Pokémon Trading Card Game/How to Play


 * See the TCG Appendix:Glossary for a definition of most the Pokémon Trading Card Game terms.
 * Also see the Step-by-step Web Browser TCG Tutorials on Pokémon.com for a visual introduction to the card game.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a two player game for all ages. Each player builds a Deck of sixty (60) cards using a combination of various "TCG Pokémon (Pokémon card)s" (the main type of cards used to battle), "TCG Trainer cards" (cards with special effects), and "TCG Energy cards" (cards that are required to perform most "TCG Attacks"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "TCG Booster packs" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "s" or "TCG Theme deck (Theme Deck)s" that already have all the cards needed to play. The Pokémon Trading Card Game officially requires a deck of 60 cards for TCG Standard format (Standard) or TCG Expanded format (Expanded) play, though shorter es can be held with "TCG Half Decks" consisting of 30 cards instead. During a 60 card match, only four of any one card, excluding TCG Energy card (Basic Energy) cards, are allowed in each deck. This is further limited to two of any one card in a Half Deck match. Many fans have also created their own game rules and playing methods and have websites devoted to providing alternative playing methods. These rules and methods are not allowed in Play! Pokémon competitions. 