Category: Base

  • Collector’s Guide: Poliwhirl (Base Set #38)

    Collector’s Guide: Poliwhirl (Base Set #38)

    Poliwhirl (Base Set #38) Collector’s Guide

    Poliwhirl

    Quick Facts

    Poliwhirl from the Base set is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon with 60 HP. It evolves from Poliwag and features two attacks: Amnesia, which disables one of the opponent’s attacks for their next turn, and Doubleslap, which deals variable damage based on coin flips. This card has a retreat cost of 1 and a Grass-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as Uncommon rarity. The card’s legality status is unknown.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 38
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Poliwag)

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 38. The card does not have a regulation mark or additional subtypes beyond Stage 1.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 38 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Poliwhirl card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures to maintain card integrity.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Poliwhirl #38 is part of the original Base set, featuring classic artwork by Ken Sugimori and foundational gameplay mechanics. This card is notable for its utility in disabling opponent attacks with Amnesia and its variable damage Doubleslap attack.

    Legality: unknown

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    Poliwhirl (Base Set) #38

  • Collector’s Guide: Abra (Base Set #43)

    Collector’s Guide: Abra (Base Set #43)

    Abra (Base Set #43) Collector’s Guide

    Abra

    Quick Facts

    Abra is a Basic Psychic-type Pokémon card from the original Base set. It has 30 HP and features a single attack, Psyshock, which deals 10 damage and has a chance to paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon. This card has no abilities, no retreat cost, and is weak to Psychic-type attacks with a ×2 multiplier. The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Common rarity.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 43
    • Rarity: Common
    • HP: 30
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Attack: Psyshock (Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon is Paralyzed)
    • Stage: Basic
    • Type: Psychic
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Flavor Text: “Using its ability to read minds, it will identify impending danger and teleport to safety.”

    Variants & Identifiers

    This Abra card has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 43. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its legality status is unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 43 Common 30 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Abra card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and a rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Abra #43 is a foundational Psychic-type Basic Pokémon card featuring simple mechanics and iconic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita. It represents one of the earliest printings of Abra in the Pokémon TCG, notable for its straightforward attack and low HP, reflecting the design style of the original Base set.

    Legality: unknown
    Image URL: /images/base1/base1-43.jpg

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    Abra (Base Set) #43

  • Collector’s Guide: Porygon (Base Set #39)

    Collector’s Guide: Porygon (Base Set #39)

    Collector’s Guide: Porygon (Base Set #39)

    Porygon Base 39


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Porygon
    • HP: 30
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Tomoaki Imakuni
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 39/102
    • Weakness: Fighting (×2)
    • Resistance: Psychic (-30)
    • Retreat Cost: 1

    Porygon is a unique Basic Pokémon card from the original Base Set, notable for its low HP and utility-focused attacks. It has no abilities but features two attacks, Conversion 1 and Conversion 2, which allow strategic manipulation of the Defending Pokémon’s Weakness and Porygon’s Resistance, respectively.


    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Porygon appears solely in the Base Set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 39. It is an Uncommon card illustrated by Tomoaki Imakuni, known for his distinctive art style in early Pokémon TCG releases.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Card Number: 39
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Tomoaki Imakuni
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Regulation Mark: None (Base Set predates regulation marks)
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
    • Legality: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage Base Set card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card saver.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork and text.
    • Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    • Handle by the edges to minimize fingerprints and surface wear.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Porygon #39 is part of the original 102-card Base Set released at the dawn of the Pokémon TCG. This set introduced many iconic Pokémon and gameplay mechanics. Porygon’s unique attacks reflect its digital, code-based nature, offering tactical options rather than raw power.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 39 Uncommon 30 Tomoaki Imakuni

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    Porygon (Base Set) #39

  • Collector’s Guide: Machoke (Base Set #34)

    Collector’s Guide: Machoke (Base Set #34)

    Machoke (Base Set #34) Collector’s Guide

    Machoke Base 34

    Quick Facts

    Machoke from the Base Set (#34) is a Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 80 HP. It evolves from Machop and features two attacks: Karate Chop, which deals 50 damage minus 10 for each damage counter on Machoke, and Submission, which deals 60 damage but causes Machoke to take 20 damage itself. This card has a retreat cost of 3 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It carries no resistances or abilities.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 34
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known variants or alternate printings. It is identified by the set code “base1” and the card number 34. The card’s flavor text reads:
    “Its muscular body is so powerful that it must wear a power-save belt to help regulate its motions.”

