More ways to play!

 

Pokémon Trading Card Game had 2 competitive formats - Standard and Expanded. Expanded has cards from Black & White expansion, with a ban list for diverse strategies. Still popular with yearly events.

 

General Rules of the Expanded Format

In the Expanded format, cards from older sets that may not be available in the Standard format are where the creativity of your deck starts. However, it’s important to note that while there are no bans on specific cards, players must still adhere to the standard rules of gameplay, including deck size and card limits.

Your deck must consist of exactly 60 cards, and you can include up to four copies of any card, except for basic Energy cards, which can be included in any quantity. The Expanded format also allows for the use excellent draw cards: Pokémon Abilities like Dedenne-GX’s Dedechange, Item cards like Trainers’ Mail, and even combinations such as Unown and Rescue Carrier make it possible to draw your whole deck in one turn if you build for it.

Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, the Expanded format offers endless possibilities for creativity and strategy. So gather your cards, build your deck, and get ready to enjoy the thrill of the game!

Follow along in-depth on Pokémon's official site down below:

• Pokemon TCG Live Expanded Official Page

 

If you're looking to start playing and building right away, we at Nexus are here to help. Click here for our own decklists!

 

Click here for our decklists!

Welcome, trainers and card-slinging aficionados! If you’ve stumbled upon this page, you’re probably looking to level up your Pokémon trading card game skills in the Gym Leader Challenge format. Well, grab your Poké Balls and hold onto your hats because we’re about to dive into a world where strategy meets nostalgia, and where every card is a potential MVP (Most Valuable Pokémon, duh!).

First things first, let’s talk about the Gym Leader Challenge format. It’s like a Pokémon battle royale, but instead of a free-for-all, you’re channeling your inner Gym Leader! In this format, you can only use cards from a single type (think Fire, Water, Psychic, etc.) and you can only have one copy of each card (except basic Energy). This means you’ll need to strategize like a master tactician—no pressure, right?

Now, let’s get to the juicy bits: How To Play! Here are the rules, as well as some tips to help you construct a deck that’ll have your opponents shaking in their sneakers:

1. Your deck can only contain one type (color) of Pokémon.

2. Only one of each card with the same name allowed in a deck, except for Basic Energy.

3. Cards with a Rule Box are not allowed.

4. ACE SPEC cards are not allowed.

5. Legal Cards: Black & White – onwards, and a short ban list

* 60 card decks are built & 6 Prize Card games are played with the most current Pokemon TCG rules. *

• Pick Your Type Wisely: Choose a Pokémon type that resonates with you. Are you a fiery soul who loves to scorch the competition? Or perhaps you’re a calm Water-type trainer, ready to drown your foes in a tidal wave of strategy? The choice is yours!
• Balance is Key: Make sure to include a mix of Pokémon, Trainer cards, and Energy cards. It’s like making a smoothie—too much of one ingredient and you’ll end up with a lumpy mess!
• Synergy is Your Best Friend: Look for cards that work well together. It’s like a buddy cop movie—some cards just click and create a dynamic duo that can take down any villain (or opponent)!

There are many recourses to look at while you get into the world of GLC, but we recommend checking out the list below, including the official Pokemon GLC website:

• Official Gym Leader Challenge Site
• Official Pokémon TCG Site - Your one-stop shop for all things Pokémon!
• Pokémon YouTube Channel - Watch battles, tutorials, and more!
  

So there you have it, trainers! With these tips and resources, you’re well on your way to becoming a Gym Leader Challenge champion. Now go forth, build those decks, and may your draws be ever in your favor (unless you’re playing against me, then I hope you draw nothing but Energy cards!).

 

Need some inspiration for your GLC deck? Click here for some of our own personal decklists!