First deck, any tips?

[mrjava123]

                   So, recently I got back into Pokemon after about a year break, and when I came back I found the sudden interest in the TCG.

I've never played a match of TCG, but I've read some of the rules. I refrain from playing a match, because I need to build my deck; which brings you to the topic: How do I build my deck?

 

                   I've already looked at some articles and google searches on how to build my deck, but still have some trouble piecing it all together.

Here's what I've seemed to pick out:

• It's good to have 1-2 main attacker Pokemon.
• You want to keep your energies 1 main type.
• You want up to 4 of your attacker Pokemon.
• It's recommended to have 25+ Trainer Cards (at least it's my preference).

I'm basing my deck around Dragonite-EX, because he has a good HP, and attack.

I'm still trying to decide on having a 2nd attacking Pokemon, since A) I only have 1 Dragonite-EX copy, and B: My Dragonite only has 1 kind of attack, which is Hyper Beam.

Hyper Beam costs 4 energies (any kind), which I will be using fire, since I already have 2 Kiawe Supporter cards. I will list my current deck below:

***Note: I only have established to pick out 23 cards in my deck, since it's a WIP.***

 

POKEMON:

• Dragonite-EX 106/108
• Miltank 93/116
• Doduo 116/162
• Solrock 69/147
• Noctowl 107/147
• x2 Hoothoot 106/147

TRAINER CARDS:

• x2 Rotom Dex (Poke Finder Mode) 122/147
• Skyla 148/162
• Physic's Third Eye 108/122
• x2 Kiawe 116/147
• x3 Switch
• Reserved Ticket 147/162

ENERGIES:

x6 Fire Energy

 

--------------------------------------

Those are 23/60 cards in my deck.

Please leave any tips or recommendations in the comments!

Thank you for reading!

 

[SKBellmore]

Hey @mrjava123, welcome to the Pokémon TCG! It’s an awesome game, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

 

27 minutes ago, mrjava123 said:

             I've already looked at some articles and google searches on how to build my deck, but still have some trouble piecing it all together.

Here's what I've seemed to pick out:

• It's good to have 1-2 main attacker Pokemon.
• You want to keep your energies 1 main type.
• You want up to 4 of your attacker Pokemon.
• It's recommended to have 25+ Trainer Cards (at least it's my preference).

I'm basing my deck around Dragonite-EX, because he has a good HP, and attack.

I'm still trying to decide on having a 2nd attacking Pokemon, since A) I only have 1 Dragonite-EX copy, and B: My Dragonite only has 1 kind of attack, which is Hyper Beam.

It seems like you’ve found good tips to construct your deck. Dragonite EX, isn’t too bad, it has a large attack cost, but you can accelerate it in many ways. Fire is good, new cards like Welder and Fire Crystal can really help. They’re new cards, but they’re Uncommons, so you could trade for them pretty cheap by now. (I think.) A good secondary attacker is Ho-Oh GX. Not too expensive, and is often played with Kiawe. Speaking of Kiawe, you should probably try to get 4.

 

You have a good idea, but your list could use some work. I’m no expert on the Expanded Format (the format your deck is in), so I’ll let some other players (most people who commonly post on here play Expanded) help you make a new list.

 

Good luck with your deck, and have fun!

 

[WingsofFire1014]

I am a common expanded player. I have only played about 4-8 matches of standard.

 

Anyways, I am going to start by helping you focuse on your Trainers.

 

 

You should always have the Staple Supporters in your deck. Physcic Third Eye is NOT a staple. The main staples would be Pro Syc, N, Lysandre, and sometimes Colress (all in expanded). The main supporters for standard which can be used in expanded are Cynthia, Guzma, and Lillie.

 

 

 

 

Staple items which you should always have: Reserved Ticket is NOT a staple of even a GOOD card. For expanded, Ultra Ball, VS Seeker, and Trainer's Mail. For standard you have Nest Ball (or Mysterious Treasure), Pokemon Communication, Rescue Stretcher, and Field Blower.

 

Staple Pokemon: Tapu Le-le GX, Dedenne GX, and Oranguru (base Sun and Moon set).

 

Now in EVERY deck you should start with a template that looks somewhat like this, 1-3 Tapu-Lele GX, 3-4 Cynthia, 3-4 Lillie, 3-4 Guzma, 3 Ultra Balls, and 3 Nest Balls.

 

REMEMBER THAT ALL STAPLES FOR STANDARD CAN BE USED IN EXPANDED AS WELL.

