Full Art Cards!

Keldeo FA Japanese Version!

Pokemon players are now hunting for FA cards..

Yesterday was another usual tournament at Bangsar Baru with even more people playing Pokemon cards! (more than 20 people now!) Played 4 games in total which I won only 1 and lost the other 3 game.. I was testing out a new deck variants which I will be posting the deck build lists by the coming week after I've made some adjustments which I've learned, experienced and observed during yesterday's match.. (It's one of the meta deck according to my friend..)

My first 2 game played against TDK deck which initially, I had my upper hand.. But, I was having trouble to get the cards needed to win the game.. (it was close game for the first 2 matches!) My trouble was only 2 reasons: No.1, I did not play any N so was N'd and had to throw away some of my good cards away because of Juniper.. No. 2, I only played 11 Energies in my deck so was having a hard time to get the sufficient Energies to attack my opponent's Pokemon..

I lost my 3rd game as well to a Dakrai/Garbodor Variants which I was one turn away to win the game! 4th game however, I won, which was against another meta deck (which my next deck exploration will be this deck build), Trubbish/Sigilyph/Masquerain Variants! A very interesting deck which quite a number of our players are already starting to build this deck! The cost for this deck build is not very high actually but I will need some time to re-calculate it's market price since it's one of the meta deck..

This are the results and my standings are...are...are...way below there..xD

The champion got 5 Plasma Blast booster packs! Woots!!

In Short..

Come to Bangsar Baru Comics Corner to join in the fun with us! League fees at RM 5.00, every Saturday starting 2 pm!

See you there!^^

Virizion / Genesect / Bouffalant Variants

The lists of cards for this deck build!

[10] Pokemon

4 x Virizion EX
3 x Genesect EX
3 x Bouffalant (Gold Breaker)

[13] Energy

4 x Plasma
2 x DCE
7 x Grass

[37] Trainer

4 x Professor Juniper
4 x N
3 x Skyla
1 x Colress
2 x Random Receiver
1 x Computer Search
2 x Skyarrow Bridge
4 x Colress Machine
4 x Team Plasma Badge
2 x Team Plasma Ball
2 x Ultra Ball
3 x Pokemon Catcher
2 x Tool Scrapper
2 x Silver Mirror
1 x Silver Bangle

Virizion EX + Team Plasma Badge + Colress Machine + 1 Grass Energy COMBO

Without Virizion EX being the main starter to kick-start the game (of every early game), it'll be very difficult for the later game after T1, starting T2 onwards!

The main reason that Virizion EX is use in play is because of its fast Energy pumper, especially to boost Genesect EX which can begin to Megalo Cannon in T2! Furthermore, as long any of Pokemon that has any Grass Energy attach to it, that Pokemon cannot be affected by any special condition so long Virizion EX is in play or its ability is not being locked!

I know some may not like this idea of deck build.. However, Virizion EX's minimum requirement is to run 2 Energies (1 Grass & 1 Colorless) to do a 50 damage, at the same time pumping Energies to one of its bench Pokemon.. Team Plasma Badge (making Virizion EX into a Team Plasma Pokemon) with Colress Machine (searches a Plasma Energy and attach it to one of the Team Plasma Pokemon) combo is the only option to make Virizion EX to attack and start pumping Energies in T1.. By attaching 1 Grass Energy to Virizion EX (which makes it having 2 Energies in 1 turn), T1 could not have been more perfect for this kind of combination!

Despite the suitable combination, this game strategy consistency will drop because it will not be easy to get all the necessary cards at T1 when you need a total of 4 out of 8 (Starting with 7 cards plus 1 draw when your turn begins) of the combination cards to be your first hand of cards altogether.. Not only that, if Genesect EX is not 1 of the 8 cards to begin with, it's pointless unless you have a Team Plasma Ball (which means a total of 5 combination cards needed if Virizion EX were the deck's combination perfect starter) or Ultra Ball (which means you'll need to sacrifice some your cards by discarding 2 cards which may be your important cards on hand, and that will also means that you'll be using 7 cards altogether in R1, unless it's so perfect that the 8th and last card is either Professor Juniper or N..)

Whatever it is, you need to make Virizion EX to go first in this kind of deck build..

Genesect EX

Genesect EX function similar like Darkrai except that it's damage (slightly a bit different) on defending Pokemon is 100 damage and 20 damage to a bench Pokemon.. Although it is not so "Magic Number" damaging as Darkrai, but it does comes in handy in some game play situation..

Thanks to Genesect EX's ability, it can serve as another standby catcher whenever needed to! Playing 4 Pokemon Catcher seems interesting in this deck, added on with Genesect EX's ability.. However, I don't think we need to keep swapping your opponent's Pokemon all the time.. Right?

Bouffalant (Gold Breaker)

The reason I choose Bouffalant is that I am running out of ideas what could be the other Pokemon that will come in handy for this deck as well as to do massive damage while in play.. Bouffalant skill "Gold Breaker" is a great advantage to do huge amount of damage on your opponent's defending Pokemon EX! It is undeniable that most Pokemon card players nowadays (since Pokemon EX is dominating in most metagame) highly use a lot of Pokemon EX so Bouffalant is an ideal choice for this deck build..

Not only it does 120 damage to Pokemon EX with 3 Colorless Energies (that is why I decided to play 2 DCE in this deck build), it also has an ability "Bouffer" which reduces any damage taken at 20.. Bouffalant's attack can be boosted to 150 damage by adding Silver Bangle to it against any Pokemon EX! This is an effective method when combining with Genesect EX! Genesect EX to deal 20 damage to a bench Pokemon (at an earlier turn), then later Bouffalant come out to attack that bench Pokemon with the help of a Pokemon Catcher or activating Genesect EX's ability.. With the previously 20 damage to that Pokemon by Genesect EX added with Bouffalant's attack damage combining with Silver Bangle, a total of 170 damage can be created in within 2 rounds to almost any Pokemon EX that has 170 HP!

I added Silver Mirror in this deck because I see its potential to slow down your opponent a lot! This is especially effective against Team Plasma Variants deck (TDK will be in trouble!) I can say that most players still use Team Plasma Pokemon in game and that is why adding a Silver Mirror to Bouffalant can create a lot of trouble for your opponent if the idea is to spice up the game.. (If he or she does not play any Tool Scrapper, he is in big big trouble!)

Plasma Energy, Double Colorless Energy (DCE), Grass Energy

Plasma Energy will be your alternative catcher with the ability from Genesect EX.. It comes in really handy (I've done its test deck and see its true potential!)

DCE is solely only for Bouffalant.. It won't help Virizion EX or Genesect EX (it will be pointless! I find it quite difficult to blend in this deck but Bouffalant cannot be relying on single Energy charge every turn, using Virizion to charge 2 Grass Energies to it can be wasteful because it suppose to be meant for Genesect EX to Megalo Cannon.. Playing 9 Grass Energies seems too little and too difficult for Bouffalant to be played in this deck build because it also requires 3 Energies to attack..)

