New Players Guide to the PTCG Vol. 1

Week 1: Starting Up and The Rules.

One of the most frequent questions is, "How do I start getting into the PTCG?"

Well there are many ways but there are a few ways to start right.

Much like I did, buy a starter deck - the current decks I recommend are the XY Legendary Starter Decks or the Battle Arena Decks - as some may have essentials for future decks and are very easy ways to learn the rules. All starter decks have a playmat with all information about each area on the playzone and all special conditions. Get familiarised with these because, just like you, most people started here. The decks of course have the standard 60 card deck and some damage counters along with a burn and a poison counter.

Basic Rules:
1) To start your turn draw a card.

2) Do any of the following - Play as many item cards, play one supporter or stadium (if stadium it must be of a different name), evolve Pokémon (only if they have been on the field for one full turn), play basic Pokémon to the bench - up to 5, use abilities (if you have them), and attach energy once per turn.

3) Attack/End your turn. Attacking ends your turn.

More advanced rulings include:

Mega-Evolving ends your turn unless a card states otherwise.

Knocking out a Pokémon -EX Gives up two prizes instead of one unless a card states otherwise.

You can only run 1 Acespec per deck

Plasma - special cards bordered in blue are Team Plasma cards.

Decks must be 60 cards and, except for basic energy, can only have up to 4 of any card with the same name. For Example Kyurem is different from Kyurem-EX but you can't run 4 Eevee from PLF and 4 Eevee from FFI.

In the next edition I will recommend cheap cards to improve your deck and make it a bit more competitive.
-XK_Zuko