Pokémon Trading Card Game: Difference between revisions

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The '''Pokémon Trading Card Game''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンカードゲーム''', ''Pokémon Card Game''), often abbreviated as '''Pokémon TCG''' or just '''PTCG''' (Japanese: '''ポケカ''' ''Pokéca''), is a tabletop game developed by [[Creatures, Inc.]] that involves collecting, trading and playing with Pokémon-themed playing cards. It has its own set of rules but uses many motifs and ideas derived from the [[core series|video games]]. There are {{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s for every [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|species]] of Pokémon, as well as {{TCG|Trainer card}}s featuring characters, items and other themes of the franchise (each with a different use) and {{TCG|Energy card}}s to power attacks. The artwork for the cards is often created specifically for the TCG by numerous artists, though occasionally pre-existing art made for the core series is used.
The '''Pokémon Trading Card Game''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンカードゲーム''', ''Pokémon Card Game''), often abbreviated as '''Pokémon TCG''' or just '''PTCG''' (Japanese: '''ポケカ''' ''Pokéca''), is a tabletop game developed by [[Creatures, Inc.]] that involves collecting, trading and playing with Pokémon-themed playing cards. It has its own set of rules but uses many motifs and ideas derived from the [[core series|video games]]. There are {{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s for every [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|species]] of Pokémon, as well as {{TCG|Trainer card}}s featuring characters, items and other themes of the franchise (each with a different use) and {{TCG|Energy card}}s to power attacks. The artwork for the cards is often created specifically for the TCG by numerous artists, though occasionally pre-existing art made for the core series is used.


The Pokémon TCG is a popular and steady aspect of the ''[[Pokémon]]'' franchise and is played and enjoyed by many fans. As of the end of March 2023, over 52.9 billion Pokémon Trading Card Game cards have been produced worldwide in 14 languages, and being sold in 89 countries and regions.<ref>[https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/ Pokémon in Figures|The Pokémon Company]</ref> The game is part of the [[Play! Pokémon]] organized play along with the video game series and is also used in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game Live]].
The Pokémon TCG is a popular and steady aspect of the [[Pokémon]] franchise and is played and enjoyed by many fans. As of the end of March 2023, over 52.9 billion Pokémon Trading Card Game cards have been produced worldwide in 14 languages, and being sold in 89 countries and regions.<ref>[https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/ Pokémon in Figures|The Pokémon Company]</ref> The game is part of the [[Play! Pokémon]] organized play along with the video game series and is also used in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game Live]].


==History==
==History==
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The Pokémon Trading Card Game was originally published in Japan in October 1996 by [[Media Factory]]. While other series of collectible Pokémon cards existed in the past (such as the [[Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards]] released in September 1996), this was the first card game based on the [[Pokémon]] series. The first Pokémon TCG sets took inspiration from the then released {{game2|Red|Green|Blue}} video games and initially featured illustrations by [[Ken Sugimori]], [[Mitsuhiro Arita]] and [[Keiji Kinebuchi]]. Soon new [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions|expansions]] began to release with many new artists contributing artwork. Three years later in 1999, Pokémon TCG was introduced in North America by [[Wizards of the Coast]] with the {{TCG|Base Set}}, and worldwide soon after. In 2003, Wizards of the Coast's license was transferred to [[The Pokémon Company International]].
The Pokémon Trading Card Game was originally published in Japan in October 1996 by [[Media Factory]]. While other series of collectible Pokémon cards existed in the past (such as the [[Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards]] released in September 1996), this was the first card game based on the [[Pokémon]] series. The first Pokémon TCG sets took inspiration from the then released {{game2|Red|Green|Blue}} video games and initially featured illustrations by [[Ken Sugimori]], [[Mitsuhiro Arita]] and [[Keiji Kinebuchi]]. Soon new [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions|expansions]] began to release with many new artists contributing artwork. Three years later in 1999, Pokémon TCG was introduced in North America by [[Wizards of the Coast]] with the {{TCG|Base Set}}, and worldwide soon after. In 2003, Wizards of the Coast's license was transferred to [[The Pokémon Company International]].


