Here is some advice on how to build a deck.

Strategy: First you need a strategy. A deck without
strategy is a deck that won't win :(. What kind of
strategy will you use? Will it be a fast, hard hitting
deck(like a Haymaker), a deck based on a pokemon
power(like a Rain Dance), a powerful move(like Do
The Wave), an energy removal deck, try to deck your
opponent(stall), or even a strategy of your very own.

Pokemon: You should put in Pokemon that go with your
decks strategy. There is no use for Alakazam in a
Haymaker style deck.  You may want to include some
secondary pokemon for defense, but most of your
pokemon should stick with the strategy you have in
mind.  Include around 14-20 pokemon in your deck.  You
don't want too few or too many.  At least 12 of these
should be Basic pokemon. 

Trainers:  Trainer cards are very important in
building a deck.  They win the game.  Around 16-24
trainer cards should be used.  Always include at least
two Bill and two Professor Oak for card drawing
ability, two Gust of Wind to lure in your opponent's
weaker pokemon or important pokemon to their deck, two
energy removal and two super energy removal to spoil
your opponent's plans, and use scoop up, switch, Mr.
Fuji, or Gambler to rescue your weak pokemon or avoid
decking yourself.

Energy:  You should look at all of the types of energy
that your pokemon use and put in about the same amount
of cards that they require.  At least 20 basic energy
cards is a good rule to follow.  If they use colorless
energy for their attacks be sure to include up to 4
double colorless energy cards as well.

An example of a good deck:

4 ELECTABUZZ
4 GHASTLY (FOSSIL)
3 HAUNTER (FOSSIL)
3 GENGAR
2 LICKITUNG
2 DITTO
3 MR MIME

13 PSYCHIC ENERGY
7 ELECTRIC ENERGY
2 DOUBLE COLORLESS ENERGY

3 BILL
2 PROFESSOR OAK
1 ITEM FINDER
2 COMPUTER SEARCH
2 ENERGY RETRIEVAL
2 SCOOP UP
2 GUST OF WIND
3 SUPER ENERGY REMOVAL

Hope this helps those of you struggling to build a new
deck. 

-Primal Mime-

Send comments to primalmime@yahoo.com






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