The beauty of playing Grass Energy in this deck is Virizion EX's ability which prevents all special condition affecting all of its Pokemon that has any Grass Energy on it!

Professor Juniper, N, Skyla, Colress SUPPORTERs

Needless to say, Professor Juniper is the most ideal Supporter card used in any kind of deck build or variants! N can be your game changer! Skyla to retrieve any Trainer cards you need while in play (usually to find Team Plasma Badge or Colress Machine at T1 in game when Virizion EX will be the starter of the game!)

Colress only works well when your bench and your opponent's bench Pokemon is full.. Playing 1 Colress will be enough because this deck does not require to maximize your bench Pokemon..

Random Receiver

I find it Random Receiver helps a lot for me! It thins my deck faster which I could retrieve the necessary cards I needed faster.. So I decided to include it in most of my deck build lists.. I usually run 2 of it, only if, I do not have any other better Supporter cards to include in any of my kind of deck build..

Computer Search

It's very straightforward how this card works; it allows you to find a card (any card) that you needed the most in any game play situation..

Computer Search can be like the acting of Skyla (to find any Trainer cards, usually Item cards..) or to directly find for a Professor Juniper (which is usually the case) when you don't have any other Supporter cards on hand..

Computer Search can also be like your acting Ultra Ball whereby you search for a Pokemon that you need to come in play.. (Like getting Genesect EX or Bouffalant to bench; in some rare cases, Virizion EX)

Sometimes Computer Search can be handy to retrieve Energy cards especially DCE (for Bouffalant's attack)! Or Plasma Energy (as an alternative catcher through Genesect EX) or even Grass Energy when that rare occasion you really need it..

Skyarrow Bridge STADIUM

It's free retreat for Virizion EX and Genesect EX! Since the Pokemon won't be affected by any special condition, you don't need Keldeo EX to "Rush In" and retreat with a Float Stone anymore!

For Bouffalant it still needs to discard 1 Energy card in order to retreat.. It's okay, because with DCE still intact with Bouffalant, it can be recharged any moment that turn or the following turn!

Colress Machine and Team Plasma Badge

As mentioned above, these cards are the combination for Virizion EX's skill to work! No other strategy except if Genesect EX needs that last Energy too (because Genesect EX is a Team Plasma Pokemon by itself)..

Colress Machine and Team Plasma Badge won't work for Boufalant (if decided to attach a Team Plasma Badge on Bouffalant, Colress Machine to find a Plasma Energy and attach to it so it can attack in T1, with another attachment of DCE to it..) because it's a waste of resources as well as the tech is not for this purpose.. This tech is only and works for Virizion EX (that is why I find it very challenging to play this deck because you need to have a really good first hand of cards in the beginning of every game..)

It may be a great start for Bouffalant to do 120 damage in T1 against any Pokemon EX, but in later game, you'll find yourself in trouble when you do not start pumping Energies as soon as that T1! The main starter (for consistency) for this deck is to start pumping Energies first! Silver Bangle or Silver Mirror is added to this deck to serve the purpose (or tech) for Bouffalant.. This deck is already challenging enough to get Virizion EX's skill to carry out, be it for Bouffalant.. (Unless, unless, one in a hundred you get that very perfect combo of hand cards for every turn then it's a whole different story altogether..)

Team Plasma Ball and Ultra Ball

Another straightforward cards to use in this deck.. You can have different varieties (maybe 1 Team Plasma Ball and 3 Ultra Ball, or all Ultra Ball) depending how you like it.. I decided to use the balanced format (because I want my Genesect EX to come to play first on bench)..

Pokemon Catcher

You probably need to run only 3.. You can play all 4, up to you, but the space in this deck is a concern (especially since it's been all taken up by Team Plasma Badge, or some may argue that Team Plasma Badge need to play 3 of it only..)

You don't really need that many Pokemon Catcher to be frank, because you can have Genesect EX as your standby catcher which will surprise your opponent!

Tool Scrapper

Many players now will have to play Tool Scrapper all thanks to the birth of Silver Mirror! Since this deck have Team Plasma Pokemon in play, as well as thanks to Team Plasma Badge's "help", you need to run at least and minimum 2 of it (or maximum 3..)

I've played the new expansion cards and I can tell you it is very irritating when you are up against a deck that has Silver Mirror! (it's sooooo bloody annoying!!) Running 2 Tool Scrapper is a must when half of your Pokemon is Team Plasma Pokemon, sometimes you are forced to have your 3rd Tool Scrapper as well (this also means that your deck's consistency game play will be reduced!)

I even encounter people that are actually playing 4 Tool Scrapper! When your deck are all Team Plasma Variants, yes, you might need all 4 of it.. (but bare in mind, the deck consistency will be reduced even further!)

Silver Mirror and Silver Bangle

I've explained much about the uses of these 2 cards in my earlier explanations.. These cards only applicable to Bouffalant because its the only Non-EX Pokemon that can be attached to.. Try out Silver Mirror, it'll be hell lots of fun!

In Short..

Virizion and Genesect deck build variants are somewhat "unstable" so many would agree with me that this deck lists will be a Tier 2 deck! (or maybe not?)

The reason is the consistency ("problem") of the deck.. Me and my friends did tried something else (we test deck over and over) which we explore other cards used in this deck build.. Adding 4 Deoxys EX will boost the damage for Virizion EX (if it has the Team Plasma Badge) and Genesect EX, but it won't be very effective to stay in game for long.. If taking off Virizion EX completely and played like TDK style (which Genesect EX replaces Team Plasma Kyurem, the acronym would be "TDG"), it's still too early to debate on the consistency level because this means that "TDG" will be running all Pokemon EX which will be advantageous for your opponent to take his or her Prize Cards faster.. On top of that, if "TDG" go against Anti-EX damage attack decks, you can praise the word "Haleluya!!" to God by yourself!

I hope my explanations is clear and I would love it if any of you would care to share your thoughts, opinions, or ideas about the deck build lists I've made.. I welcome any feedback, comment, as well as, as many criticism as possible so you and I can explore more options on Pokemon Trading Card Game strategies! (Y)

Thank you so much for reading my blog!^^ <3 <3 <3



P/S: In future (in my blog) I will also include the estimate Price / Cost for the deck build variants lists below (solely based on my expectations, it can be argued or debatable).. (FYI, it's just an estimation amount of value that are based only, the Price / Cost will vary from time-to-time, country-to-country, places-to-places, friends-to-friends of trading and selling value for each individual cards or a set of cards altogether, no exact Price / Cost justification that applies to all markets or standards..)

*Estimation Price / Cost : RM 800.00 (or USD $250.00)

Over the past 3 weeks > My Weekends Tournament

Pink Boy > Pokemon Boy

Hola once again!

I am back to write more! Despite school has already started, I will make effort to update on the current Pokemon Trading Card Game and its events from time-to-time, as well as deck build varieties which I will come across against while playing during my weekly tournaments!

