Pokémon TCG Pocket reimagines traditional deck-building, creating a faster-paced experience with 20-card decks, no Energy cards, and a three-point win condition. Unlike the standard Pokémon TCG, where players build 60-card decks and aim to take six prize cards, this version of the iconic card game requires a different approach to consistency and strategy.

With a smaller deck size, every card choice matters. Optimizing your mix of Pokémon and Trainer cards, selecting the right booster packs, and using Wonder Pick strategically can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Whether you’re a casual player or aiming for top-tier decks, these tips will help you build a strong, competitive deck.

Choosing the Right Booster Pack

Your first big decision in Pokémon TCG Pocket is which booster pack to focus on. Each pack contains a specific pool of cards, so picking one that aligns with your strategy makes deck-building smoother.

The Charizard pack is one of the best for beginners, offering strong Pokémon like Exeggutor ex and reliable Trainer cards such as Erika. If you’re looking for a good beginner-friendly F2P deck, consider the Charizard pack. On the flipside, if you’re looking for a pack with well-rounded deck-building potential, the Mew pack is a great choice, as it includes versatile cards like Celebi ex and Gyarados ex. More competitive players might want to focus on the Dialga pack, which features staples like Dialga ex and Pokémon Communication, both of which fit into high-tier decks.

Since booster packs determine the cards available for your deck, sticking to one pack type early on improves your chances of pulling the necessary duplicates for consistency.

The 20-Card Deck Formula

Building a deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket is all about balance. Since you only have 20 slots, every card must serve a purpose. A well-rounded deck usually consists of:

• 10-12 Pokémon: A mix of Basic Pokémon for early-game aggression and Evolution Pokémon for late-game power.
• 8-10 Trainer Cards: Items and Supporters that boost consistency, manipulate the board, or disrupt the opponent.
• Ex Pokémon Consideration: Ex Pokémon are strong but give your opponent 2 points when knocked out, so use them strategically.

While you can technically add as many ex Pokémon as you want, relying on too many can be risky. If your opponent knocks out two of them, you lose the match instantly. Finding a balance between powerful ex Pokémon and single-prize attackers is key.

Wonder Pick – How to Get the Best Cards

Unlike traditional booster packs, Wonder Pick lets you take a card from a pack another player opened. This is a fantastic way to obtain crucial cards without relying on random pulls. However, using Wonder Pick efficiently requires some planning.

Prioritize high-rarity cards, especially ex Pokémon, as they are harder to obtain through regular packs. Check the Wonder Pick board frequently since it refreshes regularly, and don’t waste your picks on common cards unless they’re essential for your deck. By using Wonder Pick wisely, you can complete your deck faster without spending extra resources.

Essential Trainer Cards for Strong Decks

Trainer cards are just as important as Pokémon. They provide consistency, let you search for key cards, and disrupt your opponent’s plans. Some must-have Trainer cards include:

• Professor Oak: Draws two cards, keeping your hand fresh.
• Poké Ball: Helps you find a Basic Pokémon when needed.
• Sabrina: Forces your opponent to switch their Active Pokémon, disrupting their strategy.
• Giant Cape: Increases a Pokémon’s HP, making them more durable.
• X Speed: Reduces Retreat Costs, making your deck more flexible.

Trainer cards are available in booster packs and the shop, so keep an eye out for them. The right mix of Trainers can turn an average deck into a winning one.

Energy Strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket

One of the biggest differences in Pokémon TCG Pocket is the lack of traditional Energy cards. Instead, Energy is automatically generated each turn from the Energy Zone, with a preview of what’s coming next. This means you don’t have to worry about drawing Energy, but you do need to manage it carefully.

A good deck typically sticks to one or two Energy types to maximize consistency. Cards that accelerate Energy, like Misty or Gardevoir, can help you power up attacks faster, giving you a competitive edge. Additionally, Colorless Pokémon are highly valuable since they can attack using any Energy type, making them flexible additions to many decks.

Because Energy disappears when a Pokémon is knocked out, you need to think ahead. Wasting Energy on an easily defeated Pokémon can leave you struggling to attack later. Smart Energy management ensures that you always have the resources you need to stay in control.

Evolution Lines: How Many is Too Many?

Evolutions are powerful, but including too many can hurt your deck’s consistency. Every Evolution line takes up extra space, which limits the number of Trainers you can include. A balanced deck should follow these general guidelines:

• Basic-only decks: Focus on 10-12 strong Basics for aggressive play.
• Single Evolution decks: Include 2-3 Evolution lines, taking up 4 slots each.
• Double Evolution decks: Use 1-2 Evolution lines, requiring 6 slots each, plus Trainer support to search for missing pieces.

If your deck relies too heavily on Evolutions, you might struggle to get the right cards in hand when needed. Keeping things simple and streamlined leads to more consistent gameplay.

Adapting to the Meta and Experimenting with Strategies

Many players simply copy meta decks, but experimenting with different strategies can give you a unique advantage. Finding underrated Pokémon with strong abilities, mixing aggressive and defensive playstyles, or including disruptive tech cards can keep your opponents guessing.

Even if a Pokémon isn’t currently considered meta, it could become powerful in the future. Theory crafting new deck ideas, modifying existing strategies, and playtesting against different opponents will help you stay ahead of the competition.

Pack Points – When to Spend Them

Pack Points let you purchase specific cards instead of relying on random booster packs. Since these points are limited, it’s best to save them for high-value cards. Prioritize:

• Ex Pokémon that are essential for your deck.
• Hard-to-pull Supporter Cards.
• Rare, meta-relevant cards that don’t appear often in Wonder Pick.

Avoid spending Pack Points on common cards that can be obtained easily. Being selective with your purchases ensures that you get the best value from your resources.

Test, Refine, and Improve Your Deck

No deck is perfect from the start. Testing your deck in Solo Battles, playing against friends, and tracking your wins and losses will help you refine your strategy. If certain cards aren’t performing well, don’t be afraid to swap them out. The best decks evolve over time as you gain experience and adapt to new challenges.

A strong deck is only half the battle—you also need the best gameplay experience. With BlueStacks, you can enjoy Pokémon TCG Pocket on a larger screen with better controls and smoother performance. Whether you’re fine-tuning your deck or battling against friends, playing on PC gives you the best possible experience.