Edited May 25, 2019 by WingsofFire1014

[mrjava123]

4 hours ago, SKBellmore said:

Hey @mrjava123, welcome to the Pokémon TCG! It’s an awesome game, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

 

It seems like you’ve found good tips to construct your deck. Dragonite EX, isn’t too bad, it has a large attack cost, but you can accelerate it in many ways. Fire is good, new cards like Welder and Fire Crystal can really help. They’re new cards, but they’re Uncommons, so you could trade for them pretty cheap by now. (I think.) A good secondary attacker is Ho-Oh GX. Not too expensive, and is often played with Kiawe. Speaking of Kiawe, you should probably try to get 4.

 

You have a good idea, but your list could use some work. I’m no expert on the Expanded Format (the format your deck is in), so I’ll let some other players (most people who commonly post on here play Expanded) help you make a new list.

 

Good luck with your deck, and have fun!

 

Thanks for the tip! Do you have a Discord or something? We could discuss Pokemon TCG on there since it's live.

Also, I love that you brought in trading, because I do have a few friends who are into TCG.

[mrjava123]

4 hours ago, WingsofFire1014 said:

I am a common expanded player. I have only played about 4-8 matches of standard.

 

Anyways, I am going to start by helping you focuse on your Trainers.

 

 

You should always have the Staple Supporters in your deck. Physcic Third Eye is NOT a staple. The main staples would be Pro Syc, N, Lysandre, and sometimes Colress (all in expanded). The main supporters for standard which can be used in expanded are Cynthia, Guzma, and Lillie.

 

 

 

 

Staple items which you should always have: Reserved Ticket is NOT a staple of even a GOOD card. For expanded, Ultra Ball, VS Seeker, and Trainer's Mail. For standard you have Nest Ball (or Mysterious Treasure), Pokemon Communication, Rescue Stretcher, and Field Blower.

 

Staple Pokemon: Tapu Le-le GX, Dedenne GX, and Oranguru (base Sun and Moon set).

 

Now in EVERY deck you should start with a template that looks somewhat like this, 1-3 Tapu-Lele GX, 3-4 Cynthia, 3-4 Lillie, 3-4 Guzma, 3 Ultra Balls, and 3 Nest Balls.

 

REMEMBER THAT ALL STAPLES FOR STANDARD CAN BE USED IN EXPANDED AS WELL.

Hi, thanks for commenting, I'm new to the Pokemon TCG. Could you please explain the "Expanded" and "Staple" definitions? Thanks!

[SKBellmore]

8 minutes ago, mrjava123 said:

Thanks for the tip! Do you have a Discord or something? We could discuss Pokemon TCG on there since it's live.

Also, I love that you brought in trading, because I do have a few friends who are into TCG.

No prob! Sorry, I don’t have Discord or anything else of the sort. We can message on here or in-game though, I would love to talk with you! 

[WingsofFire1014]

17 minutes ago, mrjava123 said:

Hi, thanks for commenting, I'm new to the Pokemon TCG. Could you please explain the "Expanded" and "Staple" definitions? Thanks!

Expanded consists of these sets. Black and White base set through the newest Sun and Moon set. Standard is currently the Sun and Moon base set through the newest Sun and Moon set.

 

Staple in Pokemon means a card(s) that should be highly considered every time you go to make a deck. Basically cards that you want in pretty much every deck.

[WingsofFire1014]

Also, could you specify the set that each card in your deck is from?

[mrjava123]

5 minutes ago, WingsofFire1014 said:

Expanded consists of these sets. Black and White base set through the newest Sun and Moon set. Standard is currently the Sun and Moon base set through the newest Sun and Moon set.

 

Staple in Pokemon means a card(s) that should be highly considered every time you go to make a deck. Basically cards that you want in pretty much every deck.

Okay, thanks for letting me know!

[mrjava123]

5 minutes ago, WingsofFire1014 said:

Also, could you specify the set that each card in your deck is from?

I don't really know all the sets they came from, how can I find out? Also, I think I know what you mean by sets, but just in-case could you explain?

[WingsofFire1014]

man um.. so every card in the XY Series has a little logo at the bottom right. Every Sun and Moon card has a little logo at the bottom left. The Sun and Moon cards look more tropical.

 

Go to pokelecctor.com. Click on the button see all on the far right where it says newest English sets. And scroll down til you find the set logo that matches every card in your deck and it will tell which set it comes from.

 

For example, Kiawe comes from Burning Shadows which is a Sun and Moon set.

[mrjava123]

Ok. Why would you need to know the set though?

[WingsofFire1014]

For example: You currently have a Miltank in your deck. There have been something like 20 different miltank cards from different sets. So which set is yours from? There can even be 2 of the same card in one set.

