Pokémon Trading Card Game

TL;DR:

Learn the core rules in minutes and start with a 60-card deck.
Standard rotation for 2026 drops “G” regulation cards on April 10, 2026.
Build on a budget with staple Trainers, then add attackers you love.
Buy from trusted stores, use simple tests to spot fakes, and store safely.
Play online in Pokémon TCG Live, the successor to Pokémon TCG Online.

This guide helps new and returning players. It covers the rules, formats, decks, buying, storage, and spotting fake cards. It also links you to official sources so you can trust every step.

The quick rules you need first

The Pokémon Company’s rulebook lays it out, but here is the fast start.

You and your opponent bring 60-card decks.
Draw 7 cards, set 1 Basic Pokémon face down as your Active.
Put up to 5 Basic Pokémon on your Bench.
Flip your Prize cards, usually 6 in Standard.
On your turn you may attach 1 Energy, play any number of Trainer cards, evolve Pokémon that have been in play since a previous turn, use Abilities, then attack.
Knock Out opposing Pokémon to take Prize cards. Take all your Prizes to win. You can also win if your opponent has no Pokémon in play or cannot draw a card at the start of their turn.

For full details, including special conditions and turn order, see the official rulebook from The Pokémon Company.

Formats explained, without the confusion

Play! Pokémon supports different formats so players can enjoy both new and older cards.

Standard. Uses recent cards only. On January 9, 2026, The Pokémon Company announced that cards with the “G” regulation mark rotate out of Standard on April 10, 2026. Cards with H, I, and J marks remain legal after that date. This keeps the metagame fresh and deck costs manageable.
Expanded. A larger pool that includes many older sets. Check Play! Pokémon’s resources before events, since some cards may be banned for balance.
Limited. You build from cards opened on the spot, such as at a prerelease.

You can find regulation marks at the bottom of modern cards. When you buy singles, match the mark to the format you plan to play.

Building your first deck

Pick a plan, then support it with consistent cards.

Choose your attackers. Select one or two Pokémon lines that attack for similar Energy types. Recent sets feature Pokémon ex with strong attacks at a fair cost.
Lock in your Trainer engine. Good decks run 25 to 30 Trainers. Include card draw, search, switching, and stadium control. Look for staple counts like 4 copies of your best draw Supporter, 4 search Items, and multiple switching cards.
Count your Energy wisely. Many Standard decks run 8 to 12 Energy, more if attacks are expensive or you lack Energy acceleration.
Test in Pokémon TCG Live. The official app replaced Pokémon TCG Online. You can practice, complete challenges, and learn timing with no table space needed.

Sample 60-card skeleton you can tune

16–20 Pokémon, centered on one main line and a backup.
25–30 Trainers, mixed across draw, search, switch, and utility.
8–12 Energy, aligned with your attackers.

Start small, then swap in better cards as you learn your local metagame.

Buying sealed and singles, the safe way

The quickest route to a playable deck is buying singles from trusted sellers. Elite Trainer Boxes and preconstructed products are fun, but they spread value across many cards you may not use.

Prefer reputable stores. Local game stores and well known online sellers are safer than flea markets. The Pokémon Company has noted more counterfeit reports from flea markets.
Know what is legal. Check the regulation mark before you buy. For Standard after April 10, 2026, avoid G-mark cards for competitive play.
Compare prices. Use a few marketplaces to avoid paying above the going rate.
For sealed product, check packaging. Look for clean shrink-wrap, sharp print, and a legit distributor mark. Avoid “too cheap to be true” bundles.

How to spot fake cards

Counterfeits exist in many regions, and they are better than before. Use these quick, low-risk tests. When in doubt, ask a knowledgeable store.

Light test. Pokémon Support notes many fakes let far more light through. Hold the card to a bright light and compare with a known real card.
Text and font. Read every line. Misspellings or odd fonts are red flags.
Color and borders. Real cards have even borders and consistent color. Washed-out blues or very dark backs suggest a fake.
Corner cut and feel. Real cards have smooth, uniform corners and a consistent semi-gloss feel. Grainy or waxy surfaces are suspect.
Packaging check. For sealed packs, sloppy seals, missized wrappers, or odd crimp patterns are warning signs.

If you encounter fakes on a platform, report the listing. If you are unsure, a local game store can help confirm.

Storing and protecting your collection

Cards are paper. Heat, humidity, and pressure ruin them. Follow basic conservation practices used for works on paper.

Use acid-free sleeves. Slip each keeper into a penny sleeve, then a rigid or semi-rigid holder if needed.
Avoid wood boxes. Museum guidance warns that unsealed wood off-gasses acids. Use inert plastics or steel shelving.
Control climate. Aim for stable, moderate conditions. Conservation institutes recommend neutral pH enclosures and stable humidity. In humid regions, add silica gel packs and keep cards off the floor.
Handle clean. Wash hands, avoid lotions, and keep food away.
Binders for play sets. Use side-loading, acid-free binders. Do not overfill pages.

If you plan to grade, read PSA’s grading standards first. Corners, edges, centering, and surface all matter. Print defects can reduce the grade even on pack-fresh cards.

Organized play and your first event

Play! Pokémon runs leagues and tournaments worldwide.

League nights. Casual play, trades, and learning. Great for kids and beginners.
Prerelease events. Limited format with the next set, usually two weeks before launch. You open a Build & Battle kit and play a small tournament.
Challenges and Cups. Local competitive events. Bring a Standard deck that matches the current rotation.

Always check the tournament rules and decklist requirements on the Play! Pokémon site before you go.

Digital play options

Pokémon TCG Live is the official way to play online now. The company migrated players from Pokémon TCG Online and posts updates and FAQs on support pages. Build decks, test ideas, and earn rewards that help you craft cards you need. Note that Pokémon TCG Pocket is a separate mobile experience and does not sync your Live collection.

2026 calendar highlights to watch

April 10, 2026. Standard rotation takes effect. G-mark cards leave Standard.
Next expansion window. Check official news for set legality dates. Prerelease events usually begin about two weeks before a set’s release.

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying random bulk instead of targeted singles.
Ignoring regulation marks when building for Standard.
Overfilling binders, which dents edges.
Leaving cards in cars or near windows.
Trading high-value cards without checking recent sale prices.

Quick reference table

Topic	What to do	Source to confirm
Rules	Learn from the official rulebook.	The Pokémon Company rulebook
2026 Standard	G-mark rotates April 10, 2026.	The Pokémon Company news post
Online play	Use Pokémon TCG Live. Online is retired.	Pokémon Support migration FAQ
Spotting fakes	Light test, text check, color and borders.	Pokémon Support guidance
Storage	Acid-free sleeves, stable humidity, no wood boxes.	Conservation institute guidance
Grading	Review standards before submitting.	PSA grading standards

Why it matters

Clear rules and the right buying plan save money. Knowing the 2026 rotation stops you from purchasing cards you cannot play in Standard after April 10, 2026. Simple counterfeit checks protect your wallet. Basic storage keeps your pulls crisp for trades, events, or grading.