Guide
How to build a Pokémon deck
A Standard Pokémon TCG deck is 60 cards, and the ones that win are built the same way. Here are the rules, a simple shape to start from, and how to turn your list into cards without overspending.
The rules
What makes a deck legal
Exactly 60 cards. No more, no less.
Up to 4 of a card. Four copies max of any card with the same name. Basic Energy is the exception: run as many as you like.
At least one Basic Pokémon. You need one to start the game. In practice you’ll want plenty.
One ACE SPEC. Only one ACE SPEC card in the whole deck.
Standard legality. For League and tournaments, cards need a legal regulation mark (the letter at the bottom left). Right now that’s H, I and J.
Step by step
Build it in five steps
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Pick one main attacker
Choose the Pokémon you want doing the damage, usually an ex. Build everything else around getting it attacking fast.
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Add its evolution line
Run thick lines of what matters. Stage 2 decks often lean on Rare Candy to skip the middle stage.
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Fill the Trainers
Draw Supporters, search Items and switching cards are what make a deck consistent. Most good decks are mostly Trainers.
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Add Energy last
Count what your attacks actually need. Too much Energy is a common beginner mistake.
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Play it, then tune it
Play ten games, note the cards you never want to draw, and swap them out.
A starting shape, not a rule
A common starting point is roughly 15–20 Pokémon, 30–35 Trainers and 8–12 Energy. Decks that draw and search a lot can run less Energy; decks with big attacks may need more. Look at successful lists for the deck you want and copy their ratios first.
Skip the guesswork
Want a deck that already works? League Battle Decks are official ready-to-play 60-card decks, and they upgrade well. Our deck pages show the key cards for popular decks with what we have in stock.
Already have a list? Paste it into Deck Check and we’ll show what’s on our shelf, the total in AUD and anything missing.
Need a starting list?
Our Pokémon deck pages show the key cards for the decks people are playing right now, with what we have in stock. League Battle Decks have their own pages too.
Questions
Deck building questions
How many cards are in a Pokémon deck?
Exactly 60. You can have up to four copies of a card with the same name, except basic Energy, which has no limit.
How much Energy should a Pokémon deck have?
Most decks run somewhere around 8–12 Energy, but it depends on your attacks and how much draw and search you have. Start from a proven list and adjust.
Which cards are legal in Standard right now?
Cards with the H, I or J regulation mark, plus older printings of a card whose name has a legal reprint. The mark is the small letter at the bottom left of the card.