Tag: Pokemon TCG

  • Collector’s Guide: Erika’s Kindness (Gym Challenge #103)

    Erika’s Kindness (Gym Challenge 103) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Erika’s Kindness is a rare card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 103. Featuring Erika’s distinct aesthetic and Ken Sugimori’s artwork, it holds a notable spot in Gym-series collections for its rarity and thematic tie to Gym Leaders.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 103 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-103
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Stage: None
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None
    • Evolves From: None
    • Subtypes: None

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and number 103. Its rarity makes it a desirable pull for collectors focused on the Gym series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for Erika’s Kindness.

    • Effect text (primary identifier): “Remove 2 damage counters from each Pokémon (yours and your opponent’s) with any damage counters on it. If a Pokémon has just 1 damage counter, remove it.”
    • Illustrator credit: Ken Sugimori

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its healing effect can be strategically valuable in casual play but is not currently supported in official tournament formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Preserve surface and edges to maintain collector value, especially given its rarity and Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge (gym2): Erika’s Kindness stands out as a rare Trainer card with a healing effect, contributing to the thematic Gym Challenge set focused on Gym Leaders and their signature strategies. Its lack of HP and stage classification emphasizes its role as a supportive Trainer card rather than a Pokémon.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Giovanni (Gym Challenge #104)

    Collector’s Guide: Giovanni (Gym Challenge #104)

    Giovanni (Gym Challenge 104) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Giovanni is a rare Trainer card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 104. It stands out with its distinctive design and role within the set, and collectors value its unique place in the Gym Challenge lineup.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 104 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-104
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Stage: None (Trainer card)
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Evolves From: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 104. It is a rare card with no known alternate printings or reprints.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. The card can be referenced in market queries as “Giovanni Gym Challenge 104.” The illustration by Ken Sugimori is a key identifying feature.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    This card’s unique rule allows you to choose one of your Pokémon in play with Giovanni in its name and evolve it during your turn even if it was just played or evolved that turn, or if it is your first turn. This effect also applies to the Pokémon it evolves into. The card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a rare card with unknown release date and limited print variants, preserving the card in a protective sleeve and storing it in a cool, dry place is recommended. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain the integrity of Ken Sugimori’s artwork.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: This set includes the Giovanni card as a rare Trainer card with a distinctive gameplay effect. The set is notable for featuring Gym Leaders and their unique strategies, with this card exemplifying Giovanni’s thematic role in evolving Pokémon rapidly.

    Giovanni Gym Challenge 104

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    Giovanni (Gym Challenge) #104

  • Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Last Resort (Gym Challenge #105)

    Collector’s Guide: Giovanni’s Last Resort (Gym Challenge #105)

    Giovanni’s Last Resort Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Giovanni’s Last Resort is a rare card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 105. This striking card captures a pivotal moment in the Pokémon TCG series. Its rarity makes it a notable addition for collectors focused on Gym Challenge cards.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 105 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-105
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rules Text: Remove all damage counters from 1 of your Pokémon with Giovanni in its name. Then discard your hand.
    • No abilities or attacks listed
    • No evolutions or resistances/weaknesses

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set under the set code “gym2.” It is identified as card number 105 and is classified as Rare. The illustration by Ken Sugimori is a notable feature for collectors.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for Giovanni’s Last Resort. The card can be identified by its unique card ID “gym2-105” and its placement within the Gym Challenge set.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The rules text enables full healing on a Pokémon with Giovanni in its name at the cost of discarding your hand, which can shape strategies in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve value and condition, store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unknown release date, maintaining pristine condition is essential for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Giovanni’s Last Resort is a rare and enigmatic card within this set, notable for its lack of traditional gameplay stats and its unique healing rule. It stands out as a collectible piece rather than a competitive card.

