What Are Pokémon Card Types?

Summary (Pokémon Card Types)

Every Pokémon TCG deck is built from distinct Pokémon card types—Pokémon, Energy, and Trainer—each serving a unique role in gameplay. Pokémon cards represent your battling creatures, Energy cards fuel their attacks, and Trainer cards provide strategic effects. Understanding these core card categories and how they interact lets you build balanced decks and unleash powerful combos in every match.

A lively game of Pokémon Trading Card Game in progress, showcasing a mix of energy and character cards spread across the table.

Pokémon Cards

Pokémon cards are the heart of your deck, featuring creatures with Hit Points (HP), attacks, Weakness, Resistance, and Retreat Cost. They come in several forms:

• Basic Pokémon: Ready to play directly onto your Bench.

• Evolution Pokémon: Stage 1 and Stage 2 cards that evolve from Basic forms, offering stronger HP and attacks.

• Special Pokémon Types: EX, GX, V, VMAX, and VSTAR cards introduce powerful attacks and higher Prize-card stakes, adding depth to both strategy and risk.

Energy Cards

Energy cards power your Pokémon’s attacks. Each provides one unit of Energy matching a specific type (Fire, Water, Grass, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, Fairy, Dragon, and Colorless). There are two main varieties:

• Basic Energy: Unlimited four-copy play, foundational to any deck.

• Special Energy: Provide additional effects like healing or extra damage, but are limited to one or two copies per deck.

Balancing Energy counts ensures your Pokémon can attack when needed without clogging your draws.

Trainer Cards

Trainer cards offer tactical advantages and are split into three subtypes:

• Item Cards: Use multiple per turn for effects like drawing cards (e.g., Quick Ball) or healing (e.g., Potion).

• Supporter Cards: Powerful, game-changing effects (e.g., Professor’s Research) limited to one per turn.

• Stadium Cards: Ongoing field effects that benefit or hinder both players until replaced (e.g., Path to the Peak).

Effective deck building weaves Trainer cards to smooth draws, search for key pieces, and disrupt your opponent’s strategy.

FAQ: Pokémon Card Types

Q1: How many Pokémon card types are there?

A: Three core types—Pokémon, Energy, and Trainer—each with further subcategories for specialized gameplay.

Q2: Can I play more than one Supporter card per turn?

A: No—Supporters are limited to one play per turn, unlike Items which can be played freely.

Q3: What’s the difference between Basic and Special Energy?

A: Basic Energy provides a single type of Energy and is unlimited, while Special Energy offers unique effects but is restricted in deck counts.

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Which card type do you rely on most—reliable Basic Energy, game-breaking Supporters, or your favorite Pokémon attackers? Tell us your go-to plays!

Ready to build your perfect deck? Browse our full selection of Pokémon cards at Purrfect Card House and power up your strategy today!