Parents Guide to Pokemon TCG

Welcome to the World of Pokémon

For more than 20 years, kids all over the world have been discovering the enchanting world of Pokémon. The Pokémon universe spans cards, games, animation, toys, movies, and more.

About the Pokémon TCG

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a 2-player game in which players use 60-card decks to battle. In the Pokémon TCG, players build decks around cards that feature Pokémon characters, and then take turns using attacks to try to defeat their opponent. The game requires some strategy and planning to win.

How to get started

However you like to play with Pokémon cards, there's something for you in the Pokémon TCG.

See the Product Selection Guide

Newest Expansion

The Pokémon Company International releases multiple sets of cards, called “expansions,” each year, so the game continues to evolve and expand for both players and collectors.

Get more details!

Fun for All Ages

The world of Pokémon is approachable and entertaining for people of all ages, from children to their parents and grandparents. Whether through the games or just learning about the Pokémon themselves, Pokémon offers endless opportunities to connect through an amazing cast of creatures and characters.

Play how you want

The Pokémon Trading Card Game has a clear set of rules that delivers a unique and fun gaming experience for all ages. But many children, create their own ways to play. This is great! Interacting with the cards in these ways stimulates creativity and collaboration. It also establishes familiarity with the Pokémon and the cards so children will be better suited to make the jump to the official rules when they’re ready.

Categorize and Organize

Some of the ways children like to play with cards include categorizing them by groups, or organizing them by their hit points (HP) or level. In these ways, kids get practice with concepts such as numbers, colors, and abstract categorization. And the best part is that they’re having fun playing the whole time!

Battles for Beginners

Some children really like to create their own games with Pokémon TCG cards, often with simple rules. For example, they use the cards to battle based on the HP of the Pokémon, or create games based on the official rules of the game, but with certain rules ignored.

Collect and Trade

Of course, it is not necessary to play the game at all to have fun with Pokémon TCG cards. Many kids simply love to collect cards featuring their favorite Pokémon. The cards feature all kinds of art styles that can be exciting for fans to seek out and share with friends. Many kids like to trade cards with friends, but it’s important to educate children on the relative value of cards and the consequences of trading.

Product selection guide

Need help finding the best Pokémon product for your player?
Choose a play style below to see our recommendations.

    • Build and Battle Box

      The Pokémon TCG: Build & Battle Box is an awesome way to get right into the action! Each Build & Battle Box contains a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including 1 of 4 alternate-art promo cards.

    • Elite Trainer Boxes

      Each Elite Trainer Box contains a wealth of Pokémon TCG items, including booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and much more. It's a great way to quickly increase your card collection and provide you with everything you need to play.

    • Tins

      Sturdy, metal Pokémon TCG tins are released regularly throughout the year. The tins contain booster packs and a featured Pokémon card, and they're a great way to store and carry your collection.

    • Booster Packs

      Available virtually anywhere Pokémon TCG products are sold, each booster pack contains 10 cards, 1 basic Energy card, and a code card for the Pokémon TCG Online. It's a fun and useful way to add cards to your collection. Some booster packs also come with special bonuses, such as a cool game coin.

    • Theme Decks

      Theme decks are a great introduction to playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game, providing you with what you need to start battling. You'll find a complete 60-card deck, damage counters, playmat, and more in each box. With a friend and a second theme deck, you can start playing right away.

    • Oversize card collections

      Oversize card collections are ideal for fans who want to collect playable cards and also show off bigger versions of their favorites. These boxes include several booster packs as well.

    • Pin Collections

      You can show off your love of Pokémon with help from Pokémon TCG pin collections. In addition to several booster packs, each pin collection includes a wearable lapel pin featuring a popular Pokémon.

    • Figure Collections

      Figure collections include a small Pokémon figure to put on display in addition to several booster packs, making it a perfect product for Pokémon fans.

    • Build and Battle Box

      The Pokémon TCG: Build & Battle Box is an awesome way to get right into the action! Each Build & Battle Box contains a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including 1 of 4 alternate-art promo cards.

    • Elite Trainer Boxes

      Each Elite Trainer Box contains a wealth of Pokémon TCG items, including booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and much more. It's a great way to quickly increase your card collection and provide you with everything you need to play.

    • Tins

      Sturdy, metal Pokémon TCG tins are released regularly throughout the year. The tins contain booster packs and a featured Pokémon card, and they're a great way to store and carry your collection.