Now for some flash back time capsule!

10 August 2013

This weekend was the Worlds event at Vancouver, Canada.. So there wasn't many players that came by..

Game 1 - Played against Kin Hong.. Mirror deck (TDK).. My set up slow, bad hand, he has the upper hand..

0-1

Game 2 - Donked my opponent in T1 using Virbank + Laser to kill his only Pokemon, Exeggcute..

1-1

Game 3 - Can't remember what deck he was using but it wasn't his deck.. I think mirror deck as well (TDK), but he was not familiar with his friend's deck.. Nice guy, chatted with him while playing..

2-1

Game 4 - A funny weird deck (first time playing against) which my opponent uses fire but he could not retrieve the necessary energy cards fast enough.. I think my Kyurem gave him a lot of trouble so ended up I won that final round..

3-1

11 August 2013

Not enough players for the tournament to proceed so we just played for fun at Mid Valley.. I trained myself using my friend's deck, Darkrai.. I see its potential, consistency, just that I am not used to the deck build format.. Made so many mistakes which I don't really know the reason.. Made me think a lot while playing that deck which I want to make this deck in a different way of my own.. Soon..

17 August 2013

The 2 whom went for the Worlds came back! They brought a lot of stuffs from Vancouver.. It was a bit disappointed weekend because the new expansion booster boxes was delayed..

Finally got my 1st Keldeo EX! Since it's promotional price..xD

I've been eyeing these dice for a week.. Finally!^^

This box is to keep all my very important cards! (Y)

Game 1 - Played with mirror deck (TDK).. My set up was fast and solid but my opponent keep capturing my Kyurem and OHKO 3 of them (He started the game first)! I had no choice and left with my last Kyurem to solo attack (because my main attacker is only Kyurem) which only able to kill 2 of his Pokemon.. Could not survive to win and in the end, lost that match.. It was a good game though..

0-1

Game 2 - Can't remember what deck, but it was another weird deck which I never really know what format he is really using..

1-1

Game 3 - I can't really remember what deck I was playing against in this match, but my recall game saying it's against Dakrai.. I think it was a long match which made me think a lot so couldn't bother to be interfered, was overly focused.. But I lost in the end anyway.. 

1-2

Game 4 - Played with a deck that uses so many proxy cards (Makes me sooooo bloody confusing!!), Virizion/Genesect Variants.. (which in my next blog post I'll make a list for this deck build with detail explanations!) My first hand cards was bad, set up slow, didn't get the cards I needed, and I was only running with 2 Pokemon!

1-3

18 August 2013

This Sunday tournament was by far the most interesting game of matches I've played so far! I played with different deck variants which I am looking forward to share some other deck build variants in my coming blog posts!

Game 1 - Played with Blastoise/Black Kyurem (Black Ballista) Variants! I was so scared of his Black Ballista attack because it instantly OHKO any Pokemon with 200 damage!! Despite that, I remained calm and play through the game well.. My set up was perfect that game, make no mistake!

1-0

Game 2 - If not mistaken was against Weavile/Darkrai/Absol Variants.. A long game which requires me to think carefully on game plan strategy (because I somehow have a weakness against Darkrai, which I don't know why..) and try not to make any mistakes.. I didn't make any mistakes and my opponent was having trouble to set up his Pokemon faster than me.. He was having trouble with the cards he needed to counter me back.. In the end it was a close match, I won..

2-0

Game 3 - Up against mirror deck, TDK! I had bad hand and I could not set up my Pokemon fast.. The next few draws was horrible! Could not even retrieve my necessary energy cards! He started the game first, and he has a very great advantage over me because, in T2, he already set up his Lugia EX with 1 DCE and 3 Plasma Energy! How am I going to play against him? I tried my best, but I could not hang on..

2-1

Game 4 - Up against Haxorus deck! Which uses the special attack called "Strike of the Champion"! This deck is very effective against TDK deck because TDK deck build are purely based on Plasma variants.. I was a bit nervous against this deck but thankfully, I made no mistake and my opponent was having trouble to get his Pokemon energies going.. I pressured his main attacker and I got the upper hand..

3-1

24 August 2013

Trying to help a friend of ours to build his new water deck with new cards!

The anticipated weekend which the new expansion cards that had finally arrived in town! It was a busy Saturday whereby the players were opening booster packs from boxes, to cases.. Trading and selling cards are the norm..

A total of 4 games was played for the tournament that day but I can't recall every game match I played because we were more like busy selling and trading cards.. Besides, I only remember all my matches I had bad hand (using my TDK still..) and I lost all my matches except for 1 free win game.. First time losing all matches but it's okay, I was more busy on trading and selling cards..

Despite that, I can remember I played with different varieties of decks because of the new expansion cards which many players was testing out different decks together! Using my TDK that day was my greatest disadvantage because of Silver Mirror and I was having a lot of trouble against that card! Playing with only 2 Tool Scrapper is really not enough for TDK, even with Dowsing Machine still not very smooth.. I realised my TDK consistency dropped when I added in Tool Scrapper and changed the combo of Virbank City Gym + Hypnotoxic Laser to purely Silver Bangle! I would say an average of 70% consistency dropped to 30% consistency only!

Traded so many cards that day to build my following few decks in my lists! It was a fun trading and selling cards day!

25 August 2013

More and more Pokemon Card Game Players! Yeayy!!

This is the first time in tournament I used a completely different deck, which the deck I build is rated as "Fun" deck! The variants? Weavile/Exeggcute that runs Electrode (Ability: Magnetic Draw)! 

I will list down the above mentioned deck build lists on my following blog posts which the coming week it'll be all about deck build lists of different variants deck!

I came across to build this deck thanks to Esa's blog which I find it very interesting to play with.. It was true, I had a lot of fun that day! We played 4 games in total (won't go in too specific), I had 1 won and 3 lost! Some of the variants deck I was up against were Blastoise/Kyurem/Keldeo, Virizion/Genesect, Cobalion/Landorus/Terrakion/Mewtwo and Garchomp/Altaria.. The only few issues I had was that my needed Pokemon and Trainer cards was in my Prize Cards and insufficient of Dark Patch, Super Rod and Pokemon Catcher which all these 3 cards still lacks of 1 more for each of the kind in my deck build..

I can see it's potential actually, just need to modify it a little bit more..

In Short..

I am back to school already this week, time to study hard and play hard!

Bought Pink Sleeves for my Water variants deck! Love the Perfect colour combination!! <3

Charizard for sale! E-mail me if interested at marcu3.tan@gmail.com

It's been 3 weeks!

Hola!!