[Chasista]

Hi mrjava123.

 

Do you play the online? Because if you do, you can copy the list direct from the Deck manager (upper right icon of an arrow pointing out of a "box"). Knowing the set and card number it's the way to know what card you are playing (how much HP, what attacks, retreat cost, if an ability) because there's only one Dragonite EX in the game but there are 11 different Solrock or 14 different Doduo (which only 5 would be able to be played in Expanded tho). With the number we can search, but we need to check all different copies to find what have the right number (116/162 or 67/147). On the other hand if you say BUS 67 (Burning shadows 67) or BKT 116 (Breakthrough 116) we know directly the exact card.

 

Every Expanded deck can include any card from the Black and White set onwards. All together 36 different sets (more or less, including some mini sets) of +100 different cards each.

 

In between all that +2000 different cards, there are some very good cards to create synergies along with trainers and pokémon. For example: Battle compressor (discard 3 cards) + Vs Seeker (move a Supporter from your discard to your hand). So you would discard any 3 cards you want, including a Supporter, to be able to use the Vs Seeker and use it the turn. Some supporters are more used, some less. Some more focused on a type (Kiawe or Blacksmith or Welder and more, for fire, Mysterious treasure for Psy/Dragon, Dive ball for water...) and some more general that can fit in almost any deck, Nest bal, Ultra ball, Field blower, Rescue stretcher...

 

The basic Staple Expanded cards can change from time to time, mainly with the release of a new set. Last one, starting this month, Unbroken bonds. Either way, some trainers will always be so good that are commonly used no matter the deck, including:

 

1 Ace spec, always.

3 or 4 Vs seeker

2-4 Ultra ball

P Juniper or P Sycamore

N

Cynthia/Lillie

Lysandre/Guzma

 

Then you "only" have to choose your pokémon. For example for attackers like Golisopod GX or Lucario GX, Guzma is great because for a single energy, the can hit +100 if they appear as active in the turn. For pokémon that need a low energies to hit hard or apply an effect maybe is better Lysandre because you can set up while active fast and then you can pick the pokémon you want to hit.

 

There is a ton of helpful threads all around Deck construction subforum.

 

I recommend you check some info from this links to move ahead in the building of your deck. Then, you can ask anything else. Check full threads for additional info from fellow forum trainers.

 

Standard tips

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/69249-how-to-improve-or-get-a-stronger-deck/?tab=comments#comment-617579

Expanded tips (same thread)

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/69249-how-to-improve-or-get-a-stronger-deck/?tab=comments#comment-617618

More Expanded

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/69120-would-love-some-suggestions-on-this-deck/?tab=comments#comment-617140

Theme decks

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/70032-theme-decks/?tab=comments#comment-620789

 

Last but not least, Pokémon game works in the way that some decks are better than other, and there always be people playing this same good decks to win more. So at the end, if you goal is the Meta (the competitive game), you need to get the cards to make a good deck. Do a deck with "what is in your collection" can work for fun, but hardly will win a Tournament. That's the Trade part of the game, included in the name 😝

 

Maybe I can take a look at your deck later but by now, apart from Vs seeker and some Staple trainers,  Double dragon energy came to my mind the first. Mysterious treasure the second.

Edited May 26, 2019 by Chasista

[mrjava123]

1 hour ago, Chasista said:

Hi mrjava123.

 

Do you play the online? Because if you do, you can copy the list direct from the Deck manager (upper right icon of an arrow pointing out of a "box"). Knowing the set and card number it's the way to know what card you are playing (how much HP, what attacks, retreat cost, if an ability) because there's only one Dragonite EX in the game but there are 11 different Solrock or 14 different Doduo (which only 5 would be able to be played in Expanded tho). With the number we can search, but we need to check all different copies to find what have the right number (116/162 or 67/147). On the other hand if you say BUS 67 (Burning shadows 67) or BKT 116 (Breakthrough 116) we know directly the exact card.

 

Every Expanded deck can include any card from the Black and White set onwards. All together 36 different sets (more or less, including some mini sets) of +100 different cards each.

 

In between all that +2000 different cards, there are some very good cards to create synergies along with trainers and pokémon. For example: Battle compressor (discard 3 cards) + Vs Seeker (move a Supporter from your discard to your hand). So you would discard any 3 cards you want, including a Supporter, to be able to use the Vs Seeker and use it the turn. Some supporters are more used, some less. Some more focused on a type (Kiawe or Blacksmith or Welder and more, for fire, Mysterious treasure for Psy/Dragon, Dive ball for water...) and some more general that can fit in almost any deck, Nest bal, Ultra ball, Field blower, Rescue stretcher...

