Category: Gym Challenge

  • Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Meowth (Gym Challenge #43)

    Giovanni’s Meowth Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Giovanni’s Meowth from the Gym Challenge set is an uncommon card numbered 43. This lively Pokémon has 40 HP and features the attack Double Scratch. Its straightforward design makes it a distinctive addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 43 Uncommon 40 Atsuko Nishida
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting (×2)
    • Resistance: Psychic (-30)
    • Attacks:
    • False Charity: Flip a coin; if heads, look at the top card of your opponent’s deck. If it’s a Trainer card, discard it; otherwise, add it to their hand.
    • Double Scratch: Flip 2 coins; this attack does 20 damage times the number of heads.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Giovanni’s Meowth appears in the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 43. It is an uncommon card with no known alternate print variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its unique attacks “False Charity” and “Double Scratch,” the illustrator Atsuko Nishida, and its placement as card 43 in the Gym Challenge set. The card’s image can be viewed at: /images/gym2/gym2-43.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify current tournament rules before use.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and vintage status, maintaining its edges and surface is crucial for retaining collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Giovanni’s Meowth stands out as a tactical Basic Pokémon with disruptive and damage-dealing attacks. Its modest HP and unique abilities make it a memorable part of this gym-themed set.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Nidorina (Gym Challenge #44)

    Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Nidorina (Gym Challenge #44)

    Giovanni’s Nidorina Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Giovanni’s Nidorina from the Gym Challenge set is an uncommon card numbered 44. It boasts a sturdy 80 HP and features the dynamic attack Poison Sting Tackle. This card captures the essence of Nidorina with a vivid design that stands out in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 44 Uncommon 80 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Giovanni’s Nidoran ♀)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Poison Sting Tackle: Deals 30 damage but causes Giovanni’s Nidorina to take 20 damage itself; may poison the opponent.
    • Body Slam: Deals 20 damage and may paralyze the opponent.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Giovanni’s Nidorina is from the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 44. This printing is notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and its uncommon rarity status.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing of Giovanni’s Nidorina. Collectors can identify this card by its unique card ID “gym2-44” and its placement within the Gym Challenge series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and classic illustration, maintaining the card’s surface and edges is essential for long-term value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Giovanni’s Nidorina appears as a strategic Grass-type Stage 1 Pokémon with status-inflicting attacks. Its design and mechanics reflect the thematic focus on Gym Leaders and their signature Pokémon, making it a distinctive collectible from this set.

    Giovanni's Nidorina

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    Giovanni's Nidorina (Gym Challenge) #44

  • Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Nidorino (Gym Challenge #45)

    Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Nidorino (Gym Challenge #45)

    Giovanni’s Nidorino Collector’s Guide

    Overview

    Giovanni’s Nidorino from the Gym Challenge set is an uncommon card featuring 70 HP and the attack Rend, making it a notable addition for collectors. Numbered 45 in the set, it captures the essence of Giovanni’s team with vivid Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 45 Uncommon 70 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attack: Rend – Deals 20 damage, or 40 if the Defending Pokémon already has damage counters.
    • Evolves From: Giovanni’s Nidoran ♂
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Card ID: gym2-45
    • Image: Giovanni's Nidorino

    Key Printing

    • Gym Challenge (gym2), card number 45. Notable for its clean Ken Sugimori artwork and uncommon rarity.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants.
    • Identification: set code gym2, card number 45, Grass-type coloring, and Ken Sugimori illustration.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No official tournament play status is confirmed.

    Care & Storage

    • Store in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    • Avoid moisture and handle with clean hands to preserve the artwork and card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Giovanni’s Nidorino appears as an uncommon Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon, continuing the Gym Leader theme with a unique attack that scales damage based on the opponent’s status. This set emphasizes strategic evolution lines and character-driven cards.

    This guide covers all known details about Giovanni’s Nidorino from the Gym Challenge set, providing collectors and players with essential information for identification and care.

