Tag: Pokemon TCG

  • Collector’s Guide: Sabrina’s Slowpoke (Gym Heroes #95)

    Collector’s Guide: Sabrina’s Slowpoke (Gym Heroes #95)

    Sabrina’s Slowpoke Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Sabrina’s Slowpoke from Gym Heroes is a common, number 95, with 50 HP and a single attack, Lazy Attack. Its straightforward design and sleepy flavor capture Slowpoke’s laid-back charm.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 95 Common 50 Ken Sugimori
    • Pokémon: Sabrina’s Slowpoke
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attack: Lazy Attack (Psychic + Colorless) – 30 damage and causes Sleep status

    Key Printings

    This printing appears in Gym Heroes as card number 95 at common rarity. It’s noted for its simple, effective gameplay text and classic Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No known print variants. Identify it by set code “gym1” and card number 95; it’s a Basic Psychic-type Sabrina’s Slowpoke.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to the available data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Use a sleeve and store away from sunlight and moisture to protect the surface and preserve the Ken Sugimori illustration—even commons benefit from proper care.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: A Basic Psychic-type with a Sleep-inducing Lazy Attack, fitting neatly into Gym Leader-focused collections and classic-era art themes.

    Sabrina's Slowpoke

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    Sabrina's Slowpoke (Gym Heroes) #95

  • Collector’s Guide: Sabrina’s Venonat (Gym Heroes #96)

    Sabrina’s Venonat Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Sabrina’s Venonat from the Gym Heroes set is a Common card numbered 96. This Basic Grass-type has 40 HP and features the straightforward Removal Beam attack, matching the clean, early Gym Heroes aesthetic.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 96 Common 40 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Poison Antennae: Poisons the Defending Pokémon.
    • Removal Beam: Deals 20 damage and may discard an Energy card attached to the Defending Pokémon.
    • Abilities: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Sabrina’s Venonat is from Gym Heroes, identified by set code “gym1” and card number 96. It is classified as Common and features the original Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its Grass type, Basic stage, and the attack combination of “Poison Antennae” and “Removal Beam.” The card image can be referenced at /images/gym1/gym1-96.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to the provided data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface—especially important for commons that tend to see more handling.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Appears as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with modest HP and straightforward attacks. The lack of abilities and simple retreat cost make it accessible for casual play and collection within the Gym Leader-themed set.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Blaine’s Quiz #1 (Gym Heroes #97)

    Blaine’s Quiz #1 Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Blaine’s Quiz #1 is a rare card from the Gym Heroes set, numbered 97. It captures the essence of Gym Leader Blaine and offers a quirky twist for collectors: it forgoes traditional HP and attacks, yet plays a distinctive role within the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 97 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym1-97
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Stage: None
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None
    • Subtypes: None

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Heroes set under the set code gym1. It is a rare card and is illustrated by Ken Sugimori, a prominent artist known for his classic Pokémon artwork. No other printings or reprints are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for Blaine’s Quiz #1. The card is identified by its number 97 in the Gym Heroes set and is uniquely titled “Blaine’s Quiz #1.” The card’s market reference query is “Blaine’s Quiz #1 Gym Heroes 97.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    This card features a special rule: you place a Basic Pokémon or Evolution card from your hand face down and have your opponent guess the length of its name. Depending on the guess, either player draws 2 cards, and the card returns to your hand. It is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Given its rarity and unique gameplay role, Blaine’s Quiz #1 should be stored in a protective sleeve and kept away from direct sunlight to preserve the artwork by Ken Sugimori. Maintaining a stable, dry environment will help prevent warping or damage to this rare collectible.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Blaine’s Quiz #1 is a rare, non-Pokémon card that adds a strategic guessing element to gameplay. It stands out in the Gym Heroes set for its unusual mechanics and classic Ken Sugimori illustration.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Brock (Gym Heroes #98)

    Collector’s Guide: Brock (Gym Heroes #98)

    Brock Collectors Guide: Gym Heroes #98

    Character Intro

    Brock (#98) is a Rare Trainer card from the Gym Heroes set. Its straightforward design captures the classic Gym Leader and holds a notable place in collections for its rarity and set association.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 98 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card Number: 98
    • Series: Gym Heroes
    • Set Code: gym1
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rules Text: Remove 1 damage counter from each of your Pokémon that has any damage counters on it.
    • Evolves From: None
    • Types, Weaknesses, Resistances: None listed

    Key Printings

    Printed only once in the Gym Heroes set, this is a singular collectible for fans of Brock and the Gym series. The Ken Sugimori artwork is a highlight, reflecting his celebrated status in the Pokémon TCG community.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No known print variants exist. Identification is straightforward via set code “gym1” and card number 98. The card does not feature a regulation mark, and no alternate artwork or holofoil versions are documented.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its rule to remove one damage counter from each of your Pokémon can be strategically useful in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid bending and exposure to liquids to preserve condition and artwork.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Introduced Brock as a Trainer card with a special healing rule. The card stands out for its rarity and Ken Sugimori illustration, lacking HP and attacks to focus on strategic support.

