Looking to dive straight into the exciting world of Pokemon TCG? Building your own deck can be a daunting task for beginners, but with the right tips and tricks, you can create a powerful deck that will lead you to victory.
Here are 17 essential tips for building a Pokemon deck for beginners.
First, let’s cover the basics (pun intended). Pokémon TCG has four main types of cards: Basic Pokémon, Evolution Pokémon, Trainer cards, and Energy cards, with each playing a different, yet crucial role:
Trainer and Energy cards hold it all together, letting you draw more cards, disrupt your opponent, and fuel your Pokémon’s attacks. By striking the right balance, you’ll be one step closer to building a winning deck.
If you want to broaden your options, consider Japanese Pokémon cards. Known for their high-quality printing, unique artwork, and early access to exclusive releases, they offer a fresh perspective and an edge in casual or experimental play.
Your deck must have exactly 60 cards. No more, no less. This rule keeps the game balanced and ensures you’re not randomly cramming in cards that don’t add value to your strategy.
A focused deck improves your chances of drawing the cards you need when you need them. If you overload your deck with Energy cards or try to squeeze in too many Pokémon, you’ll struggle to find key Trainer cards.
Here are some quick tips:
In short, keep it lean, focused, and purposeful. A cluttered deck is just going to slow you down.
Every great Pokémon deck has a main attacker that your strategy revolves around. This is the Pokémon that deals most of the damage and takes the lead in battles. As such, you’ll want the right attacker who aligns with your playstyle and supports your overall plan.
Once you’ve chosen your main attacker, the rest of your deck should support it—whether that’s through Energy recycling, setup speed, or disruption.
Support Pokémon won’t always be in the spotlight, but their abilities help your main attacker shine. They keep your strategy running smoothly by providing essential draw power, Energy acceleration, or protection.
Here are some popular roles for support Pokémon:
A good rule of thumb is to include 2–4 based on your deck’s needs. Choose ones that fit seamlessly into your strategy without slowing you down.
Energy cards power your Pokémon’s attacks. But too much Energy can clog up your hand and leave you struggling to draw the cards you actually need. Finding the right balance is key.
Focus on quality over quantity—only include as much Energy as your deck truly needs, and let support cards handle the rest.
Consistency is what makes a good deck great. You want your strategy to work in every game, not just when you get lucky. The best way to achieve this is by including multiple copies of key cards and adding tools that help you draw and search for what you need.
A consistent deck means fewer frustrating games and more chances to shine, no matter what cards you draw.
In Pokémon TCG, speed wins games. The faster you can set up your Pokémon and start attacking, the better your chances of taking control. Acceleration is all about setting up your board quickly and getting the jump on your opponent.
Building a deck that prioritises speed will give you a competitive edge, especially against slower, more methodical strategies. Get your Pokémon ready to attack as quickly as possible and watch your win rate soar.
A strong deck doesn’t just focus on your own strategy—it also throws your opponent off theirs. Disruption cards can turn the tide of a match by limiting their options or slowing down their setup.
The best disruption strategies are subtle but effective. They give you enough of an advantage to capitalise while leaving your opponent scrambling to recover.
The “meta” refers to the current trends in the game—what decks and strategies are most popular in competitive play. Adapting your deck to the meta is critical if you want to stay competitive.
Staying meta-aware doesn’t mean copying what everyone else is doing. It means understanding the environment you’re playing in and preparing your deck to hold its own.
If you’re just starting out and feeling overwhelmed, use 20-20-20 rule:
This balance is great for beginners because it gives you a well-rounded deck as you’re learning. After enough time, you can tweak this ratio to suit your playstyle and strategy.
Deck thinning is a pro move that can make your deck feel more consistent. The idea is to remove unnecessary cards from your deck during the game so you’re more likely to draw the ones you really need. Every search card or draw effect you play helps you narrow down your remaining options.
Thinning your deck strategically gives you control over your draws and keeps your momentum going.
Here’s a tip that can seriously up your game: during your first deck search (e.g., when playing a Nest Ball or Ultra Ball), take a mental inventory of what’s in your deck. By comparing this to your deck list, you can figure out what’s missing and is likely in your prize cards.
For example:
Counting prizes might sound tedious, but it’s a skill that separates beginners from experienced players. Knowing what’s unavailable can save you from wasted plays and missed opportunities.
Trainer cards are the backbone of any competitive deck, so getting the right mix is crucial. They keep your strategy running by letting you draw cards, search for Pokémon, disrupt your opponent, and more.
Trainer cards are your best tools for staying consistent and ahead of your opponent, so make sure they complement your strategy perfectly.
Giving up might sound counterintuitive, but in timed matches—like those in tournaments—spending too much time on a game can cost you the entire series. Knowing when to cut your losses and pivot to the next game is a skill that can make or break your success in competitive play.
Here’s when conceding makes sense:
It’s a tough call, but recognising when to let go of a lost cause can give you a better shot at winning the series.
No deck is perfect straight out of the gate, and that’s where playtesting comes in. Testing your deck against a variety of strategies helps you identify its strengths, weaknesses, and consistency under different conditions.
The more you playtest, the more confident you’ll be when it’s time to face real opponents.
Pokémon TCG isn’t just a test of your deck—it’s a test of your mental endurance. Matches, especially in tournaments, can last for hours, and staying sharp is crucial.
Here’s how to keep your head in the game:
Staying focused helps you avoid silly mistakes and lets you adapt to challenges on the fly.
Finally, remember why you’re playing. Whether you’re aiming for tournament glory or just having fun with friends, Pokémon TCG is all about creativity, strategy, and connection.
Enjoying the process will keep you motivated and make the game even more rewarding. After all, it’s not just about winning—it’s about the journey.