How to Play Pokemon Trading Card Game Online [Guide]

The Pokemon card game created by the Pokemon video games has grown in popularity since its initial release in the mid-1990s. You could still have some Pokemon cards but do not remember how to play.

Do not worry! Think of this guide as your personal Professor Oak. We will teach you the Pokémon Trading Card Game basics such as how to attack, cope with special effects, and grasp how evolutions work.

How to Play the Pokemon Trading Card Game Online?

To play the Pokemon card game online get the Pokemon TCG Online app for your computer or tablet. Create a free account to get started then log in and select a beginner deck. Play against the computer to master the fundamentals of using Pokemon, Energy, and Trainer cards.

Once you are ready join online matches to compete against other players. Keep working on your deck to become a stronger player and win more games.

How many cards do you need to play Pokemon TCG?

To play Pokemon TCG you will need a deck of 60 cards. This deck is made up of many cards, including Pokemon, Energy, and Trainer cards. To begin the game, each player must have a deck of 60 cards. The cards in the deck allow you to attack, heal, and do other actions during the game. With these 60 cards, you are ready to combat and win.

How does evolution work in the Pokémon TCG?

Start with a Basic Pokemon: Begin with a Basic Pokemon card, which can evolve into a stronger Stage 1 Pokemon and then into a Stage 2 if available.

Evolving the Pokémon: To evolve place the new card on top of the current Pokemon card in play.

Evolution Rules: You can only evolve a Pokemon once per turn, and it must have been in play for at least one turn before evolving.

Keeping Energy and Damage: When a Pokemon evolves, it keeps any Energy cards and damage it already has.

New Attacks and Abilities: The evolved Pokemon gets new attacks and abilities that replace the old ones, making it stronger and more durable in battles.

How do status conditions work in the Pokémon TCG?

Types of Status Conditions: Asleep, Burned, Confused, Paralyzed, and Poisoned are common status circumstances. Each affects your Pokemon differently.

Applying the Condition: To indicate the condition when a Pokemon is impacted, place a marker on the card, such as a coin or token.

Impacts While Turning: During your turn, your Pokemon is affected by status ailments, such as being unable to attack or absorbing damage every turn.

Healing the Condition: Using certain Trainer cards, retiring the Pokémon to the Bench, or evolving the Pokemon are ways to erase status ailments.

How to win the Pokémon Trading Card Game

There are several methods to win the Pokemon TCG, just like in many other competitive trading card games:

The most common path to victory is to knock out six of your opponent’s Pokemon and collect prize cards. Every time you defeat a Pokemon controlled by your rival, you claim one of the six prize cards you set aside at the start of the game and add it to your hand. When you pick up your sixth and final card, you win!
You can also declare victory if you take out an opponent’s active Pokemon and they do not have any other Pokemon on their bench to replace it.
You win if your opponent’s deck runs out of cards and they are unable to draw a card at the start of their turn. This is referred to as “decking” your adversary.