 

The basic Staple Expanded cards can change from time to time, mainly with the release of a new set. Last one, starting this month, Unbroken bonds. Either way, some trainers will always be so good that are commonly used no matter the deck, including:

 

1 Ace spec, always.

3 or 4 Vs seeker

2-4 Ultra ball

P Juniper or P Sycamore

N

Cynthia/Lillie

Lysandre/Guzma

 

Then you "only" have to choose your pokémon. For example for attackers like Golisopod GX or Lucario GX, Guzma is great because for a single energy, the can hit +100 if they appear as active in the turn. For pokémon that need a lot of energies to hit hard, maybe is better Lysandre because you need to keep it active to set up, and then you can pick the pokémon you want to hit.

 

There is a ton of helpful threads all around Deck construction subforum.

 

I recommend you check some info from this links to move ahead in the building of your deck. Then, you can ask anything else. Check full threads for additional info from fellow forum trainers.

 

Standard tips

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/69249-how-to-improve-or-get-a-stronger-deck/?tab=comments#comment-617579

Expanded tips (same thread)

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/69249-how-to-improve-or-get-a-stronger-deck/?tab=comments#comment-617618

More Expanded

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/69120-would-love-some-suggestions-on-this-deck/?tab=comments#comment-617140

Theme decks

http://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/70032-theme-decks/?tab=comments#comment-620789

 

Last but not least, Pokémon game works in the way that some decks are better than other, and there always be people playing this same good decks to win more. So at the end, if you goal is the Meta (the competitive game), you need to get the cards to make a good deck. Do a deck with "what is in your collection" can work for fun, but hardly will win a Tournament. That's the Trade part of the game, included in the name 😝

 

Maybe I can take a look at your deck later but by now, apart from Vs seeker and some Staple trainers,  Double dragon energy came to my mind the first. Mysterious treasure the second.

I don't play online, I play the actual cards. A lot of what you said is confusing to me, but I'll try to understand it. I don't have many cards, and at my school they're banned. I can still trade,, yet I don't know if my friends have the cards I want.

[WingsofFire1014]

2 minutes ago, mrjava123 said:

I don't play online, I play the actual cards. A lot of what you said is confusing to me, but I'll try to understand it. I don't have many cards, and at my school they're banned. I can still trade,, yet I don't know if my friends have the cards I want.

To play successfully and be competitive with actual cards is tough. If you aren't on a budget, then buy a bunch of staple cards to start off.

 

If you are, then I would highly suggest that you get the online game, buy a bunch of code cards, and redeem them online. Doing this gets you a pack online.

[mrjava123]

14 hours ago, WingsofFire1014 said:

To play successfully and be competitive with actual cards is tough. If you aren't on a budget, then buy a bunch of staple cards to start off.

 

If you are, then I would highly suggest that you get the online game, buy a bunch of code cards, and redeem them online. Doing this gets you a pack online.

I've been trying to play the online game, but unfortunately the PC I'm on (and the only one I can use) can't run it, since it's old, and I can't get it on my phone, since it only supports tablets, but I only have a 2012 iPad, on which the app crashes every time. I'm not on a very small budget, but I don't wanna drop a bunch of money on Pokemon cards.

[WingsofFire1014]

Just now, mrjava123 said:

I've been trying to play the online game, but unfortunately the PC I'm on (and the only one I can use) can't run it, since it's old, and I can't get it on my phone, since it only supports tablets, but I only have a 2012 iPad, on which the app crashes every time. I'm not on a very small budget, but I don't wanna drop a bunch of money on Pokemon cards.

Try World Championship decks then. They are 60 card decks made by some pro that won with it at the World Championships. These decks contain most of the best cards! BUT THEY ARE NOT LEGAL FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY. They retail for about 15 bucks.

[WingsofFire1014]

Can you not update your PC? If you don't mind, I would like to ask what kind of PC you have?

[SKBellmore]

15 minutes ago, mrjava123 said:

I've been trying to play the online game, but unfortunately the PC I'm on (and the only one I can use) can't run it, since it's old, and I can't get it on my phone, since it only supports tablets, but I only have a 2012 iPad, on which the app crashes every time. I'm not on a very small budget, but I don't wanna drop a bunch of money on Pokemon cards.

If you’re having trouble, I suggest heading over to the Technical Support forum.

[mrjava123]

5 hours ago, WingsofFire1014 said:

Can you not update your PC? If you don't mind, I would like to ask what kind of PC you have?

I can't update this PC, and it's a Windows 8 (ik, dinosaur old).