A Pokemon is a name for a type of creature. Think of them as a species of animal. Just like there are many different kinds of dogs with varying degrees of abilities (think a German Shepard vs. a Yorkie. There are lots of different kinds of Pokemon. Some Pokemon can cast lightning spells while others can breathe fire. Some have water abilities.
Pokemon, the video game, originated from a game boy game where a boy was tasked with capturing and taming all 150 different pokemon. The game revolves around raising and collecting creatures and battling them against rival pokemon collectors. Pokemon, the card game, is a spin off from the hit video games on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS.
What is the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG)?
The Pokemon Trading Card Game is an Role Playing Game, similar to the popular card game "Magic the Gathering." The object of the game is to use your cards (each card is a special Pokemon creature) to defeat the rival pokemon trainer (read: player).
What are the differences between the "Starter Deck", "Theme Deck" and the "Booster Pack?"
The Starter Deck provides an introduction to the card game and provides enough cards for two players. The Theme Deck is a single player deck that has more powerful cards (aka Pokemon) and provides more strategic moves for the player''''s deck. A Booster pack is a collection of 11 cards that provides a chance to get rare cards to make one''''s deck more powerful.
Each Starter deck is identical where the Theme Decks have some variety and the Booster packs provide for powerful collectible cards. Some players will buy multiple Booster decks to find a special rare Pokemon card for their own deck.
Each Booster pack has 11 cards which consist of one "rare" card or "holofoil" card, 3 "uncommon cards," and 7 "common cards."If you are new to the game, first buy a Starter Deck and then one Theme Deck of your liking. Each contains a rulebook to follow to get the hang of the game. Once you have mastered the basics, start purchasing booster packs or find your desired Pokemon card here on this website.
Where can I find a "Pokemon Card Pricing Guide"
Pojo has an excellent pricing guide for cards here. Alternatively, you can check this site for auctions on given cards. Generally, cards stay around the same price.
http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/usbasic.html
Where can I find how to play the Pokemon Card Game Online?
http://www.go-pokemon.com/tcg/howtoplay/
Most of all, enjoy playing with your friends! Hope this guide provided you with some direction!
Regards,
Richie