    Brock Gym Heroes 98

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    Brock (Gym Heroes) #98

  • Collector’s Guide: Charity (Gym Heroes #99)

    Collector’s Guide: Charity (Gym Heroes #99)

    Charity (Gym Heroes 99) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Charity is a rare card from the Gym Heroes set, numbered 99. Its scarcity makes it a notable piece for collectors focusing on this classic series. Despite lacking attacks or abilities, Charity holds a distinct place in the Gym Heroes lineup.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes unknown 99 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym1-99
    • Series: Gym Heroes
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Stage: None
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None

    Key Printings

    This card is printed only in the Gym Heroes set, identified by the set code gym1 and number 99. It is a rare card, making it a notable find for collectors focusing on this series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card.

    How to Identify

    • Unique rules text and the absence of typical Pokémon attributes such as HP, attacks, or abilities
    • Illustrator credit to Ken Sugimori
    • Rarity symbol confirming status within the set

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Rules Text Summary

    Attach Charity to your Active Pokémon. Unless that Pokémon is Knocked Out, Charity returns to your hand at the end of your turn. If the Active Pokémon attacks and deals damage, you may reduce that damage by any amount rounded to the nearest 10.

    It is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Due to its rarity and unique status, Charity should be stored in a protective sleeve and kept away from direct sunlight to preserve the artwork by Ken Sugimori. Avoid bending or exposure to moisture to maintain its condition and value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Charity appears exclusively in this set as a rare card with no HP or attacks, serving a special gameplay function rather than traditional battling roles. Its presence adds strategic depth and collector interest to the Gym Heroes series.

    Charity Card Image

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    Charity (Gym Heroes) #99

  • Collector’s Guide: Blaine’s Arcanine (Gym Challenge #1)

    Collector’s Guide: Blaine’s Arcanine (Gym Challenge #1)

    Blaine’s Arcanine Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Blaine’s Arcanine from the Gym Challenge set is a Rare Holo card numbered 1. This fiery Pokémon boasts 90 HP and features the powerful Firestorm attack. Its striking design captures the intense spirit of Blaine’s signature battler.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 1 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-1
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Evolves From: Blaine’s Growlithe
    • Series: Gym
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Image: Blaine's Arcanine

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Gym Challenge set as card number 1. It is a Rare Holo illustrated by Ken Sugimori, making it a desirable pick for holofoil-focused collectors.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants.
    • Easy identification via set code “gym2,” card number “1,” and holofoil rarity.
    • No special abilities.

    Attacks:
    – “Heat Tackle” deals 40 damage and causes 10 damage to itself.
    – “Firestorm” deals 120 damage and requires discarding three Fire Energy cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Its play status in other formats or casual play is unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil and overall condition, store the card in a sleeve, away from sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binder pages with individual pockets to prevent bending and scratches. Minimize handling to keep the artwork vibrant.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Debuts as a Rare Holo Stage 1 with strong Fire-type attacks and classic Ken Sugimori artwork. As the first card in the set, it’s a key collectible for Gym series enthusiasts.

    This printing of Blaine’s Arcanine remains a vivid and collectible piece within the Gym Challenge set, prized for its artwork and rarity.

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    Blaine's Arcanine (Gym Challenge) #1

  • Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Ditto (Gym Challenge #10)

    Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Ditto (Gym Challenge #10)

    Collector’s Guide: Koga’s Ditto (Gym Challenge 10)

    Character Intro

    Koga’s Ditto is a Rare Holo card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 10. This lively Pokémon has 40 HP and features the attack Pound. Its design captures the quirky essence of Ditto in a compact, collectible form.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 10 Rare Holo 40 Ken Sugimori

    Card Stats

    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: Psychic -30
    • Attacks:
    • Giant Growth: Flip a coin; if heads, Koga’s Ditto’s max HP becomes 80 and Pound’s damage increases to 30 until benched.
    • Pound: Deals 10 damage.
    • Abilities: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Koga’s Ditto is from the Gym Challenge set, identified by the card number 10. This Rare Holo version is notable for its holographic foil and Ken Sugimori’s classic illustration style, making it a prized piece for collectors of Gym series cards.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “gym2” and the card number “10.” The card’s distinct Giant Growth attack and its Psychic resistance are useful identifiers. The holofoil treatment and Ken Sugimori’s artwork further distinguish this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Its unique Giant Growth attack offers a tactical advantage by temporarily increasing HP and attack damage, but this effect ends if the card is benched.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil finish and maintain card condition, store Koga’s Ditto in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to retain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Koga’s Ditto appears as a Rare Holo Basic Pokémon with a unique attack that enhances its stats temporarily. This set focuses on Gym Leaders’ Pokémon, and this card fits the theme with its strategic Giant Growth ability and classic Ken Sugimori art.

