Starting a Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collection can be an exciting journey for both new players and parents. This guide aims to help you understand which products to buy first and how to eventually step into more competitive play.
Initial Steps for Building Your Collection
Starter Decks
Pre-constructed starter decks are perfect for beginners.
They provide a balanced mix of cards, allowing new players to learn the game's basics without the complexity of building a deck from scratch.
Choose decks that feature Pokémon your child is excited about. This enhances the learning experience.
Examples:
Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex Starter Decks: These decks are designed around the titular Pokémon, Koraidon and Miraidon, and offer a solid foundation for new players.
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR League Battle Deck: This deck is ready for league battles and perfect for players familiar with the game. It includes a complete 60-card deck with cards like foil Radiant Greninja and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR.
Ampharos ex Battle Deck & Lucario ex Battle Deck: These decks feature either Ampharos Ex or Lucario Ex as the main character. Each deck is a 60-card game-ready deck including a playmat, a guide on the TCG rules, a deck box, a large metallic coin, and online play code.
Paldea Legends Tins: These tins offer a random drop of either Miraidon Ex or Koraidon Ex as the main card. Each set includes 1 foil card featuring the Pokémon on the tin and 5 booster packs.
Scarlet & Violet: Paldea Evolved: This set includes 36 booster packs and features Pokémon like Skeledirge Ex, Quaquaval Ex, and Meowscarada Ex.
Trainer’s Toolkit: This set doesn't include pre-constructed decks but offers 50 cards that can be used to build a deck, including Arceus V and Arceus VSTAR, along with other essentials.
Booster Packs
Once familiar with the basics, booster packs are a great way to expand your collection. Each pack contains a random assortment of cards. Booster packs are a surprise; they can be fun to open but don't guarantee specific cards.
Examples:
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – 151 (September 2023): This set revisits the first 151 Pokémon, featuring 12 new ex Pokémon cards, including the original starter trio: Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames (August 2023): This set is part of the Scarlet & Violet series, offering a range of new and exciting cards.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Paldea Evolved (June 2023): Another addition to the Scarlet & Violet series, this set includes various new cards to collect and play with.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (March 2023): Marking the beginning of a new era for the Pokémon TCG, this set aligns with the Scarlet and Violet video games, featuring booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and more.
Pokémon Sword & Shield – Crown Zenith (January 2023): An earlier set in 2023, providing an array of cards to expand your collection.
Elite Trainer Boxes
These boxes contain booster packs, energy cards, dice, and other gameplay accessories and are a great all-in-one solution for budding Pokémon trainers. They are a cost-effective way to grow your collection and get necessary gameplay tools.
Examples:
Scarlet & Violet 151 Elite Trainer Box (September 2023)
Obsidian Flames Elite Trainer Box (August 2023)
Paldea Evolved Elite Trainer Box (June 2023)
Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box (Miraidon) (March 2023)
Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box (Koraidon) (March 2023)
Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box (January 2023)
If you're looking for one particular card to complete your deck or collection, buying booster packs and boxes may not be the most efficient option, since they are random and you can never be sure what you're going to get.
In that case, you're best bet is to either shop our massive selection of Pokémon singles or find someone who is willing to trade for what you need.
If you shop online with House of Cards, you can come into the shop and pick up your order or we will ship your cards to you within 24 hours!
Understanding Product Releases
Pokémon TCG releases new sets regularly. Keeping an eye on upcoming releases can be exciting and offer access to new cards and strategies.
2024 Upcoming Pokemon TCG Set Releases
January 2024
Paldean Fates: Set to release on January 26, this set will focus on shiny Pokémon and contain over 240 cards, including more than 100 shiny Pokémon and 6 unique Hyper Rare cards. The release will include Booster Packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, Regular Tins, and Tech Sticker Collections.
Wild Force and Cyber Judge: These are anticipated Japanese dual sets releasing on January 26. They're expected to include more Paradox Pokémon and are likely to be standard releases with Boosters, Tins, and Mini Tins.
New Starter Deck and Build Sets: Also expected in January, these sets will feature new designs for Koraidon and Miraidon, focusing on the Ancient and Future categories and showcasing these Pokémon as ex cards.
February 2024
As of now, there are no specific set releases announced for February. However, it's speculated that The Pokémon Company in Japan might release merchandise drops featuring fan-favorite Pokémon, including items like playmats, deck sleeves, and deck boxes.
March 2024
Temporal Forces: Slated for release on March 22, this set might take inspiration from the Wild Force and Cyber Judge releases and is expected to focus on Paradox Pokémon, with a heavy emphasis on Walking Wake and Iron Leaves.
Crimson Haze: Also expected to release on March 22, this set may include new Pokémon featured in the Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Playing More Competitively and Moving Beyond Pre-Constructed Decks
As players become more comfortable, building custom decks becomes essential. This involves strategizing and choosing cards that work well together.
Resources: Utilize online forums like pokemoncenter.com, local game stores (like House of Cards!), and official Pokémon TCG resources for deck-building tips.
Participating in Local Tournaments
Local game stores like House of Cards often host tournaments and league nights. Participating in these can provide experience and insight into the competitive aspect of the game with just a hint of pressure and stakes. Once you get a handle on your local tournament scene and feel comfortable in a competitive environment, you can step it up and compete at bigger regional and national events.
Tournaments are not just about winning. They are excellent learning opportunities.
Pokémon TCG Online: This platform is a great way to practice and play against a wide range of opponents. It also helps in understanding the game's broader meta.
Don’t forget to follow Pokémon TCG news and updates. Being informed about the latest cards and strategies is crucial for competitive play.
Regular gameplay, whether at home or online, improves skills and understanding of deeper strategies.
Starting your Pokémon TCG journey is about learning, having fun, and gradually stepping into a more competitive play style. Remember, every expert player was once a beginner too! Embrace the learning process, enjoy building your collection, and most importantly, have fun with the Pokémon TCG community.
