Pokemon Trading Cards - Explore the Pokemon Universe

If you are a Pokemon fan, it is impossible not to get wrapped up in the characters and species of the Pokemon universe. Of course you know that the video game is just a gateway into the complex and delightful world of Pokemon. For those who have been swept away by the Pokemon phenomenon and who were playing Pokemon Crater while celebrating Pokemon X, dressed as Misty or May, getting involved in the Pokemon Trading Card Game is just another step in exploring the Pokemon universe.

When this collectible card game got its start in the U.S. in 1998, it was an instant hit. Pokemon cards have amazing artwork and special features - and the game itself is an entertaining balance of strategy and complexity. Plus, you can play it with friends, in local competitions, and even in large tournaments!

To play the game, each player uses a deck of 60 cards, which can be selected from a catalog of hundreds of cards. The goal is to build a deck that is comprised of Pokemon, energy, and training cards that will allow the collector (the Pokemon "trainer") to draw the combination of cards that will allow him to beat his opponent. Keep in mind, understanding the specific rules of the game is secondary to collecting and assembling the right cards that will enable you to defeat your adversary.

So You Want To Start Collecting Pokemon?
The first thing you need to do is research Pokemon cards to decide which type of cards to collect. If you're serious about making the right choices you should really consider picking up a Pokemon Collectors Guide. The Pokemon Unofficial Card Collector's Guide is a galactic paperback that is filled with information on common, uncommon, rare, and ultra-rare holographic foil cards. It also includes information on card ratings so you can figure out how valuable your cards are as collectable pieces, as well as how powerful they will be when you use them to play.

If you're collecting, it's also a good idea to make sure you are paying a fair price for your cards. The Beckett Pokemon Collector Price Guide is amazing for this. Not only is it organized to be incredibly functional (it is arranged by monster), it covers pricing for game cards, collectible trading cards, foreign language card sets, and even Pokemon toys. The Pokemon Collector's Value Guide is one other informational book that can be a helpful tool. (Just beginning? No worries. This book will make sure you get with the program, fast.) Reading it will give you an impression of the major Pokemon characters, a summary of the television show as well as a basic overview of the trading card game.

While you can purchase the Pokemon trading cards individually, there are also sets available, which are a great way to start your collection. Just be sure you are buying decks that coincide with the game version you are playing. For example, Pokemon-Ex packs such as the Pokemon EX Delta Species Theme Deck Box and the Pokemon-ex Emerald Wildfire Theme Deck includes 60 trading card games per deck and 8 decks in display box, but these Pokemon-Ex packs have slightly different rules and the monsters have different powers than that of the original Pokemon packs. If you're looking to plump up your already existing Pokemon card collection, consider a booster pack like the Pokemon Trading Card Game Diamond & Pearl Mysterious Treasures blister Booster, which includes 10 trading cards game per booster pack and 36 packs in a handy display box. Just remember which game you're playing and what set you're working on.

Playing the Pokemon Trading Card Game
Once you have assembled a pack of 60 cards, you can start playing. The thing is, a big part of playing the game is collecting the right cards. After that though, in a nutshell, there are three ways that you can win a game.
The first type of win is to gather a set of "prize cards". In the beginning of each game, a number of cards (usually 6) are set aside from the top of each player's deck. Whenever a player knocks out an opponent's Pokemon, he puts a prize card into his hand until he retrieves the whole set. The second way to win is to knock out your opponent's active Pokemon (the one currently in battle) so that he has no other Pokemon in play. Lastly, each player must draw a card from the top of the deck at the beginning of his turn. If there are no cards remaining in the deck when it is your opponent's turn to draw, you win.

While the rules of the game are simple enough for grade school aged children, many players get really involved in Pokemon Trading Card Game Strategies. There are a few books out that are must-haves if you are serious about playing the Pokemon Trading Card Game. The beginner Pokemon Trading Card Game player can get a lot out of Let's Play Pokemon, which outlines the rules and strategies of the game, collecting and trading cards, and league play. The novice player absolutely must pick up a copy of the Pokemon Trading Card Game Player's Guide. This book will give you an awesome analysis of the game. It includes winning strategies from the top tournament players around the world, and also features a collector's guide to American and Japanese card sets, secrets to.