The Different Types of Pokemon Card And How to Recognize Them

Since its inception almost three decades ago, the Pokémon TCG has released more than 18,000 cards with a unique collection number. These cards have seen play in countless kitchen table battles, schoolyard trades, and in the high-stakes arena of the Pokémon TCG World Championships, which has crowned champions in cities from Anaheim to Yokohama. For a game that has captured the hearts of millions across the globe, available in at least 13 languages, its evolution has been as dynamic and strategic as a well-played match.

Now, if you are new to the hobby, you may feel overwhelmed by this sheer amount of information and the history behind it all. Staring at a pack opening and seeing a “Radiant Pokémon,” a “Pokémon V,” and a “Stage 2” can be confusing. 

But don’t you worry. To help you on your journey to becoming a Pokémon Master—a journey that hopefully takes you less time than it took Ash—here is the complete guide to every Pokémon card type you need to know.

Pokémon Cards

Pokémon cards come in 10 different types, which adds strategic depth to deck-building and gameplay decisions. Types influence attack costs, weaknesses and resistances, and card interactions. Players often build decks around one or two types to maintain consistency with Energy cards and take advantage of type-specific support cards. 

A Note on Weakness and Resistance: It’s important to understand that, unlike the video games, Weakness and Resistance are not inherent to a Pokémon’s type. The descriptions below reflect common thematic associations and playstyles, not rigid laws of the game.

Always read the card!

Grass Type:

• Its symbol is a green leaf.
• Generally weak to Fire/Psychic types and resistant to water/fighting types.
• Often associated with status effects and healing abilities.
• Notable Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Celebi, Venusaur.

Fire Type:

• Its symbol is a red flame.
• Known for high attack power and burn effects.
• Weak to water type.
• Notable Pokémon: Charizard, Arcanine, Flareon.

Water Type:

• Its symbol is a blue droplet.
• Versatile type with a mix of offensive and defensive strategies.
• Generally weak to Lightning/Grass/Metal types.
• Notable Pokémon: Blastoise, Gyarados, Vaporeon.

Lightning Type:

• Its symbol is a yellow lightning bolt.
• Fast attackers with abilities that can paralyze opponents.
• Generally weak to Fighting type and resistant to Metal types.
• Notable Pokémon: Pikachu, Zapdos, Jolteon.

Psychic Type:

• Its symbol is a purple eye.
• Often, they have unique abilities and effects.
• Generally weak to Darkness-type and resistant to Fighting types.
• Notable Pokémon: Mewtwo, Alakazam, Espeon.

Fighting Type:

• Its symbol is a brown fist.
• Known for high HP and strong physical attacks.
• Generally weak to Psychic/Grass/Water types.
• Notable Pokémon: Machamp, Lucario, Hitmonlee.

Darkness Type:

• Its symbol is a black moon crescent.
• Represents Dark-type Pokémon from the video games.
• Generally weak to Fighting type.
• Often have disruptive abilities or effects.
• Notable Pokémon: Gengar, Umbreon, Tyranitar.

Metal Type:

• Its symbol is a dark grey bolt.
• Represents Steel-type Pokémon from the video games.
• Generally weak to Fire-type and resistant to Grass type.
• Notable Pokémon: Metagross, Steelix, Scizor.

Colorless Type

• Its symbol is a light grey star.

• Generally weak to Fighting type and resistant to Grass type.
• Represents normal and flying types from video games.
• Notable Pokémon: Ratata, Pidgeot, Polygon.
• They are very versatile types of cards as they can fit in most deck archetypes.

Dragon Type

• Its symbol is a light green dragon.
• Dragons can be very powerful but require more deck-building coherence as their attacks often require 2 different types of energy to activate.
• Notable Pokémon: Dragonite, Salamence, Latios.

Fairy Type (No Longer Part of The Game):

• Its symbol is a pink pair of wings with a star in the middle.
• Added to the TCG in 2013 to match the video games.
• The Fairy type ceased being supported by the TCG from the Sword & Shield expansion onwards.
• Often have supportive or disruptive abilities.
• Notable Pokémon: Clefairy, Gardevoir, Sylveon.