Wow! It's really been 3 weeks since my last write up in this blog about Pokemon Trading Card Game! I can tell you for sure, I do miss writing but wasn't so inspired during my "absent" period.. Reason? Well, that weekend was a quiet tournament week because 2 of our friends went for the Worlds in Vancouver, Canada! Furthermore, we (more like ME!) are awaiting for the new expansion to arrive in town! However, the shipment got delayed at Singapore side so it affected the booster boxes to arrive in Malaysia as well.. On top of that, I was reading Esa's blog (over and over again) on some of the older deck building strategy (wanted to try something new, and fun!), which I re-look all the expansion playable for the current tournament over and over to create a few deck build lists of my own.. While I was still on my semester holidays, (before I go back to my University life which just started this week..) I was doing a lot of test deck research and trying out if the new expansion cards fits into some of my deck build lists.. (which I think through it all one-by-one and thoroughly, ended up with many sleepless nights due to ideas keep popping up and many doubts in mind about the choices of cards I consider using of..)

1st week of absent (after the weekend tournaments when 2 of our players went for Worlds..)

This is the week we are suppose to anticipate the new expansion to arrive in town, Plasma Blast! It got delayed when it suppose to arrive everywhere around the World on the 14th August 2013.. Unfortunately for our country, it got delayed, which further delayed because the goods will need to go through Singapore's custom firsthand.. We were a bit disappointed as we could not proceed to play with the new cards during our weekly weekends tournament..

This is also the week I decided to forget about the shipment delay issue and focus on what kind of deck building strategy I want to have, and what deck build will work against the current format.. I have a few in my list and will share later on by writing it on a single blog post with detailed explanations..

2nd week of absent (booster boxes finally arrived!)

The booster boxes arrived 1 week after it's release date (around 20th August 2013) and I believe everyone is excited like hell! Not only that, it was a good timing for former Pokemon card players to make a come back to play Pokemon cards again because of fresh new expansion cards..

This is the week whereby I do lots and lots of testing, as well as decision making on the choices of cards that I have in mind, to try out and see if it'll work.. It wasn't so smooth as I thought it'll work, but I was not disappointed at all because somehow, everyone also expects it'll turned out that way..

3rd week of absent and present.. (My 1st week back to University as Semester 2 student!)

It's another fresh semester for me as I will be completing my 1st year degree course this year end.. I am satisfied with my semester 1 results but was just a very minor little bit lower than my real expectations.. I want to study harder to make up for that very minor little less than expected results.. I want to do better in semester 2! In addition, I will be more busy playing Pokemon cards than ever which I will be preparing myself for the major tournaments in the near future! My motto now is.. "When Studies gets harder, Play even harder!"

In Short..

Wish me lots and lots and lots and lots of Luck! ^^

TD TDDS (continue..)

I woke up next morning (yesterday) decided to observe another 10 game of test deck on TD deck build..

TDDS - [10] Game

R1 -    0   -  0  -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0  -   30  - 120 -   0   -   60
R2 - 110 -  0  - 170 - 150 -   30  -    0  -    0   - 180 - 180 -   60
R3 -   50 -  0  - 200 -   60  -    0   -  30  - 210 - 200 - 210 -    0
R4 -   90 -  0  - 140 -   90  - 100 -  50  - 210 -    0   - 100 -    0
R5 - 190 -  0  - 150 - 130 - 100 - 180 - 240 -    0   - 190 - 150
R6 - 190 -  0  -    0   - 190 - 130 - 180 -    0   -   90  -   0   - 180
R7 - 130 -  0  -    0   -    0   - 220 - 210 -    0   -   90  -   0   -   60
R8 - 160 -  0  -    0   -    0   - 250 -    0   -    0   -    0   -   0   -   30
R9 -    0   -  0  -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0   -   0   - 150

Test deck analysis game play..

I tested this deck which assumed that the defending Pokemon will only last for 3 rounds (after 3 rounds it will be considered as KO) in a game.. Unless I uses Max Potion or Retreat the Pokemon, uses Switch, or Scramble Switch, my new defending Pokemon (after those effect) will then be re-assumed that it will last for the next 3 rounds again..

Game play analysis..

This test deck strategy is crucially important from the beginning till end game: first hand of cards, during the game play of the cards on hand, and at the game ended when assumed that all 6 Prize cards has been successfully taken (depending on the damage statistics from this blog post, as well as my previous blog post)..

Highlight of this deck, during test deck..

From the statistics listed above in RED at Game 2 (if combined from previous list it will be Game 12), all value are at 0 because this test deck game play had failed to do any damage for those rounds.. It only appeared to start creating damage at R11 which is far too late to win in any match.. The reason is due to bad hand of cards for the first 7 +1 card draw that leaves the game in a difficult situation to make a comeback.. Besides, for the following rounds of this game, I could not retrieve any Supporter cards, I could not get as many Pokemon onto my bench, as well as there were no appearances of Energy cards for the following draw (not even Colress Machine could help)..

The statistics listed above in GOLD at Game 8 (or Game 18) is the only time I manage to get the combo right for Tornadus EX to make 120 damage in R1! Except that I could not make more damage through the support from Deoxys EX or Virbank City Gym with Hypnotoxic Laser.. It would be greater if it actually happen!

Observations after test deck (game play)..

An average of 6.42 rounds in a game, this deck will win in any average matches (provided the aim in this game is to win by getting all the 6 Prize cards) that are based on solo test deck by me (Marcus).. However, this analysis is not proven and cannot be treated as 100% guaranteed (as the results may not be accurate) that the test deck analysis will be correct.. There will be weaknesses, disadvantages, and loopholes in during the entire test deck (my way of game play) observations, as well as my style of game play will be different from every other Pokemon card game player..

In Short..

I hope to open up to more options and newer deck build strategies! Thank you and more to come!

TD Deck Build

TD actually has the double alphabet of "T" and "D", which stands for Tornadus EX, Thundurus EX, Deoxys EX, and Dialga EX (the new card from Plasma Blast, which will be coming in on the 14 August 2013).. I just came up with the (new) deck list today, so it's as follows..

[10] Pokemon

2 x Tornadus EX
3 x Thundurus EX
4 x Deoxys EX
1 x Dialga EX

[12] Energy

4 x Prism
4 x Plasma
4 x DCE

[38] Trainer

4 x Professor Juniper
4 x N
3 x Colress
2 x Skyla
2 x Ultra Ball
2 x Team Plasma Ball
4 x Colress Machine
4 x Pokemon Catcher
2 x Virbank City Gym
4 x Hypnotoxic Laser
2 x Float Stone
2 x Switch
2 x Max Potion
1 x Scramble Switch

Tornadus EX

Tornadus EX will be the main attacker for this deck and normally in R1 it will use its Windfall skill to get all the necessary Pokemon onto the bench as quickly and as many as possible.. Furthermore, if the first hand of cards is right, you can make Tornadus EX to do 120 damage (on its own with the skill "Jet Blast") at R1 with the boost from DCE, Colress Machine (if lucky with 2 of this card) and Skyla!

Thundurus EX

This Pokemon act as Energy retrieval support for Tornadus EX and Dialga EX.. Other than that, it can deal a decent amount of damage based on the numbers of Deoxys EX on the bench..

