HP is staying power
A Pokémon with 340 HP can take more damage than one with 60 HP before being Knocked Out.
YOUR NEXT DISCOVERY STARTS HEREBig world.
Big world.
Small cards. Endless fun.
Meet your favorite Pokémon, find incredible cards,
and learn what makes each one special.
Find your next favorite.
Explore English cards, from the classics to new discoveries.
Browse starter picks by type, or search all cards by name above.
Start with these favorites
English catalog snapshot: October 2, 2026. Includes physical TCG and Pokémon TCG Pocket printings. Some cards have no picture or price. Open a card to see its exact set and rules.
Meet the Pokémon.
Look up a Pokémon to discover its types, abilities, size, and stats.
Main-series Pokémon data from PokéAPI · snapshot October 2, 2026. Stats belong to the video games, not to trading cards.
LET’S TALK STRENGTH
Big HP. Big possibilities.
High-HP examples from our starter picks, sorted by HP.
There isn’t one “most powerful” card.
HP tells you how much damage a Pokémon can take. Attacks, Energy costs, abilities, weaknesses, and your deck matter too. A big HP number doesn’t always win!
Read the whole attack
“30×” means damage depends on a condition. The text beside the attack tells you how to work it out.
Think about the trade-off
Some powerful Pokémon give your opponent extra Prize cards when they are Knocked Out.
COLLECTOR CORNER
What makes a card valuable?
Rarity, condition, the exact printing, and what collectors will pay.
A RECORD-BREAKING COLLECTIBLE
Pikachu Illustrator
A PSA Gem Mint 10 copy sold at auction in February 2026.
$16,492,000Recorded sale total includes buyer’s premium. The auction also included a necklace and hand delivery. This is a historical sale, not the price of every Illustrator card.
Read the Guinness World Records storyRARE ≠ STRONG
A card can be an amazing collectible without being a powerful card to play.
Market prices for our starter picks
Ordered by available TCGplayer USD market price. These are selected examples, not the most expensive cards in the entire world.
Check the exact card before comparing prices.
Set number, foil finish, language, edition, condition, and grading all affect value. Estimates are not guaranteed sale prices. Ask an adult to help before buying, selling, or trading a valuable card.
YOUR FIRST CHAPTER
Every collector starts somewhere.
Get to know the little details that make a big difference.
Your battle buddies
Pokémon cards have HP, attacks, and sometimes abilities. Basic Pokémon can go straight into play. Many others evolve from an earlier Pokémon.
A helping hand
Items, Supporters, Stadiums, and Pokémon Tools help your strategy. Each kind follows its own rules.
Power your attacks
Most attacks need Energy. Basic Energy provides a type, while Special Energy can have extra rules.
Types: cards and games are different
The TCG uses Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, Dragon, and Colorless. Older cards also use Fairy. The video games have 18 types, so they don’t always match a card’s type.
What do ex, EX, GX, V, VMAX, and VSTAR mean?
These names mark different kinds of Pokémon cards from different eras. They often have special rules and give up extra Prize cards. Lowercase “ex” and uppercase “EX” are different mechanics. Read the rule box on your exact card.
What are holo, reverse holo, and illustration cards?
A holo has a shiny finish, often on the artwork. A reverse holo puts a shiny pattern elsewhere on the card. Illustration cards give more space to the art. A special look doesn’t automatically mean a card is rare or expensive.
How do I read a card?
Start with its name and HP at the top. Look at the attack’s Energy cost, damage, and effect. Check weakness and retreat cost near the bottom. The set and card number help you find the exact version.
How can I take care of my cards?
Use sleeves and a binder made for cards. Keep them dry, away from heat and sunlight. Handle them with clean hands, and avoid bending the corners.
Can every card be used in a tournament?
No. Standard and Expanded have different rules about which cards are allowed. Formats change over time. Always check the current official rules before an event.
How can I learn to play?
Visit the official Pokémon TCG learning page with an adult to find the rules and beginner resources.
Learn with Pokémon