Basic Pokémon

Basic Pokémon are the most elemental form of Pokémon cards. They don’t evolve from any other Pokémon and are the starting point for many evolution chains. The word “Basic” appears at the top of the card, just below the Pokémon’s name. They typically have lower HP and less powerful attacks compared to their evolved forms. They can be played directly from your hand onto your Bench.

Stage 1 Pokémon

These are the first evolutions of a Basic Pokémon. To evolve a Basic Pokémon into its Stage 1 form, you must have the Stage 1 card in your hand, and the corresponding Basic Pokémon must already be in play. For example:

• Raichu evolves from Pikachu.
• Charmeleon evolves from Charmander.

Stage 2 Pokémon

These are the second evolution, evolving from a Stage 1 Pokémon. To evolve into a Stage 2 Pokémon, the corresponding Stage 1 Pokémon must already be in play, and you must have the Stage 2 card in your hand. For example:

• Charizard evolves from Charmeleon.
• Venusaur evolves from Ivysaur (which itself evolved from Bulbasaur).

When constructing your deck, you need to include enough Basic Pokémon to start the game, as well as enough copies of their evolved forms (Stage 1 and Stage 2) to ensure you can evolve them during gameplay. Some Trainer cards, like Evosoda or Professor Elm’s Lecture, help you search your deck for evolved forms, making it easier to find and play the necessary cards to evolve your Pokémon.

Baby Pokémon

Baby Pokémon are pre-evolutions of Basic Pokémon, representing the youngest form of certain Pokémon species. They often have low-cost or free-cost retreats, making them useful pivot Pokémon: can be used to stall while setting up more powerful Pokémon. While Baby Pokémon still appear in modern sets, they are a lot less common than Basic Pokémon.

Crystal Pokémon

Crystal Pokémon were a special type of Pokémon card introduced in the e-Card era of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. They featured a shiny, “crystal” foil pattern that covered the entire card, not just the artwork. There are only 9 different Crystal Pokémon cards in existence, and they are only legal to use in the Unlimited format of the game. 

Dark Pokémon

Dark Pokémon refer to a special subset of cards that first appeared in the Team Rocket expansion in 2000. These Pokémon are typically under the control of Team Rocket, reflecting their more sinister and rebellious nature. They usually feature the word “Dark” in their name, such as Dark Charizard or Dark Blastoise.

Light Pokémon

Light Pokémons are a special counterpart to Dark Pokémon, introduced in the Neo Destiny expansion in 2002. Light Pokémon showcase a more benevolent, pure, or virtuous side of the Pokémon world. Light Pokémon often have artwork that emphasises their gentle or heroic qualities, with bright and radiant visuals. 

Their attacks or abilities often have effects that benefit your team, such as healing other Pokémon, removing status conditions, or offering other support. Like Dark Pokémon, the word “Light” appears in the name of these cards, such as Light Jolteon or Light Machamp.

Owner’s Pokémon

These cards feature Pokémon owned by specific Trainers, often well-known characters from the Pokémon games and anime, such as Gym Leaders and other significant figures. Owner’s Pokémon are identified by the owner’s name in the card title. 

For example, you might have cards like Blaine’s Charizard, Erika’s Vileplume, or Giovanni’s Persian. Many Owner Pokémon cards work especially well with certain Trainer cards, particularly those tied to their respective owner. 

Pokémon BREAK

Pokémon BREAK cards represent a special form of evolution in the TCG. They are placed on top of a regular, non-BREAK Pokémon card of the same stage (Basic, Stage 1, or Stage 2), with the BREAK card adding additional HP and abilities without overriding the existing attacks, Abilities, or other attributes of the original Pokémon. 

Pokémon BREAK didn’t drastically change the meta during its time but gave players an exciting and fresh way to boost their decks. The horizontal layout and gold-themed artwork of Pokémon BREAK cards made them visually stand out. 