Deoxys EX

Pretty straight forward as it powers up Team Plasma's Pokemon damage by 10 (for each Deoxys EX) from its ability "Power Connect"..

Dialga EX

I decided to play this Pokemon to spice up the game a little.. Both skills are very good : one skill is to get any card from your discard pile (just have to flip a coin) and another skill is to discard the top card of your opponent's deck (which can be handy to eliminate some useful cards that your opponent can't use the next turn after those cards being discarded) depending on the numbers of Plasma Energy attach to Dialga EX! Using Scramble Switch to tap onto Tornadus EX's Energy cards (usually it will run at least with 2 Plasma Energy) will be very effective to play tricks with your opponent.. Max Potion is to save your Pokemon from being KO-ed (after using Scramble Switch), if possible..

The Deck

It runs at maximum of 4 Plasma Energy and 4 DCE Energy, together with 4 Colress Machine to increase the chances for Tornadus EX's main attacking skill to activate, if possible, as soon as R1! Only to some extend it might help Dialga EX..

Skyla to get Colress Machine (for Tornadus EX), Ultra Ball or Team Plasma Ball in R1 (usually)..

Test Deck Damage Statistics (TDDS) - [10] Game

R1 -    0   -    0   -   0   -    0   -    0   -    0  -    0   -    0   -   90  -    0
R2 - 230 - 180 -  30  - 170 - 130 - 120 - 170 -  60  -   90  -   40
R3 - 210 - 120 -  50  - 200 - 110 - 130 - 170 -  60  -   70  - 160
R4 - 150 -    0   -  50  - 240 - 140 -   40 -   80  -  70  - 100 - 190
R5 - 130 - 120 - 140 -    0   - 150 -   60 - 140 - 130 - 220 - 220
R6 -    0   - 190 - 170 -    0   - 120 - 190 -   0   - 190 -    0   -    0
R7 -    0   -    0   - 170 -    0   - 130 - 190 -   0   - 190 -    0   -    0
R8 -    0   -    0   - 230 -    0   - 130 -    0   -   0   - 160 -    0   -    0
R9 -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0   -    0   -   0   - 160 -    0   -    0

Lastly..

Feedbacks, Comments, Criticisms, all are Welcome!

Pure TDK Deck Build

Highlight TDK Attacker > Kyurem

[11] Pokemon

3 x Thundurus EX
4 x Deoxys EX

4 x Kyurem

[12] Energy

4 x Prism

4 x Blend WLFM

4 x Plasma

[37] Trainer

4 x Professor Juniper

4 x N

3 x Colress

2 x Skyla

4 x Hypnotoxic Laser

2 x Virbank City Gym

4 x Pokemon Catcher

3 x Colress Machine

2 x Team Plasma Ball

2 x Ultra Ball

3 x Switch

2 x Float Stone

1 x Max Potion

1 x Scramble Switch

Thundurus EX > Energy charger + 1 Energy attack 30 damage

Deoxys EX > Damage supporter (sits on bench)

Kyurem > Blizzard Burn + damage support from Deoxys EX + (Hypnotoxic Laser + Virbank City Gym)

Lastly..

Please give comment or feedback or criticism on the deck build I listed above.. Thank you!

Plasma Blast > Card & Theme Deck Lists

Pre-Release Porygon-Z Plasma Blast

Check out the complete card lists (with scan) for Plasma Blast at the following website..

http://pokebeach.com/2013/07/plasma-blast

I will be gathering information to do my research with the new cards from Plasma Blast so it would be great if you have ideas that you would love to share with everyone, feel free to comment below..

I will make deck lists with the new cards and hopefully to receive comments and criticisms after I've done my analysis..

In Short..

Have a great week ahead, anticipate for the coming week!

TDK > COMPLETE

Current deck list:

[11] Pokemon

4 x Deoxys EX
3 x Thundurus EX
3 x Kyurem
1 x Absol

[14] Energy

4 x Prism
4 x Blend WLFM
4 x Plasma
2 x Lightning

[35] Trainer

4 x Professor Juniper
4 x N
3 x Colress
2 x Skyla
4 x Hypnotoxic Laser
1 x Virbank City Gym
4 x Pokemon Catcher
3 x Colress Machine
2 x Team Plasma Ball
1 x Ultra Ball
3 x Switch
2 x Float Stone
1 x Max Potion
1 x Scramble Switch

This is the deck I used for my match yesterday, quite effective, just having trouble with my first hand of cards.. Usually unfavourable first hand of cards that forces me to play the game differently.. Despite that, I learned a lot for all yesterday's game..

Having 1 Absol helped me a lot, despite I want to keep it at maximum 10 Pokemon only.. However, I do realised that I do not have enough main Pokemon attackers which I took my friend's advice to make it at 11 Pokemon.. It served me well and I played comfortably.. Absol can land a huge amount of damage when my opponent gets his bench full with only 2 Energy required.. I created a lot of headache for my opponents and it slowed them down a bit.. A handful Pokemon indeed!

Having extra 2 Lightning Energy cards in my deck was the better option for me to Raiden Knuckle my opponent's Pokemon with Thundurus EX.. I faced a lot of problems getting the right Energy card to attach the only 1 Lightning Energy for my Thundurus EX to activate its first skill.. At least it solves my problem for having trouble to get the necessary Energy card for the right skill!

I took off Bianca because I rarely use them.. I finally realised having 4 Pokemon Catcher is a MUST! Try playing it with 2 or 3, you might blow away your chance to win the game.. I want to add 1 more Ultra Ball but I do not have enough space for that, so I decided to settle for only 1..

I actually took off my Max Potion entirely but I realise without one it can be the game determining factor! Having 2 will be of great help actually (since I play Scramble Switch) but again, no space for another card.. I also risked 1 more Virbank City Gym..

In Short..

I'll need to plan more game strategy and create another different deck building format.. Time to hype up my game plan!

Tournament > Mid Valley

Second time, second day to Mid Valley to play my regular Pokemon card game!

Yesterday tested Darkai EX deck (used my friend's deck) and it was very true from what Esa wrote in his blog, a very consistent deck! Could not win any game when I use this deck, I can felt its consistency..

After much testing, we played our usual tournament for the Sunday.. Using my Complete TDK deck for the first time! (Finally!)

Game 1 - Played against Nero (in picture sitting on my left) with his Klinklang, Cobalion EX and Landorus EX.. He has the upper advantage on me because he managed to set up his Klinklang fast enough (in R3 I think) although I started the game first.. His Cobalion EX hits my Kyurem and his Landorus EX hits my Thundurus EX.. Ouch! He was at a winning edge although my set up was solid and consistent (for every rounds) until he left with the only Prize Card to win me (I had 4 more Prize Cards to go!).. I managed to kill his Klinklang from moving Energies around but it was very hard to get the game back on track.. Until, I N'd him! That moment was the turning point because before I N'd him he has about 10 or more cards in his hand.. Slowly I build up Energies on my Pokemon (my hand has plentiful of Energies) and eventually managed to get all my 4 Prize Cards with 2 kills! He did not manage to retrieve any Colress or Juniper and apparently he has 3 more Pokemon Capture in his hand before I N'd him.. All 3 went back to his deck and the few rounds of draw could not help him.. The power of N.. Thank you!