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 34 Uncommon 80 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Machoke card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Using a top loader or a binder with individual pockets is recommended for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original core set that introduced Machoke as a Stage 1 Fighting-type Pokémon. This card is notable for its straightforward but strategic attacks and classic Ken Sugimori artwork. It remains a popular collectible for fans of early Pokémon TCG history.

    Note: The legality of this card in tournament play is unknown.

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    Machoke (Base Set) #34

  • Collector’s Guide: Magikarp (Base Set #35)

    Collector’s Guide: Magikarp (Base Set #35)

    Magikarp (Base Set #35) Collector’s Guide

    Magikarp Base 35

    Quick Facts

    Magikarp from the Base Set (#35) is a Basic Water-type Pokémon card with 30 HP. It features two attacks: Tackle, dealing 10 damage for one Colorless energy, and Flail, which does 10 damage times the number of damage counters on Magikarp for one Water energy. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Lightning (×2). It is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as an Uncommon rarity. The card’s flavor text notes that Magikarp was once stronger in the distant past compared to its current weak descendants.

    • HP: 30
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Magikarp, card number 35. No alternate print variants are documented for this exact printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 35
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Print Variants: None known
    • Evolves From: None (Basic Pokémon)
    • Legal Format: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt transfer.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original release featuring iconic early Pokémon cards. Magikarp #35 is a low-HP Basic Water-type with simple attacks reflecting its in-game weakness but nostalgic appeal.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 35 Uncommon 30 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Magikarp (Base Set) #35

  • Collector’s Guide: Magmar (Base Set #36)

    Collector’s Guide: Magmar (Base Set #36)

    Magmar (Base Set #36) Collector’s Guide

    Magmar Base 36


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Magmar
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 36
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • HP: 50
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Fire Punch — Deals 30 damage, costs 2 Fire Energy.
    • Flamethrower — Deals 50 damage, costs 2 Fire and 1 Colorless Energy; requires discarding 1 Fire Energy attached to Magmar.
    • Flavor Text: “Its body always burns with an orange glow that enables it to hide perfectly among flames.”
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This Magmar card is from the original Base Set, identified as card number 36. It features classic Ken Sugimori artwork and is classified as an Uncommon card. The card’s attacks provide solid Fire-type offense, with Flamethrower requiring energy management due to its discard cost.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: base1
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • No known print variants or alternate art versions exist for this exact printing.
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Legal Format Status: unknown

    Collectors can identify this card by its number (36) in the Base Set and the distinctive Ken Sugimori illustration.


    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store the card in a protective sleeve to prevent edge wear and surface scratches, especially given its vintage status.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the artwork and text.
    • Maintain in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
    • Avoid excessive handling to preserve card condition and value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Magmar is part of the foundational Pokémon TCG release, showcasing early Fire-type mechanics and iconic artwork. It remains a nostalgic piece for collectors and players alike.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 36 Uncommon 50 Ken Sugimori

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    Magmar (Base Set) #36

  • Collector’s Guide: Nidorino (Base Set #37)

    Collector’s Guide: Nidorino (Base Set #37)

    Collector’s Guide: Nidorino (Base Set #37)

    Nidorino Base Set #37

    Quick Facts

    Nidorino from the Base Set is a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon card with 60 HP. It evolves from Nidoran ♂ and features two attacks: Double Kick, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Horn Drill, a straightforward 50 damage attack. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as Uncommon rarity. The card’s legality status is unknown.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 37
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • HP: 60
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Nidoran ♂)
    • Attacks: Double Kick (30× damage), Horn Drill (50 damage)
    • Weakness: Psychic (×2)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Flavor Text: “An aggressive Pokémon that is quick to attack. The horn on its head secretes a powerful venom.”
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing of Nidorino has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 37. The card is part of the original Base Set series and does not carry a regulation mark.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 37 Uncommon 60 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage 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 with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt transfer.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Nidorino card is part of the foundational Base Set, notable for its classic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita and straightforward gameplay mechanics. It represents one of the early Stage 1 evolutions in the Grass-type category, offering a mix of chance-based and fixed damage attacks.