Pokémon-ex

These cards were first introduced in the e-Card Series of expansions, specifically in the EX Ruby & Sapphire set released in 2003. The ex-cards feature a black “ex” in lowercase letters after the Pokémon’s name, and a metallic silver border that gives the card an extra shimmer and differentiates it from regular cards.

These cards are typically more powerful than regular Pokémon cards, featuring higher HP and stronger attacks. However, using them comes with some risks: the opponent gets to draw two Prize cards instead of the usual one. Most of these cards are not part of what is known as the vintage era of the Pokémon TCG. 

Pokémon-EX

Pokémon-EX, introduced in the Black & White series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, marked the return of the powerful mechanic previously seen with Pokémon-ex in earlier iterations of the game. A key difference with Pokémon-EX is that they can be basic Pokémon, even when their regular forms are evolved, allowing them to be played directly onto the field without the need for evolution. Another notable distinction is the visual presentation. 

One standout feature is the golden “EX,” prominently placed near the Pokémon’s name, and a more elaborate, dynamic artwork, often extending beyond the card’s frame. Arguably, the EX cards have contributed to the growing popularity of Pokémon cards within the collector community, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years.

M Pokémon-EX

M Pokémon-EX are based on the concept of Mega Evolution, a temporary transformation introduced in the Pokémon X and Y video games. M Pokémon-EX are typically used as the centrepiece of a deck, designed to dish out huge amounts of damage and overwhelm opponents. 

Like regular Pokémon-EX, when an M Pokémon-EX is knocked out, your opponent takes two Prize cards instead of one. This makes them a high-risk, high-reward type of card, where the player must balance their offensive power with the risk of losing two Prize cards if they are defeated.

Pokémon ex

Pokémon ex cards were reintroduced in the Scarlet & Violet series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, beginning with the base set released in March 2023. These new ex cards feature the “ex” in lowercase letters after the Pokémon’s name, much like the original ex cards from the early 2000s, but with modern updates, including silver lettering with a black outline.

Many of the new ex-cards showcase dynamic, action-packed artwork that extends beyond the traditional art box. A key difference from earlier Pokémon-ex cards is the addition of a distinct rule box, typically located at the bottom of the card. These boxes include special rules or effects unique to that particular Pokémon ex.

One of the major updates in the Scarlet & Violet series is that many Pokémon ex are now part of evolution lines, which adds strategic depth to gameplay and deck-building. Additionally, the reintroduction of Pokémon ex brings a new mechanic: Terastal Pokémon ex, inspired by the Terastal phenomenon from the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet video games, further enhancing their allure and versatility in battle.

Pokémon-GX

GX cards were first released in 2016 as part of the Sun & Moon expansion. Pokémon-GX typically have a much higher HP than regular Pokémon, making them more resilient in battle. Each Pokémon-GX has a special “GX attack” that can only be used once per game, per player. Some GX cards feature Ultra Beasts, a special subset of Legendary Pokémon from the Sun & Moon series.

Pokémon LEGEND

They are a unique and visually striking type of card that was introduced in the HeartGold & SoulSilver series. These cards feature powerful Legendary Pokémon and come with a special mechanic that sets them apart from traditional Pokémon cards. 

Pokémon LEGEND cards come in two halves (top and bottom), and both halves must be played together to form the complete Pokémon. This is the only card type in the Pokémon TCG where two physical cards combine to create one full Pokémon.

Although Pokémon LEGEND cards were only featured in a few sets and are no longer part of the Standard format, they remain a beloved part of the Pokémon TCG’s history.

Pokémon LV.X

These cards represented an evolution of already powerful Pokémon and provided them with new abilities and attacks, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game. Pokémon LV.X cards are placed on top of an existing, fully-evolved Pokémon in play (of the same name). They don’t count as evolutions, so you don’t lose access to the previous Pokémon’s attacks and abilities.

Essentially, a Pokémon LV.X “levels up” an already evolved Pokémon, granting it additional attacks, Poké-Powers, or Poké-Bodies (special abilities that could be either passive or activated) while still allowing access to the original Pokémon’s moves.

