Pokémon TCG Turns: Rules & How It Works

Let’s be honest- when you’re new to playing Pokémon TCG, the biggest challenge isn’t building a deck or memorizing 700+ card names. It’s figuring out what the heck to do on your turn without freezing up like a confused Bidoof.

The good news? Every turn follows a simple “turn structure”.

The not-so-obvious part? Turn rules and strategic nuances are baked into that structure that can catch even intermediate players off-guard. That’s where this guide comes in.

Let’s unravel the Pokémon TCG turn, phase by phase, rule by rule. We’ll also sprinkle in a few advanced tips while we’re at it.

As outlined by the Pokémon Company, turn order (also called turn structure) follows a sequence of three clean-cut phases:

1. Draw Phase
2. Main Phase
3. Attack Phase

Sticking to this sequence of turn order is one of the most fundamental rules in playing Pokémon cards. It keeps the game structured, strategic, and fair. And once you’re comfortable with it, you’ll begin to see layers of strategy start to open up.

Phase 1: Draw Phase

Let the suspense begin.

You start your turn by drawing a card from the top of your deck and putting it into your hand.

No decisions to make here. No choices- just a quiet little moment of hope. Will it be that key Evolution you need? An Energy? A Trainer?

If you’re lucky, you will draw a crucial card you need at a key moment in the battle. We call this “Top Decking” a card.

Top decking feels amazing- partly because it relies on luck. But experienced players also know that building a good deck can swing the odds of drawing key cards right when they’re needed.

Phase 2: Main Phase

Here’s where the real action happens. It’s also where the brunt of the turn rules come into play.

During your Main phase, you can perform the following turn actions in any order as long as you follow the rules for each action:

A. Play Basic Pokémon

If it’s your first turn, you need to choose a basic Pokémon to go into the Active Spot, otherwise you mulligan. After the first turn, basic Pokémon can be placed straight on your bench. You can field Basic Pokémon as often as you like during your turn if you don’t exceed 5 benched Pokémon.

B. Evolve Pokémon

Evolution gives your Basic Pokémon stronger attacks and more HP. Pokémon cannot evolve on the same turn it was played onto the battlefield. You can evolve multiple Pokémon on your turn as long as it has been in play for at least one full turn. You also have to follow the Pokémon’s evolution line- in other words, you can’t skip from Basic to Stage 2 without evolving through Stage 1 first (unless you use a special card like Rare Candy).

C. Use Pokémon Abilities

Some of the best Pokémon have Abilities that activate a variety of effects. Each ability can usually only be used once per turn. But you can use multiple abilities from different Pokémon each turn. Every ability is different and always described on the card. So make sure you read the card thoroughly!

D. Attach Energy

Energy cards are the lifeblood of Pokémon. Without satisfying the energy requirement, your Pokémon cannot attack. And that’s no fun. You’re allowed to attach a Basic or Special Energy to a Pokémon during your Main phase. This is called your “free energy attachment” and you only get one free attachment per turn. The exception is if the effect of another card- like a Pokémon Ability or Trainer card- allows you to attach extra energy. Smart players utilize extra energy attachments to make killer combos.

E. Play Trainer Cards

Trainers are subcategorised into Supporters, Items, and Stadiums, each with different effects stated on the card. Supporter cards are usually the most powerful and can only be used once per turn. Item cards have subtler effects but can be used as often as you like per turn. Stadium cards have the most subtle effects, but their effects persist as long as it stays in play.

F. Retreat The Active Pokémon

Retreating means swapping your active Pokémon with one on your bench. To do this, you have to discard Energy from the retreating Pokémon equal to the Pokémon’s Retreat Cost (stated on the bottom of the card). Only one retreat is allowed per turn unless you use a special card like Switch.

Phase 3: The Attack Phase

This is the climax of your turn. Every turn action you perform in the main phase sets you up for the attack phase.

You choose one of your Active Pokémon’s attacks, declare it, make sure it has enough energy, and apply any damage and effects.

Damage is stated in the attack. Some attacks, like Flygon’s Sandspray, deal a fixed amount. Other attacks, like Draconic Impulse, can vary in damage output. Always check the card to see exactly how much damage is done. Now place the appropriate damage counters on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Some attacks also have additional effects besides damage. Again, make sure you read the card.

You can only attack once per turn. When the attack finishes, your turn ends. So choose wisely!

First Turn Rules

By now, you’ve probably noticed the Pokémon TCG is full of “you can do this… but only under these conditions”. This brings us into Turn 1 rules- and why it gets even weirder…

If you’re going first, you cannot attack or use Supporter Cards.

Sounds unfair?

Not quite.

Back in the day, you could attack and use Supporters on your first turn. This created the perfect conditions for rampant Turn 1 wins. Players would load up and knock out their opponent’s lone Pokémon in one swift turn (a strategy known as Donking).

The match would end before it even began.

It was brutal. Not cool.

Ever since 2013, first-turn rules were introduced to give both players a fair chance to set up.

Sure, going first gives you the upper hand in getting your board set up. But the no-attack restriction means your opponent actually has a chance to do something on their turn.

Taking A Turn Like A Pro

Now that you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to level up.

Good Pokémon TCG players view each turn as more than just “draw a card, play a card, attack.” Instead, they treat the Main phase like a puzzle- timing actions to squeeze every possible advantage out of their turn.

Here are tips on how to take your turn like a Pokémon TCG Master:

1. Play Items First

Item cards can be used as often as you like in a turn, providing it’s in your hand. Take advantage of this. Staples such as Ultra Ball thin your deck and search for crucial cards before committing to your once-per-turn actions like Supporter cards and energy attachment. By using your items first, you increase your odds of creating combos later in your turn.

2. Time Your Supporters

You can only play one Supporter per turn, so timing is everything; use it too early and you may miss potential synergy with other cards; hold it too long, and you risk losing turn momentum. Always assess your hand and the board and plan your next moves. A well-timed Supporter can help you secure the perfect combo or derail your opponent when it matters most.

3. Sequence Turn Actions

Sequencing means performing turn actions in a planned order to get the most out of each card. A simple sequence could be using an Item to search for a Pokémon, then using the Pokémon’s ability for an extra energy attachement. Pokémon TCG is all about combos. With the right sequence, you’ll maximize the impact of your turn.

4. Think Ahead

Most “winning turns” begin long before you land the final knockout. If you see a possible KO next turn, start hunting for that Boss’s Orders or attaching Energy to the right attacker now, not later. Speed and momentum matter a lot in PTCG, and the best players are constantly preparing for the next turn.

Put these tips into practice, and you’ll see that a single Pokémon TCG turn is highly strategic. From timing card plays to setting up the perfect combo, each turn action has a ripple effect across the rest of the battle!

What Happens After a Turn

Once you’ve attacked, your turn ends with Pokémon Checkup. This is a neutral mini-phase in between turns where:

• Special Condition effects like Poison or Burn are applied.
• Pokémon are knocked out if HP is depleted.
• Any “at the end of your turn” effects are applied.

After Checkup, it’s your opponent’s turn.

Conclusion

Turns are the foundation of every Pokémon TCG battle. Turn order has 3 phases as follows: draw, main, and attack. The main phase is where you make most of your turn actions. Knowing the rules and strategic nuances behind a turn gives you the foundation to become a better player!

So why not get smart about your turns and make every card count!

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