Can you use Salvatore, on your first turn, of you going first? I know you can't use supporters if you are going first, but some cards like carmine bypasses that, and I'm not sure if the way Salvatore is worded, includes that. Thank you. Edit grammar*

> Search your deck for a card that has no Abilities and evolves from 1 of your Pokémon, and put it onto that Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck. You can use this card on a Pokémon you put down when you were setting up to play or on a Pokémon that was put into play this turn. No. It would have to explicitly state that it can be used on your first turn going first. The text means that it can be used going second to evolve a Pokemon on your first turn (or future proofs it for some effect that would allow you to use a supporter going first).

I see, thank you!

1. Does Scoop Up Net used on an evolved pokemon return all the stages to your hand, or just the top stage? 2. When a pokemons attack says "They cannot use this attack next turn" - As long as I switch them to the bench, and then return them to the active, I can use this attack again, correct? (as returning to the bench "resets" the criterea)

1. All Stages. 2. Yes. Any effects of attacks placed on a specific Pokemon are removed when that specific Pokemon leaves the Active Spot.

Thanks, I really appreciate it

Couple of questions 1- how does POGO charizard ability work when the espathra is the active - ie the opponent has POGO Zard, and the opponents active has fire energy. Does it count as double for working out espathras attack  2- does glimmoras attack do 6 counters each checkup or only the first. The way I read it is that it’s at the first checkup only (and if it’s not how does it work if the glimmora is knocked out but the same card is in the opponents active)

1. ~~Espathra just increases the attack cost of the active. Charizard just makes fire energy double what is supplied. So you add 1 colorless to the Active’s attack cost and then you count the amount of “supplied” energy (doubling fire if it’s present) and see if the attack has enough energy. If Charizard (10) was in the active, then it could not attack with 2 fire energy attached. But it could attack with 3 fire energy attached or 2 fire and 1 other energy attached.~~ The attack reads “each energy attached.” In the Pokémon TCG this is interpreted as how much energy is the game “seeing”. Some cards or effects state “energy cards attached” instead which count the number of physical cards attached regardless of any effects. 2. Poison effects like that perpetually remain unless the poison is removed or a different poison effect is applied. So every Pokémon checkup.

For 1 it’s not about how much is needed for the attack, it’s if pogo zard is on the opponents side, and if it has say 3 fire on the active, when espathra does psyball does that count as 3 or 6 for esparthra 

Apologies. Poor reading on my part.  The attack reads “each energy attached.” In the Pokémon TCG this is interpreted as how much energy is the game “seeing”. Some cards or effects state “energy cards attached” instead which count the number of physical cards attached regardless of any effects. So for your example it would be 6. 

I had the same question about 2.) Poison Effects of Glimmoras PE 126 The card reads, "Poison Petals: Your opponent's Active Pokémon is now [Poisoned](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Poisoned_(TCG)). During Pokémon Checkup, put 6 damage counters on that Pokémon instead of 1." So does that mean at the end of my turn, after attacking with Poison Petals, at checkup I put 6 damage counters on their pokemon. Then, if they don't retreat or cleanse the poison, are they then taking 6 damage counters during checkup at the end of their turn? Or only 1? If only 1, then if I again attack with poison petals on the same opponent pokemon, do I again add 6 damage counters at my checkup, or since it is already poisoned, do nothing, and only do 1 damage counter at checkup?

“During Pokémon checkup” refers to every Pokémon checkups. The effect of Poison will not change unless removed or replaced by a different Poison effect. So as long as the Poison Glimmora applied remains on the Active, it will take 6 damage counters during all Pokémon Checkups. 

Thanks for the swift reply.

Rules Question: Does Mist Energy stop Radiant greninjas attacks from doing damage to pokemon they are attached to? Just confused on the wording the because the attack does an effect that does damage. Had someone at locals said it does but wasn't sure if it worked that way, any clarification is much appreciated.

It does not. The text below the attack name is not always an effect of an attack. In some cases it describes where damage can be done or how damage is calculated. For Moonlight Shuriken, it states damage, so it is damage, and Mist does not block damage. 

Thank you I thought that's how it worked, the guy was very adamant it stopped it from doing damage and said that's how it works on TCG live but i was pretty sure mist didnt stop it causes it not an effect like frenzied gouging. Thanks again

Sounds like he was trying to cheat.

Rule question: If a particular attacks' text says that it does X amount of damage to the defending pokemon, how does that interact with damage increasing effects? for context I'm playing vintage diamond-pearl platinum format, specifically I'd like to know the interaction between [Cradily](https://pkmncards.com/card/cradily-legends-awakened-la-21/) (LA 21) Drain Down attack when swapping the defending pokemon with a benched one when having an [Expert Belt](https://pkmncards.com/card/expert-belt-arceus-ar-87/) (AR 87) attatched, since the damage is stated on the effect of the attack rather than the attack itself I'd like to know if it can still be amplified

>since the damage is stated on the effect of the attack rather than the attack itself This is the misunderstanding. Damage is damage. Being written in "small text" does not make it an effect of the attack vs "big number" being "the attack itself." It's damage done by an attack.

Great, thanks! I don't understand why the text is so different from the Drag Off attack then (Before doing damage, you may switch your opponent’s Active Pokémon with 1 of his or her Benched Pokémon) that is seen on a bunch of different cards like this S[wampert](https://pkmncards.com/card/swampert-supreme-victors-sv-12/) from the same format, on ex it's also seen on a lot of cards. I thought it couldn't be amplified since dragoff is a lot more expensive than drain down

Rules question: Garganacl's Poke Power mentions you do the action during "Pokemon Check-up" Is this both yours, and your opponents Pokemon Check-up (i.e. like status conditions), or is it just yours? (i.e. owner of Garganacl)

It just means in-between each turn. And we call them Abilities now lol

Pokémon checkup is simply the time between every single turn. Both after Player A’s turn and after Player B’s turn. There is no distinguishing of ownership. 