Unlike later mechanics like Pokémon-GX or VMAX, knocking out a Pokémon LV.X only awards the opponent one Prize card, the same as a regular Pokémon. Pokémon LV.X is no longer part of the Standard format but still plays a role in Expanded formats.

Pokémon Prime

Pokémon Prime cards made a brief appearance across the HeartGold & SoulSilver, Unleashed, Undaunted, and Triumphant sets. These cards are easily recognisable by their close-up artwork and silver borders, often featuring the Pokémon in fierce poses with a striking glint in their eyes. The card’s border also stands out with its distinctive spiky pattern. In total, only 27 Pokémon Prime cards were released.

Pokémon SP

These cards featured Pokémon that belonged to specific trainers rather than wild Pokémon, with unique mechanics and gameplay elements that set them apart from regular cards. SP stands for Special Pokémon, and you can identify them by the trainer’s image on the card, as well as the gold and silver “SP” symbol located at the bottom left of the artwork.

Pokémon V

Pokémon V cards were introduced as a new mechanic in the TCG with the release of the Sword & Shield series in 2020. They effectively replaced the GX and EX cards from the previous era but come with a unique “V Rule,” which states that when a Pokémon V is knocked out, the opponent takes 2 prize cards instead of 1.

These cards have a distinctive design that sets them apart from other types. They feature a black border, with a large silver “V” prominently displayed in the top-left corner. The artwork often extends across most of the card, sometimes overlapping the borders and text areas and a black V logo is placed next to the Pokémon’s name.

Pokémon VMAX

Pokémon VMAX cards represent the Dynamax or Gigantamax forms of Pokémon from the video games, showcasing massively powered-up versions of regular Pokémon. To play a VMAX card, you first need to have its corresponding Pokémon V in play, which you then evolve into its VMAX form.

These cards are notable for their extremely high HP, typically ranging between 300 and 340, making them formidable and difficult to knock out. But the payoff is immense for your opponent: when a VMAX Pokémon is defeated, they can claim three Prize cards instead of the usual one.

Visually, VMAX cards stand out with their full-art design and the bold “VMAX” wording next to the Pokémon’s name. A label beneath the name indicates whether the transformation is Dynamax or Gigantamax. The card features a distinctive rainbow-like glow and a VMAX Rule box located in the bottom right corner.

Pokémon VSTAR

VSTAR cards are a powerful type of card introduced in the Sword & Shield series, specifically during the Brilliant Stars set. They are easy to recognise by the distinctive white and gold “VSTAR” symbol placed next to the Pokémon’s name. 

Mechanically, VSTAR Pokémon are evolution cards, meaning they must be evolved from their corresponding Pokémon V card to be played. One of the key features of VSTAR cards is their VSTAR Power, which can either be a special attack or a unique ability. This power is extremely strong and can often turn the tide of the game, but it can only be used once per match.

Pokémon V-UNION

Each V-UNION Pokémon is divided into four separate cards, each representing a part of the full Pokémon. These cards must be assembled by collecting all four pieces and combining them to create the full Pokémon on the field.

V-UNION Pokémon have some of the most powerful attacks, abilities, and stats in the game. Each V-UNION card typically has multiple attacks or abilities to choose from, giving players versatile options.

To date, only 4 of them have ever been printed: Mewtwo, Greninja, Pikachu and Zacian!

Pokémon ☆

Pokémon ☆ (often pronounced “Pokémon Star” or “Gold Star Pokémon”) cards are a special kind of Pokémon card introduced in the mid-2000s within the “EX” series of sets. What makes them unique is that they feature Shiny Pokémon – Pokémon with alternative colorations from their usual appearance in the video games. These cards were exceptionally rare to pull from booster packs.

In terms of gameplay, Pokémon ☆ cards are notable because you could only have one Pokémon ☆ card in your entire deck. This “one-per-deck” rule made choosing which Shiny Pokémon to include a strategic decision. While their attacks and abilities varied, they were generally powerful for their time, but the true draw of these cards was often their striking artwork and extreme rarity. 

