What Can You Do on Your First Turn in Pokémon?
When you sit down to play a match of Pokémon, the tension is palpable. The crowd is cheering, and the music is pumping in the background. It’s time to get your pawns on the board… or rather, on your screen. But have you ever wondered what you’re actually allowed to do during your first turn? Believe it or not, you’re not as limited as you might think. Here’s a breakdown of all the things you can (and can’t) do on your first turn:
Drawing Your Hand and Shuffling
The first thing you’ll need to do on your first turn is to draw your starting hand and shuffle your deck. By default, you’ll always draw seven cards to your hand. This might include basic Pokémon, trainers, and energy cards. Shuffle your deck to ensure maximum randomness and get those vital cards in order.
- Key Point: Pay attention to the cards that make it into your opening hand. These could heavily influence your strategy and ultimately decide the outcome of your match.
Checking Energy and Resources
Your current energy and resources will always be displayed on your HUD (Heads-Up Display). Take a quick scan to see what kind of energy you have at your disposal and what resources are on hand. This information might help you decide what tactics to employ during your subsequent turns.
- Attention to Detail: Remember the energy and resources at the start of the game affect your options for later play. Plan accordingly.
Basic Pokémon and Basic Forms
You can, for the most part, make use of your Basic Pokémon and their basic forms if you have them. Take note that some evolutions require specific energy combinations.
- Important Clarification: If you’re thinking of evolving a Basic form, keep in mind what the evolution requirements are based on the Pokémon itself as well as the Pokémon Energy attached.
Attackable Pokémon
You cannot Attack on your first turn for most cases. We have to wait until subsequent rounds for this. More explanation on this later in a dedicated section.
Play a Trainer Card (and Supporter)
By contrast, you are usually allowed to play Trainer Card and Supporter Cards instantly. These can either trigger effects or provide beneficial results.
- In this case: Trainer and supporter cards are the perfect complement to your starting hand strategy. Think about when each one will be crucial – like playing a key Ability or using a helpful strategy.
Key Pokémon Features
Evolutions and Transformations
- Some Pokémon can transform. In this case, no evolutions are necessary after transforming.
- Always use your best judgment in picking which Pokémon to transform according to your strategy and Pokémon type.
Painful Consequences: Limited Abilities
- Always, at the start, try to remember the limits related to the abilities on this first turn. Remember we are limited in a general sense, but as situations unfold, we are no longer limited.
Strategies for Your First Turn Strategy
- Initial Resource Efficiency: Start by looking ahead at your hand to minimize unnecessary resource waste on those first few turns.
Let’s now dive deeper
Attackable Pokémon for Your First Turn: the Exception
There’s still one instance where you have the chance to Attack (with your Basic Pokémon but only in specific scenarios (more information below. Some cards can be an enemy of the opponent if no Basic Pokémon is attacked while attacking.
- **Here’s an example: in a battle, some abilities of your opponent are restricted or removed if a Poké Ball is drawn immediately, so you attack instantly.
Pokémon Speed Comparisons
A Guide to Pokémon Speed Stats
- The speed stats make a difference in terms for determining which Pokémon to draw or play first for subsequent turns.
Initial Priority and Pokémon Speed Comparators
- Priorité: This is not part of the Pokémon TCG but it is mentioned only as a reference, when we talk about initial.
- Speed Comparator Function: It is your goal to determine which one beats the other in battle within your Pokémon. Remember those that have a greater
speed will attack the lesser one first.
The world of Pokémon is so huge, with so many moves and strategies. If each move and strategy in their respective turn is handled based on the Pokémon. One strategy for your initial actions on your first turn – to play a game (in a battle of time and energy) by being quick to draw energy you need to be well pre-prepared. The cards that are in your.