1-0

Game 2 - Played with someone new that uses Darkrai EX! (Great! Testing my new TDK ability against that deck!) However, my set up was too slow as my first hand and the following draw was bad! I pick up half-way eventually but it was rather too late because he has already taken 5 Prize Cards and I still have 3 more Prize Cards to go.. His deck built was consistent (except that he was facing some difficulty to get the necessary Energy cards to attach to his Pokemon) and of course he has the advantage.. This game lasted the longest and we fight till the very end (we both take our time to think our game plan strategy and our deck left with few more cards only!).. The reasons for my lost in this game? I stated with bad hand of cards that has my Juniper with the other Supporter cards (at least 4 Supporter cards on my hand which besides using Juniper, the other Supporter cards will not help me and it's too risky to use).. Besides, 2 of my remaining 3 Prize Cards was Thundurus EX and Kyurem! (which my opponent take down 2 of my Krurem, 1 Absol, and 1 Thundurus EX!) For my following rounds till my opponent left with the only Prize Cards, I could not get all of my 4 Deoxys EX on the bench! (There were no single Item cards for me to take my Pokemon out on bench, not even my Supporter cards could retrieve them, and this lasted till R7 or R8 only I manage to get the 1 and only Deoxys EX on my bench till the game ended.. The remaining 3 of my Deoxys EX was all in 3 together, at the bottom of my deck! Can you believe this?) Nevertheless, it was by far the greatest thinking skill challenge of game that I ever played! Really GG!

1-1

Game 3 - Played with someone new as well that has Kyurem, Lugia EX, Umbreon (the ability that gives +20 HP to all Team Plasma Pokemon) and Leafeon.. I had bad hand of cards again and also the first few draw.. But after R3, I gained back my momentum of game in play.. There was a lot of surprise factor for me up against his deck because it's the first time I see such deck built he has.. We played our best, each of us took turn to kill a Pokemon and take our Prize Card, until we both each left with the only Prize Card! It was fun playing with him, we both make mistake in the middle of the game, and we chatted a lot throughout the entire game! The highlight of the day and match was his Leafeon KO-ed my Thundurus EX! He takes the last Prize Card and won the game.. Well done, congrats bro! GG!

1-2

Still a better result than last week! Hoping to climb higher!

In Short..

Had my greatest laugh yesterday while playing friendly games with a friend with the most interesting, fun, funny, hilarious, weird (that's what my friend says!) moment! All my match for yesterday's tournament played till its longest time, gained experiences as a Pokemon card game player.. Despite that, I am still a very happy boy indeed!

Pre-Release > Plasma Blast!

(GOOD SIGN!)

Pre-release of Team Plasma Blast Expansion booster packs!

Pardon the hand, it's been another anticipation for the weekend because we've been waiting for this new expansion to arrive in town!

It's my second day to join back the Pokemon card game tournament! This time it's located at Bangsar Baru, whereby we joined (with my newly met group of friends a week ago) this tournament just for these new booster packs (for its pre-release) that will only be available on sale the coming 14 August 2013!

This tournament is different (my first time) as after we open all the 6 Plasma Blast booster packs that we receive, we are required to use ONLY all those new cards that we get to build a 40 cards of deck (they provide Energy cards, playing with only 4 Prize Cards)..

The aim here is to get Genesect EX with G Booster (anticipation is high for everyone yesterday!).. My aim was also to get at least 1 or 2 Pokemon Capture (which I needed this card the most), unfortunately, meh..

But it was fun! I was having headache to as what cards to use (choices, choices, choices..) from all those new cards and I ended up with 4 different elements to play for this tournament! Quite challenging but I manage to pull through the games I played, quite surprising! (for myself, yes, I felt surprised!)

Game 1 - I was quite lucky because apparently this guy he has 1 Genesect EX! The surprise factor? Ta-daa!! His Genesect EX was in his Prize Cards so he could not do anything much (except damage my Pokemon little by little), which was not damaging enough to kill my Pokemon, and I won all the Prize Cards! DAMN LUCKY!!

1-0

Game 2 - I was up against my newly made friend from Mid Valley.. He is a strong card player, with quite a complete 40 cards of deck as well! Guess what? Genesect EX.. wait, with Suicune! How to play when he lock my Team Plasma Pokemon from attacking using Silver Mirror? Unfortunately when I play with him, Team Plasma Pokemon was my initial set up for the first few rounds.. It was a Good Game though! Only manage to get 1 Prize Card but the game was rolling in the deep!

1-1

Game 3 - Played with my friend too! His set up was fast and beautiful which I don't stand a chance! It was too slow starter for the first few rounds for me and he has taken up 3 Prize Cards.. Good Game bro!

1-2

Game 4 - Played with a new player and he takes his time to think on his game plan (with the very serious look, so scary!) strategy.. It was okay and normal for me (I do that with my stunning face a lot last week as a beginner!) but he did surprised me with an attack that I didn't anticipate! He used catcher on me for a Pokemon that I set up nicely, with all the required Energy.. Nicely done! On my later game (after some time), I was having trouble on my game because I still have 2 Prize Cards and he left with 1 more Prize Card.. My defending Pokemon will surely die if I do not retreat the feller but I do not have enough Energy cards to do the main damage with my other Pokemon.. It was a huge gamble in this round because I was also facing multiple element of Energy cards (because I played 4 elements) which I needed my next turn of draws.. I retreated, with another Pokemon (with higher HP of course!), and waited patiently for my Energy cards to come.. Still manage to do a 40 damage on his Pokemon which requires 2 rolls of head.. His turn, DON'T HAVE ENERGY CARD ALSO! Gees.. Retreat no retreat also no difference but it's the safer option to play with.. He can't do anything much, 10 damage.. My turn.. PROFESSOR JUNIPER! It was so THANK GOD it came (as I only have one of this card) to me on the right timing and drew the necessary Energy cards that I needed.. But still, I might lose.. However, I realised after a few more rounds he did not attach anymore Energy cards so I think he play very less Energy cards.. He could only do 10 damage on my Pokemon for the following rounds but that was not enough to win him the only Prize Card.. I slowly charged and later hit his Pokemon with my massive damage and eventually got my 2 Prize Cards and won the game.. This is not GG, Good Game.. This is GtG, Great Game! Phew..

2-2

Game 5 - Played with another of my friend again! KO-ed his only 2 Pokemon because he don't have anymore basic Pokemon to play with (evolved once).. Oh well, it happens.. Good Game! (My opening was too strong because I call for family and had my set up ready to go!)

