How many cards are in a Pokemon TCG Pocket deck?

Exactly 20 cards. You can have at most 2 copies of any card (except Basic Energy in the regular TCG, but Pocket has no energy cards — energy is attached automatically each turn).

What is a good ratio of Pokemon to Trainers?

A strong starting ratio is 12 Pokemon (8 basics + 4 evolutions) and 8 Trainers. Adjust based on your strategy: aggro decks run more basics, control decks run more trainers.

Do I need evolution Pokemon in my deck?

Not necessarily. Some competitive decks run only Basic Pokemon and EX cards. However, evolution lines often have stronger final-stage attacks. If you run evolutions, always include 2 copies of their Basic form.

Beginner Guide

How to Build a Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Your complete guide to building a competitive 20-card deck from scratch

1. Understand the Rules

Every deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket has exactly 20 cards. You can include a maximum of 2 copies of any card. Unlike the physical TCG, there are no energy cards — energy is attached automatically each turn based on your active Pokemon's type.

Your deck can contain Pokemon (your attackers and support) and Trainer cards (items, supporters, and stadiums that give you tactical advantages).

2. Pick Your Ace

Every deck needs a win condition — one or two Pokemon that deal the most damage. This is your "ace." EX Pokemon are popular aces because they have high HP and powerful attacks, but they give up 2 points when knocked out.

Browse the tier list to see what's winning right now, or pick your favorite card and use our deck builder to find the best partners for it.

3. Build the Evolution Line

If your ace is a Stage 1 or Stage 2 Pokemon, you must include its pre-evolutions. Always run 2 copies of each stage to ensure consistent evolution.

Example: For a Charizard ex deck:
2x Charmander → 2x Charmeleon → 2x Charizard ex = 6 cards

Missing a stage in your opening hand means you can't evolve. Use the opening hand calculator to check your odds.

4. Add Support Pokemon

Your ace needs backup. Include 4-6 Basic Pokemon that serve roles like:

Secondary attacker — a different type to cover your ace's weakness
Ability support — Pokemon with useful Abilities (draw, energy acceleration)
Pivot — low-retreat Pokemon to switch into when your attacker needs protection

5. Fill with Trainers

Trainers are the backbone of consistency. Aim for 8-10 Trainer cards covering:

Draw Support

Professor's Research, Copycat

Poké Ball, Rare Candy

Disruption

Sabrina, Mars, Cyrus

6. The Golden Ratios

8-10

Basic Pokemon

2-6

Evolution Pokemon

8-10

Trainer Cards

These are starting points. Adjust based on your strategy and test results.

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