Pokémon Trading Card Game mechanics and gameplay guide

The Pokémon Trading Card Game revolves around three essential card categories: Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy. Pokémon cards serve as the core of gameplay, with distinctions made between Basic Pokémon and Stage 1 or Stage 2 evolutions. While Basic Pokémon can be played directly from the hand to the active spot or the bench, certain powerful variants like Pokémon-ex can enter the field with high HP and game-altering abilities.

Trainer cards support Pokémon and manipulate the flow of the match. These are subdivided into Item cards, which can be played multiple times per turn, and Supporter cards, which are limited to one per turn. Additionally, Ace Spec cards are high-powered Trainer cards that are restricted to one per deck.

Winning a match typically involves collecting six Prize cards, which are awarded when an opponent's Pokémon is knocked out. However, defeating certain powerful Pokémon-ex may grant the opponent multiple Prize cards at once.