    Giovanni's Last Resort

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    Giovanni's Last Resort (Gym Challenge) #105

  • Collector’s Guide: Koga (Gym Challenge #106)

    Koga (Gym Challenge 106) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Koga is a rare card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 106. This character card is notable for its distinctive design and its place within the Gym series, offering collectors a unique piece of the lineup.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 106 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-106
    • Series: Gym
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Stage: None (Basic or Trainer card status unknown)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rule Text: If an attack from a Pokémon with Koga in its name does damage to a Defending Pokémon this turn, that Pokémon is then Poisoned.
    • Types, Weaknesses, Resistances: Unknown
    • Flavor Text: Unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses exclusively on the Gym Challenge printing of Koga, card number 106. No other print variants or reprints are documented for this exact card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via the set code “gym2” and card number “106.” The card is visually recognized by Ken Sugimori’s classic illustration style.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve condition, store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unknown release date, maintaining physical integrity is important for long-term value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: This set features Gym Leaders and their unique cards. Koga’s card stands out with a special poisoning rule and zero retreat cost, adding tactical depth to the Gym Challenge lineup.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan (Gym Challenge #107)

    Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan (Gym Challenge #107)

    Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan is a Rare card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 107. It captures the strategic essence of Lt. Surge’s tactics and is a notable addition for collectors focused on Gym Challenge memorabilia.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 107 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card Name: Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan
    • Set: Gym Challenge (gym2)
    • Card Number: 107
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks: None
    • Types: None
    • Evolves From: None
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set under the code gym2-107. There are no known alternate printings or reprints of this exact card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no listed print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via its set code gym2-107 and its unique name, Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan. The card’s artwork and lack of HP or attacks make it visually distinct within the Gym Challenge series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Its unique rule involves placing a card face down on the Bench and treating it as a Basic Pokémon under specific conditions, adding a tactical layer to gameplay. Players must flip the card under certain triggers or may flip it voluntarily during their turn, with consequences if the card is not a Basic Pokémon.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Due to its rarity and unique status, store Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan in a protective sleeve and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the artwork by Ken Sugimori. Avoid bending or exposure to moisture to maintain card integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge (gym2): This set features Gym Leader-themed cards with unique gameplay mechanics. Lt. Surge’s Secret Plan stands out for its strategic bench placement rule and rare status. No further printings or variants are known beyond this set.

    Lt. Surge's Secret Plan

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    Lt. Surge's Secret Plan (Gym Challenge) #107

  • Collector’s Guide: Misty’s Wish (Gym Challenge #108)

    Collector’s Guide: Misty’s Wish (Gym Challenge #108)

    Misty’s Wish Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Misty’s Wish is a rare card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 108. Featuring the iconic Gym Leader Misty, its rarity makes it a notable addition for collectors focusing on Gym Challenge.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 108 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-108
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Evolves From: None
    • Stage: None
    • Types: Unknown
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Rules Text: “Look at 1 of your Prize cards. Then, ask your opponent if you may switch that card with 1 of the cards in your hand. If your opponent accepts and if you have any other cards in your hand, switch those cards. If your opponent declines, return the Prize card face down and draw a card.”
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    Misty’s Wish appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set under the card number 108. There are no known reprints or alternate editions of this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This card has no known print variants or alternate artwork. It is identified by its unique card ID gym2-108 and the Gym Challenge set code gym2.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    Given its rarity and unknown release date, preserving Misty’s Wish in mint condition is advisable. Store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain its vibrant artwork by Ken Sugimori.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Misty’s Wish is a rare card that adds a unique strategic element to gameplay through its Prize card interaction rule. It is a notable collectible due to its scarcity and the absence of HP or attack stats, making it a distinctive piece in the Gym Challenge lineup.

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    Misty's Wish (Gym Challenge) #108

  • Collector’s Guide: Resistance Gym (Gym Challenge #109)

    Resistance Gym (Gym Challenge 109) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Resistance Gym is a rare Trainer—Stadium—card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 109. Its striking artwork captures the spirit of resistance and gives the card a distinctive place in the collection thanks to its rarity and set affiliation.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 109 Rare Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Card Type: Stadium
    • Stage: Stadium
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Series: Gym
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None

    Key Printings

    Known specifically from the Gym Challenge set as card number 109. It does not evolve from any other card and has no attacks or abilities, focusing solely on its Stadium effect.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants. Identification is straightforward via set code “gym2” and card number 109. The illustration by Keiji Kinebuchi is a key visual identifier.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Rules: This card stays in play after being played. Discard this card if another Stadium card comes into play. Each Pokémon’s Resistance is reduced by 20. (If a Pokémon’s Resistance is -30, it becomes -10.)

