These are some basic guidelines on building a Pokémon deck for the newest beginners. Once you really get an understanding of the makings of a good deck and what works well for you, a little bending of these rules is acceptable… even expected!

First, understanding the Pokémon TCG rules is important and can be very helpful not only in learning how to play, but also in learning how to build a deck. Be sure to study your rule book!!!

Since you're just beginning let's keep it simple. Pick one type of Pokémon to put in your deck. This means to choose a "color" of a Pokémon you like, either fire, electric, grass, fighting, water, psychic, or colorless. To start out, keep your deck a single color (mono). Remember, exactly 60 cards to a deck and a maximum of 4 of any card are allowed, except basic energy.

Pokémon

Aim for about a 12 - 20 total Pokémon in your deck. It is also important to have plenty of basic Pokémon (12 – 14) in a deck so that you are more likely to get one on your first draw. Stick with Pokémon that are of the same type as your deck, and perhaps add some colorless Pokémon for flexibility. As a beginner, never use just 1 of each card… include at least 2 or 3 of each card you will use, or you won’t be able to count on seeing it in any of your draws.

When selecting Pokémon and their evolution stages, use these guidelines:

a) Whenever you use a Pokémon and some if its evolved forms, remember that those Pokémon together are known as a "family".

b) If you want to use a stage 1 Pokémon, use a 4/3 evolutionary line. Put in 4 of the basic type of Pokémon and 3 of the stage 1 Pokémon. For example, you could use 4 Seel and 3 Dewgong in a deck, since Dewgong is a stage 1 Pokémon and evolves from Seel. 3/2 lines are also acceptable.

c) If you want to use a stage 2 Pokémon, utilize a 4/3/2 evolutionary line. Include 4 of the basic Pokémon, 3 of the stage 1 Pokémon and 2 of the stage 2 Pokémon that you are considering. For example, you could put in 4 Squirtle, 3 Wartortle and 2 Blastoise in your deck.

Do not include too many stage 2 Pokémon families! While their high HP and awesome attacks may seem appealing, Stage 2 families take a while to get rolling since their evolutions take extra turns and most of them require lots of energy in order to use their attacks. One stage 2 family should be enough for just about any beginner’s deck.

Include between 20 - 24 energy cards in a deck. The energy you put in should be the same type as your deck. You may want to consider adding up to 4 Double Colorless Energy (the max allowed) if some of your cards can use colorless energy.

Trainers

Now for the trainers. Some great, all-around trainers that will fit into almost any deck include the following:

Energy Removal - Set your opponent’s attacks back a turn.

Bill - A great way to add some extra cards to your hand.

Professor Oak – A definite asset if you have a bad hand and/or need better cards.

Computer Search - Pure power! Retrieve that crucial card you need from your deck at your moment of need.

Also, be sure to include trainers that will complement your deck. For example, Energy Retrievals work well in fire decks, since fire Pokémon discard energy cards in order to use attacks. Again, remember to never use just 1 of each card. Multiples are necessary with trainers in order to make them effective in your deck.

To summarize:

Beginning Deck Building Outline

1. Be sure to study your rule book!!!
2. Keep it simple
3. Keep your deck a single color (mono)
4. Exactly 60 cards to a deck are allowed
5. A maximum of 4 of any card is allowed except energy
6. Never use just 1 of ANY card… use at least 2 or 3 of each card type
7. Have plenty of basic Pokémon (12 – 14)
8. 12 - 20 total Pokémon in a deck (including evolutions)
9. Include some colorless Pokémon for flexibility.
10. Stage 1 Pokémon families use a 4/3 evolutionary line
11. Stage 2 Pokémon families use a 4/3/2 evolutionary line
12. One stage 2 family should be enough for just about any deck
13. Use between 20 - 24 energy cards
14. Add in some good trainers - Oak, Bill, Energy Removal, etc.

These are some of the basic rules to making a good deck. Following these guidelines should get you off to a great start against your opponents. Later, after you understand the makings of a good deck and start to master playing the card game, you can experiment and try out different ideas. Happy deck building!

I have read the Outline for Beginning Deck building and my deck meets the Guidelines. Here is my beginning deck!