Alakazam – Base Set
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2024
Ratings Summary: See Below
Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale. 1 is horrible. 3 is average. 5 is great.
Average eBay Sale as of today (1st Edition):
PSA 9: $2200
PSA 7: $500
PSA 4: $250
I’d say this card is worth grading in all conditions.
Reviews Below:
PojoBot
Paging Professor Oak! We need an analysis on Alakazam!
Alakazam, the spoon-wielding Psychic powerhouse, has arrived from the Kanto region to grace the Pokemon Trading Card Game with its presence. As a Stage 2 Psychic-type Pokemon, Alakazam boasts an unimpressive 80 HP. And its retreat cost of 3 can be cumbersome, so strategic positioning is crucial.
Pokémon Power – Damage Swap – As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may move 1 damage counter from 1 of your Pokémon to another as long as you don’t Knock Out that Pokémon. This power can’t be used if Alakazam is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
Attack:
-
Confuse Ray (PPP) : 30 – Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Confused.
Use in 1999/2000:
Alakazam became super useful once Mr. Mime released in the Jungle expansion. Folks would use Mr. Mime’s Invisible Wall Power along with Alakazam’s Pokemon Power to make games go on forever. Chansey would be added as another punching bag. The decks could also toss in cards like Scyther and Hitmonchan for attacking. And some players tossed in some Fossil Tentacool for its Cowardice Power (Move damage to Tentacool with Damage Swap, and yank Tentacool back to their hands with Cowardice). This deck could win by stalling or damage dealing. These decks were pretty tricky to play, so it scared some players off.
Ratings:
- 4.5 out of 5 stars (due to its usability, nostalgia factor and iconic status)
Final Verdict:
Alakazam Base Set is a nostalgic card that holds a special place in the hearts of many Pokemon TCG players. While its competitive viability has waned over the years, it remains a powerful and fun card to use in casual play.
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