3-2

Game 6 - Played with a kid that has the same surname as I do, 11 years old! He's quite good yo! You know why? GENESECT EX! SHIT! (Third player with the same card) But.. But.. I got Silver Mirror.. Ahhhhh.. So in the end he managed to kill my Pokemon once but later on he cannot do anything because my bench Pokemon set up was solid (Not to mention I still have my juniper in my hand and I won the game without even using it!) and I have 2 Silver Mirror (DOUBLE LUCKY!) in my hand! THANK GOD! Phew.. It was by far the most interesting and fun game for my last and final round of the match! GG!

4-2

..and so the results are out! (I think there are about 40 of us..)

Generally, I was surprised with that random deck I built and I enjoyed my day! It was so much of fun! So nice to play Pokemon Cards like this after a very very long time! 9th placing for the tournament was quite an achievement for me, got a promo card with another 2 more of Plasma Blast booster packs!

I had my day yesterday.. Manage to get all the cards I needed to COMPLETE my TDK DECK! YEAH! Prism Energy, Pokemon Catcher, Skyla, Ultra Ball, Kyurem are all in! Got a few more of other trainer and supporter cards too.. With that, it completes my day!

It's another place to play Pokemon cards at Bangsar Baru (Comics Corner) every Saturday, tournament starts at 2 p.m (I think so..)

In short..

What are you waiting for? Come and join us! Let's have a lot of fun!

Current TDK Deck > incomplete

There are few tricks in the sleeve creating a whole new Pokemon deck game strategy.. During my game on Sunday with a completely new deck, I was feeling very uncomfortable using those cards because I wasn't sure how to or what to use in that kind of deck building.. However, later on as I played few games, I realised the importance of having those cards in my deck and soon to get the hang of it..

Some struggle I was facing while playing the cards was because I don't have the necessary cards to use in building my deck (for the current format).. It can be played but felt very difficult when the chances to draw those cards are limited.. But I was happy enough to get the main cards (most important and most expensive, duh..) that I needed, just lacked a few one or two more of those cards to make my deck a little more, complete..

The game format changed and I cannot be relying on my old game strategy to play for the current format, so I was a completely new player to begin with.. What I listed below are the deck I am currently using just for now (temporary) before I complete my deck..

TDK (Thundurus/Deoxys/Kyurem) Deck Building

[10] Pokemon (Team Plasma)
4 x Deoxys EX
3 x Thundurus EX
1 x Kyurem (obviously not enough! Need 3 of this..)
1 x Lugia EX
1 x Snorlax

[13] Energy
2 x Prism (need 2 more!)
4 x Blend WLFM (Water/Lightning/Fighting/Metal)
4 x Plasma
1 x DCE (Double Colorless Energy)
1 x Lightning
1 x Water

[37] Trainer
4 x Professor Juniper
4 x N
3 x Colress
2 x Bianca
1 x Skyla (it would be nice to have 1 more..)
4 x Hypnotoxic Laser
2 x Virbank City Gym
4 x Switch
2 x Float Stone
3 x Colress Machine
2 x Team Plasma Ball
2 x Max Potion
2 x Pokemon Reversal (ignore this, replacing with Pokemon Catcher!)
1 x Ultra Ball (need 1 more..)
1 x Scramble Switch (might not use this if Kyurem will be the main attacker..)


Before I go into the details, let's see some pictures (individual cards) of all those cards (for beginners, anyone whom are interested to play Pokemon cards, curious about the cards I listed, or people who have no sense of clue or idea what I am talking about so far..)

..and for the final outlook of all my cards for this deck..

T D K ( Thundurus EX / Deoxys EX / Kyurem )

Deoxys EX is a must for Team Plasma deck builder because of it's massive increase of damage.. Each Deoxys EX gives +10 damage on the defending Pokemon, which makes it +40 when all 4 Deoxys EX comes to play!

Though having 4 is a brilliant idea, they only sits and rest on the bench while providing attacking damage support.. The only concern for this Pokemon is when all 4 comes to bench, I will only have 1 Pokemon left on my bench to build on Energies.. Deoxys EX is a good support starter to help raise Thundurus EX skill "Raiden Knuckle", which do 30 damage to the defending Pokemon and on top of that, you get to charge an energy card (literally any kind of Energy!) to your bench Team Plasma Pokemon! With 4 Deoxys EX ability "Power Connect" (if I am able to get all 4 to come in play), my Thundurus EX will damage 70 in R1 (Round 1) to my opponent's defending Pokemon! Not only that, with the boost from Hypnotoxic Laser combine with Virbank City Gym, I can create 100 damage in R1!

While I was playing on Sunday, I did so many mistakes in using Deoxys EX.. I don't know why I charge energy to this feller when I don't really have to unless I needed to (only to counter attack against another TDK deck builder which has Deoxys EX).. I also make way for all my 4 Deoxys EX to come in play, Bad call! As I mentioned, 4 Deoxys EX will take up the space of your bench Pokemon which I needed my other Pokemon to come in play.. Kyurem needed the charge for energies from Thundurus EX, as well as my Lugia EX.. I was having trouble to get my attacking Pokemon on the bench because, I run all 4 Deoxys EX on my bench, with 2 Thundurus EX.. (just great..)

Kyurem will be the main attacker, Lugia EX late game finisher (I just recently added Snorlax, which will be my late game finisher as well that combines with Scramble Switch, swap Energies with Lugia EX).. With Kyurem in play, I realised I will only need about 2 (or maximum 3) Deoxys EX on my bench (depending on my opponent's defending Pokemon HP - Hit Points).. With simple maths, Kyurem own attack is at 120 damage (Blizzard Burn), with 2 Deoxys EX it will be at 140 damage, added from Hypotoxic Laser with Virbank City Gym, that makes it 170 damage for 1 round! This is effective if you want to OHKO (One Hit Knock Out - KO) your opponent's Pokemon (only applicable for most EX Pokemon with majority at 170 HP).. With another 1 more Deoxys EX, you'll make it at 180 damage! (for EX Pokemon at 180 HP)

Not sure if this works, but I am thinking of the following should be sufficient..

3 x Deoxys EX

3 x Thundurus EX

3 x Kyurem (need to get 2 more!)

1 for Lugia EX and 1 for Snorlax (if I still want the late finisher strategy combined with scramble switch).. Of course, running 3 Deoxys EX means you'll lose 1 extra card in your deck to draw this feller to come to play and add into the damage power (not to mention here that there will be chances for it to end up in my Prize Cards).. Thundurus EX and Kyurem will be best to play for 3 each..

Another possible strategy I am looking forward to play with is without using my late game finisher combo..

4 x Deoxys EX

3 x Thundurus EX

3 x Kyurem EX (I'll make it 4 so that I have only 11 Pokemon in my deck..)

The above is purely TDK deck building strategy.. My friend did said to run 1 Keldeo EX to use it's ability "Rush In".. This ability is effective to help Kyurem to keep attacking (with the skill "Blizzard Burn") without worrying that this Pokemon cannot attack the next turn.. So if Keldeo EX comes in to play, I'll remain my 3 kyurem in my deck.. I don't wish to go more than 11 Pokemon in my deck! (In fact I felt 9 Pokemon is sufficient enough.. Or am I wrong?)

