Category: Pokemon

  • Collector’s Guide: Clefairy (Base Set #5)

    Collector’s Guide: Clefairy (Base Set #5)

    Clefairy (Base Set #5) Collector’s Guide

    Clefairy Base Set #5

    Quick Facts

    Clefairy from the Base set (#5) is a Basic, Colorless-type Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features two attacks: Sing, which may put the Defending Pokémon to sleep, and Metronome, which copies one of the opponent’s attacks regardless of type but ignores energy costs and other requirements. This card has a retreat cost of 1, a Fighting-type weakness (×2), and Psychic resistance (-30). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 5
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • HP: 40
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and the card number 5. The card’s subtype is Basic, and it does not evolve from any other Pokémon.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 5 Rare Holo 40 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Rare Holo Clefairy 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.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the holofoil surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Clefairy is part of the original Base set, known for its iconic artwork and foundational role in the Pokémon TCG. It is notable for its unique Metronome attack, which allows strategic copying of opponent attacks, making it a versatile card despite its low HP.

    Legality: unknown

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    Clefairy (Base Set) #5

  • Collector’s Guide: Gyarados (Base Set #6)

    Collector’s Guide: Gyarados (Base Set #6)

    Collector’s Guide: Gyarados (Base Set #6) Rare Holo

    Gyarados Base Set #6


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Gyarados
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Magikarp)
    • HP: 100
    • Type: Water
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 6/102
    • Legality: unknown

    Gyarados is a powerful Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon known for its high HP and strong attacks. It features two attacks: Dragon Rage, dealing 50 damage, and Bubblebeam, which deals 40 damage and has a chance to paralyze the opponent. It has a Fighting-type resistance (-30) and a Grass-type weakness (×2). The card’s flavor text highlights Gyarados’s rarity and destructive rage.


    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the original Base Set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 6. It is a Rare Holo variant, featuring the classic holographic foil treatment on the Pokémon image. The artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is iconic and highly regarded among collectors.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 6
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Resistance: Fighting (-30)
    • Weakness: Grass (×2)
    • Legality: unknown
    • Print Variants: None known for this exact printing

    Care & Storage Tips

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


    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original release featuring classic Pokémon cards. This Gyarados is a standout Stage 1 Water-type with strong attacks and a high HP pool, making it a sought-after card for collectors and nostalgic players alike.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 6 Rare Holo 100 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Gyarados (Base Set) #6

  • Collector’s Guide: Hitmonchan (Base Set #7)

    Collector’s Guide: Hitmonchan (Base Set #7)

    Hitmonchan (Base Set #7) Collector’s Guide

    Hitmonchan Base 7

    Quick Facts

    Hitmonchan from the Base Set (#7) is a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon card featuring 70 HP. It has two attacks: Jab, dealing 20 damage for one Fighting Energy, and Special Punch, dealing 40 damage for two Fighting and one Colorless Energy. The card has a retreat cost of 2 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo. The card’s flavor text reads:
    “While seeming to do nothing, it fires punches in lightning-fast volleys that are impossible to see.”

    The card’s legality status is unknown.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Hitmonchan, card number 7. No additional print variants or reprints are noted for this exact printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Card Number: 7
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Stage: Basic
    • Type: Fighting
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Weakness: Psychic (×2)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Print Variants: None reported

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid handling the card excessively to prevent wear on the holofoil surface and edges.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original core set that introduced Hitmonchan as a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with solid attack options and a classic holofoil treatment. This card is a staple for collectors focusing on the foundational era of the Pokémon TCG.

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    Hitmonchan (Base Set) #7

  • Collector’s Guide: Ninetales (Base Set #12)

    Collector’s Guide: Ninetales (Base Set #12)

    Ninetales (Base Set #12) Collector’s Guide

    Ninetales Base Set #12

    Quick Facts

    Ninetales from the Base Set (#12) is a Fire-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 80 HP. It evolves from Vulpix and features two attacks: Lure, which allows switching an opponent’s Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon, and Fire Blast, a powerful 80-damage attack requiring discarding a Fire Energy card. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a Water-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Ninetales, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 12. It is a Rare Holo card, making it a sought-after collectible from the foundational Pokémon TCG series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing. Key identifiers include:

    • Set Name: Base
    • Card Number: 12
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Type: Fire
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Retreat Cost: 1

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the holofoil surface. Use a rigid top-loader or a graded card case for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original release that introduced Ninetales as a Stage 1 Fire-type Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities. This card is notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and its role in early competitive play.

    Legality

    The legality of this card is unknown.


    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 12 Rare Holo 80 Ken Sugimori

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    Ninetales (Base Set) #12

  • Collector’s Guide: Poliwrath (Base Set #13)

    Collector’s Guide: Poliwrath (Base Set #13)

    Poliwrath (Base Set #13) Collector’s Guide

    Poliwrath Base 13

    Quick Facts

    Poliwrath from the Base Set is a Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon with 90 HP. It evolves from Poliwhirl and features two attacks: Water Gun, which deals 30 damage plus additional damage based on attached Water Energy, and Whirlpool, which deals 40 damage and can discard an Energy card from the opponent’s Pokémon. This card has a retreat cost of 3 and a Grass-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 13
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 90
    • Stage: Stage 2
    • Type: Water
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This specific printing of Poliwrath has no known alternate print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 13. The card’s holofoil treatment and Ken Sugimori’s classic illustration style are key visual identifiers.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo Poliwrath:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and hard case to prevent scratches and bending.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the holofoil and artwork.
    – Maintain in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
    – Handle with clean hands or gloves to avoid oils and dirt on the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Poliwrath #13 is part of the original Base Set, known for its iconic artwork and foundational gameplay mechanics. This card exemplifies early Water-type strategies with its flexible Water Gun attack and disruptive Whirlpool move.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 13 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori

    Legality: unknown

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    Poliwrath (Base Set) #13

  • Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14)

    Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14)

    Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14, Rare Holo)

    Raichu Base Set #14


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Raichu
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 14
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • HP: 80
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Pikachu)
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Raichu from the Base set is a classic Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon card featuring two attacks: Agility, which can prevent all effects of attacks during your opponent’s next turn if a coin flip is heads, and Thunder, a powerful attack that risks self-damage on tails. The card’s flavor text highlights Raichu’s long tail as a grounding tool to protect itself from its own electricity.


    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base set printing of Raichu, card number 14, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It is a Rare Holo variant, one of the more sought-after holographic cards from the foundational Pokémon TCG set.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: base1
    • Subtype: Stage 1
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting (×2)
    • No Abilities
    • No Regulation Mark
    • No Resistances
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing

    Collectors can identify this card by its holofoil background, the classic Base set layout, and the Ken Sugimori artwork. The card’s number “14” and rarity symbol confirm its status as a Rare Holo from the original Base set.


    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this vintage holo card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card saver.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    • Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    • Handle with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt.
    • Keep in a stable environment to avoid warping or bending.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring iconic Pokémon and simple mechanics. Raichu #14 is a key Lightning-type Stage 1 card with balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, reflecting the straightforward design of early Pokémon cards.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 14 Rare Holo 80 Ken Sugimori

    Legality: unknown

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    Raichu (Base Set) #14

  • Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Base Set #15)

    Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Base Set #15)

    Venusaur (Base Set #15) Collector’s Guide

    Venusaur Base 15

    Quick Facts

    Venusaur from the Base Set (#15) is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 100 HP. It features the Pokémon Power Energy Trans, allowing the player to move Grass Energy cards between their Pokémon during their turn, provided Venusaur is not affected by Sleep, Confusion, or Paralysis. Its attack, Solarbeam, deals 60 damage and requires four Grass Energy cards. The card has a retreat cost of 2 and a Fire-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the original Base Set, identified by set code “base1” and card number 15. It is a Rare Holo card, making it a sought-after collectible for fans of the earliest Pokémon TCG releases.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Set Name: Base
    – Card Number: 15
    – Rarity: Rare Holo
    – Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    – Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Ivysaur)
    – Types: Grass
    – Abilities: Energy Trans (Pokémon Power)
    – Attack: Solarbeam (60 damage)

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Rare Holo Venusaur card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent fading and warping.
    – Handle with clean hands to avoid oils and dirt.
    – Avoid bending or heavy pressure to maintain holofoil integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set (base1): The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring iconic cards like Venusaur #15. This set introduced foundational gameplay mechanics and remains highly collectible.

    Legality

    The card’s tournament legality is unknown.


    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 15 Rare Holo 100 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Venusaur (Base Set) #15

  • Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

    Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

    Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

    Zapdos Base 16

    Quick Facts

    Zapdos is a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card from the original Base Set, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It has 90 HP and features two powerful attacks: Thunder, which deals 60 damage but risks self-damage on a tails coin flip, and Thunderbolt, which deals 100 damage at the cost of discarding all attached Energy cards. This card has a retreat cost of 3 and resistance to Fighting-type attacks (-30). It is classified as a Rare Holo card.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 16
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 90
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 16. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its legality status is unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 16 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil finish and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Given its age and rarity, consider using a top-loader or a graded case for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original release featuring iconic Pokémon like Zapdos. This set introduced many collectors to the Pokémon TCG and includes the classic Ken Sugimori artwork. Zapdos stands out as a powerful Lightning-type Basic Pokémon with strong attacks but a high retreat cost.

    Legality: unknown
    Image URL: /images/base1/base1-16.jpg

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    Zapdos (Base Set) #16

  • Collector’s Guide: Beedrill (Base Set #17)

    Collector’s Guide: Beedrill (Base Set #17)

    Beedrill (Base Set #17) Collectors Guide

    Beedrill Base 17

    Quick Facts

    Beedrill from the Base Set (#17) is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Kakuna and features two attacks: Twineedle, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Poison Sting, which deals 40 damage and may poison the opponent’s Pokémon. The card has a Fighting resistance (-30), a Fire weakness (×2), and no retreat cost. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this card is classified as Rare.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 17
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 80
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Kakuna)
    • Legal Status: 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 17. The card’s rarity symbol and artwork are consistent with the original Base Set style.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 17 Rare 80 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 to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean, dry hands to prevent oils and dirt transfer.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Beedrill #17 is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics. This card is a staple for collectors interested in early Grass-type Stage 2 Pokémon.

    Legality: unknown

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    Beedrill (Base Set) #17

  • Collector’s Guide: Dragonair (Base Set #18)

    Collector’s Guide: Dragonair (Base Set #18)

    Dragonair (Base Set #18) Collector’s Guide

    Dragonair


    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.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 18 Rare 80 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Legality: unknown

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    Dragonair (Base Set) #18