Category: Pokemon

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

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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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Poliwrath (Base Set #13)
Poliwrath (Base Set #13) Collector’s Guide

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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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14)
Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14, Rare Holo)

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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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Base Set #15)
Venusaur (Base Set #15) Collector’s Guide

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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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)
Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #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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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Beedrill (Base Set #17)
Beedrill (Base Set #17) Collectors Guide

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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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dragonair (Base Set #18)
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.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 18 Rare 80 Mitsuhiro Arita

Legality: unknown

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Electrode (Base Set #21)
Collector’s Guide: Electrode (Base Set #21)

Quick Facts

Electrode from the Base Set (#21) is a Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon with 80 HP. It evolves from Voltorb and features the unique Pokémon Power Buzzap, allowing it to be Knocked Out and attached as an Energy card providing two Energy of a chosen type. Its attack, Electric Shock, deals 50 damage but risks Electrode damaging itself on a coin flip. This card is illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi and is classified as Rare.
- HP: 80
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Voltorb)
- Ability: Buzzap (Pokémon Power)
- Attack: Electric Shock (50 damage, with a self-damage risk)
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Retreat Cost: 1
Key Printings

This Electrode card is from the original Base Set, one of the most iconic and foundational sets in the Pokémon TCG. It has no known regulation mark or release date. The card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with its overall legality status listed as unknown.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Electrode card. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 21. The card’s rarity is Rare, and it is part of the Base Set series.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the value and condition of this Electrode 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, especially the holographic areas if applicable. Proper storage in a rigid card holder or binder is recommended.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: This Electrode card is a classic from the original Base Set, notable for its strategic Pokémon Power Buzzap and solid 80 HP. It represents early game mechanics and is a collectible piece for fans of the original TCG era.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 21 Rare 80 Keiji Kinebuchi

Legality: unknown

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Pidgeotto (Base Set #22)
Collector’s Guide: Pidgeotto (Base Set #22)

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Pidgeotto
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Pidgey)
- HP: 60
- Type: Colorless
- Rarity: Rare
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 22
- Legality: unknown
Key Printings

This guide covers the original Base Set printing of Pidgeotto, card number 22. It features two attacks:
– Whirlwind: Deals 20 damage and forces the opponent to switch their Defending Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon after damage is applied.
– Mirror Move: If Pidgeotto was attacked last turn, this attack replicates the final result of that attack on the Defending Pokémon.

The card has a retreat cost of 1, a Fighting resistance (-30), and a Lightning weakness (×2). The flavor text reads:
“Very protective of its sprawling territory, this Pokémon will fiercely peck at any intruder.”

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants exist for this exact printing.
- The card is identified by set code base1 and number 22.
- It carries no regulation mark.
- The rarity symbol denotes it as Rare.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 22 Rare 60 Ken Sugimori

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 from damaging the card surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: This Pidgeotto is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and foundational gameplay mechanics. It remains a sought-after card for collectors interested in early Pokémon TCG history.
This Pidgeotto card is a classic collectible from the Base Set, valued for its nostalgic appeal and iconic design. Its legality status is unknown, so collectors should verify tournament rules if planning to use it in play.

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Arcanine (Base Set #23)
Collector’s Guide: Arcanine (Base Set #23)

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Arcanine
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Growlithe)
- HP: 100
- Type: Fire
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Weakness: Water (×2)
- Abilities: None
- Attacks:
- Flamethrower: Deals 50 damage; requires discarding 1 Fire Energy attached to Arcanine.
- Take Down: Deals 80 damage but causes Arcanine to do 30 damage to itself.
- Flavor Text: “A Pokémon that has been long admired for its beauty. It runs gracefully, as if on wings.”
- Legality: unknown
Key Printings

This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Arcanine, card number 23. This is the only known printing with these exact attributes and artwork by Ken Sugimori.

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Name: Base
- Set Code: base1
- Card Number: 23
- Subtype: Stage 1
- Regulation Mark: None
- Print Variants: None known
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 23 Uncommon 100 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To maintain the condition of this vintage card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its age and rarity, handle with clean hands and consider using a top loader or graded case for long-term preservation.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original printing of Arcanine features classic Ken Sugimori artwork and solid Fire-type attacks. It is a Stage 1 evolution with respectable HP and a moderate retreat cost, fitting the early game mechanics of the Base Set. This card is not legal in current Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with legality listed as unknown.
This Arcanine card remains a sought-after piece for collectors of the Base Set era, notable for its iconic artwork and nostalgic value.

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September 23, 2025