Weakness and Resistance in the Pokémon TCG explained
Every Pokémon card has a Weakness box and a Resistance box near the bottom. They change how much damage an attack does.
Weakness: double damage
If the attacking Pokémon's type matches the defender's Weakness, the damage is doubled (×2). In Standard right now, 97% of Pokémon cards have a Weakness.
Resistance: less damage
If the attacker's type matches the defender's Resistance, the damage goes down — on current cards it's usually −30. Only 22% of Standard Pokémon have one.
Order matters
Work out the attack's damage first, then apply Weakness, then Resistance. Weakness and Resistance only apply to the Active Pokémon, not to damage on the Bench.
Most common Weakness for each type
| Type | Most common Weakness | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Colorless | Fighting | 71% |
| Darkness | Grass | 53% |
| Dragon | None | — |
| Fighting | Grass | 65% |
| Fire | Water | 98% |
| Grass | Fire | 99% |
| Lightning | Fighting | 94% |
| Metal | Fire | 94% |
| Psychic | Darkness | 68% |
| Water | Lightning | 73% |
See the full matchup chart.
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.
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