You can recognize a Pokémon ☆ card by a small, gold, five-pointed star symbol next to the Pokémon’s name, often with a unique holographic shimmer or a portion of the Pokémon’s art extending beyond the typical art box, giving them a distinct and highly sought-after appearance.

Only 38 different Gold Star Pokémon are available to collect to this day.

Future Cards

Future Pokémon cards depict futuristic Paradox Pokémon. These cards generally prioritize speed and strategic utility, often featuring lower Energy costs for attacks and abilities that facilitate quick movements or tactical advantages. 

When incorporating Future cards into a deck, players often aim for a more agile playstyle, using their abilities to set up combinations, disrupt the opponent’s board, or efficiently move Pokémon between the Active and Bench positions. Support cards for Future Pokémon frequently assist with card searching or provide benefits that enhance their speed and precision on the battlefield. 

You can recognize Future cards by a clear “Future” label near the Pokémon’s HP and a distinctive digital, pixelated pattern integrated into the card’s background.

Ancient Cards

Ancient Pokémon cards feature prehistoric Paradox Pokémon. These cards typically represent Pokémon with higher HP and attacks that often deliver significant damage. A common strategy when using Ancient cards involves building a strong front line and focusing on direct, powerful attacks to wear down an opponent.

Distinguished by a stony “Ancient” label in the top-right corner of the card art, they are known for their powerful, damage-heavy attacks and their resilience, making them tough to Knock Out.

Many support cards designed for Ancient Pokémon help accelerate Energy attachment or provide defensive boosts, allowing them to sustain pressure and deliver consistent, impactful hits throughout a game.

Restored Pokémon

Restored Pokémon in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) are a unique category of Pokémon that are brought back from Fossils, much like in the main series video games. They are typically based on prehistoric or extinct Pokémon, like Kabuto, Omanyte, and Aerodactyl, and newer ones such as Tirtouga or Amaura. 

There have only been 13 Restored Pokémon cards printed to date, and this unique game mechanic hasn’t been used since the Steam Siege set in 2016. However, it’s not out of the question that it could make a return in the future.

Shining Pokémon

These cards made their debut in the 2001 Neo Revelation expansion, featuring Shining Gyarados and Shining Magikarp as the first-ever Shining Pokémon. They have the word “Shining” in their names, so you can not confuse them with other types of cards. 

As you may already know, shiny Pokémon are based on the shiny Pokémon from video games, showcasing unique alternate colour schemes and increased rarity, making them a pretty exciting find for any collector. As of today, there are only 20 Shining Pokémons out of the 17,000 cards released so far!

Radiant Pokémon

Radiant Pokémon are a relatively recent addition to the card game, introduced a few years ago during the release of the Astral Radiance set. These cards represent a new take on Shining Pokémon variants.

There are only 15 radiant pokémon printed so far, and they often have strong abilities or attacks that make them impactful in battles. That’s why Radiant Pokémon have a special rule – only one is allowed in a player’s deck (no matter its name).

Tag Team Pokémon-GX

First appearing in the “Team Up” set in 2019, these cards feature two Pokémon teaming up on a single card, combining their strengths. They are typically full-art cards and feature a unique card frame design with yellow metal-like bordering on the top left and bottom right corners of the card. 

There are a few instances where three Pokémon form a Tag Team instead of the usual two! These are powerful cards, but they come with a caveat: When a Tag Team Pokémon-GX is knocked out, the opponent takes three prize cards instead of the usual one or two

Team Plasma cards

Team Plasma cards were a prominent feature in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) during the Black & White era, specifically introduced in the “Plasma Storm”, “Plasma Freeze”, and “Plasma Blast” expansions. These cards were themed around the villainous Team Plasma from the video games and featured distinct blue borders and a Team Plasma badge in the artwork.

During their time, Team Plasma decks were highly competitive and frequently used in tournaments due to their powerful combinations of Pokémon, energy acceleration, and support cards. However, these cards are no longer part of the standard format.

