waynegg
CotD Editor<br>Forum Moderator
You can never evolve your Pokemon normally (as in without the use of a Trainer, Stadium, attack, etc.) on your first turn. The fact that Playground puts Pokemon into play which weren't played during set up doesn't get around that. Playground doesn't create a unique situation, you just have to know where to look for the ruling. Let's look at the ruling for the Trainer card 'Challenge!' from Team rocket. Here is the ruling for the card:
Which can be found here.
== CHALLENGE! (Team Rocket Expansion)
Q. If my opponent goes first and uses Challenge, and I put basics on my bench, can I evolve them when my turn comes? Note it will be my first turn.
A. No, you can never evolve your Pokemon on the first turn you play in the game. However, if this happens later in the game then you would be able to evolve those Pokemon on your turn. (Jan 9, 2003 WotC Chat, Q436)
Which can be found here.