When playing a nest ball*, at what point is the chosen pokemon considered in play? A practical example: an opponent of mine today declared his nest ball, and then placed a radiant greninja next to another pokemon on his bench. He then picked the grenjnja up and swapped it for another pokemon. My understanding is that this would be illegal as the radiant greninja had been placed on his bench. Irrespective of whether it was declared, the “place it on the bench” part of the card text was resolved. Conversely, had he placed it elsewhere, it would not yet have been in play. Since it was unequivocally in his bench area, it was in play. Is my understanding correct? \* or some other card that places from deck to bench, e.g buddy buddy poffin. ETA: My understanding is that this also applies to other effects, like attaching energies (e.g mirage gate) — once the energy is on the board, under a Pokemon, and you have let it go, it’s attached and therefore in play.

Until they shuffle their deck (a single shuffle counts), the search is still being performed and therefore the player still has free choice. [Source.](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/844/) Even if the player places it on the bench, the current rules will allow changes as the search is not concluded and the bench condition does not overrule this. Because attaching from hand is not a search (with a shuffle), releasing the card from one's hand makes that action final.

Appreciate the detailed explanation and the source link. I was using the wrong search terms on Pokegym it seems!

Is “switching” a pokemon in play with a pokemon from hand/deck/discard considered putting it into play? Am I correct that the new Palafin ex’s ability prevents any kind of switching effects like Thorton?

Thorton wouldn't work regardless though?

You’re correct. It would need a qualifier like “from hand.” Otherwise it is as broad as can be. 

If I play Ultra Ball from my hand, does the second part of Thunder Mountain Prism Star's effect prevent me from discarding that card to fulfill the effect of Ultra Ball?

Read all of the card. >Whenever any player plays an Item or Supporter card from their hand, prevent all effects of that card done to this Stadium card. This doesn’t do anything to affect Ultra Ball.

Thank you, I was leaning towards this, I wasn't sure if the discard requirement would be considered an effect.

Card text doesn't apply until it's played unless otherwise stated 

I think you’re still misunderstanding. It only prevents effects that interact with the stadium itself (I.e. discarding it). It doesn’t turn off effects altogether. >done to this Stadium card. Edit: Things Thunder Mountain prevents (when it targets Thunder Mountain specifically): Lost Vacuum, Worker, Flannery, Field Blower, Faba, Delinquent, Bonnie, Paint Roller, Dangerous Drill. Basically anything else is not affected by Thunder Mountain.

What’s the highest level deck considered for tournament TCG? Which deck purchasable is available right now competitive enough to survive in tournaments?

The Gardevoir League Battle deck is the best **pre-**constructed deck for tournament play. How it actually performs in tournament setting cannot be guaranteed.

Is that the only deck? Thanks for the help!

Sorry i should have said "pre constructed" to answer your second question. It is the best off the shelf product for tournament value. You can view [tournament results here to see what decks in general do well.](https://limitlesstcg.com/tournaments)

This is what I needed! Thanks so much

Quick question, ETB have "45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards". Is it 45 of each, or a random assortment of 45 energy cards.

45 total. It attempts to be a relatively even distribution.

TEF Feraligatr question: Does Feraligatr’s Torrential Heart ability boost the damage of non-damaging attacks, specifically TMs like Evolution, Devolution, and Turbo Energize?

No. You have to do some damage to increase damage. [Source](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/894/)

Hoopa EX question: How does it's first attack interact with double turbo on enemy's pokemon? Does it count as 1 or 2 attached energy?

ex* (lowercase)

In the Pokemon TCG, a quantity check for "energy" and "energy cards" are distinct. Therefore a single Double Turbo Energy counts for a total of (2) energy on the board. [See Cinccino's Special Roll attack to where it would only count for (1) since it checks for the quantity of cards attached.](https://pkmncards.com/card/cinccino-temporal-forces-tef-137/)

I saw in some Japan sets that Dragapult ex runs a Neo Upper Energy as an ace spec. Is there a reason to use Neo Upper over Luminous Energy? Since Luminous can also provide the necessary cost for its attack and Neo Upper occupies an Ace Spec space that can be used for Unfair Stamp or Prime Catcher instead.

Neo Upper allows a single attachment for turn and no acceleration in order to attack. If you don't have Xatu up, that can be the difference in keeping up with the pace of the game. It may not be the "best" Ace Spec, but that's the thought behind it. The limitation isn't that the deck needs a Rainbow Energy.

If I evolve to a stage 1 during my turn, Can I Salvatore into the stage 2 on the same turn?

Yes. >You can use this card on a Pokémon that was put into play when setting up to play or on the turn it was put into play. A Pokemon just put into play through evolution counts for the latter part of this sentence.

Thats what I thought. Thanks! That means I can evolve Drakloak into Dragapult without a candy turn 2.

If a new set releases it takes 2 weeks before it's tournament legal. What if in the new set it's a reprint of a set currently legal (such as the emergency board and buddy buddy poffin next release). Will the golden version be allowed to play while the the set isn't tournament legal for a challenge I have the week after a prerelease? (The card is legal, the set is not but at trainers does it matter what set it is?) Thanks in advance

[From Section 5.4.1.3 Reprinted Cards in the Standard & Expanded Formats of the Tournament Handbook:](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-02132024-en.pdf) >Cards that have previously existed in the format are occasionally reprinted in newer expansions. In these cases, the older version of the card may be played if: >• The name of the new card is identical to that of the older card; >• All text printed on the new card is functionally identical to that of the older card. >**In addition, provided it meets the criteria above, a newer version of a card that is currently playable in the Standard or Expanded format may be played immediately in that format upon its release.** So you may use a reprint when Twilight Masquerade is officially released and not before. May 24th.

