How to Play

In 1998, Pokémon fans in the U.S. got their first taste of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Collectors loved the cards for the amazing artwork and special features; gamers loved the strategy and balanced complexity of a game they could play with friends, in local competitions, or at tournaments. The Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to get better and better. Check out the interactive demos below to learn how to play!

Learn to Play Demo

Want to learn how to play? Watch the Interactive Demo to see the Pokémon Trading Card Game in action!

Card Anatomy Demo

To learn more about the specific kinds of cards that you will be using in the game, check out the Card Anatomy Demo !

The Basics

You and your opponent take the role of competing Pokémon Trainers. Each turn, that player can boost his or her Pokémon’s attack power by adding Energy cards to that Pokémon, play special Trainer cards, and even evolve his or her Pokémon into stronger forms! Your goal is to Knock Out your opponent’s Pokémon by attacking with your Pokémon.

What Do You Need to Play?

You and your opponent will each need a 60-card deck. You will also need some counters to keep track of damage on the different Pokémon in play and a coin for flipping. You may also use the playmat included with this product to help learn the game-setup, but it’s not required for play.

Why Are There So Many Different Cards?

One of the things that makes the Pokémon game different from other card games is that it is a trading card game. This means that there are lots of different cards that you can collect and trade with your friends. Also, you are not limited to just playing the preconstructed decks you buy – you can use all of the different cards you have to create totally new decks! A lot of the fun of a trading card game comes from making different decks that use different strategies.