δ Delta Species

Delta Species Pokémon are cards denoted by “δ” in their name. They were introduced during the EX Delta Species set, released in 2005. These cards featured Pokémon from the Holon region (which only exists in the TCG Lore) that had been genetically altered, resulting in unique type changes that set them apart from their traditional typings. 

Their artwork also typically reflected their new type, with altered colours or designs representing the type shift. For example, Delta Kingdra was both a Fire and a Metal type, which offered some interesting playstyle.

Trainer Cards

Trainer cards are essential for building effective strategies and supporting your Pokémon in battles. Trainer cards come in various types, each serving different purposes to enhance your gameplay. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

1. Item Cards: These are versatile tools that provide immediate effects, such as healing, drawing cards, or adding extra abilities. You can play as many Item cards as you like during your turn.

2. Supporter Cards: These cards offer powerful effects, like drawing multiple cards or disrupting your opponent’s hand. However, they’re limited to one per turn due to their strength.

3. Stadium Cards: Stadiums are unique in that they affect the entire play area, giving benefits or creating obstacles for both players. Only one Stadium can be in play at a time, and a new one replaces the previous.

4. Tool Cards: These attach directly to a Pokémon and provide ongoing benefits or upgrades, like boosting damage, defending against attacks, or modifying abilities. Each Pokémon can hold only one Tool card.

ACE SPEC cards

ACE SPEC cards were a unique mechanic introduced in the Pokémon TCG Black & White: Boundaries Crossed expansion. These cards offered powerful one-time effects or tools that could significantly impact gameplay, which is why players were limited to including only one ACE SPEC card per deck.

One notable example, Computer Search, became a staple in competitive play for its ability to discard two cards in exchange for searching for any card from the deck—a highly strategic advantage.

ACE SPEC cards have their own rarity symbol, distinguished by a pink star at the bottom left of the card. Recently, they’ve made a comeback in the Scarlet & Violet: Temporal Forces expansion, reintroducing these impactful cards to the standard format.

Goldenrod Game Corner cards

Goldenrod Game Corner cards are a subclass of trainer cards from the Neo Genesis set, which was released in 2001 for English markets. They allowed players to flip coins to potentially draw cards, mimicking the gambling aspect of the video game location. There are only 2 cards of the type in existence: Arcade Game and Card Flip Game!

Item cards

Unlike Supporter cards, which are limited to one per turn, Item cards can be played freely without restriction, allowing players to chain together multiple Item effects in a single turn to maximize their impact. This flexibility has made Item cards a central pillar of deck-building, as players carefully curate their Item line-up to support their overall strategy. 

As the Pokémon TCG has evolved, Item cards have become increasingly central to competitive play, with top-tier decks often relying on a carefully curated suite of Items to maintain consistency, disrupt opponents, and execute key combos.

Rocket’s Secret Machine cards

The Team Rocket Secret Machine cards were first introduced in the Team Rocket set in 2000, featuring artwork that perfectly captured the villainous organization’s mechanical and technological themes. These Trainer cards offer players creative strategies that align with Team Rocket’s sly and unpredictable nature, often presenting powerful benefits that come with calculated risks or trade-offs.

Originally part of the Team Rocket set, Secret Machine cards later appeared in Gym Heroes, Neo Destiny, and EX Team Rocket Returns, with a total of 11 different versions released throughout the years. These cards have become a beloved part of the Team Rocket sub-series, adding an element of surprise and strategic depth for players looking to diversify their deck-building options.

Looking ahead, the upcoming “The Glory of Team Rocket” set, scheduled for release next year, may introduce new Secret Machine cards to the game. For Team Rocket fans and strategic players alike, this potential addition to the Secret Machine legacy is certainly something to watch for!

Stadium cards

Stadium cards have been a fundamental part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game since their introduction in the Gym Heroes set back in 1998. These powerful Location cards create unique battlefield conditions that affect both players simultaneously, dramatically altering the flow of matches. 

