Introduction to Pokémon Cards
Origins of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)
The Pokémon Trading Card Game, known as the Pokémon TCG, was created in 1996 in Japan and quickly became a global phenomenon. Based on the popular video game and animated series franchise, the TCG allows players to collect, trade, and compete in exciting battles using illustrated cards featuring different creatures and abilities, making it one of the top Pokémon card-related pursuits.
Pokémon Card Classification
The world of Pokémon cards is very wide and diverse. Therefore, it is important to know the different categories and how they are classified.
Pokémon Cards (Basic, Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Pokémon cards are the core of the game, representing the creatures that players use in battle. These cards are divided into three main types: Basic, Stage 1, and Stage 2. Basic cards represent Pokémon in their most basic form, while Stage 1 and Stage 2 cards represent evolutions of those Pokémon.
Trainer Cards (Items, Stadiums and Support)
Trainer cards are another important component in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as they provide different effects and benefits to players. These cards are divided into three categories: Items, Stadiums, and Support. Item cards have one-time-use effects, while Stadium cards affect both players for the entire match. Support cards offer various benefits, but can only be used once per turn.
Energy Cards (Basic and Special)
Energy cards are needed for Pokémon to perform their attacks and abilities. There are two types of Energy cards: Basic and Special. Basic Energy cards are the most common and provide an energy of a single type, while Special Energy cards offer additional effects or combinations of energies.
Evolution of Pokémon cards throughout the editions
Over the years, Pokémon cards have evolved and adapted to the different generations of the franchise. Below are some of the most notable editions and their main features.
What is First Edition? Differences between languages
First Edition is the first batch of each Pokémon card collection and features the 1st Edition logo in the bottom left corner of the art. There are differences between the Spanish and English First Edition Pokémon cards. While 1st Edition cards were released in English up to Neo Destiny, in Spain there are only 1st Edition cards for Base Set, Jungle and Fossil. In Neo Genesis in Spanish, only the Unlimited edition is available. In later expansions, they stopped being printed due to the departure of Wizards of the Coast as the main printer.
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Wizards Of The Coast (WOTC)
The first expansion (although at the time they were referred to as collections) of Pokémon cards was Base Set, released by Wizards of the Coast and introduced the basic cards, stages, trainers and energies that are still in use today.
After Base Set came Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, Base Set 2, Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge.
This era is known as WOTC cards, which stands for Wizards of the Coast, as it was the company that created and distributed the product. You may be familiar with Wizards, as they are the creators of Magic The Gathering.
Some of the Base Set, Jungle or Fossil cards:
Reverse, Secret and E-Reader Cards
Over the course of the various editions, several types of special cards have been added to Pokémon TCG collections. Reverse cards feature a holographic finish on the art, while Secret cards are rare and hard to find. E-Reader cards, on the other hand, feature wider borders and allow you to unlock exclusive content and minigames in the Game Boy Advance games.
Reverse Card
Secret Letters
These cards were introduced during the Team Rocket era and expanded the collection with cards that were difficult to obtain.
E-Reader Cards
These cards had wider borders and did not affect PvC. The purpose of these cards was to unlock exclusive content and minigames in Game Boy Advance games.
Diamond and Pearl, Black and White, X&Y, Sun and Moon, Sword and Shield Expansions
Each of these expansions has introduced new and unique features to the world of Pokémon cards. Some of the most notable are the Level X, Supporter, Full Art, EX, GX, V, VMAX, and Amazing Rare cards, which have changed the way the TCG is played over the years.
Diamond and Pearl
In the Diamond and Pearl Expansions they introduced levels that did not affect the game except for the Level:X cards (the primitive version of the V) which was the first way to improve a definitive or legendary Pokémon. D&P also added the Supporter cards that are like the trainer cards but only one can be used per turn.
Legends Cards
During the following HeartGold & SoulSilver expansions, another type of card called Legend was added that required two cards to play. This mechanic returned in 2021 with the mosaic cards, with the difference that in this one you only need 2 instead of 4.
Black and White
In Black and White they added the Full Arts cards as we know them today, these were released with Reshiram and Zekrom that we had the opportunity to see again with Celebrations.
X&Y
In the X&Y period, EX and Breaks cards were added, returning to the mechanics introduced in Diamond and Pearl of evolving a final or legendary phase.
Sun and Moon
In Sun and Moon, Gx cards were added that continued with the same mechanics as Ex and Tag Team cards that were more powerful than normal ones due to the union of two Pokemon.
Sword and Shield
This was the expansion that added the most cards, the main one being the V cards, which could be upgraded with the VMAX cards. Later, the V-Astro cards were added, which replaced the VMAX cards but needed a counter to use them. The Amazing Rare cards were also added, whose brilliance came from the art. As we mentioned before, the V-Union cards were added here, which recovered an old modality with the difference of needing 4 cards.
Special types of Pokémon cards
There are several special types of Pokémon cards that add variety and complexity to the game. These cards are often highly sought after by collectors and players due to their rarity and power in the game.
EX, GX, V and VMAX cards
These cards represent more powerful versions of Pokémon and offer stronger abilities and attacks. EX, GX, V, and VMAX cards have been introduced in different editions of the game and remain very popular among players.
GX Card
Letter V
VMax Chart
Full Art and Rainbow Rare Cards
Full Art cards feature artwork covering the entire surface of the card, while Rainbow Rare cards feature a colorful, holographic finish, making them especially attractive and valuable.
Legend and V-Union cards
Legend cards are cards that require two parts to play, and V-Union cards recover this mechanic with the difference that 4 cards are needed instead of 2.
Legend Cards
V-Union Cards
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Amazing Rare and V-Astro Cards
Amazing Rare cards feature a glow that pops out of the card art, while V-Astro cards replace VMAX cards but require a counter to use.
Amazing Rare Card
VStar Chart
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Jumbo and XL cards
Promotional Letters and Special Events
Promo cards are unique cards that are distributed at special events, such as tournaments, product releases, or promotions. These cards are often rare and highly sought after by collectors and TCG fans.
Metal Cards
Now that you know all the types of Pokémon cards and their differences in each edition, you will be able to identify and classify your cards easily. If you are interested in learning more about the Base Set, we recommend this video:
Video What is Base Set?
Don't forget to keep exploring the fascinating world of Pokémon cards and keep an eye out for new expansions and card types that may emerge in the future. Good luck on your adventure as a Pokémon card collector!