How to build a Pokémon deck: rules, ratios and tips

The deck rules

Starting ratios

1. Choose the core of the deck

Start from one or two Pokémon that attack well, often a Pokémon ex (see what ex cards are) or an evolution line up to Stage 2, and build everything else to get them into play as soon as possible. For evolution lines players use ratios such as 4-3-3 or 4-2-3 (Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2): more Basics because you need them straight away.

Pokémon ex in SAR versions from our catalogue

Pikachu ex

126/103

74,99 €3 pcs

Salamence ex

133/103

19,99 €2 pcs

Spidops ex

101/78

14,99 €1 pcs

Ting-Lu ex

94/71

12,99 €3 pcs

2. Consistency first

A good deck does the same things almost every game. To get there you need cards that draw and cards that search your deck for Pokémon and Energy. Running 4 copies of your most important cards greatly increases the chance of finding them in time.

3. Trainers: Supporters, Items and Stadiums

You can only play one Supporter per turn, so you need enough of them to have one nearly every turn: usually 8–12. Items can be played without limit and are used to search for cards or heal; Stadiums stay in play and affect both players.

Supporter cards from our catalogue

Lt. Surge's Deal

90/63

8,99 €1 pcs

Grimsley's Move

105/080

1,99 €1 pcs

Tate & Liza's Training

103/076

5,49 €1 pcs

Sold out

Acerola's Premonition

255/184

28,49 €0 pcs

Items and Stadiums

N's PP Up

214/193

1,55 €1 pcs

Glass Trumpet

215/193

1,59 €1 pcs

Ultra Ball

216/193

1,99 €1 pcs

Jamming Tower

222/193

1,99 €1 pcs

4. Test and adjust

Play at least ten games and note what's missing: if you run out of Energy, add some; if early on you draw cards that only matter late in the game, cut them. Also check that your cards are legal in the Standard format.