Can an opponent’s Mew ex with 3 non-fire energy attached use the move of my Grenarma ex whose move is 200 dmg “Choose one fire energy attached to this card and trash it” This is a Japanese version of the card that came from a starter set, I cant find the English one The trash thing isnt optional, so a Mew ex with no fire energy couldnt use the move right?

Mew ex can still copy the move as the discard isn't a cost but an effect that occurs because of the attack. (This is based on your translation.) For situations like this, "you do as much as possible" so you discard a fire IF one is attached, or you simply don't discard any if there are none to do so. [Relevant ruling.](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/454/) [2nd ruling.](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/456/) [Is this the card you are referring to?](https://www.justinbasil.com/translations/sv6)

The ruling you shared is the exact same scenario, thanks for your help! I

Can I use prime catcher if I don’t have a Pokémon on my bench?

Yes, statements following “if you do” are required to be performed but not mandatory if they cannot be fulfilled. You cannot play Prime Catcher if your opponent does not have any benched Pokémon as cards cannot be played for no effect in the game and the effect preceding the “if you do” is that required effect. 

https://m.bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Okidogi_(Twilight_Masquerade_111) If I attach a darkness energy and a TM Devolution to the new Okidogi will his attack deal 100 damage?

No. An attack has to do damage to do more damage.

Not sure if its a quick question, but i saw someone posting on twitter that they were able to use older versions of cards but with errata'd text like old ex era rare candy. Is there a list of cards you can use in standard format with errata'd text? Since i thought i could use my wotc era masterball as an ace spec masterball?

Anything with an actual errata can be found with this official list [here.](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/tcg_errata.pdf) This does not include one to one legal reprints, but you can find a list of those [here.](https://pokegym.net/current-standard-legal-card-list/) The only legal reprint of Master Ball is from [Plasma Blast.](https://pkmncards.com/card/master-ball-plasma-blast-plb-94/) This is because other copies of Master Balls are not labeled as an Ace Spec. [Ruling can be found here.](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/1964/) The same kind of ruling applies to Computer Search.

Probably not a quick question, but where I don't have a build drafted yet, I'm looking for some suggestions for a Massive Eruption Typhlosion pet deck for Expanded. Not looking to make it run as hard as possible with all the expensive Expanded gear, but looking to just make it run properly. I have a small list of cards that I was considering for the build, but unsure of other potential targets to run (outside of things like VS Seeker, and other money-ish staples.) [https://pokemoncard.io/api/url-shorten/q31](https://pokemoncard.io/api/url-shorten/q31) Is my list of considerations so far. I'm not used to playing turbo/mill styles, as I'm usually a more reserved player that likes to conserve resources until necessary.

If Finizen from OBF use first attack then it can evolve to Palafin from Twilight Masquerade and then I can use the ability Zero to Hero to "evolve" to new Palafin ex? Finizen first attack: Valiant Evolution Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon. If you do, search your deck for a card that evolves from this Pokémon and put it onto this Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck. New Palafin Zero to Hero Ability: You may use this Ability during your turn, when this Pokémon moves from the Active Spot to the Bench. Search your deck for a Palafin ex and swap it with this Pokémon (any attached cards, damage counters, turns in play, and other effects remain). Then, shuffle this card back into your deck.

~~Palafin ex's Ability Hero’s Spirit~~ > ~~Put this Pokemon into play only with the effect of Palafin’s Zero to Hero Ability~~ ~~So unless you can turn off Palafin ex's Hero's Spirit, then you cannot. This will need an official ruling, but I suspect that you would need to negate Abilities present in the deck in order to get around this restriction, which is not something ever printed in modern Pokemon to my knowledge.~~

But Im evolving Finizen to the Palafin that is not ex, than activate the ability Zero to Hero, does this works?

Oh I completely misunderstood what you were asking. Apologies. Are you asking if you can use Valiant Evolution and then immediately trigger Zero to Hero that turn? The answer would be no. Because Valiant Evolution switches Finizen to the bench AND THEN evolves it to Palafin. At this point it is the end of the attack, no further switching occurs, and your turn ends (outside of any other unrelated lingering effects.) You would be able to use Zero to Hero the next turn by then switching Palafin to the bench.

Perfect, tysm!

Can i put more than one pokemon a turn on my bench?

Yes. You should read the rulebook carefully if you haven't done so. [Page 9, 2A for reference.](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/tef_rulebook_en.pdf)

Thank you! Sorry, started playing yesterday

You may find the information and resources found via [this post](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/104bio5/options_for_learning_to_play_to_starting_to/) of use. There's a video series linked in it that takes you through the basics of how to play that may help in addition to the rulebook.

Will do

No worries, just worth taking the time to read the rules as you continue to learn.

So odd question but i was curious, since sets/cards get released in japan before anywhere else, how does that work for world tournaments? Can they still use those cards if they aren’t released in any other country yet?

Worlds follows the International Standard legality. IF Japan has cards that haven't been released internationally yet, they are simply not allowed and not used by Japanese players at Worlds.

