How to play the Pokémon TCG: your first complete game

Set up the table

Shuffle your deck and draw seven cards. Put a Basic Pokémon face down in the Active Spot and any additional Basics you want to start with on the Bench, up to its normal five-Pokémon limit. If you have no Basic, follow the rulebook’s mulligan procedure.

Set aside six cards from the top of the deck as face-down Prize cards. Decide who goes first and reveal the starting Pokémon. Keep the deck, discard pile and Prize cards distinct so a first game does not turn into a search for where a card belongs.

Learn the shape of a turn

Draw a card. Then use permitted actions such as placing Basics, evolving eligible Pokémon, attaching one Energy from hand, playing Trainer cards and using Abilities. Many of those actions can be arranged in the order you choose, subject to card restrictions.

An attack normally ends your turn. You do not get to attack and then attach the Energy you forgot, so check the board before announcing the attack. The player going first cannot attack or play a Supporter on their first turn under the ordinary rules.

Resolve damage and Knock Outs

Read the attack cost and effect, apply the relevant Weakness and Resistance, then place damage counters. Ten damage corresponds to one ordinary damage counter. When damage reaches the Pokémon’s HP, it is Knocked Out and the opponent takes the appropriate Prize cards.

Some powerful Pokémon give up more than one Prize when Knocked Out; read their Rule Box. A one-Pokémon knockout is not always a one-Prize event.

Do the between-turn check

Pokémon Checkup handles Special Conditions and other effects that specify that timing. Then the next player begins. Use the rulebook for exact ordering and exceptions.

A ready-to-play deck and an open rulebook are enough for a first lesson. Keep the first games focused on correct turns and clear card reading before worrying about competitive deck construction.