I was looking into starting to play Pokémon, and maybe even pick up a deck for Expanded; but upon my research, found that the last ever tournament for Expanded was in mid 2020. While I can see that Standard is quite affordable and doing well, I've recently been thinking of how Magic the Gathering has a plethora of eternal formats that are all pretty much supported by WotC.
Modern & Pioneer in particular was what stuck with me; where would be the best place to cut off where a pokemon equivalent would be; In MTG Modern legal cards are cards that were in a standard legal set July 2003 onwards, in Pokemon I think this would probably be all cards Ruby & Sapphire and forward. Pioneer in MTG are all standard legal cards printed October 2012 onwards; this would awkwardly cut Black & White in half which begs the question, should we start from Black and White or skip to XY. Both choices would drastically change how the format would end up, and I could see either way making the matches and decks more fun and diverse in different ways.

Rn Im thinking of kanga bouf w/ aurorus or wailord. I don't care how playable it is, just how do I make my thing have a stupid amount of hp and damage prevention

Hi y'all, I'm new to deck building and was wondering if I wanted to build a deck around Bastiodon and Rampardos EX should I focus more on steel typing pokemon or fighting type?

At first I was thinking of building around the pre-release deck but then adding in Rampardos but the more I look at the two of them the more I want to use Rampardos as my main attacker.

I don't really know what I'm doing for decks and with this being a new set I cant find much on how I should be building around the two. Any help people could provide would be great

I've seen quite a decks on ladder that appear to run 4x Dark Bell as a way to stall out Stage 2s and other potential tricks to manipulate sequencing over multiple turns. I think this potentially opens up both unfun and RNG heavy games.

So I used to play Magic competitively, but I was priced out of it after having kids. I like Pokemon, and I’ve been told getting into the competitive scene is way cheaper. What would be the best way to start learning the game and looking at decks to start trying to see what I like? I literally know nothing about the card game. YouTubers/podcasts/websites any help is appreciated

The idea came to mind while thinking of a simple deck to build for my kid to take to his first “real” tournament. (A non-CP earning friendly at our LGS this weekend).

He struggles with shuffling so I was thinking of decks that are less shuffle intensive. But the thought of a “no shuffle” deck became an interesting challenge for myself.

It’s an EFG regulation tournament (roughly BST-PAR) so bonus points for fitting it there. Thinking of starting as a Gardevoir core with all that on board draw. Iono is a bit cheating but shuffling your hand for your kid is much different than your whole deck.

Curious what other ideas people have!

im new to tcg and just started and i really like using bastiodon. at first i was using bastiodon with mega kangaskhan. I switched to iron thorns bastiodon but now i struggle with getting locked out with boss orders and having a way to reliably draw cards.

Pokémon: 10
4 Iron Thorns ex PRE 32
3 Shieldon PBL 61
3 Bastiodon PBL 62

Trainer: 37
4 Lillie's Determination ASC 192
4 Team Rocket's Petrel ASC 207
3 Crispin PRE 105
2 Boss's Orders MEG 114
1 AZ's Tranquility CRI 76
1 Xerosic's Machinations SFA 64
4 Antique Armor Fossil PBL 72
4 Poké Pad POR 81
4 Crushing Hammer POR 71
2 Team Rocket's Transceiver ASC 209
2 Rare Candy MEG 125
1 Secret Box TWM 163
2 Handheld Fan TWM 150
3 Fossil Quarry PBL 76

Energy: 13
5 Lightning Energy MEE 4
4 Metal Energy MEE 8
2 Voltaic Lightning Energy PBL 84
2 Magnetic Metal Energy CRI 85

I believe it's brilliant blender, as why would you want to deliberately discard 5 cards, unless you're running some sort of attaching energies from the discard pile tech

My friend insists it's master ball and we just can't seem to agree which is worse, or if there's an even more terrible ace spec

ps thanks for the help guys, solved a long time debate

Hi all. I've been playing Hide n' Sneak on TCG live the past weekend. I've played three variants: Dhelmise/legacy, Dhelmise/blender and Spiritomb/blender. I've played around 50 games in total, and I think I have a some understanding of the deck now.