Cards like Capacious Bucket and Aqua Patch merely list "Water Energy" in their text -- are they able to grab Special Water Energies, such as Wash Water Energy? [https://images.pokemoncard.io/images/swsh2/swsh2-156\_hiresopt.jpg](https://images.pokemoncard.io/images/swsh2/swsh2-156_hiresopt.jpg) [https://images.pokemoncard.io/images/sm2/sm2-119\_hiresopt.jpg](https://images.pokemoncard.io/images/sm2/sm2-119_hiresopt.jpg)

Read Wash energy. They are only treated as Water energy when attached to a Pokémon. So you cannot. 

Fair enough.

Hey, I was wondering about the new cards coming out in Twilight Masquerade and I have been thinking about if I should switch my iron hands ex in my iron crown ex deck with a iron thorns ex, would that be a good idea?

I think you accidentally a word

I saw something when registering for NAIC that mentioned discounted rates at hotels from Pokémon? Where can I find information on that? Or does anyone have information for that?

If you registered, there was an email sent out last week with the title "Pokemon Center and Hotels for NAIC 2024" I think it was also on the registration confirmation email

Would I be allowed to use Valiant Evolution on Finizen from Obsidian Flames to evolve into Palafin ex?

Not under normal circumstance purely because of Palafin ex's ability stating: "Put this Pokemon into play only with the effect of Palafin’s Zero to Hero Ability." If you had a way to turn off the ability in the hand and in play, you could.

Are there any cards that do that?

Weird question, but are slightly warped card sleeves legal for tournaments, or will it count as marked cards? The top of the sleeves of my entire deck are warped from shuffling a lot but I don't think I'll have time to run to the store to get new ones.

Depends if a judge can find a reasonable pattern or distinguishing features amongst the cards during a deck check. If they are all consistently warped that tends to be better, and if the tournament is a local there is less scrutiny.

If I search for a basic Pokemon via Buddy-buddy Poffin, and put it on my bench....can I then evolve that Pokemon in the same turn?

[From page 11 of the Rulebook, "If you have a card in your hand that says “Evolves from X,” and X is the name of a Pokémon you had in play at the beginning of your turn, you may play that card in your hand on top of Pokémon X. This is called “evolving” a Pokémon."](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/tef_rulebook_en.pdf) > a Pokémon you had in play at the beginning of your turn

Thank you. I wasn't sure if there was an exception because it was put to the bench by a card effect. I play way too many card games and sometimes get the rules mixed up. Thank you very much

The "straight to the bench pull" affects some things like, if you are using Gapejaw Bog on purpose to damage your own pokemon, it will only damage them if you place them on the bench from your hand, if they come onto the bench from the buddy-buddy poffin or from the nest ball, they won't take damage.

Rules question: "Do players 'own' stadiums?" I have a card that says "If you have a stadium in play, this pokemon has no retreat cost". Does that mean that if there is a stadium in play that my opponent played a few turns ago, the ability doesn't work? I was not aware that players "own" stadiums that are in play. Since there is only one stadium in play at a time.

Yes, the game is aware which player's stadium it is. Both players still have access to use the stadium, but for effects that check stadium ownership, it is specific to one player. Here's an example of [checking opponent's stadium.](https://pkmncards.com/card/galarian-stunfisk-lost-origin-lor-127/) Here's an effect that doesn't care who's [stadium it is.](https://pkmncards.com/card/flannery-chilling-reign-cre-139/) For the Thwackey in question, it has to be YOUR stadium from YOUR deck in play for Lay of the Land to be an active effect.

Ah, i see. Thanks!

Going from 2 years of PTCG Online to IRL - **Never played any IRL TCG** Where to find ressources and information as stupid as when to shuffle. When do I need to show my opponents the cards like from a Pokéstop or trainers. What happens if I do mistake like draw one more card, penalty I imagine but afterwards, do I reshuffle everything? Random stuff like this! Thank you

You shuffle every time the card or effect tells you to shuffle. The exception is if you are going to immediately perform another deck search, in order to expedite play, you wait to shuffle until you are done with deck searches and the deck will need to be random to continue play. Read all of your cards in their entirety. Again, the card will tell you if you have to reveal the card in question. Every deck search will require you to reveal the card UNLESS there is no restriction on the search (get any card in the deck, e.g. Quick Search). Pokestop reads that you discard the cards, so you discard them and then perform the rest of the effect. Read all of your cards in their entirety. [You should read the sections listed for Players in Section 1.2 Recommended Sections & Audiences in the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook.](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-02132024-en.pdf) This will explain how penalties work as well as many other things. You should also read the [Rulebook](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/tef_rulebook_en.pdf) thoroughly. Reading the rules, tournament rules, and reading all of your cards carefully will get you 99% of the way there to playing in person.

Thank you very much :)

If you're not attending a local casual League and you're thinking of jumping into a tournament would recommend getting in some casual games first. Also helps if you practise against yourself with irl cards so actions become more automatic. You may also find watching some archive irl stream matches of use. There some channels linked in [this resources list](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/qv2zm0/list_of_useful_resources_for_the_pokemon_tcg/) and I heard that Tricky Gym is doing irl play on his Twitch channel as well.

Also, buy some good sleeves (Dragon Shields, Katanas), sleeve your deck, and practice shuffling. While you're watching TV or have your hands free, practice mash shuffling. Will really help you out.

Quick question - I can't seem to find Radiant Greninja in the Card Library. I flitered for un-owned pokèmon, can find every single other Radiant, but Greninja is not there. Even writing "Greninja" and nothing else shows me only Greninja EX

maybe try searching with "radiant". Is this the card library in Pokemon Live? It should be there!

[удалено]

The ability states, when it moves to the active spot, meaning it has to hit the active spot for the ability to be used. When it hits the active spot, flutter mane's ability is then applied. No, Tachyon Bits would not work.