    This guide covers the exact printing of Nidorino from the Base Set, card number 37, providing collectors with essential information for identification and preservation.

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    Nidorino (Base Set) #37

  • Collector’s Guide: Dratini (Base Set #26)

    Collector’s Guide: Dratini (Base Set #26)

    Dratini (Base Set #26) Collector’s Guide

    Dratini

    Quick Facts

    Dratini is a Basic Colorless-type Pokémon card from the original Base set. It has 40 HP and features a single attack, Pound, which deals 10 damage for one Colorless Energy. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and resists Psychic attacks, reducing damage by 30. It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as Uncommon rarity. The card’s flavor text highlights Dratini’s mythical status until a small underwater colony was discovered.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 26
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • HP: 40
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card ID “base1-26”. The card does not have a regulation mark or a known release date. Its legality status is unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 26 Uncommon 40 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid handling the card with dirty or oily hands to prevent damage to the surface and edges.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Dratini #26 is part of the foundational Pokémon TCG set, featuring classic artwork by Ken Sugimori and simple, straightforward gameplay mechanics. This card represents one of the early depictions of Dratini in the TCG, capturing its lore as a once-mythical Pokémon.

    Legality: unknown

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    Dratini (Base Set) #26

  • Collector’s Guide: Farfetch’d (Base Set #27)

    Collector’s Guide: Farfetch’d (Base Set #27)

    Farfetch’d (Base Set #27) Collector’s Guide

    Farfetch'd Base 27

    Quick Facts

    Farfetch’d from the Base Set (#27) is a Basic, Colorless-type Pokémon card with 50 HP. It features two attacks: Leek Slap, which requires a coin flip and can only be used once per play, and Pot Smash, a straightforward 30-damage attack. The card has a weakness to Lightning (×2), resistance to Fighting (-30), and a retreat cost of 1. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this card is classified as Uncommon.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 27
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 50
    • Type: Colorless
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants or alternate art versions. It is identified by the set code “base1” and the card number 27. The card does not have a regulation mark or release date publicly documented.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 27 Uncommon 50 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    – Avoid excessive handling to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.
    – Maintain in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Farfetch’d #27 is part of the original Base Set lineup, showcasing classic Ken Sugimori artwork and simple but thematic gameplay mechanics. Its unique Leek Slap attack adds a strategic element with its one-time use limitation.

    Legality: unknown
    Image URL: /images/base1/base1-27.jpg

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    Farfetch'd (Base Set) #27

  • Collector’s Guide: Growlithe (Base Set #28)

    Collector’s Guide: Growlithe (Base Set #28)

    Growlithe (Base Set #28) Collector’s Guide

    Quick Facts

    Growlithe from the Base Set is a Basic Fire-type Pokémon card with 60 HP. It features a single attack, Flare, which deals 20 damage and requires one Fire and one Colorless Energy. The card is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and is classified as Uncommon rarity. It has a retreat cost of 1 and a Water-type weakness (×2). The card’s flavor text highlights Growlithe’s territorial nature: “Very protective of its territory. It will bark and bite to repel intruders from its space.”

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 28
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Stage: Basic
    • Types: Fire
    • HP: 60
    • Attack: Flare (20 damage)

    Variants & Identifiers

    This Growlithe card has no known print variants or alternate versions. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 28. There is no regulation mark or additional subtype beyond Basic.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Growlithe card:
    – Store it in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Growlithe card is part of the original Base Set, known for its iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori and foundational role in the Pokémon TCG. It is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with legality currently unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 28 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori

    Growlithe Base Set #28

    Legality: unknown

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    Growlithe (Base Set) #28