Tag: Collector’s Guide

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

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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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Porygon (Base Set #39)
Collector’s Guide: Porygon (Base Set #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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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Raticate (Base Set #40)
Collector’s Guide: Raticate (Base Set #40)

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Raticate
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 40
- Rarity: Uncommon
- HP: 60
- Type: Colorless
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Rattata)
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Legality: unknown
Raticate from the Base Set is a Stage 1 Colorless Pokémon known for its two attacks: Bite, dealing 20 damage for one Colorless energy, and Super Fang, which halves the opponent’s remaining HP rounded up to the nearest 10, costing three Colorless energies. It has a Fighting weakness (×2), Psychic resistance (-30), and a retreat cost of 1.

Key Printings

This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Raticate, card number 40. This printing features classic Ken Sugimori artwork and the original Base Set layout. No release date is documented for this specific printing.

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Code: base1
- Subtypes: Stage 1
- Print Variants: None documented
- Regulation Mark: None
- Flavor Text: “It uses its whiskers to maintain its balance. It seems to slow down if they are cut off.”
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition of this vintage Base Set card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
– Maintain a stable, low-humidity environment to avoid warping.
– Handle with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt transfer.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

Base Set

Raticate #40 is a solid Stage 1 Colorless Pokémon with straightforward attacks and moderate HP. Its Super Fang attack is notable for its unique damage calculation, making it a strategic choice in early gameplay. This card is a staple of the original Base Set and reflects the classic design and mechanics of the era.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 40 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Seel (Base Set #41)
Collector’s Guide: Seel (Base Set #41)

Quick Facts

Seel from the Base Set (#41) is a Water-type Basic Pokémon card illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It has 60 HP and features a single attack, Headbutt, which deals 10 damage for one Water Energy. The card’s flavor text highlights Seel’s hard horn used for bashing through thick ice. This card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Lightning (×2). It is classified as Uncommon rarity.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 41
- Rarity: Uncommon
- HP: 60
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Attack: Headbutt (10 damage, Water Energy)
- Stage: Basic
- Type: Water
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Flavor Text: “The protruding horn on its head is very hard. This horn is used for bashing through thick ice.”
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 41. The card does not have a regulation mark, and no special abilities or additional rules are present.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 41 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Seel 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 creasing by storing flat in a secure binder or box.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original Pokémon TCG release, featuring classic Pokémon and iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori. This Seel card is a straightforward Basic Water-type with a simple attack, reflecting the early design philosophy of the game.
For collectors seeking a classic Water-type from the foundational Base Set, this Seel card (#41) offers nostalgic value and clean, recognizable artwork. Its straightforward gameplay stats and Uncommon rarity make it a solid addition to any vintage collection.

For more details or market queries, search “Seel Base 41.”

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Machoke (Base Set #34)
Machoke (Base Set #34) Collector’s Guide

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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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Magikarp (Base Set #35)
Magikarp (Base Set #35) Collector’s Guide

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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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Magmar (Base Set #36)
Magmar (Base Set #36) Collector’s Guide

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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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Nidorino (Base Set #37)
Collector’s Guide: 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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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Ivysaur (Base Set #30)
Ivysaur (Base Set #30) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Ivysaur from the Base set is a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon card with 60 HP. It evolves from Bulbasaur and features two attacks: Vine Whip, dealing 30 damage, and Poisonpowder, which poisons the defending Pokémon while dealing 20 damage. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a Fire-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as Uncommon rarity.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 30
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- HP: 60
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Bulbasaur)
- Type: Grass
- Attacks: Vine Whip (30 damage), Poisonpowder (20 damage + Poison condition)
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. The card is identified by the set code “base1” and card number “30.” The legality status is unknown.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Ivysaur 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 card surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original Pokémon TCG set introducing Ivysaur as a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon. This card is a staple for collectors focusing on early-generation Pokémon and features classic Ken Sugimori artwork.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 30 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori

Legality: unknown

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Jynx (Base Set #31)
Collector’s Guide: Jynx (Base Set #31)

Quick Facts

Jynx from the Base Set is a Basic Psychic-type Pokémon card with 70 HP. It features two attacks: Doubleslap, which requires one Psychic Energy and deals 10 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Meditate, which costs two Psychic and one Colorless Energy and deals 20 damage plus an additional 10 damage for each damage counter on the Defending Pokémon. The card has a retreat cost of 2 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It has no abilities or resistances.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 31
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Stage: Basic
- Type: Psychic
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 31. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its legality status is unknown.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 31 Uncommon 70 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Base Set Jynx card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card, and consider using a top-loader or a graded case for long-term storage.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: This Jynx card is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and straightforward Psychic-type attacks. It reflects the early design and mechanics of the Pokémon TCG, making it a nostalgic piece for collectors.
This Jynx card remains a collectible piece from the foundational era of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, valued for its iconic art and gameplay simplicity.

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September 24, 2025