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    Giovanni's Nidorino (Gym Challenge) #45

  • Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Golbat (Gym Challenge #46)

    Koga’s Golbat Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Koga’s Golbat from the Gym Challenge set is an Uncommon card numbered 46. This lively Pokémon boasts 60 HP and features the distinctive attack Sonic Scream. The artwork captures Golbat’s energetic, in-battle presence.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 46 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Evolves From: Koga’s Zubat
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Attacks:
    • Bite (20 damage, costs 2 Colorless)
    • Sonic Scream (30 damage, costs 3 Grass; flip a coin to confuse the Defending Pokémon on heads)

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Koga’s Golbat appears in the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 46. It is classified as an Uncommon card and features no special print variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Notable identifiers include:
    – Grass typing and Stage 1 evolution from Koga’s Zubat
    – Attack pairing of Bite and Sonic Scream
    – Zero retreat cost
    – Illustration by Ken Sugimori

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its Grass typing, Psychic weakness, and Fighting resistance may influence deck-building approaches, though its play status is uncertain.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and condition, store Koga’s Golbat in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, careful handling helps retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Koga’s Golbat fits the Gym Leader theme and the set’s Grass-type lineup, offering a balanced mix of straightforward damage and potential status disruption via its attacks.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Kakuna (Gym Challenge #47)

    Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Kakuna (Gym Challenge #47)

    Koga’s Kakuna Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Koga’s Kakuna is an uncommon card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 47. This 60 HP Pokémon features the Pokémon Power Emerge and the attack Toxic Secretion. Its design reflects the unique style of the Gym Challenge series.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 47 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Koga’s Weedle)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire (×2)
    • Abilities:
    • Emerge (Pokémon Power): Flip a coin once per turn to search your deck for Koga’s Beedrill and evolve Koga’s Kakuna if heads. Cannot be used if Kakuna is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
    • Attack:
    • Toxic Secretion (Grass energy): Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon becomes Poisoned and takes 20 poison damage after each turn instead of 10.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Koga’s Kakuna is from the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 47. It features classic Ken Sugimori artwork and the “Emerge” Pokémon Power, which is unique to this printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set name “Gym Challenge,” set code “gym2,” and card number 47. The card’s rarity is Uncommon, and it features the Grass type symbol and Stage 1 subtype.
    Koga's Kakuna

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Its gameplay utility centers on evolving quickly into Koga’s Beedrill using the “Emerge” ability and applying pressure with the “Toxic Secretion” attack.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the illustrated front by Ken Sugimori. A temperature-controlled environment helps maintain condition.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Koga’s Kakuna appears as a strategic Stage 1 Grass-type card with a unique evolution ability and a poison-inducing attack. Its classic illustration and uncommon rarity make it a notable collectible within this set. The release date remains unknown, adding to its collectible intrigue.

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    Koga's Kakuna (Gym Challenge) #47

  • Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Koffing (Gym Challenge #48)

    Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Koffing (Gym Challenge #48)

    Character Intro

    Koga’s Koffing from the Gym Challenge set is an uncommon card numbered 48. This lively Pokémon has 50 HP and features the attack Obscuring Gas. Its design captures the mischievous nature of Koffing in a compact form.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 48 Uncommon 50 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Smokescreen: Potentially nullifies the Defending Pokémon’s next attack if a coin flip is tails, dealing 10 damage.
    • Obscuring Gas: Deals 30 damage and may shuffle Koga’s Koffing and all attached cards back into the deck on a heads flip.
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Gym Challenge set as card number 48. It is an uncommon card with artwork by Ken Sugimori.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are listed. The card is identified by set code “gym2” and number 48. The card image can be referenced at /images/gym2/gym2-48.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • According to the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Its Grass typing and disruptive attacks may offer niche strategic options, but its tournament viability is unclear.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and vintage status within the Gym Challenge set, maintaining mint condition will help retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Koga’s Koffing stands out as a Basic Grass-type with unique disruptive attacks. Its uncommon rarity and Ken Sugimori’s illustration make it a notable piece within this set, though many details such as release date and flavor text remain unknown.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Pidgey (Gym Challenge #49)

    Koga’s Pidgey Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Koga’s Pidgey is an uncommon card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 49. This lively Pokémon boasts 40 HP and features the attack Wing Attack. Its straightforward design reflects the classic style of the Gym Challenge series.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 49 Uncommon 40 Atsuko Nishida
    • Pokémon: Koga’s Pidgey
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Lightning (×2)
    • Resistance: Fighting (-30)
    • Attacks:
    • Messenger: Return Koga’s Pidgey and attached cards to the deck, then search for any Basic or Evolution card except Koga’s Pidgey.
    • Wing Attack: Deals 20 damage with a cost of two Colorless energies.
    • Abilities: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Koga’s Pidgey appears in the Gym Challenge set, identified by set code “gym2” and card number 49. It is an uncommon card, making it a moderately sought-after piece for collectors focusing on Gym Challenge or Koga-themed decks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward through its set code “gym2,” card number 49, and the distinctive illustration by Atsuko Nishida. The card’s unique attacks and Colorless typing further distinguish it.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its strategic value lies in its ability to recycle itself and search for other Pokémon, which may appeal to collectors and casual players interested in deck manipulation mechanics.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and unknown release date, maintaining its artwork and edges is essential for long-term value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Koga’s Pidgey is featured as a Basic Colorless Pokémon with tactical attacks that support deck searching and moderate damage, fitting the Gym Challenge’s theme of specialized Gym Leader Pokémon.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Gyarados (Gym Challenge #5)

