Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Pokémon is a trading card game that allows players to buy extra cards and customize their own deck for gameplay. A Pokémon deck is more than a game, it is a collection. Players typically beginning with a Trainer Kit, which teaches players how to become a Pokémon trainer via a card game. After players are more comfortable, they can buy other kinds of decks, like theme decks, to  make the game more interesting.

Pokémon defeat an opponent’s Pokémon with their attacks and/or abilities. Attacks must be powered by energy cards. Within Pokémon, there are 11 types of Energy which match the 11 type of Pokémon.

Grass

Pokémon that utilize grass are able to heal themselves as well as poison opponents.

Fire

Pokémon have large attacks. They are able to burn other pokémon, however, they must rest to build up before another attack.

Water

Pokémon are able to manipulate Energy and maneuver around opposing pokémon.

Lightning

Pokémon are able to revive used Energy that is in the discard. They are also able to paralyze their opponents.

Psychic

Pokémon have special powers that allow them to affect their opponents in unique ways, such as making them fall asleep or rendered confused.

Fighting

Pokémon serve serious damage, some can even deliver combination hits if they flip a coin.

Darkness

Pokémon use sneak attacks that cause opponents to discard.

Metal

Metal Pokémon are resilient and can endure attacks longer than the majority of other Pokémon.

Fairy

Pokémon employ tricks on opponent’s Pokémon that make their attacks less damaging.

Dragon

Pokémon have super strong attacks that typically require 2 Energy types.

Colorless

Pokémon are diverse and can do many kinds of moves, they adapt well to any deck.

The most important cards in the game. Many of these cards are Basic Pokémon, Stage 1 or Stage 2. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pokémon are also referred to as Evolution cards. The top left corner displays what stage the Pokémon is in and what basic Pokémon it evolved from.

Pokémon need Energy cards to start an attack. Match the symbol of the Energy card to the attack cost on the Pokémon card. Any kind of Energy can be used with the symbol of a black star enclosed in a gray circle.

Trainer cardsare items, allies, and potential stadiums trainer’s can play in battle. The top right corner denotes the type of trainer card while the bottom of the card displays and special rules that may apply.

Players have 7 cards in their hand at the start of the game. Hands are kept secret from opponents. Cards drawn are added to your hand.

Every player has 6 prize cards they set aside, face-down, at the start of the game. These cards come from each player’s personal deck and are picked randomly. No one should know what the prize cards are. If you Knock Out one of your opponent’s Pokémon, you grab one of your own prize cards and it is added to your hand. If you are first to take your last prize card you have won the game!

In play is the area both players share during the game. It is divided into two sections:

Active Pokémon 

All players start the game with one active Pokémon. These are put in the top row of a player’s in-play zone. The game allows only one active Pokémon per player at a time. If your opponent doesn’t have an active Pokémon, you have won the game!

Bench

The row of the in-play zone closest to you rests your ‘Benched Pokémon.’ Players can have a maximum of 5 Pokémon benched at any time.

Players place their personal deck to the right of their active Pokémon. Decks are for drawing cards and should not be examined, shuffled, or changed out. Don’t look at your opponent’s deck.

Discard

Below the deck, and to the right of the Bench, is the Discard Pile.Each player keeps their own discard. Knocked out Pokémon and attached Energy cards are sent to the discard.

Winning the Game

• Collect all 6 of your Prize Cards first
• Opponent does not have an Active Pokémon
• Opponent’s deck is exhausted at the start of their turn

Starting the Game

• Shake your opponent’s hand. Sportsmanship is #1.
• Flip a coin, the winner decides who starts first.
• Shuffle your deck and draw the first 7 cards from the top.
• Check your hand for Basic Pokémon, if you have one in hand place it face-down, this will be your Active Pokémon. 
• Put 5 more Basic Pokémon on the Bench. These cards should also be face-down.
• Take the top 6 cards off the deck and place them face-down to the side. These will be your Prize cards.
• Flip over your Pokémon and begin!!

Parts of a Turn

• Draw a card
• Either:
  • Put a Basic Pokémon on the Bench (from your hand, can be done as many times as a player wishes)
  • Evolve your Pokémon (can be done as many times as a player wishes)
  • Attach an Energy card to a Pokémon (1 per turn)
  • Play a Trainer card (1 Supporter and 1 Stadium per turn)
  • Retrieve your Active Pokémon (1 per turn)
  • Use your abilities (can be done as many times as a player wishes)
• Attack, turn is finished.

This game will give you hours of fun and strategy.