So I used to be very invested in the TCG. However, I quit after the first HGSS set. I randomly felt like picking up a few packs just for nostalgia. I ended up getting a reverse Kyurem, reverse Zekrom, Holo Absol, and a Glaceon. Since they added the TCG online, my love for it has rekindled. So I was just wondering if my pulls were good and what exactly have I missed as far as sets and rules? I ordered a Deoxys and a Lugia tin, so they should be coming today.
Haven't touched the TCG since HGSS Base, What's new?
- Thread starter sceptileblade411
- Start date
Most decks use EX:s or big HP Basic Pokémon (like Kyurem) as main attackers. Stage Pokémon pretty much just support them. There are some stage decks, but donks can destroy them. HOWEVER, there will soon be a rule change that makes it impossible for the beginner to attack on the first turn, so Stage decks might become a bit more tournament viable. It should also be noted that at the same time a coin flip will be added to Pokémon Catcher.
The BW series introduced the new Pokémon-EX, powerful Basic Pokémon with high HP and strong attacks that award your opponent 2 prize cards for knocking them out. Originally these cards were restricted to Legendary Pokémon, but the most recent set (will be released on Nov. 6) also includes 2 non-legendary Pokémon as EXes. We know that the XY set, set to be released in January, will continue to feature non-Legendary EXes, and also Mega Evolutions. Plasma Storm also introduces Team Plasma Pokémon, along with certain cards that help just them.
From a collector's side of things, the rarer cards in BW sets are the Full Art cards (which have been present since BW1) and Shinies, which were introduced a few sets later. Full Art cards have the same text and are effectively the same as their non-FA version, but they feature artwork that takes up the entire background of the card, printed with a very nice texture. Shinies are even more rare than FAs but also have the same text as their non-shiny form. These cards have artwork featuring the shiny version of the Pokémon, as well as different textures. There were also some one-off secret rares early in the sets, a Pikachu in the original Black & White set and a Meowth in the second set.
For a more in-depth look at the competitive side of things, you can look at the NDX-On Competitive Play forum for cards and general info (NXD = Next Destinies, the oldest set in the current Modified format), and NDX-On Metagame Deck Discussion to get some ideas and information on the current most popular decks.
From a collector's side of things, the rarer cards in BW sets are the Full Art cards (which have been present since BW1) and Shinies, which were introduced a few sets later. Full Art cards have the same text and are effectively the same as their non-FA version, but they feature artwork that takes up the entire background of the card, printed with a very nice texture. Shinies are even more rare than FAs but also have the same text as their non-shiny form. These cards have artwork featuring the shiny version of the Pokémon, as well as different textures. There were also some one-off secret rares early in the sets, a Pikachu in the original Black & White set and a Meowth in the second set.
For a more in-depth look at the competitive side of things, you can look at the NDX-On Competitive Play forum for cards and general info (NXD = Next Destinies, the oldest set in the current Modified format), and NDX-On Metagame Deck Discussion to get some ideas and information on the current most popular decks.