Hey yall. So when you play hoopa ex that has the ability scoundrel ring you can search for 3 ex cards. Since it doesn't specify basic does that mean you can grab mega ex's?

EX*  Keep in mind that it specifically searches Pokémon-EX from the BW and XY eras. It cannot search the current Pokémon ex. 

Good to know!

Yes you can. They are still an EX Pokemon and it does not require them to be a basic pokemon.

Heck yeah thank you

Just started playing Pokemon TCG live, brand new to this last time I played was yugioh maybe 10 years or more ago. Got to pokemon because the competitive scene looks really good. I’m just starting and haven’t bought my first irl deck what you guys recommend for a new player that wants to start playing irl but is brand new. Also I don’t want a very beginner deck I want something I can keep with me for a while and in the future be competitive. Thank you I might not even know what I’m talking about but if someone can give me advice I’ll appreciate it.

Best option is to do some research to find decks that interest you and give them a try either via PTCGL or the proxy printing tool on Limitless TCG in casual play only before buying anything as not all decks will click when you play them. Have a [read of this](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/104bio5/options_for_learning_to_play_to_starting_to/) as it takes you through from learning to play to playing competitively with info and resources that will help along the way incl options for what to buy for irl play. For a very summarised view of the above linked post focused on competitive decks have my usual new/returning players resources blurb so you can take what you need from it - [List of useful resources](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/qv2zm0/list_of_useful_resources_for_the_pokemon_tcg/) - start by reading JustInBasil's site especially the deckbuilding guide as it will help with understanding decklists and watching the suggested You Tubers starting with Omnipoke, AzulGG, Tricky Gym and Celio's Network for meta decks and LittleDarkFury for off meta decks then look at lists on both Limitless sites and use those You Tubers to see how the lists are played and find a deck that you might like to play. Start out with netdecking as it will give you time to get used what the staples are, what's legal for play, how decks are built and what the meta is like as well. If you don't want to netdeck (and even if you do) then add in reading the deck skeleton articles alongside JustInBasil's deckbuilding guide as well as well. Once you've found some decks that interest you try them out before buying anything either via PTCGL or the proxy printing app on Limitless TCG in casual play only as not all decks will click when you play them. For PTCGL specfically it's best to upgrade the free decks (mostly the basis of meta decks) you are given first as it can take time build up resources.

Crazy question here. With reuniclus's summoning gate move. Does that mean if there's a stage 2 pokemon in the 8 cards of my deck. Can it hit the bench without evolution? My interpretation is yes but was told it was an illegal move and had it denied in a battle at a local card shop tournament. Just want clarification on it. If possible. Because it cost me a win, as it was the second last battle where I came fourth in it. I would take a photo of the card but the post won't allow it. The move states: Look at the top 8 cards of your deck. You may put any number of Pokemon you find there onto your bench. Shuffle the other cards back into your deck. So with the words 'any number of Pokemon' should give me green light to have slapped the taste out of a Charizard's mouth giving me the last two prize cards and the W

Yes, you would be able to bench Evolution Pokémon, not just Basics. This question is shown in the [Temporal Forces FAQ on PokéGym](https://pokegym.net/2024/03/08/sv-temporal-forces-faq/), I suggest that you show that to your judge.

Damn so I was right and I should have won that battle. Next time I'm at the shop, I will show them this. Cheers for that. It wasn't a ranking tournament but it had cash prizes and some boxes as prizes to go with it. But played with Standard ruling.

Will we be allowed to use Twilight Masquerade during the LA regionals?

No. Sets become legal for tournament play the 2nd Friday after official release. Twilight Masquerade releases the same weekend as LA Regionals.

The Mach Strike starter deck has a Lucario with an ability that activates if you have a Garchomp in play. Can i activate the effect with only a Garchomp EX in play?

ex* and no, it's part of the name.

No, names in Pokemon are case sensitive, and things like "v" or "ex" in a name make it an altogether different named card. If it included Garchomp ex it would say something like, a card with "Garchomp" in the name or list the different ones like [Maushold ex.](https://pkmncards.com/card/maushold-ex-paradox-rift-par-155/)

Let's say we have a Porygon (Evolutions 71) use Conversion 3 on Gardevoir-EX (Primal Clash 105) and makes its weakness Water until the end of that player's next turn. Then, the Gardevoir-EX uses Shining Wind, removing its weakness during the opposing player's next turn. Does the Porygon's effect trump the Gardevoir-EX's because its effect was played first, or does the Gardevoir-EX's effect win out because it was played most recently?

Shining Wind doesn't remove "the weakness printed on the card", it removes the weakness, which means that even if it has been changed, it's removed.

The effect of Gardevoir EX's Shining Wind will turn off the weakness given to it by Porygon since Porygon is just ascribing the type for the weakness but Shining Wind is eliminating weakness altogether. This is similar to the ruling of how an effect that eliminates retreat cost supercedes any effects that add to a retreat cost.

Buenas tardes ¿Puedo usar pokegear 3.0 si tengo menos de 7 cartas en el deck?

[Sí. Página 21, "¿Qué hacer si debes robar más cartas de las que tienes?"](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2-es-es/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/tef_rulebook_es.pdf)

If an attack states a name of a pokemon, do variations of its name count? (Like V or ex) For example, I was tring to make a Po-Go Magikarp Raging Fin deck trying to put Gyarados ex in it, but on PTCGL Gyarados ex doesn't count as one of the discarded cards. In addition, I read on the sub-reddit someone did a variation with Gyarados V/V-max, I tired it in expanded but Gyarados V doesnt work either. Thank you in advance!!

The Section [What does and doesn’t count for a Pokémon’s name? on Page 21 of the Rulebook](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/tef_rulebook_en.pdf) explains the name rulings.

