Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Blastoise (Base Set #2)

    Collector’s Guide: Blastoise (Base Set #2)

    Base1-2

    Blastoise from the Base Set (#2) is a Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon card with 100 HP. Its Pokémon Power, Rain Dance, lets you attach additional Water Energy cards to your Water Pokémon during your turn. The attack Hydro Pump deals 40 damage plus extra damage based on attached Water Energy. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.


    Quick Facts

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 2
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • HP: 100
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Wartortle)
    • Type: Water
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Lightning (×2)
    • Flavor Text: “A brutal Pokémon with pressurized water jets on its shell. They are used for high-speed tackles.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by its set code base1, card number 2, and the “Rare Holo” rarity symbol. The card does not have a regulation mark or release date listed.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 2
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Legal Status: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this holographic card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and hard case.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle by the edges to prevent fingerprints and scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Blastoise is part of the original Base Set, notable for introducing iconic Pokémon cards. It features classic artwork by Ken Sugimori and remains a sought-after card for collectors due to its rarity and nostalgic value.

    set_namerelease_datenumberrarityhpillustrator
    Base2Rare Holo100Ken Sugimori

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  • Collector’s Guide: Alakazam (Base Set #1)

    Collector’s Guide: Alakazam (Base Set #1)

    Base1-1


    A cornerstone of the Pokémon TCG’s launch, Alakazam #1 pairs iconic Ken Sugimori art with a strategic Pokémon Power and a striking holographic foil.


    Quick Facts

    • HP: 80
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Kadabra)
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Abilities:
    • Damage Swap (Pokémon Power): Allows moving 1 damage counter between your Pokémon during your turn, provided Alakazam is not Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
    • Attack:
    • Confuse Ray (Psychic ×3): Deals 30 damage and may confuse the Defending Pokémon on a coin flip.
    • Flavor Text: “Its brain can outperform a supercomputer. Its intelligence quotient is said to be 5000.”
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    Why this printing stands out

    This exact printing is the very first card (#1) in the Base Set, featuring the iconic holographic foil and classic Ken Sugimori artwork. It is a Stage 2 Psychic-type Pokémon with a unique Damage Swap ability that adds strategic depth by redistributing damage counters.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 1
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Legal Status: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve and hard case.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Avoid excessive handling to prevent surface scratches on the holographic foil.
    • Maintain stable temperature and humidity to help prevent warping.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring foundational cards like Alakazam #1 and introducing core mechanics and iconic artwork that remain popular among collectors.

    set_namerelease_datenumberrarityhpillustrator
    Base1Rare Holo80Ken Sugimori

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    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.