Growth
through Play
The Pokémon Company International helps create opportunities for Trainers of all ages to bond and grow through the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Explore the Pokémon Trading Card Game
Learn how your kids can collect cards, play the game, and even join casual or competitive events.
Pokémon
Trading Card Game Basics
What can you do with Pokémon TCG cards?
Collect, play, or battle competitively with Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards. Most cards showcase Pokémon and a description of their strengths and abilities to use in gameplay. Other cards feature human Trainer characters, locations, or items from the world of Pokémon that are used to boost the power of your deck. Energy cards give your Pokémon team the strength to attack your opponent’s Pokémon!
Collect and Trade
Many kids simply love to collect cards with their favorite Pokémon. With all kinds of art styles, it’s exciting for fans to seek out, share, and trade with friends.
What is the Pokémon Trading Card Game?
The Pokémon TCG is a two-player game in which players use 60-card decks to battle. In the Pokémon TCG, players build decks around cards that feature Pokémon characters, and then take turns using attacks to try to defeat their opponent.
Growth
through Play
The Pokémon Company International helps create opportunities for Trainers of all ages to bond and grow through the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
What to Buy
Start with these products for newer players who are just starting their Pokémon TCG journey.
This special set has been carefully built to help young Trainers who are learning to play the Pokémon TCG. It’s a streamlined Pokémon TCG experience with mini decks and simpler rules, making it a great way to introduce the game to kids ages 6+.
Family game night is the perfect time to enjoy the Pokémon TCG! The Pokémon TCG Battle Academy includes everything you need for two players to play. Included are three complete 60-card decks, each themed around a popular Pokémon. Tutorial guides will familiarize you with the decks, making it easy for beginner players to have fun. There’s also a two-player game board, a rulebook, and other useful accessories, making this a fantastic ready-to-play package.
To play the Pokémon TCG, you need a deck containing 60 cards. Battle Decks and Theme Decks let you dive right into a game with a full, preconstructed deck themed around a specific Pokémon. Each package lists the cards included in the deck, which typically include a variety of Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards. You’ll also get a rules booklet and accessories like a playmat and damage counters that improve your play experience.
Many ways to play
Play Online
Pokémon Trading Card Game Live is the perfect way to learn more about the Pokémon TCG. Make the most of the interactive tutorial to learn the basics.
From there, the game automatically enforces the rules, allowing players of any age or skill level to enjoy the experience of battle.
Play with Friends and Family
Begin with a board game format like the Pokémon TCG Battle Academy to easily set up a game at home and have everything you need to learn how to play.
You can also use your Pokémon TCG cards to play in these different ways using fun alternate rules!
Join the Pokémon League
In-person Pokémon League events are a great way to meet other fans in your community, trade cards, play a few matches, and—most importantly—have fun in an exciting and safe environment!
Learning Resources
FAQ Video Series
The rules of the Pokémon TCG may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually easier to play than you might realize. To help you and your family get started, we’ve put together a set of easy-to-follow videos that walk you through the basics of the game.
When you’re done watching, you should be ready to play your first Pokémon TCG match!
Top Deck Academy
If you already know the basics of the Pokémon TCG, our Top Deck Academy series dives deeper into the game’s mechanics. These videos feature tips, tricks, and strategies that will help a Pokémon TCG beginner continue on their journey to become an advanced player.
There’s always more to learn (and more fun to be had)!