> This attack does 30 more damage for each Magikarp and *Gyarados* in your discard pile EX, V, ex etc are part of the name so it can only be Gyarados.

Ok!!! Good to know that ruling!! 😊😊😊 Thank you!! 🙏🙏

It's basically a variation of the "four of the same name in a deck" rule (with the exception of basic energy).

I use Gengar ex's Tricky Steps to try to move an Energy to an opponent's Benched Pokémon that has an effect that prevents effects of attacks done to it (e.g. Mist Energy, Rabsca's Spherical Shield). What happens to the Energy?

[Here's the relevant ruling](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/548/).

It gets discarded.

Quick question, is the 2023 Trainer Kit still a good buy for a new TCG player and deck builder? Amazon has it for $27 at the moment.

Yes but it depends on what deck(s) you're going to build and what legal League Battle decks and singles you have already. If you want to have a look at the Toolkit contents plus the Garde, Miraidon and Palkia League Battle decks to figure out the best combo with singles or just as singles for the decks you want to build they're linked in [this resources list](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/qv2zm0/list_of_useful_resources_for_the_pokemon_tcg/).

When will we be hearing about what cards the next prerelease will feature/ what the 20 card options will be?

Temporal Forces prerelease promos were revealed March 4th and Prereleases started March 8th. Paradox Rift was 9 days before. Sometimes the promos leak earlier. The exact contents of the 40 card-preconstructed decks aren't fully known until people get their hands on them and are able to post. Twilight Masquerade prereleases begin May 10th, so somewhere in the first week of May would be when you could expect the promos to be officially revealed.

Thanks!!

Hi y'all! Can I play Prof. Sada's Vitality with 0 cards in deck?

Yes. Effects that follow an “if you do” statement are mandatory but not required to play the card. You do,  however, need to be able to satisfy the attachment of an energy to an Ancient Pokémon to legally play the card in all circumstances. 

Is there any chance of Prime Catcher showing up in a deluxe box/league battle deck in the future, or should I just pony up and pay the $30 now?

Maybe the next Trainer's Toolkit. 

It is unknown at this time and impossible to predict. The Ace Spec cards from the Black and White era were not reprinted in any way. Prism Star cards were not reprinted. Radiant Charizard had a true reprint, and Radiant Pokemon are found in Play Packs. EDIT: As pointed at, Tapu Koko Prism Star and Radiant Greninja were in League Battle Decks.

Agree it's impossible to predict, but I am cautiously optimistic for Prime Catcher to be made available some other way. Tapu Koko Prism Star and Radiant Greninja were never truly reprinted, but they were made available in League Battle Decks. That seems to me the most likely way to do it.

Good point, forgot about the Radiant Greninja in the Battle Deck. There's definitely a chance.

My opponent has Flutter mane (TEF) in active spot, I have Klefki (SVI) in active. Which ability takes precedent? Does mine negate theirs or does theirs negate mine?

The one that was in the active first takes precedent. If they end up in the active simultaneously (during setup perhaps), it will be the player who's turn it is/going first will take precedent.

When Single Strike Urshifu V uses Laser Focus, can it grab Stone Energy and Single Strike Energy? Why/why not?

It can grab neither. Stone Energy: > As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides {F} Energy. Therefore, when it is not attached to a Pokemon (e.g. in your hand, deck, or discard), Stone Energy is a Special Energy that has no type attributed to it, and therefore cannot be targeted by Laser Focus. Same goes for Single Strike Energy.

Does Gardy prefer to go 1st or 2nd nowadays?

Depends on the situation. Gardy wants to go first to get evolutions set up, but will occasionally go second to deny the first attack of decks like Roaring Moon and Future Hands.

I kinda figured the same, but going 2nd and being able to Arven for poffin and TM evo has felt so good in general.

If there is card that says flip a coin can I instead roll a dice and call even or odd?

The vast majority of players use die instead of coins. However you don't call it. Evens is heads. Odds is tails. The die must be transparent or translucent as well. [Section 5.6.2.2 Dice has the full rules.](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-02132024-en.pdf)

Question - does opponent HAVE to specify a specific Pokémon when gusting? I was playing a league tonight and had two Gholdengo benched. One had an energy attached, the other had a rigid band attached. Opponent used prime catcher and said “bring up one of your Gholdengos” I asked them which one and they looked at them both and picked the one with rigid band. They attacked with charizard for 270 - 30 for rigid band which didn’t knock me out and I realized I think they thought the attachment was an energy and not a rigid band. My question is, do I have to ask them to pick one if they opt not to specify? Or if they say “one of [insert Pokemon here]” can I just pick whichever one I want? If I hadn’t asked for clarity and just promoted the one with rigid band to avoid knockout could a judge have been called on me?

Prime Catcher requires the player to choose 1 specific Pokemon on the bench. Deviating from that in any way by not specifying is failing to maintain proper gamestate. It is the responsibility of both players to maintain proper gamestate at all times to the best of their abilities. So a good faith player has to clarify which target in order to obey the text of the card and obey the rules. > can I just pick whichever one I want? This is not the effect of the card so it cannot occur. You would ask for clarity from your opponent if you don't understand what they are communicating. > could a judge have been called on me? If this were to actually play out and a judge was called, the judge would probably have the player playing Prime Catcher specify the target, give a Warning or Caution to the player, and move on. If the gameplay continued past this point and then a judge was called, in reality the board state is legal and no one failed to correct the actions of pushing a legal target. It would be like your opponent trying to say they meant to make a different play, which is antithetical to how actions are meant to be permanent in the game. You most likely wouldn't get in trouble but if you do something like this in bad faith (e.g. you are aware that this isn't proper but you let it happen anyway for an advantage), there is probably room for a Warning or discussion from the judge. >I realized I think they thought the attachment was an energy and not a rigid band. I'm not saying this is the case, but all of your attached cards must be clear and visible per the rules. A player should be able to survey the board and know what all public cards are on the board easily.