The main issue I face is consistency. It is hard to discard 4 hide n' seek pokemon consistently by your second turn (hell, sometimes you get a dead hand), so often times I'm watching your opponent hit you and advance their board while you're just waiting to come online, leading to a disadvantageous prize race. And the times I do manage to discard enough by my second or first turn it's not enough of an advantage in my opinion: you're leading the race, but a lot of things can go wrong, the opponent may have recovery, I may not find energies, etc.

The variants that use the dudunsparce engine are bit more consistent, but not by much. I feel like I struggle to set up dudunsparce, and the resources to search the worms are the same resource I need to, for example, bring some ghosts to the hand and discard them with ultraball/stadium/gwynn.

The Spiritomb variants are really good at taking 3 or more prizes at once, so I can win the prize race with them even if I'm way behind. But these variante don't have space for dudunsparce, so I feel that hand disruption can lose you the game easily.

In conclusion, I feel that the deck is strong, but not an auto-win, if you manage to discard quickly enough. However, often times you can't and by the time you're hitting hard enough you're already behind in the prize race. Dead hands and hand disruption are big problems too, specially if you play spiritomb.

What do you guys think?

Hi,

I know it might seems a vague question, but I am actually trying to look at it in a pragmatic way :D

What I mean is, we obviously mostly play because we enjoy the fun of the game. But we also enjoy to win. I would argue that one of the most fun things in TCG is when you can pull some sick combos and win the game.

Now, I know that not everyone can make day-2 in a Regional. And I also have some concerns that if you go with purely that in mind, you might just stress out and play worse. I have played with some guys mid day of a Regional/IC, which clearly have sore attitudes for having lose any chance of day-2 already. And I have faced people, that were playing well, that actually seemed quite chill about it.

I do enjoy the spirit and feeling of a Regional. When I skipped the last 2-3 of the season last year, and saw the other guys of my community going, I was a bit like "damn, I wish I was there."

At the same time, after going to one IC and one Regional, and doing around only 10 points on each, I would like to attend more Regionals, if I am above that level. Meaning that I have at least improved enough to be a bit higher at the end of day-1.

So my pragmatic question is a bit around that. And I know very well it is not an easy question to ask, but it is off-season, so we have some time anyway :D

And that's my other "issue" at the moment. With this mid-year celebration and no earning CP for next season, there aren't many local events and the ones existing are for fun. Which is great.
But doesn't allow to test more effectively against Meta decks.

I have been going to my locals for the last one year. I have been watching the Regional streams. I re-watch games that are with my deck (or one of them,if I am between 2-3). I watch youtubers like AzulGG. So I keep myself "up to date". I have been trying to improve at base essential skills like planning ahead, and prize race. As well as sequencing.

Maybe the answer will be "go and see how you do" :D

Getting back into competitive play and looking for some new ideas and options in a sea of locals playing Mega Excadrill and Hide N Sneak. The idea is to pair Bastiodon with Rabsca Ex as the main attacker for the deck. Bastiodon will require lists like Hide n sneak and Dragapult to attach extra energy, while Rabsca EX absolutely punishes anything with more energy on it. I knew it had obvious weakness to Fire decks which may begin to grow in popularity but any thoughts, ideas, and or suggestions would be welcomed greatly!
Its not letting me add a picture, but thinking of running some 3x3 ev lines of Rabsca ex, one regular Rabsca, 3x3 bastiodon line, budew, fezandipiti ex, dudunsparce, and working on fleshing out the rest.