    • Booster Packs

      Available virtually anywhere Pokémon TCG products are sold, each booster pack contains 10 cards, 1 basic Energy card, and a code card for the Pokémon TCG Online. It's a fun and useful way to add cards to your collection. Some booster packs also come with special bonuses, such as a cool game coin.

    • Theme Decks

      Theme decks are a great introduction to playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game, providing you with what you need to start battling. You'll find a complete 60-card deck, damage counters, playmat, and more in each box. With a friend and a second theme deck, you can start playing right away.

    • Oversize card collections

      Oversize card collections are ideal for fans who want to collect playable cards and also show off bigger versions of their favorites. These boxes include several booster packs as well.

    • Pin Collections

      You can show off your love of Pokémon with help from Pokémon TCG pin collections. In addition to several booster packs, each pin collection includes a wearable lapel pin featuring a popular Pokémon.

    • Figure Collections

      Figure collections include a small Pokémon figure to put on display in addition to several booster packs, making it a perfect product for Pokémon fans.

    • Build and Battle Box

      The Pokémon TCG: Build & Battle Box is an awesome way to get right into the action! Each Build & Battle Box contains a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including 1 of 4 alternate-art promo cards.

    • Elite Trainer Boxes

      Each Elite Trainer Box contains a wealth of Pokémon TCG items, including booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and much more. It's a great way to quickly increase your card collection and provide you with everything you need to play.

    • Tins

      Sturdy, metal Pokémon TCG tins are released regularly throughout the year. The tins contain booster packs and a featured Pokémon card, and they're a great way to store and carry your collection.

    • Booster Packs

      Available virtually anywhere Pokémon TCG products are sold, each booster pack contains 10 cards, 1 basic Energy card, and a code card for the Pokémon TCG Online. It's a fun and useful way to add cards to your collection. Some booster packs also come with special bonuses, such as a cool game coin.

    • Theme Decks

      Theme decks are a great introduction to playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game, providing you with what you need to start battling. You'll find a complete 60-card deck, damage counters, playmat, and more in each box. With a friend and a second theme deck, you can start playing right away.

    • Oversize card collections

      Oversize card collections are ideal for fans who want to collect playable cards and also show off bigger versions of their favorites. These boxes include several booster packs as well.

    • Pin Collections

      You can show off your love of Pokémon with help from Pokémon TCG pin collections. In addition to several booster packs, each pin collection includes a wearable lapel pin featuring a popular Pokémon.

    • Figure Collections

      Figure collections include a small Pokémon figure to put on display in addition to several booster packs, making it a perfect product for Pokémon fans.

Our recommendations for Card FansFriendly BattlersTournament Competitors

  • Build and Battle Box

    The Pokémon TCG: Build & Battle Box is an awesome way to get right into the action! Each Build & Battle Box contains a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including 1 of 4 alternate-art promo cards.

  • Elite Trainer Boxes

    Each Elite Trainer Box contains a wealth of Pokémon TCG items, including booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and much more. It's a great way to quickly increase your card collection and provide you with everything you need to play.

  • Tins

    Sturdy, metal Pokémon TCG tins are released regularly throughout the year. The tins contain booster packs and a featured Pokémon card, and they're a great way to store and carry your collection.

  • Booster Packs

    Available virtually anywhere Pokémon TCG products are sold, each booster pack contains 10 cards, 1 basic Energy card, and a code card for the Pokémon TCG Online. It's a fun and useful way to add cards to your collection. Some booster packs also come with special bonuses, such as a cool game coin.

  • Theme Decks

    Theme decks are a great introduction to playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game, providing you with what you need to start battling. You'll find a complete 60-card deck, damage counters, playmat, and more in each box. With a friend and a second theme deck, you can start playing right away.

  • Oversize card collections

    Oversize card collections are ideal for fans who want to collect playable cards and also show off bigger versions of their favorites. These boxes include several booster packs as well.

  • Pin Collections

    You can show off your love of Pokémon with help from Pokémon TCG pin collections. In addition to several booster packs, each pin collection includes a wearable lapel pin featuring a popular Pokémon.

  • Figure Collections

    Figure collections include a small Pokémon figure to put on display in addition to several booster packs, making it a perfect product for Pokémon fans.

Join the club

Looking to meet up with other Pokémon fans to have fun and maybe play a little Pokémon TCG? Attend a Pokémon Club event at a game store near you.

Get details

Pokémon League

Pokémon League is a fun and accessible way for Pokémon fans to get together and have some fun! League events are open to all Pokémon TCG and video game players regardless of experience level or skill. Find a Pokémon League near you!

Start playing

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