So you’ve been collecting cards for a while and now you want to play. Building a deck sounds complex, but it isn’t. You need a plan, a simple structure, and a few good cards.
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Makes a Legal Pokémon Deck
- Exactly 60 cards
- No more than four copies of any card (basic Energy excluded)
- A main attacker to build around
- Enough Energy to power attacks
- Trainer cards to set up and draw
Tip: Think in systems. Every card supports your main attacker or consistency.
Choose a Theme or a Favourite Pokémon
Pick a lead attacker you like. Then answer:
- What Energy type does it use.
- Does it need set-up Pokémon.
- Which Trainers speed it up.
Everything else should help get that attacker into play and keep it active.
Use a Reliable Deck Structure
Pokémon
15–20
Trainers
25–30
Energy
10–15
Trainer cards are the engine. If a deck feels slow, add more draw and search.
Trainer Cards That Work in Any Deck
- Professor’s Research
- Boss’s Orders
- Ultra Ball
- Nest Ball
- Rare Candy
- Switch
- Iono
If the deck clunks, increase these counts.
Don’t Build From Zero Right Away
Start with a ready-made deck and upgrade. The Miraidon ex League Battle Deck is strong out of the box and teaches good patterns.
Learn by Watching Other Decks
Study winning lists for structure. You’ll see heavy draw/search, focused types, and multiple copies of key cards.
Keep These Tips in Mind
- Stick to one or two types to keep Energy consistent.
- Run multiples of your best cards.
- Ensure draw or search every turn.
- Test, then change 1–2 cards at a time.
- Include a backup attacker.
Store Your Deck Properly
Final Thoughts
Start with a favourite Pokémon, add the cards that make it work, and play often. Perfection isn’t required.
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