Pokemon trading cards have become one of the most popular hobbies in the world, with children as well as adults buying them and collecting them. Like all collectibles, they can also have real value; some sought-after cards can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. This is especially true for older cards, as the first sets are often worth a fortune, and many collectors want to get their hands on anything that is labeled as a 1st Edition.
The first thing to know about the Pokemon TCG is that it’s not just a game to play at home, but a social activity where players meet up in groups and trade cards. Depending on how much a person invests into the hobby, they can build a large collection and even participate in tournaments and championships. The most common way to collect cards is through the booster packs, which are released in sets, or waves, four times a year. Each set has a different theme and contains around 200 new cards. Booster packs can be purchased individually or in bulk, and most stores carry a variety of them.
Before a card goes through the printing process, it must be approved by a group of Pokemon TCG playtesters. These players vary in skill level, and they must ensure that the game is balanced for all levels of play. Most of the time, feedback results in a few tweaks to the cards, such as lowering attack damage or increasing HP. Occasionally, a broken card will make its way back to the design team and be changed significantly.
When a player’s turn begins, they must choose to attack or retreat. Then they must check the defending Pokemon’s weakness; some types of attacks will do more damage to it than others. They also must consider whether the defender is Asleep or Confused, as these statuses prevent it from attacking. If a Pokemon is Asleep, the player must flip a coin before attacking; if heads, it wakes up, but if tails, the Pokemon stays asleep.
Aside from these major changes, a card can go through a number of minor tweaks and revisions before it is ready to be sold. For example, the artists may be asked to change a move’s text or how its animation looks, and holographic cards may need to have specific details worked out. The final product will then be reviewed by Creatures, which oversees the TCG, to ensure it meets standards.
The TCG is an extremely complex game, and some of the rules are difficult to understand, even for experienced players. This is because Pokemon is constantly evolving and expanding, and the TCG must keep up with those changes. For newer players, the most important aspect of understanding the game is recognizing that it’s all about strategy and communication. Luckily, there are plenty of guides and tutorials available online to help beginners learn the basics. It is also a good idea to look for a local TCG store and ask for help from other Pokemon players. Pokemon trading cards