Lugia EX and Snorlax

I did wonder if I should use Lugia EX at least 1? Because of it's wonderful ability that allows you to take 1 extra Prize Card (imagine if you killed an EX Pokemon, you get 3 Prize Cards!)

The thing for Lugia EX is that it needs Plasma Energy to attack (which is not a very big issue at all), with at least 1 DCE to support the attack faster.. Adding 1 or 2 DCE (if Snorlax is in my deck) takes up the space in my deck and it's useless for my other Pokemon to use (not effective for cross use cards).. Despite that, having Scramble Switch will be very effective with Snorlax to win the game!

If I go with Lugia EX and Snorlax (taking out Kyurem entirely and solely depending on my Snorlax and Lugia as the main attacker), my other options for deck building are the following..

4 x Deoxys EX

3 x Thundurus EX

3 x Snorlax

1 x Lugia EX

The reason why I would also love to run Snorlax is the super power damage! Because all my Pokemon will be Team Plasma, running 5 Pokemon in play will do massive of damage altogether!

Simple calculation for Snorlax.. 5 Team Plasma Pokemon, with each add the damage of 30, it will easily do 150 damage! When I run 2 out of the 5 is Deoxys EX, I will do 170 damage.. 3 out of 5 of Deoxys EX will do the 180 damage! Imagine if 6 Team Plasma Pokemon come to play added with all 4 Deoxys EX in play, you do the math yourself (Overkill!)..

With Snorlax, I can keep my scramble switch (which still need to combine with Lugia EX as this feller will still be the best option to combo with..), and taking out completely my Hypnotoxic Laser and Virbank City Gym! (I don't really need these cards because Snorlax can do the OHKO job done!).. This gives me 6 cards of space available! With that I will need all my 4 DCE, and I can take off completely all my Blend WLFM Energy! My Energy list will be the following..

4 x Prism

4 x Plasma

4 x DCE

12 Energy cards? This will be my favourite style! I actually have 16 energy altogether because DCE provide 2 energy each time..

However, despite the favourites, playing Snorlax will be quite challenging because he alone needs 5 energy to use his skill to attack.. It can be quite a headache to pump him up unless I can draw 2 DCE easily.. Nevertheless, it can still be tested out..

To add on to my headache, running 4 Prism Energy might not be enough to Raiden Knuckling! Thundurus EX needs at least 1 Lightning Energy to use his skill and attack.. This is why it will be very challenging to use this deck! I might end up needing at least 1 or 2 Lightning Energies in my deck (making it 13 to 14 Energy cards, oh well..) to raise the probability for Raiden Knuckle to take effect..

Compare Snorlax and Kyurem as to which makes the better main attacker? I would prefer Kyurem for it's stability in card game..

Supporters (Professor Juniper/N/Colress/Bianca/Skyla)

That Sunday as I was playing with around 14 to 15 Supporter cards in my deck, I realised the importance of having so many supporter cards in play for the game.. Initially back then my idea was to limit to a maximum of 9 Supporter cards only.. My reason was the restriction of Supporter cards whereby you can only use once for each turn.. However, the new game strategy will not work if I make less Supporter cards in my deck!

Professor Juniper is the key for drawing more cards (that you really need) despite discarding all other cards in your previous hand.. N on the other hand is for few tricks in the game.. I realised how this card can change the game play entirely, all thanks to N..

Colress is great to play for this deck when you need to make your bench full with Deoxys EX and your main attacker Pokemon.. Bianca, is just a standby card in case if you needed to draw extra cards.. Bianca will work only best if you don't have anymore cards in your hand besides Bianca alone..

Skyla can help you a few things.. R1 to get Team Plasma Ball or Ultra Ball or Hypnotoxic Laser or Virbank City Gym.. Getting your Pokemon ready on bench or attack with Poison and Asleep will be very effective for R1.. The final round to get Scramble Switch to win the game with late game attacker from Lugia EX or Snorlax.. Skyla can also come in handy in between game play when you don't have any other Supporter cards, and you need them to help you draw cards (Professor Juniper) or play few tricks with your opponent (N)..

Hypnotoxic Laser, Virbank City Gym, Switch, and Float Stone

Pretty straightforward for both Hypnotoxic Laser and Virbank City Gym on how it's been combo-ed.. Because of these cards, I get to kill off my opponent's Pokemon easily as well as my Pokemon get killed by my opponent's Pokemon (because both have all 4 Hypnotoxic Laser)..

Switch is to help Kyurem to keep getting its attack "Blizzard Burn" going, with the help from Float Stone attach on another of my Pokemon (work either both ways, retreat and switch).. Both cards to help when I need to escape my Pokemon from dying..

Colress Machine, Team Plasma Ball, (balance with) Ultra Ball

Colress Machine helps massively for Team Plasma Deck because each card you can find a Plasma Energy and attach it to your Team Plasma Pokemon.. You get to attach Energy more than 2 times to say (1 Energy from the each turn in play)..

Team Plasma Ball gets Team Plasma Pokemon come to play! I need to balance this with Ultra Ball because by discarding 2 cards, I can discard my Energy cards so that my Thundurus EX can Raiden Knuckling with damage, as well as pumping energy to my bench Team Plasma Pokemon!

Max Potion, Pokemon Reversal (ignore this card, will be replacing with Pokemon Catcher!), and Scramble Switch

Max Potion usually runs 1 or 2 in a deck for most EX deck build (because EX Pokemon has very high Hit Points to stay alive in game, and on top of that, your opponent will take 2 Prize Cards if he or she successfully KO your EX Pokemon).. This is because it heals all damage counter, except that It'll need to discard all energy cards from that Pokemon.. This helps my Thundurus EX (which usually only runs 1 Energy and it's effective for his use to pump Energies to my bench Pokemon) or Deoxys EX (because he sits on bench and might be captured or use him on R1 and got damage by my opponent's Pokemon) when they are being damaged and needed heal to prevent from dying (except if my opponent manage to do OHKO on them)..

Pokemon Reversal needs to flip a coin, whereas Pokemon Catcher don't! (By the way Pokemon Reversal cannot be used in tournament anymore).. I am waiting for tomorrow to get the chance to get this card for the pre-release of new Pokemon edition (Plasma Blast) at Bangsar!

Pokemon Catcher is effective for capturing your opponent's Pokemon that you want to damage, if best to kill it in OHKO! My friend tell me having 4 is a must! But I doubt about that, which I need to depend on my Pokemon strength and weaknesses, as well as all my other Trainer cards (which also depends on my deck space availability).. I am thinking to run 2 to 3 of this card in my deck (probably not 4..) to test and see if it is sufficient.. Test deck is the only option to find out!

I've explained much function of Scramble Switch.. It's self-explanatory..

In short..

This deck still lack the cards needed to play (to be tournament competitively) and my next following few blog posts will be some of the deck build I will consider..