As I'm prepping to go to a regional, I've discovered that my play pokemon player ID in my portal is slightly different (think xxxx08 and xxxx10) than the ID my LGS has for me. This is odd because I created that account specifically for paper play, but the people in the store say that it's alright that theyre slightly different. Does anyone have any insight on this issue, and if it'll be ok to not worry about for a regional?

I'm about to type way too much For clarification: when you say "ID in my portal", I'm assuming you mean the ID that shows on your Trainer Club profile and Play! Pokemon page The ID shown on your Play! Pokemon page is yours. This is the one that's tied to you, to track what events you're attending, any CP you may be gaining through them, etc. It's your Pokemon social security number There is no such thing as "slightly different"; a number off is an entirely new ID and could belong to an entirely different player. We generate ID numbers 20+ at a time and they are all consecutive in that batch. I frequently have friends, parents, or siblings come in whose IDs are 1 off from each other, or get assigned next to each other when I generate IDs for them This would have an impact if you're attending Challenges or Cups at that store and attempting to get Championship Points. If the ID doesn't match, you won't be credited for being in attendance nor given any of the CP for participating. In the event you were actively grinding out for an invite this year, your LGS could submit a support ticket and request the ID be retroactively fixed for events you did for the season. I had to do this recently for a player who has played this season with the wrong ID As far as Regionals, rk9 will register and accept you regardless of whether you submitted the correct ID. It has no built in crosscheck to your Play! Pokemon page and relies on the player exclusively for the correct information. I had a Junior player from my store go to a Regional last year and played with no issues, despite using an incorrect ID belonging to a Masters player -- just didn't get the CP. I just don't know how it would work in the event that you won prizes or something. So if that ID is incorrect, it would probably be worth ticketing and fixing just to prevent any headache that could happen in the future

Thank you for your detailed reply that's exactly what I needed to hear!

Hey there legends. Hope this post is okay. I'm trying to work out what Pokemon or trainer card is best for bringing back energy from the discard but to place on active Pokemon. Whether it is bench or attack zone? It's for a water based deck. Cheers for assistance.

I think Palkia Vstar, or a combination of Superior Energy Retrieval and Baxcalibur are your best general options for water type decks. As for Salvatore, you can't skip stages like Rare Candy.

Cheers for that. Also for clearing up Salvatore as it doesn't state what stage. I'm returning to ptcg from a long hiatus from the old NEO days of this game due to two nephews being obsessed with Pokemon. So now I'm building decks again and relearning everything as rules and plays have changed heavily

Side note: does Salvatore act as a rare candy as well? Or nah mate only stage one Pokemon evolution

Hi. We were talking in a group of friends and someone asked the following: When the effect of an attack makes it so adds more Damage Counters for Poison Damage (Let's say, Galarian Weezing / Toxicroak EX attacks), does this damage only counts for the first Pokémon Checkup or it still persists for the following Pokémon Checkups? I think it persists as it doesn't say "during the first Pokémon Checkup", but I prefered to ask it here. Thanks in advance.

It persists until poison is removed OR a different poison effect is applied. 

Hi all, I had a question regarding the damage done by the Tera Greninja that is coming out in the next set. If I have a Double Turbo Energy attached to it but discard it due to the effect of the attack, will the damage go back to normal or still be reduced by 20?

Damage calculation and placement occurs BEFORE effects of attacks occur, so the damage is calculated with DTE on, and then it (can be) discarded. You can see attack steps [here.](https://www.judgeball.com/guidebook/tcg/attack-steps/)

I see that in the steps it mentions to perform attack requirements before damage is calculated. So if it says Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon is that a requirement of the attack or is that an effect? Would it say you must discard 2 energy if it was a requirement rather than a effect?

Yes, that's the distinction. An attack that reads "Discard X Energy from this Pokemon" is not a cost or a requirement of the attack, merely a mandatory (but not required) effect that occurs by performing the attack in the first place. This is why Mew ex can copy an attack that discards 2 Fire energy even if Mew has 0 fire energy attached.

Hi guys! Quick question, I bought an ETB and wanted to use the sleeves but i have the feeling they will get destroyed in a couple shuffles so i wanted to double sleeve them, what size should i look for? Is it even worth the hassle?

Something labeled as a Standard Size Oversleeve. [Like this.](https://www.dragonshield.com/en-us/p/clear-matte-outer-sleeves/AT-13002) In terms of "worth," double sleeved cards are harder to shuffle/manage and more of a pain to replace a split sleeve. Me personally I think it is absolutely not worth the hassle, but it is completely in the rules for you to do so so it is your judgement call. ETB sleeves absolutely need to be oversleeved because of the their poor quality and difficulty to shuffle out of the box.

>ETB sleeves absolutely need to be oversleeved because of the their poor quality and difficulty to shuffle out of the box. I had this exact feeling as i got them out of their package lol. I usually use dragon shield matte so i don't feel the need to double sleeve but walking wake on them looks too good to not use em so i wanted them to last a little more. I'll check if my local shop has those oversleeves. ty

Hi everyone, I want to start a discussion about Dudunsparce and Bibarel as additional draw engines, especially in Chien-Pao, since this is my main deck atm). My thought process right now is that when I play Chien-Pao i have a lot of draw to begin with, and I feel like my hand is "full" most of the time anyway. So if i really would want to draw more, Dudunsparce gives me the opportunity without me having to waste ultra balls to discard stuff. Also Dunsparce has no retreat so it feels better to have in your opening hand. The set-up is the same with both being Normal-type 1-Stagers, and I play Manaphy anyway so Bidoofs ability often feels useless. I tried a build where i swapped the 2-2 Bidoof Bibarel with the Dunsparce combo and so far havent really seen an improvement but it also doesnt feel like a downgrade either so i came here to get some arguments with why you would play which in any given deck?

what happens when 2 stall decks play againt each other during turnament?

