How to Play the Pokemon TCG — Quick Start Rules (2026)

Learn the Pokemon Trading Card Game in 5 minutes.

Setup

  1. Each player needs a 60-card deck
  2. Shuffle and draw 7 cards
  3. Place a Basic Pokemon face-down as your Active Pokemon
  4. Place up to 5 Basic Pokemon on your Bench
  5. Set aside 6 Prize cards face-down
  6. Flip Active Pokemon face-up — game begins!

Turn Structure

  1. Draw a card
  2. Do any of these (in any order): play Basic Pokemon to Bench, evolve Pokemon, attach one Energy, play Trainer cards, use Abilities
  3. Attack (ends your turn)

How to Win

How do you play the Pokemon card game?

Each player uses a 60-card deck. Draw 7 cards, place a Basic Pokemon as Active, set 6 Prize cards. Each turn: draw, play cards, attach Energy, attack. Win by taking all 6 Prize cards.

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