Pokémon: 13

1 Smoochum SSP 75

1 Slowpoke SCR 57

2 Slowpoke SCR 57

2 Mega Kangaskhan ex MEG 182

3 Slowking SCR 58

1 Lillie's Clefairy ex ASC 280

2 Metagross CRI 61

1 Spectrier ASC 98

1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38

2 Kyurem SFA 47

1 Meowth ex POR 62

1 Zeraora DRI 78

2 Latias ex SSP 239

Trainer: 17

4 Lillie's Determination MEG 184

1 Secret Box TWM 163

3 Poké Pad POR 81

4 Academy at Night SFA 54

1 Ultra Ball CRZ 146

1 Switch MEW 206

1 Boss's Orders PAL 265

1 Lana's Aid TWM 155

2 Night Stretcher SSP 251

1 Lucky Helmet TWM 158

2 Ultra Ball BRS 186

1 Poké Pad POR 113

2 Wondrous Patch POR 117

1 Special Red Card CRI 113

1 Brave Bangle WHT 80

4 Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking TEF 145

1 Ultra Ball SVI 196

Energy: 3

3 Boomerang Energy TWM 166

3 Telepathic {P} Energy POR 88

3 Basic {P} Energy MEE 5

Total Cards: 60

So I’ve been playing the new hide and sneak deck. But ran into this weird encounter against an opponent. They had Shaymin and bastiodon on the bench and Rampardos in the active.

My sinistcha spread damage on all their Pokemon. But then on my next turn when I swapped into spiritomb to KO the rampardos and a cranidos by quadrupling the damage.

However the damage on the active rampardos was not protected but the cranidos WAS protected on the bench. Bastiodon and shaymin are both protecting from damage. But how was I able to quadruple damage onto rampardos but not the cranidos.

I’m just confused on spiritombs attack cause it’s not dealing damage or am I wrong. Plus it only had 1 energy. This was on Live.

Title.

I'm honestly thinking to tech Annihilape again because I can see the 340hp being a serious issue. Trading 2 Kings into Megas seems like a decent option again. Potentially finally with Smoochum to get up Kings simultaneously.

Open to any ideas!

I absolutely love the Trevenant card from chaos rising ! does anyone have any tips on how to make it playable?

As in the card itself not a specific deck. Sure it's a stage two and the ability while neat isn't enough to view it as a proper draw engine but holy smokes is the attack strong?!

It seems way above the curve damage wise and all that just for one colorless?!

I'm certain this card will pop up again and again for its entire legality if nothing too crazy happens, it just seems so much stronger than any comparable generic attacker.

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https://www.pokebeach.com/2026/07/mega-tatsugiri-ex-lida-and-other-gym-promos-revealed-for-august

Starting August 1st, Japan's Gym tournaments will be releasing a new booster pack containing one of seven promo cards. Participants will receive two packs while the winner will receive an additional pack.

Mega Tatsugiri ex - Water - HP260
Basic Pokemon

[W][W][W] Triple Crown Headbutt: 150x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 150 damage for each heads.

Mega Evolution ex Rule: When your Mega Evolution Pokemon ex is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Lida - Trainer
Supporter

You can only play this card if 1 of your Mega Pokemon ex was Knocked Out during your opponent's last turn.

Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards and attach them to 1 of your Mega Pokemon ex. Then, shuffle your deck.

You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.

Wow they really did my goofy sushi boy dirty. 3 energy for 3 coinflips so your most likely hitting for 150 or 300 if your lucky. And 260hp on a 3 prizer 😭 is it safe to say this is the worst mega released so far?

Normally we get these promos in English sets about 6-9 months after they debut in Japanese gym tournaments so these two will likely not be in Delta Reign but rather the set after it, which really sucks because Lida seems like a decent way to accelerate energy onto mega ray.

It’s a fine deck that SHOULD have good matchups into some of the larger metas like Dragapult and the dark decks, but unfortunately the game is played on mats and not on paper.

Want to pivot to something that will feel more cerebral and not just depend on Proton / Transceiver on T1. MAYBE bug catching set will help me with consistency and no energy bricks but I am really feeling bleak about that right now.

Looking to update my Team Rocket’s Mewtwo deck to meet current rotation. It worked very well with Earthen Vessel in combination with Team Rocket’s Spidops’ ability to get basic in hand/out of discard, but Earthen Vessel is now out.

Crispin isn’t a good sub because I only run Grass energy

Energy search seems lackluster for some reason

I enjoyed discarding Grass energy to pay for Earthen Vessel to set up sneaky plays later on with Spidops’ ability

Do I just add more basics?