Unlike traditional Trainer cards that provide one-time effects, Stadium cards remain active on the field until another Stadium card replaces them or they’re removed by specific card effects. This persistent nature has made them crucial tools for competitive deck building, with players carefully selecting Stadiums that either support their strategy or disrupt their opponent’s game plan.

Throughout the TCG’s history, Stadium cards have evolved from simple energy manipulation tools to complex game-changers. Notable examples include Virbank City Gym, which increased poison damage, and Path to the Peak, which nullifies Pokémon V abilities.

Supporter cards

Supporter cards marked a significant evolution in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, making their debut in the Expedition Base Set in 2002 with cards like Bill’s Maintenance. This new card classification revolutionized the game’s tempo by introducing a crucial rule: players can only play one Supporter per turn.

From early examples like Professor Elm’s Training Method to modern staples like Professor’s Research, Marnie, and Boss’s Orders, Supporters have become iconic not just for their powerful effects, but for how they’ve shaped entire formats and competitive strategies. The evolution of Supporter cards reflects TCG’s design philosophy. Early Supporters focused on straightforward draw power and deck manipulation, but modern designs incorporate more complex effects.

Today’s competitive decks typically run anywhere from 8 to 15 Supporter cards (for draw and utility purposes), highlighting their essential role in maintaining consistency and executing game plans. Despite power creep in other card categories, Supporters remain a cornerstone of the game. 

Technical Machine cards (TM)

The core functionality of TM cards is to provide Pokémon with access to move effects they wouldn’t normally have. This enabled deck-building strategies centered around combining specific Pokémon and TM effects to create powerful combinations. TM cards are no longer printed and have been replaced by a new mechanic: Pokémon Tools.

Pokémon Tool cards

Introduced in the Neo Genesis expansion, Pokémon Tool cards attach directly to a Pokémon in play, granting that Pokémon additional effects or benefits. This could range from increasing a Pokémon’s HP, providing resistance to certain types of damage, or even enabling entirely new attack or defensive capabilities.  

Pokémon Tool cards add a lot of strategic flexibility, enabling players to customise their Pokémon to better counter opponents or enhance their deck’s overall strategy. They’re especially popular in competitive play for tweaking decks to gain an edge in specific matchups.

Energy Cards

Energy cards are essential for powering up your Pokémon’s attacks. Without the right Energy attached, a Pokémon can’t use most of its attacks, making Energy cards as crucial to a deck as the Pokémon themselves! 

Basic Energy cards

These match the main Pokémon types: Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, and Fairy (though Fairy has been phased out in recent sets). There’s also Basic Colorless Energy, though Colorless doesn’t have its own dedicated Basic Energy card. 

Special Energy cards

These provide unique effects in addition to supplying energy. They might cover multiple Energy types, provide bonus abilities, or offer tactical advantages. Some examples include:

• Double Colorless Energy: Provides two units of Colorless Energy, helping Pokémon with high attack costs.
• Capture Energy: Provides Colorless Energy and lets you search your deck for a Basic Pokémon to put on your Bench.
• Aurora Energy: Provides any type of energy but requires discarding a card from your hand for use.

Unlike Basic Energy cards, Special Energy cards are limited to four copies of each type in a deck. This keeps them from being overused, as their added effects can be game-changing

Rarity Type

When you tear open a Pokémon TCG booster pack, one of the most exciting moments is discovering what rare cards lie within! From the very first set in 1999, which featured just four basic rarity types, the Pokémon TCG has evolved significantly over two and a half decades and more than a hundred sets. Today, understanding card rarity is key for collectors, players, and anyone looking to gauge a card’s value or excitement factor.

Each card’s rarity is indicated by a symbol located in the bottom corner (typically bottom right). Here’s a breakdown of the most common rarity types you’ll encounter:

Common Cards

• Symbol: Black Circle (●)
• Prevalence: Very frequent. You’ll find multiple Common cards in nearly every booster pack.
• Description: These are the most basic cards, forming the backbone of sets and typically featuring basic Pokémon or Trainer cards.

