Are benched Pokémon defending Pokémon?

Are Benched Pokémon Defending Pokémon?

In the world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG), understanding the role of benched Pokémon is crucial to winning matches. A common question that arises is whether benched Pokémon can be considered defending Pokémon. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of benched Pokémon and their relationship with defending Pokémon.

What is a Benched Pokémon?

Before we dive into the main topic, let’s define what a benched Pokémon is. According to the official Pokémon Trading Card Game rules, a benched Pokémon is a Pokémon that is not currently active on the field but is still part of your team. You can have up to five benched Pokémon at any given time, and they can be switched in and out of the active position as needed.

What is a Defending Pokémon?

A defending Pokémon, on the other hand, is the Pokémon that is currently in the active position and is being attacked by your opponent’s Pokémon. The defending Pokémon is the target of your opponent’s attacks, and it is responsible for taking the damage.

Are Benched Pokémon Defending Pokémon?

Now that we have defined what benched and defending Pokémon are, let’s answer the question: are benched Pokémon defending Pokémon? The answer is no. Benched Pokémon are not considered defending Pokémon unless they are switched into the active position.

Why Are Benched Pokémon Not Defending Pokémon?

There are a few reasons why benched Pokémon are not considered defending Pokémon:

• Active Position: Benched Pokémon are not currently in the active position, which means they are not being attacked by your opponent’s Pokémon.
• Not the Target: Benched Pokémon are not the target of your opponent’s attacks, unlike the defending Pokémon which is the target of the attack.
• Not Taking Damage: Benched Pokémon are not taking damage from your opponent’s attacks, whereas the defending Pokémon is taking the damage.

When Can Benched Pokémon Become Defending Pokémon?

While benched Pokémon are not automatically considered defending Pokémon, they can become defending Pokémon under certain circumstances. Here are some scenarios where a benched Pokémon can become a defending Pokémon:

• Switching: When you switch a benched Pokémon into the active position, it becomes the defending Pokémon.
• Knocking Out: If your opponent’s Pokémon knocks out your active Pokémon, a benched Pokémon can become the new defending Pokémon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, benched Pokémon are not automatically considered defending Pokémon. However, they can become defending Pokémon under certain circumstances, such as switching or knocking out the active Pokémon. Understanding the difference between benched and defending Pokémon is crucial to winning matches in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Key Takeaways

• Benched Pokémon are not currently in the active position and are not being attacked by your opponent’s Pokémon.
• Benched Pokémon are not the target of your opponent’s attacks and are not taking damage.
• Benched Pokémon can become defending Pokémon when switched into the active position or when the active Pokémon is knocked out.

Additional Tips

• Make sure to switch your benched Pokémon into the active position when needed to take advantage of their abilities.
• Keep an eye on your opponent’s moves and switch your benched Pokémon into the active position to defend against attacks.
• Use your benched Pokémon to take advantage of their abilities and deal damage to your opponent’s Pokémon.

Table: Benched vs. Defending Pokémon

By understanding the differences between benched and defending Pokémon, you can improve your gameplay and make informed decisions during matches.