38 results for: timeless
On Playing the Pokémon TCG Optimally “Some Strategies That Aren’t Currently Important Playstyle Adaptability Going Rogue Identifying Weaknesses in the Metagame and Format Metagaming In-Game Skill Endurance Basic Arithmetic and Powers of Observation Conclusion It’s strange to talk about the strategies that exist in the Pokemon TCG – to even admit there are multiple strategies to this game. We often think of strategy as something more simplistic than it is. “Practice,” “plan ahead,” “counter X with Y”… these are the most common bits of advice that float around in the Pokemon TCG. But these are different strategies entirely. So while Jenga requires only finger stability and…
The Overt Simplification of the Pokémon TCG “First Things First: The Label A Changing Current Compare and Contrast How Does This Affect the Game? Is There Hope? Conclusion At some point, the packaging for Pokemon TCG products changed to reflect a younger suitable age range for those wanting to play the game. When the game debuted, it was recommended for those 10 years and older. Currently, packaging reflects the “6+” age range. When I think about how the game is now recommended for those as young as six, I think back to the complex interactions many cards in the past had. Could a six year-old play a…
In-Game Skill, Part 1: Technical and Strategic Play “Why the Focus on In-Game Skill? Technical Play Strategic Play Conclusion As I was thinking about this article, I made a keen observation regarding in-game skill: it seems to be the holy grail of Pokemon TCG “skill.” Players often comment on the practice of “netdecking” (that is, copying a deck off the internet card for card) by making a bold statement that “it doesn’t matter what deck you have if you’re not good at the game.” It’s a romantic notion, isn’t it? That even the best deck list in the world doesn’t grant one an ounce of reputable skill. As…
Ethical Dilemmas in the Pokémon TCG “Asking for a concession is when one player asks their opponent to let them have the win. This happens more and more commonly as players get closer earning their World Championships invites. This is a pretty hot-button issue right now and for the first time TPCi has actually made it illegal to ask your opponent for a concession. According to this year’s tournament guidelines (section 10.1), repeatedly doing so can be penalized as coercion. I think it was a smart call by TPCi to stop players from being able to ask for concessions. Being asked made a lot of players feel uncomfortable,…
An Analysis of Two Opposing Playstyles “That’s enough about my story though. I was still able to make it to Washington, DC and frankly I was overwhelmed by the kindness of the community in my struggles. Naturally, not possessing any cards could have made making a deck very difficult, but a countless number of people (many of which I was hardly acquainted with) offered me cards and solemnly swore that I could borrow whatever I wanted. Many people (myself included) have always talked about how the Pokemon community is one of easily the best around and after an incident like this, I have no doubt that…
It spins its tail fins to propel itself, surging forward at speeds of over 100 knots before ramming prey and spearing into them. (Barraskewda)
Trading In Conventional Wisdom for a Better Deck “”Smart Mistakes” Where Do These “Mistakes” Come From? An Example: Weavile PLF/Lopunny FLF Can You Spot the Problems? What You Can Do to Avoid “Smart Mistakes” Conclusion My idea for this article originated when I saw players posting lists online of their Yveltal-EX/Garbodor LTR decks. This happened some time ago, during the National Championships that were taking place all around the world. Over and over again, I saw lists that included four copies of Yveltal-EX, and it just didn’t make any sense to me. These were decks that were performing well too, mind you, and yet I could not wrap…
The Five Ws and One H of Successful Teams and Playtesters “Worlds 2014 had my team and me preparing… probably less than we should have. After my poor Nationals performance with Yveltal/Darkrai/Sableye/Hammers, I wanted to play an Evolution deck. I was very impressed with Ishaan’s Empoleon/Miltank list and played around with that a bunch in testing. Falling in love with Miltank, I experimented with other Stage 2 decks, including Flygon/Miltank and straight Dusknoir/Miltank, utilizing both Dusknoir BCR and Dusknoir FLF. While all of these decks were pretty good, I didn’t think any of them would be a super strong play for the Grinder. At Nationals I had also seen my good…
Dealing with Loss in a Competitive Setting “When I was trying to pitch myself to acquire an Underground spot, I claimed that I would land somewhere in the middle of Jay and Erik (you’ll find quickly that this “middle way” approach is a common theme in almost everything that I do). I am a less fit and decorated player than Jay but perhaps I can make up for that in succinct diction, careful wordplay and literary prowess while also demonstrating the same capacity for a strict testing regiment and an expectation for results. In regards to Erik, I can safely say that I lack the artistic oneness…
Trainers ___________ trusts will be allowed to experience its distinctive flavor and aroma firsthand by sampling just a tiny bit of its tea. (Polteageist)
How to Benefit from the Ballyhoo “Why is Hype Important? Hype = Play Hype and Prereleases Hype Can Detract Hype is Different in Pokemon The New Age of Hype “We’re Going Back to the Old Days” Believing The Hype: The Fast Road to Success or a Dead End? Overhype, Underhype, and Anti-Hype Misinformation and Deception Key Examples of Hype (and What We Can Learn from Them) Conclusion We just finished having a new set released into our format, and now Battle Roads tournaments have begun. Some countries are having their National Championship at this time, and the World Championship is on the horizon. So why, then,…
The swirl pattern in this Pokémon’s body is its weakness. If it gets stirred, the swirl loses its shape, and ________ gets dizzy. (Sinistea)