With the release of ''{{game|Gold and Silver|s}}'' video games, the ''[[#Neo Series|Neo Series]]'', the second series of [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions|expansions]], brought several [[Generation II|new Pokémon]] into play. The {{TCG|Metal}} and {{TCG|Darkness}} {{TCG|type}}s of Pokémon cards were also introduced, along with {{TCG|Light Pokémon}} and {{TCG|Dark Pokémon}}. These were eventually discontinued to prevent confusion with the {{tcg|Darkness|Darkness type}}, but returned briefly with the release of the {{TCG|Neo Destiny}} expansion. The ''[[#e-Card Series|e-Card Series]]'' used [[Game Boy Advance]] add-on [[e-Reader]] to display [[Pokédex]] data about the Pokémon, play a minigame, play various tunes in a [[Melody Box]], or activate a special attack for that Pokémon. The ''[[#EX Series|EX Series]]'' was released next, the first series produced by [[The Pokémon Company International]] instead of [[Wizards of the Coast]], which introduced the stronger {{TCG|Pokémon-ex}} into the game. The ''[[#Diamond & Pearl Series|Diamond & Pearl Series]]'' brought {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X}}, which were stronger, "Leveled-up" versions of final evolutions. Pokémon LV.X essentially replaced Pokémon-ex and continued until the {{TCG|Platinum: Arceus}} expansion. The ''[[#HeartGold & SoulSilver Series|HeartGold & SoulSilver Series]]'' featured two more types of card, {{TCG|Pokémon LEGEND}}, two-part cards with one Pokémon on each card, and {{TCG|Pokémon Prime}}, Pokémon with powerful and/or tactical attacks. With the release of the {{TCG|Black & White}} expansion, {{TCG|Poké-Power}}s ({{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Poké-POWER}}s and {{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Poké-BODY}}s) were combined into one mechanic and renamed {{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Ability|Abilities}}. ''Pokémon-ex'' returned as {{TCG|Pokémon-EX}} in the ''[[#Black & White Series|Black & White Series]]'' starting with the {{TCG|Next Destinies}} expansion. The {{TCG|Dragon}} Pokémon {{TCG|type}} was introduced in the {{TCG|Dragon Vault}} expansion of the ''Black & White Series''. ''{{DL|Pokémon-EX (TCG)|M Pokémon-EX}}'' were introduced in the {{TCG|XY}} expansion and introduce the [[Mega Evolution]] mechanic featured in the [[Pokémon X and Y]] video games to the TCG.  The ''[[#XY Series|XY Series]]'' also introduced the {{TCG|Fairy}} {{TCG|type}} Pokémon. {{TCG|Pokémon-GX}} was introduced in the ''Sun & Moon Series''.
With the release of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} video games, the ''[[#Neo Series|Neo Series]]'', the second series of [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions|expansions]], brought several [[Generation II|new Pokémon]] into play. The {{TCG|Metal}} and {{TCG|Darkness}} {{TCG|type}}s of Pokémon cards were also introduced, along with {{TCG|Light Pokémon}} and {{TCG|Dark Pokémon}}. These were eventually discontinued to prevent confusion with the {{tcg|Darkness|Darkness type}}, but returned briefly with the release of the {{TCG|Neo Destiny}} expansion. The ''[[#e-Card Series|e-Card Series]]'' used [[Game Boy Advance]] add-on [[e-Reader]] to display [[Pokédex]] data about the Pokémon, play a minigame, play various tunes in a [[Melody Box]], or activate a special attack for that Pokémon. The ''[[#EX Series|EX Series]]'' was released next, the first series produced by [[The Pokémon Company International]] instead of [[Wizards of the Coast]], which introduced the stronger {{TCG|Pokémon-ex}} into the game. The ''[[#Diamond & Pearl Series|Diamond & Pearl Series]]'' brought {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X}}, which were stronger, "Leveled-up" versions of final evolutions. Pokémon LV.X essentially replaced Pokémon-ex and continued until the {{TCG|Platinum: Arceus}} expansion. The ''[[#HeartGold & SoulSilver Series|HeartGold & SoulSilver Series]]'' featured two more types of card, {{TCG|Pokémon LEGEND}}, two-part cards with one Pokémon on each card, and {{TCG|Pokémon Prime}}, Pokémon with powerful and/or tactical attacks. With the release of the {{TCG|Black & White}} expansion, {{TCG|Poké-Power}}s ({{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Poké-POWER}}s and {{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Poké-BODY}}s) were combined into one mechanic and renamed {{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Ability|Abilities}}. ''Pokémon-ex'' returned as {{TCG|Pokémon-EX}} in the ''[[#Black & White Series|Black & White Series]]'' starting with the {{TCG|Next Destinies}} expansion. The {{TCG|Dragon}} Pokémon {{TCG|type}} was introduced in the {{TCG|Dragon Vault}} expansion of the ''Black & White Series''. ''{{DL|Pokémon-EX (TCG)|M Pokémon-EX}}'' were introduced in the {{TCG|XY}} expansion and introduce the [[Mega Evolution]] mechanic featured in the [[Pokémon X and Y]] video games to the TCG.  The ''[[#XY Series|XY Series]]'' also introduced the {{TCG|Fairy}} {{TCG|type}} Pokémon. {{TCG|Pokémon-GX}} was introduced in the ''Sun & Moon Series''.


