This is Kyrin. Rain Dance, Haymakers, and Wigglytuff decks dominate the
playing field. It seems that most people go on the net, find a deck that
looks good, beg their mommies for the money, then buy the cards and build
the deck. I REALLY THINK THIS IS A BAD TREND. Else why would Pokemon be a
CUSTUMIZABLE card game?

Anyway, getting to the point, here are a few instructions on how to build an
original deck. You may find them helpful, or you may not. I'd just suggest
you try these before downloading your next "deck idea."

1: Find a card that you like. It may be heavily used, or people might lauch
at it. If you like it and/or have found it useful. For example, let's pick
Dodrio. Last game, you barely scraped out a win because of free retreat and
his Pokemon Power.

2: Find more cards that complement the first card. Dodrio's attack needs
damage to be powerful. Alakazam can move damage around, focusing on Dodrio.
Tauros works well with Alakazam with his 20+ Rampage attack. Dark Flareon
can Rage for only one colorless and retreats for free with Dodrio.

3: Pick your Energy and Trainers carefully. Revive might seem like a good
idea since it puts damage on a Pokemon, along with Rainbow Energy. But
consider just how much damage your opponent is doing. He'll annihilate a
Raging Pokemon that can KO one of his in an instant. Perhaps Energy Removal
trainers can keep his non-active Pokemon at bay. Also, Psychic energy might
seem like a good idea with Kadabra, but if your opponent is playing a stall
deck, Dark Flareon will do the most damage. Fire Energy it is.

4: DON'T COPY OFF OF MY DECK!! I saw you printing out my document! I've
already made this deck! IT'S MINE!! YOU CAN'T HAVE IT!!

5: Playtest. I cannot stress the importance of this step enough. Keep
playing the deck no matter how many times it loses. each loss, make a minor
or major modification until it starts winning. You'll get it eventually, so
hang in there!

Okay, that was long. Anyway, I just wanted to promote free thought here. So,
enjoy your original deck!

Kyrin can be reached at powershadow5k@hotmail.com
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