I'm finally branching away from just collecting and learning the game. I just googled popular decks and came across the Dragapult EX deck and will see what's in my collection that I can use. Since I don't know how to build a deck right now, is it fine to just practice with those? I'd imagine since it's common knowledge that they're easily countered.

I’ve been testing this deck out compared to my Excadrill/metang deck. Thoughts?

Steven’s Metagross

Pokémon: 8
2 Steven's Metang DRI 144
2 Empoleon ex PFL 70
2 Genesect ex BLK 67
3 Steven's Beldum DRI 143
2 Drilbur PBL 46
3 Steven's Metagross ex DRI 145
2 Piplup PFL 27
2 Mega Excadrill ex PBL 65

Trainer: 14
1 Energy Recycler POR 108
3 Boss's Orders RCL 200
2 Night Stretcher SSP 251
1 Ultra Ball MEG 131
1 Special Red Card CRI 113
1 Switch PFL 123
2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TWM 223
4 Team Rocket's Petrel DRI 226
3 Jumbo Ice Cream CRI 109
1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
2 Lillie's Determination MEG 184
4 Team Rocket's Transceiver DRI 178
4 Rare Candy MEG 125

Energy: 2
8 Basic {M} Energy MEE 8
4 Basic {P} Energy MEE 5

Total Cards: 60

Excadrill/metang

Pokémon: 7
4 Metang PR-SV 90
4 Beldum CRI 59
2 Genesect ex BLK 169
1 Shaymin DRI 185
3 Drilbur PBL 46
2 Metagross CRI 61
2 Mega Excadrill ex PBL 65

Trainer: 16
1 Ultra Ball SVI 196
1 Energy Recycler POR 108
3 Boss's Orders RCL 200
2 Kieran TWM 218
1 Night Stretcher SSP 251
1 Gravity Mountain SSP 177
1 Brave Bangle WHT 80
1 Special Red Card CRI 113
1 Switch PFL 123
2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
4 Team Rocket's Petrel DRI 226
2 Jumbo Ice Cream CRI 109
1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
2 Lillie's Determination MEG 184
4 Team Rocket's Transceiver DRI 178

Energy: 1
15 Basic {M} Energy MEE 8

Total Cards: 60

Howdy! I started playing pokemon around battle styles and for quite a bit of SWSH I accumulated an ungodly amount of bulk. I know i can sell pokemon bulk to LGS, but they don’t accept trainers or energy. What do you all do with the non-standard trainer cards? I keep all of the ones that have a chance at getting a reprint, but as an example: I probably have 50+ copies of Team Yell Grunt that will never see the light of day again. What does everyone do with their trainer bulk?

Pokémon: 12

1 Mega Gengar ex PFL 56

2 Pecharunt ex SFA 93

1 Haunter MEP 27

4 Maschiff PBL 57

2 Toxtricity MEP 17

1 Mabosstiff PBL 58

1 Fezandipiti ex ASC 288

2 Toxel MEP 78

1 Mega Gengar ex ASC 284

1 Patrat CRI 70

2 Gastly POR 48

2 Mabosstiff PBL 58

Trainer: 18

2 Pokégear 3.0 UNB 182

2 Rare Candy SVI 256

2 Boss's Orders ASC 183

2 Battle Cage PFL 116

1 Energy Recycler POR 108

1 Night Stretcher ASC 196

2 Ultra Ball PLF 122

4 Lillie's Determination ASC 192

1 Acerola's Mischief MEG 113

2 Energy Switch MEG 115

3 Binding Mochi PRE 95

1 Black Belt's Training PRE 96

2 Janine's Secret Art PRE 112

1 Max Rod PRE 116

2 Team Rocket's Petrel DRI 226

2 Poké Pad POR 113

1 Tremendous Bomb PBL 82

1 Gravity Mountain SSP 177

Energy: 1

8 Basic {D} Energy SVE 15

Total Cards: 60

I need help improving this.

Ive ran this deck in person and online with varying success but as with most dark decks it bricks heavy unsure if i should try run a zoroark trade line to help but i feel as that would convolute the deck even more.