With the release of the ''[[#EX Series|EX Series]]'' worldwide, Pokémon TCG was published by [[The Pokémon Company International|Pokémon USA]] and distributed by [[Nintendo of America]], instead of [[Wizards of the Coast]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131017132016/http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/It-s-Wizards-vs-Pokemon-as-ex-partners-square-off-1126716.php It's Wizards vs. Pokemon as ex-partners square off | Seattle Post-Intelligencer], archived October 17th, 2013</ref> In 2006, Nintendo of America transferred distribution responsibilities to Pokémon USA.<ref>[https://icv2.com/articles/games/view/7925/pokemon-usa-charge Pokemon USA In Charge | ICv2]</ref> In 2000, [[The Pokémon Company]] replaced Media Factory in publishing the cards in Japan starting with the [[Awakening Legends (TCG)|Awakening Legends]] expansion. Media Factory continued to distribute the cards until the ''[[#DP_era|DP era]]''.{{fact}}
With the release of the ''[[#EX Series|EX Series]]'' worldwide, Pokémon TCG was published by [[The Pokémon Company International|Pokémon USA]] and distributed by [[Nintendo of America]], instead of [[Wizards of the Coast]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131017132016/http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/It-s-Wizards-vs-Pokemon-as-ex-partners-square-off-1126716.php It's Wizards vs. Pokemon as ex-partners square off | Seattle Post-Intelligencer], archived October 17th, 2013</ref> In 2006, Nintendo of America transferred distribution responsibilities to Pokémon USA.<ref>[https://icv2.com/articles/games/view/7925/pokemon-usa-charge Pokemon USA In Charge | ICv2]</ref> In 2000, [[The Pokémon Company]] replaced Media Factory in publishing the cards in Japan starting with the [[Awakening Legends (TCG)|Awakening Legends]] expansion. Media Factory continued to distribute the cards until the ''[[#DP_era|DP era]]''.{{fact}}
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:''See the {{TCG|Appendix:Glossary}} for a definition of most the Pokémon Trading Card Game terms.''
:''See the {{TCG|Appendix:Glossary}} for a definition of most the Pokémon Trading Card Game terms.''
:''Also see the [https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/learn-to-play/ FAQ Video Series] on [[Pokémon.com]] for a visual introduction to the card game.''
:''Also see the [https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/learn-to-play/ FAQ Video Series] on [[Pokémon.com]] for a visual introduction to the card game.''
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a two player game for all ages.  Each player builds a [[Deck]] of sixty (60) cards using a combination of various ''"{{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s"'' (the main type of cards used to battle), ''"{{TCG|Trainer card}}s"'' (cards with special effects), and ''"{{TCG|Energy card}}s"'' (cards that are required to perform most "''{{TCG|Attack}}s''"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "''{{TCG|Booster pack}}s''" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "''{{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Trainer kit}}s''" or "''{{TCG|Theme deck|Theme Deck}}s''" that already have all the cards needed to play. The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' officially requires a deck of 60 cards for {{TCG|Standard format|Standard}} or {{TCG|Expanded format|Expanded}} play, though shorter {{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Match}}es can be held with "''{{TCG|Half Deck}}s''" consisting of 30 cards instead. During a 60 card match, only four of any one card, excluding {{TCG|Energy card|Basic Energy}} cards, are allowed in each deck. This is further limited to two of any one card in a Half Deck match. Many fans have also created their own game rules and playing methods and have websites devoted to providing alternative playing methods. These rules and methods are not allowed in [[Play! Pokémon]] competitions.
The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' is a two player game for all ages.  Each player builds a [[Deck]] of sixty (60) cards using a combination of various ''"{{TCG|Pokémon|Pokémon card}}s"'' (the main type of cards used to battle), ''"{{TCG|Trainer card}}s"'' (cards with special effects), and ''"{{TCG|Energy card}}s"'' (cards that are required to perform most "''{{TCG|Attack}}s''"). New cards and decks are constantly being released, and players may purchase "''{{TCG|Booster pack}}s''" to integrate these cards into their own decks or purchase pre-made "''{{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Trainer kit}}s''" or "''{{TCG|Theme deck|Theme Deck}}s''" that already have all the cards needed to play. The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' officially requires a deck of 60 cards for {{TCG|Standard format|Standard}} or {{TCG|Expanded format|Expanded}} play, though shorter {{DL|Appendix:Glossary (TCG)|Match}}es can be held with "''{{TCG|Half Deck}}s''" consisting of 30 cards instead. During a 60 card match, only four of any one card, excluding {{TCG|Energy card|Basic Energy}} cards, are allowed in each deck. This is further limited to two of any one card in a Half Deck match. Many fans have also created their own game rules and playing methods and have websites devoted to providing alternative playing methods. These rules and methods are not allowed in [[Play! Pokémon]] competitions.


===Setting Up to Play===
===Setting Up to Play===