Mind of a Master

Playing Pokemon at an advanced level requires quite a bit of thinking. Believe it or not, but Pokemon the Card Game is like a game of chess. Pokemon is a bit more unpredictable, but the same fundamentals are still there.

One of the most important rules of chess applies to Pokemon, Think Ahead. I can not emphasize that any more, but you must think ahead when you're playing. In your mind, always question yourself with issues such as What If your opponent has a Fighting resistant Pokemon in his hand? What will I do if he brings it out? What If his next card is that Alakazam he's looking for? Should I save this Gust of Wind for that? What if he has a Breeder and a Blastoise in his hand, should I KO the Squirtle now?

If the opposing Pokemon only has 10 HitPoints left, think ahead. What happens when you KO this Pokemon, what will the opponent make the active? Remember that after you KO the opposing Pokemon, he/she gets the next shot. Should you retreat your current Pokemon and hit him with another? If you do retreat, will your new Pokemon fare better against whatever Pokemon he decides to play?

Thinking ahead is especially important, but preventing the opponent from thinking ahead is equally important. Use Free Retreat Pokemon often, as they allow you to do things during your turn. You may have to reference my Free Retreat article to understand what I'm saying. Only play Pokemons to your bench that you need to and this issue will probably be covered in a later article due to its scope.

Most of your decisions should be based on probability, then perception, and finally your hunch. Probability is like the odds that something will happen. The odds are around 50% that the next card you draw will get you an Energy Card. The same goes for your opponent. If you desperately need your Switch Trainer and you know you only have one left in your deck, don't count on it.

Pokemon is like a game of Poker and that's where perception comes in. If your opponent draws his/her card and wheels in joy, but doesn't play anything that round, you can expect something big will happen in the near future. A facial expression can give away what you have in your hand. You use this information to adjust the probability in your mind. And because of those things, you should always try to keep a straight face. Don't get excited if you just KOed a Pokemon and pull a Hitmonchan for a prize. He/she may retreat their Electabuz and play something else.

Your hunch is your gut feeling. Sometimes it works, but most of the time it doesn't. Don't rely on it. Sometimes your mind tells you to play something crazy, but try not to and definitely consider the odds. If you do, then pray for rain. =)

The next time you play a match, try to imagine the game in your mind and think ahead. Thinking ahead is what brings you to the next level. Think about what cards you should power up, and never forget to question yourself about the what If questions.