    Koga’s Ditto

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    Koga's Ditto (Gym Challenge) #10

  • Collector’s Guide: Blaine (Gym Challenge #100)

    Blaine — Gym Challenge #100 Collector’s Guide

    Overview

    Blaine (#100) is a rare card from the Gym Challenge set. It stands out for collectors focused on iconic Gym leaders from the classic Gym series, adding a distinctive edge to themed collections.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 100 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-100
    • Pokémon: Blaine
    • Set: Gym Challenge (gym2)
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rules: During this turn, instead of attaching your free Energy card, you may instead attach 2 Fire Energy cards to 1 of your Pokémon with Blaine in its name. (Playing additional copies of this card this turn has no effect.)
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Image URL: /images/gym2/gym2-100.jpg

    Printings & Variants

    • This card is exclusively printed in the Gym Challenge set as card number 100. It does not evolve from any other card and has no alternate print variants.
    • There are no known print variants or alternate versions of this Blaine card. It is identified by its set code “gym2” and card number 100.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique rule allows attaching two Fire Energy cards in place of the usual one, but it has no attacks or abilities.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store Blaine in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight to preserve the Ken Sugimori artwork. Avoid bending and exposure to moisture to maintain condition.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Blaine appears as a rare card with a special Energy attachment rule but no HP or attacks, making it a strategic yet enigmatic piece within this classic gym-themed set.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Protection (Gym Challenge #101)

    Brock’s Protection Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Brock’s Protection is a rare card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 101. This rare Trainer focuses on a protective rule effect that fits Brock’s defensive style in the Pokémon universe, making it a standout target for Gym Challenge collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 101 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-101
    • Pokémon: Brock’s Protection
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Stage: None
    • Subtypes: None
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set under the code gym2-101. It is a rare Trainer card with no evolutions or attacks, centering on a protective rule effect.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for Brock’s Protection. The card can be identified by its set code “gym2” and number “101.” The illustration by Ken Sugimori is a key visual identifier.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    The card’s rule states: “Attach Brock’s Protection to 1 of your Pokémon with Brock in its name. Energy cards attached to that Pokémon can’t be removed by your opponent’s attacks or Trainer cards. (This doesn’t stop the rest of the attack or Trainer card from working normally.)” This effect helps safeguard attached Energy on Brock-named Pokémon from removal effects.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a rare card with unknown release date and no print variants, preserving Brock’s Protection in mint condition is essential. Use protective sleeves and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Brock’s Protection debuts as a rare Trainer card offering a unique energy protection mechanic for Brock-named Pokémon. It stands out for its specialized gameplay role and classic Ken Sugimori artwork.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Chaos Gym (Gym Challenge #102)

    Collector’s Guide: Chaos Gym (Gym Challenge #102)

    Chaos Gym (Gym Challenge 102) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Chaos Gym is a Rare Trainer card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 102. Its design evokes the high-stakes feel of a competitive gym and stands out as a unique pickup for Gym Challenge collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge unknown 102 Rare Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Card Name: Chaos Gym
    • Set: Gym Challenge (gym2)
    • Card Number: 102
    • Type: Stadium
    • Stage: Stadium
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Image: Chaos Gym

    Key Printings

    Chaos Gym appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set (set code gym2, card number 102). There are no known alternate printings or reprints.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are known. Collectors can identify it by its Stadium subtype, Rare rarity, the signature chaotic gameplay effect, and Keiji Kinebuchi’s distinctive illustration style.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Rules: This card stays in play after being played. Discard this card if another Stadium card comes into play. Whenever a player plays a Trainer card other than a Stadium card, he or she flips a coin. If heads, that player plays that card normally. If tails, the player can’t play that card. If the card isn’t put into play, the player’s opponent may use that card instead, if he or she does everything required in order to play that card (like discarding cards). Either way, the card goes to its owner’s discard pile.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the card in a sleeve and store it away from sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and distinctive gameplay effect, preserving a near-mint copy supports both collectible appeal and potential play value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Debuts as a rare Stadium card with a coin-flip mechanic that affects Trainer card plays, injecting unpredictability into the format. No subsequent sets or printings are known.

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    Chaos Gym (Gym Challenge) #102