    Giovanni’s Gyarados Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Giovanni’s Gyarados is a Rare Holo from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 5. With 90 HP and the standout Dragon Tornado attack, its vivid artwork captures the fierce energy of Gyarados under Giovanni’s command.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 5 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Giovanni’s Magikarp)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Attacks:
    • Summon Storm: Flip 2 coins; if both heads, deal 20 damage to each other Pokémon without applying Weakness or Resistance.
    • Dragon Tornado: Deals 40 damage and can switch the opponent’s active Pokémon with a benched one unless it knocks out the defending Pokémon.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Gym Challenge set as card number 5. It is a Rare Holo variant with Ken Sugimori’s classic artwork. No other print variants are documented for this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: gym2
    • Card Number: 5
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • No known alternate printings or promo versions.
    • Image URL: /images/gym2/gym2-5.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique attacks provide tactical options, but its playability in official tournaments is not established.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil finish and overall condition, store Giovanni’s Gyarados in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Giovanni’s Gyarados is a standout Stage 1 Water-type card in this set, notable for its rare holo status and strategic attacks. It complements the Gym Challenge theme by evolving from Giovanni’s Magikarp and fits well into Water-type decks focused on bench control and area damage.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Weezing (Gym Challenge #50)

    Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Weezing (Gym Challenge #50)

    Koga’s Weezing Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Koga’s Weezing from the Gym Challenge set is an uncommon card numbered 50. It has 70 HP and features the distinctive Toxic Cloud attack. The card’s vivid design captures Koga’s signature Pokémon.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 50 Uncommon 70 Ken Sugimori
    • Pokémon: Koga’s Weezing
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Koga’s Koffing)
    • Type: Grass
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Attacks:
    • Spontaneous Explosion: Flip a coin; if heads, deals 40 damage but Koga’s Weezing takes 30 damage itself; if tails, deals 10 damage.
    • Toxic Cloud: Flip a coin; if heads, poisons the Defending Pokémon with increased poison damage (20 instead of 10).
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Legality: unknown
    • Image: Koga's Weezing

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Koga’s Weezing is from the Gym Challenge set, identified by card number 50. It is notable for its Grass typing, unusual for Weezing, and coin-flip mechanics that introduce strategic risk and reward.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “gym2,” card number 50, and the unique Grass type classification. The illustrator Ken Sugimori’s artwork is a key identifier for collectors.

    Legality & Play Notes

    The legality of this card in tournament play is unknown. It is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and unique artwork, maintaining near-mint condition helps retain collectible value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Features Koga’s Weezing as card number 50—an uncommon Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon with coin-flip-based attacks. It stands out for its unusual typing and strategic gameplay elements. The set’s release date is unknown, and the card remains sought-after by fans of the Gym series.

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    Koga's Weezing (Gym Challenge) #50

  • Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Eevee (Gym Challenge #51)

    Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Eevee (Gym Challenge #51)

    Lt. Surge’s Eevee Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Lt. Surge’s Eevee is an uncommon card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 51. This lively Pokémon has 40 HP and features a simple attack called Scratch. Its straightforward design reflects the energetic spirit of Lt. Surge’s team.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 51 Uncommon 40 Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-51
    • Stage: Basic
    • Type: Colorless
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: Psychic -30
    • Attacks:
    • Surprise: Look at a random card from your opponent’s hand. Your opponent shuffles that card into their deck.
    • Scratch: Deals 20 damage.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Gym Challenge set, identified as card number 51. It is an uncommon rarity card illustrated by Ken Sugimori. The card does not evolve from any other Pokémon and has no known alternate printings.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or alternate art versions for this card. It is uniquely identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 51. The card’s market reference query is “Lt. Surge’s Eevee Gym Challenge 51.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its tactical “Surprise” attack can disrupt opponents by removing a random card from their hand, while “Scratch” provides consistent damage output.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and vintage status, maintaining sharp corners and a clean surface will help retain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: This set features Lt. Surge’s Eevee as a basic, Colorless-type Pokémon with disruptive and offensive capabilities. It fits well into collections focusing on Gym Leader-themed cards and showcases classic Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Lt. Surge's Eevee

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    Lt. Surge's Eevee (Gym Challenge) #51