Uncommon Cards

• Symbol: Black Diamond (◆)
• Prevalence: Regular. Most booster packs contain several Uncommon cards.
• Description: Slightly less common than Common cards, these often include evolved Pokémon or more specialized Trainer cards.

Rare Cards

• Symbol: Black Star (★)
• Prevalence: Standard. You are guaranteed one Rare card in most booster packs.
• Description: These are considered the baseline “rare” cards in a set. They often feature fully evolved Pokémon, powerful Trainer cards, or sometimes a Holo Rare variation.

Holo Rare Cards

• Symbol: Black Star (★)
• Prevalence: Varies, but often replaces the standard Rare card slot.
• Description: These are visually distinct Rare cards where the Pokémon’s artwork (or sometimes the entire card) has a holographic, shiny finish. They share the same rarity symbol as standard Rare cards.

Double Rare (RR) Cards

• Symbol: Two Black Stars (★★)
• Prevalence: Uncommon. Roughly 1 in 6 packs (approx. 17%).
• Description: Introduced in modern sets, these cards are typically powerful Pokémon ex or other special Pokémon with unique rules. They are less common than standard Rares.

Ultra Rare (UR) Cards

• Symbol: Two silver stars with a subtle foil effect.
• Prevalence: Very Low. Approximately 1 in 15 packs (approx. 6.8%).
• Description: These cards often feature full-art Pokémon ex, Supporter cards, or special items with unique textures or holographic treatments. They are significantly harder to pull than Double Rares and are highly sought after by collectors.

Illustration Rare (IR) Cards

• Symbol: Single Gold Star (★)
• Prevalence: Low. Approximately 1 in 13 packs (approx. 7.8%).
• Description: Part of the “Art Rare” category, these cards feature beautiful, often borderless, full-card artwork by a single artist, focusing on the Pokémon itself with unique artistic flair. They are considered “Secret Rares” as their card number usually exceeds the official set count.

Special Illustration Rare (SIR) Cards

• Symbol: Two Gold Stars (★★)
• Prevalence: Very Low. Approximately 1 in 90 packs (approx. 1.1%).
• Description: Even rarer than Illustration Rares, these are stunning, full-art cards that typically showcase Pokémon alongside a Trainer or within an elaborate scene. They often have intricate textures and are among the most valuable cards in a set. These are also “Secret Rares.”

Hyper Rare (HR) Cards

• Symbol: Three Gold stars in a triangular positioning (★★★)
• Prevalence: Extremely Low. Approximately 1 in 137 packs (approx. 0.73%).
• Description: These cards are typically a rainbow or gold alternate version of an Ultra Rare, Special Illustration Rare, or Trainer card. They are among the absolute rarest pulls in any set and are highly prized for their unique aesthetics. These are “Secret Rares.”

Shiny Rare (SR) Cards

• Symbol: Single Hollow Gold Star (☆)
• Prevalence: Relatively Low, but varies by special set. E.g., ~1 in 4 packs (25%) in sets like Paldean Fates.
• Description: Found primarily in special “subset” expansions (like Crown Zenith or Paldean Fates), these cards feature “Shiny Pokémon”—Pokémon with alternate colorations from their standard appearance. They often have unique textures and full-art designs.

Shiny Ultra Rare (SUR) Cards

• Symbol: Two Hollow Gold Stars (☆☆)
• Prevalence: Very Low. Approximately 1 in 13 packs (approx. 7.7%) in sets where they appear.
• Description: These are the rarest of the Shiny Pokémon cards, typically featuring Shiny Pokémon ex or other powerful Shiny Pokémon with full-art, textured designs. They are highly sought after by collectors of Shiny Pokémon.

ACE SPEC Rare Cards

• Symbol: A unique Pink/Red Star (★)
• Prevalence: Low. Approximately 1 in 20 packs (5%).
• Description: A distinct card type that provides powerful effects but with a strict rule: you can only have one ACE SPEC card of any kind in your entire deck. They returned in the Scarlet & Violet era, having first appeared in the Black & White series.