How many of the same Pokemon card should I keep?

How Many of the Same Pokémon Card Should I Keep?

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a beloved hobby for many, and as a new player, you may wonder how many copies of the same card you should keep in your deck. It’s a great question! In this article, we’ll explore the importance of card duplication and provide you with some valuable tips to help you build a deck that’s both competitive and fun.

Why is Card Duplication Important?

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about why card duplication is important in the first place. Having multiple copies of the same card provides several benefits:

• Increased chances of drawing it: The more copies you have, the higher the chances of drawing it in your hand during a game. This is especially important for cards that are crucial to your strategy.
• More opportunities for combos and synergies: With more copies of a card, you can create more opportunities for combos and synergies with other cards in your deck.
• Decks with multiple copies perform better: Studies have shown that decks with multiple copies of the same card outperform decks with single copies in terms of overall consistency and performance.

Recommended Number of Copies

Now, let’s talk about the recommended number of copies for each card. As a general rule, Pokémon cards can be grouped into three categories:

• Rares: These cards should be kept in limited numbers, typically 1-2 copies per deck. Rares are often super powerful and should be protected and used strategically.
• Uncommons: Uncommons are the bread and butter of your deck. Keep 2-4 copies of each uncommon card.
• Commons: Commons are the most numerous cards in your deck. Keep 4-6 copies of each common card.

EX and Full Arts Cards

EX and Full Art cards are a bit special. They are often more powerful than their non-EX counterparts and should be treated as rares. As such, keep 1-2 copies of these cards in your deck.

Bench and Prizing

Another important factor to consider is the role of the card on your bench and its potential as a prize card. Ask yourself:

• How often do I want to use this card on the bench?: If a card is essential to your strategy on the bench, you may want to keep more copies.
• How important is this card as a prize?: If a card is crucial for claiming prizes, you may want to keep more copies as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ideal number of copies for a Pokémon card depends on the card’s rarity, the role it plays in your deck, and its importance as a prize. Always keep in mind the category each card belongs to: rares, uncommons, or commons. Experiment with different numbers of copies to find the sweet spot for your deck. Remember to also consider the card’s bench and prize potential, as these can greatly affect its overall value.

Here’s a summary of our recommendations:

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to building a deck that’s both competitive and fun. Happy trading and gaming!