How to build your first Pokémon TCG deck
The rules every deck must follow
- Exactly 60 cards.
- No more than 4 copies of any card with the same name (basic Energy is the exception).
- At least one Basic Pokémon.
- Only one ACE SPEC card in the whole deck.
- For Standard, every card must have a legal regulation mark (except basic Energy).
A good starting split
Many players start around 15–20 Pokémon, 30–35 Trainer cards and 10–14 Energy, then adjust. Decks with lots of draw cards need less Energy; decks with big attacks need more.
Pick a main attacker
Choose one or two Pokémon to do most of your attacking. Look at how much damage they do for each Energy and how many Prize cards they give up. Our damage-per-Energy chart is a good place to start.
Count your evolution lines
For a Stage 2 Pokémon you'll usually want more Basics than Stage 1s, and more Stage 1s than Stage 2s — for example a 4-3-3 line — so you can still evolve if a card is Prized.
Test it
Play practice games in Pokémon TCG Live or with friends. Write down what went wrong: not drawing your attacker, too little Energy, or being stuck in the Active Spot. Change a few cards at a time.
Pully Play is an independent fan guide. It isn't run by The Pokémon Company. Format facts are checked against official announcements; always confirm card legality with the official rules before a tournament.