=”Mimikyu” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card]. This is not only because of its Ability, which counters some of the most powerful Pokemon in the game, but also because like Klefki, it is very easy to search and play this Pokemon to the field.
8. Wigglytuff ex: Thus far, I’ve discussed Pokemon with valuable Abilities, but most of them are fragile and can be Knocked Out with a single attack. To complete an Alakazam ex wall strategy deck, I believe that a true wall Pokemon with high HP is essential, capable of enduring significant damage under any conditions. Wigglytuff ex fits this role. The strategy with Wigglytuff ex involves surviving an opponent’s attack so that you can use Cheren’s Care to promote a new wall, potentially another Wigglytuff ex. Additionally, Pokemon Tools on Wigglytuff ex can further enhance the strategy loop. [card name=”Rocky Helmet” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”193″ c=”name”][/card], for example, deals 20 damage to the opponent every time they attack, while [card name=”Spirit Mask” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”160″ c=”name”][/card] forces the opponent to discard a card from their hand if they attack. The new Pokemon Tool [card name=”Rigid Band” set=”151″ no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] reduces damage taken by Wigglytuff by 30, aligning with our strategy.

Speaking of Pokemon Tools, some of the wall Pokemon I’ve suggested like Qwilfish and Klefki can be easily Knocked Out, even by your opponent’s single Prize Pokemon. Using [card name=”Vengeful Punch” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”197″ c=”name”][/card] can be a good option to further penalize the opponent when they achieve Knock Outs.

Dodrio

This Pokemon finds a perfect home in the [card name=”Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”147″ c=”name”][/card] deck by enhancing both setup consistency and the overall strategy revolving around Hisuian Zoroark’s attacks. Unfortunately even with [card name=”Dodrio” set=”151″ no=”85″ c=”name”][/card], the deck still falls short of reaching competitive Tier 1 status.

Dodrio aids in addressing the challenging setup associated with Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR. However, it doesn’t fully resolve the deck’s more significant issues. The need to distribute damage across the field requires various cards, effort, and resources, ultimately proving less worthwhile. To secure a Knock Out against a [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card] using Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR, all of your Pokemon must have damage counters on them, Hisuian Zoroark must be have two Energy attached (excluding [card name=”Double Turbo Energy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card]), and you will still need to find and attach [card name=”Justified Gloves” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card], a Pokemon Tool that adds 30 damage against Darkness-type Pokemon.

Several cards commonly found in competitive decks, such as [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Avery” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card], and Radiant Alakazam, can severely impact the Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR deck. Worst still, opponents may not even tech specifically for this matchup, but already have them as a key component to their deck’s strategy anyway.

Starmie

This Pokemon offers a simpler means of inflicting additional damage on the opponent’s field, eliminating the need to sacrifice a Bench slot with [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] or play multiple Prize Pokemon like [card name=”Inteleon VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Meowscarada ex” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”15″ c=”name”][/card].

Both [card name=”Staryu” set=”151″ no=”120″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Starmie” set=”151″ no=”121″ c=”name”][/card] can be retrieved using Level Ball, and as Water-type Pokemon, they are also compatible with [card name=”Irida” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”147″ c=”name”][/card]. After activating their Ability, they eave the field. If you choose not to utilize the Ability, Starmie remains on the Bench, ready to use when its needed. Starmie would find valuable utility in a straight [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] deck.

Aerodactyl

Zapdos ex

This Pokemon has become a must-have card in [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”81″ c=”name”][/card] decks because it offers the opportunity to KO two single Prize Pokemon with one attack, making [card name=”Magnezone VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] even less necessary. To deal damage with [card name=”Zapdos ex” set=”151″ no=”145″ c=”name”][/card], you also need to use a Hawlucha, as Zapdos ex only inflicts Bench damage to Pokemon that already have a damage counter on them. Another advantage of Zapdos ex is its Lightning-type Weakness and Resistance to Fighting-type Pokemon.

Mew ex

[cardimg name=”Mew ex” set=”151″ no=”193″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Another Pokemon that helps in matchups against Fighting-type decks, but honestly, that’s not the main reason [card name=”Mew ex” set=”151″ no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] so good. The reasons go beyond that.

Mew ex has free Retreat Cost, a valuable consistency Ability, especially in Miraidon ex decks, where it often depends solely on the Supporter of the turn. To top it off, it possesses an interesting attack that opens up a series of opportunities. The most noteworthy one, which you’ve probably already heard of, is copying Radiant Greninja’s attack and taking a Knock Out on two of your opponent’s Pokemon. In general, this attack is very useful. It doesn’t always have to be spectacular, like copying [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card]’s attack to Knock it Out. If it can deal relevant damage, it’s a significant help, as the overall utility justifies its inclusion in many decks. Miraidon ex decks were even using a copy of [card name=”Flying Pikachu V” set=”Celebrations” no=”6″ c=”name”][/card] solely for its free Retreat Cost.

Cycling Road

This is a great alternative Stadium for [card name=”Gardevoir ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card] if you prefer to play without Radiant Greninja, as [card name=”Cycling Road” set=”151″ no=”157″ c=”name”][/card] fulfils the same role of getting Energy cards into the discard, but draws one less card. It might seem crazy to say this, but the fact that Mew ex can copy Radiant Greninja has made Gardevoir players very apprehensive about the possibility of losing two [card name=”Kirlia” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] because of a Moonlight Shuriken out of nowhere. I honestly believe that Radiant Greninja is too good not to use, and it’s also not easy to prepare a Mew ex with three Energy cards and find [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”name”][/card] to use on the second turn; however, it is a real possibility.

Rigid Band

There has been a lack of a Pokemon Tool to increase the HP of Stage-1 Pokemon. With damage scaling up as new sets are released, the average 260-280 HP of Pokemon ex is no longer sufficient. [card name=”Rigid Band” set=”151″ no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] basically gives them an additional 30 HP.

Final Thoughts

The new 151 set has much more to offer than just Mew ex; the problem is that some of these things need to be discovered. Many potential ideas could be hidden in this collection, and I’ve delved into a few in this article. In my next article, I want to continue this work and further unveil the hidden powers of the 151 set.

This is a set that may go unnoticed in the competitive environment because, with the large number of tournaments taking place around the world at LAIC, many players will not even have time to test new things, and all the available time will be spent perfecting the gameplay with a deck they already know well. Not even Japan, which is a source of ideas, had much time to absorb the 151 set, as other new sets that were apparently stronger and more interesting were already launched very soon after this one.

Meanwhile, here in Latin America, our next tournament is just the LAIC, which means we will have time to test new ideas and perhaps pay attention to the 151 cards that wouldn’t be possible in other places. It was like that with Charizard ex; even with the deck there for everyone to use, it was only in Brazil that the good deck lists finally appeared.

Alakazam ex and other 151 insights await you in the next article. That’s all for today, guys. I hope you enjoyed it, and see you next time!

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