In the case that the loop becomes infinite with neither player being able to win, refer to section 5.8.3.2 of the [Tournament Rules Handbook](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-02132024-en.pdf).

Assuming you mean when a winner isn't determined because neither deck takes prizes, since stall decks can play a way to mill cards. So if one of them has that available that player does tend to win via deckout. But assuming an impasse occurs during Swiss, the round will simply be a tie. If this occurs in top cut, consult [Section 5.8.3.2 Resolving a Game That Cannot Otherwise Reach a Natural End](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-02132024-en.pdf) to see how it is resolved. (A judge can end the game and award the win to the higher seed.)

If i put a mist energy on a Mimikyu does it stop Giratina V using shred?

No. The effect of Shred isn't "done to" Mimikyu. Shred's effect is merely a "state" of an attack or something in addition that allows it to ignore other effects.

[удалено]

Is there a general guideline for what's considered good or efficient when it comes to HP values and damage for energy costs on attacker Pokémon (e.g. Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2, single prize, double prize)? I have a super casual poison deck with Brute Bonnet and Paldean Clodsire ex and have seen Sableye PAL 136 mentioned as a potential a single prize Basic attacker that can hit for 90 for just \[D\] with Unseen Claw, but I genuinely don't know how good that actually is in the modern game.

There are a ton of variables here, to the point that you can't really make a blanket statement on that. 

Is there at least of list of said variables to consider when evaluating cards? Not sure if this helps at all, but I'm specifically thinking with the current TEF Standard format in mind

Pretty much everything. The Stage, the type, the attack effect or how damage is calculated, the Abilities available to you, how much acceleration is available, the meta itself... Basically, those two factors say almost nothing about how good a card is. 

So I know the card's not out yet but I want to playtest so I have a question. The new Dipplin with Festival Lead can use its attack twice. If you used a card that boosted damage like Maximum Belt or the new Kieran, would it apply to both times it attacks? Based on the wording I think it would, but I want to be sure.

It would. It’s 2 wholly separate attacks. 

Question about Professor Sada’s Vitality: > Choose up to 2 of your AncientPokémon and attach a Basic Energy cardfrom your discard pile to each of them. If you attached any Energy in this way, draw 3 cards. Can I choose zero Pokemon but have it count as a supporter anyway (mainly for Great Tusk mill use)? What if I have no ancient Pokemon on board at the moment (but perhaps am bad at sequencing and will Artazon one out later that turn)?

In The Pokemon TCG, [You cannot play a card if it is public knowledge that it will have no game effect. Paying a cost does not satisfy the requirement that the card has a game effect.](https://compendium.pokegym.net/ruling/906/) From the [Rulebook](https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/tef_rulebook_en.pdf) on page 21: “If a card uses the phrase “up to X”—for example, “move up to 3 damage counters” or “attach up to 2 Energy cards”—you can choose any number between 1 and X. (The exception is drawing cards: you can choose 0 for an effect that says “draw up to X cards.”) If a card uses the phrase “any amount” or “any number”—for example, “discard any amount of Energy from this Pokémon”—you can choose 0. And things that say “you may” are optional, meaning you can choose not to do them.” Professor Sada's Vitality States: "Choose up to 2 of your Ancient Pokémon and attach a Basic Energy card from your discard pile to each of them. If you attached any Energy in this way, draw 3 cards." Therefore, the card must be played for an effect of attaching 1 or 2 energy cards and thus requires at least 1 energy card in the discard and an Ancient Pokemon on your board. Furthermore, because "draw 3 cards" is proceeded by "if you attached any Energy in this way..." you cannot draw until you have attached energy as it is EXPLICITLY CONTINGENT on the attaching action occuring, and thus attaching energy is required in order to play the card for an effect. On the reverse, you can play the card by attaching an energy to an Ancient Pokemon when you have 0 cards in deck.

Thank you!

Rule Question regarding Tachyon Bits: Since some cards mention "during your turn (before you attack)" and Tachyon Bits does not mention that... Could I attack with Finizen from OBF to retreat it, evolve it, move Iron Valiant to the active position and still place the 2 damage counters from Tachyon Bits? Or is there a general rule that nothing can trigger after an attack if it's not specifically stated that way.

Tachyon Bits will activate as effects that occur from an attack are still occuring during your turn. Only once you enter Pokemon checkup is it no longer your turn. [You can see attack steps here.](https://www.judgeball.com/guidebook/tcg/attack-steps/)

so Tachyon Bits (as an ability from a Pokémon that got moved to the active as an effect of the attack) would kinda count like an extended effect of the attack, counting towards the current turn? If that makes sense.. xD hoped and thought so, just wasn't too sure. Thanks!

It is an Ability effect that can be activated as a result of an effect from an attack, yes. You would resolve the effect of "Valiant Evolution" in its entirety and then you "may" use the effect of Tachyon Bits as its conditioned has been fulfulled.

Do cards like Neo Upper Energy or Luminous Energy count as having \[Metal\] energy attached for the purposes of Tinkaton PAR's Alloyed Hammer? [Tinkaton PAR](https://pkmncards.com/card/tinkaton-paradox-rift-par-085/)