Dragonair (Base Set #18) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Dragonair from the Base set is a Stage 1 Colorless-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Dratini and features two attacks: Slam, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Hyper Beam, which deals 20 damage and can discard an Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon. This card has a retreat cost of 2 and resistance to Psychic attacks (-30). It does not have any abilities or listed weaknesses.

The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Rare. Its flavor text describes Dragonair as “A mystical Pokémon that exudes a gentle aura. Has the ability to change climate conditions.”

Key Printings

• Set: Base
• Card Number: 18
• Rarity: Rare
• HP: 80
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Legality: unknown

Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 18. The card is part of the original Base set, making it a classic collectible for fans of early Pokémon TCG releases.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Dragonair card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and hard case to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the artwork and text.
– Maintain a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
– Handle with clean hands or use gloves to avoid oils and dirt transfer.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Base Set: Dragonair #18 is a staple Stage 1 card from the original Pokémon TCG release. Its combination of moderate HP, versatile attacks, and Psychic resistance made it a useful card in early gameplay. The artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is iconic and highly regarded among collectors.

Legality: unknown