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve condition, store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique illustration, a rigid top-loader or a binder with acid-free pages is recommended to prevent wear and fading.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Resistance Gym appears as a rare Stadium card with a gameplay effect that modifies Pokémon resistances, adding strategic depth to matches within this set. Its unique illustration and rarity make it a notable collectible from this series.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Raichu (Gym Challenge #11)

    Lt. Surge’s Raichu Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Lt. Surge’s Raichu from the Gym Challenge set is a Rare Holo card numbered 11. This vibrant Pokémon boasts 80 HP and features the dynamic attack Thundertackle. Its striking design captures the energetic spirit of Lt. Surge’s electric-type team.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 11 Rare Holo 80 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Lt. Surge’s Pikachu)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code “gym2” and card number 11. It is a rare holo card, making it a valuable find for collectors focusing on holofoil cards from the Gym series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by:
    – Its unique attacks “Kerzap” and “Thundertackle”
    – Illustrator Ken Sugimori
    – The absence of any abilities
    – Card image at /images/gym2/gym2-11.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil surface and maintain card condition, store Lt. Surge’s Raichu in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or scratching.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge (gym2): This set features Gym Leader-themed cards, with Lt. Surge’s Raichu standing out as a rare holo Stage 1 Lightning-type. The set focuses on Gym Leader Pokémon, and this card complements the Lt. Surge line with its unique coin-flip-based attacks.

    For collectors and players alike, Lt. Surge’s Raichu from Gym Challenge offers a blend of strategic gameplay and collectible appeal, wrapped in classic Ken Sugimori artwork.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Sabrina (Gym Challenge #110)

    Collector’s Guide: Sabrina (Gym Challenge #110)

    Sabrina Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Sabrina is a rare Trainer card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 110. It stands out for its distinctive design and role within the collection. Collectors often seek Sabrina for its unique place in the Gym Challenge lineup.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 110 Rare Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-110
    • Pokémon: Sabrina
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Stage: None
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks: None
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    This printing of Sabrina appears solely in the Gym Challenge set as card number 110. It is a rare Trainer card with no evolutions or alternate forms in this printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identify it by set code “gym2,” number “110,” and the illustrator Ken Sugimori’s signature style.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    The card’s rule allows you to move all Energy cards attached to one of your Pokémon with Sabrina in its name to another such Pokémon.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to preserve condition.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Introduced Sabrina as a rare Trainer card with a unique energy transfer rule in the Gym series featuring Gym Leaders and their signature cards.

    Sabrina Card Image

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    Sabrina (Gym Challenge) #110

  • Collector’s Guide: Blaine’s Quiz #2 (Gym Challenge #111)

    Collector’s Guide: Blaine’s Quiz #2 (Gym Challenge 111)

    Character Intro

    Blaine’s Quiz #2 is an uncommon card from the Gym Challenge set, numbered 111. This intriguing card adds a strategic element to any collection with its unique design, making it a thoughtful piece for fans of the Gym Challenge series.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 111 Uncommon Ken Sugimori
    • Card ID: gym2-111
    • Pokémon: Blaine’s Quiz #2
    • Stage: None (not a Pokémon)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Rules: Involves a guessing game where players guess the type of a card placed face down; correct guesses reward the opponent with 2 cards, incorrect guesses reward the player with 2 cards.
    • Image URL: /images/gym2/gym2-111.jpg

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set, identified by the set code gym2 and card number 111. It is an uncommon rarity card and features the classic Ken Sugimori artwork style.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or alternate versions of Blaine’s Quiz #2. It is uniquely identified by its set code (gym2), card number (111), and the distinctive gameplay rule printed on the card.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its gameplay centers around a strategic guessing mechanic rather than direct combat or evolution, making it a niche but interesting addition to casual play or collection.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As an uncommon card with unique gameplay, preserving the card’s condition is important for collectors. Store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the integrity of the Ken Sugimori illustration and the card’s surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Blaine’s Quiz #2 is part of this set, which focuses on Gym Leaders and their thematic cards. This card adds a playful twist with its guessing game mechanic, differentiating it from typical Pokémon cards that rely on attacks and HP.

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