Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

dad in need of help

V

Vularm

New Member
My son, 7 yrs, has been getting pokemon cards of and on for a short time. And recently he finally got me to agree to play a game with him. But just having a bunch of random cards and no idea how to play we bought him the Diamond & Pearl Trainer Kit. And found it to be much more entertaining to play with him then make believe with action figures. =)

Since then trying to figure out more about the game we bought him the Diamond & Pearl starter deck with Infernape in it and one of the world championship decks to see how someone else made theres.

We also picked up a couple of those tins with which had Lucario & Infernape in them.

And like a newb I did all that before researching the game on the net. Which I come to find out I could have bought cards off of ebay and could have had a top notch deck.

We also has an unopened starter deck set D&P Mysterious Treasures that has Rampardos in it, so we can play with 60 cards together vs. the 30 set we started with. But was wondering if it wouldn't be better to take that one back and let him buy one of the unreleased sets that will be coming out soon instead.

Anyways we found a place were he can go play with kids his own age on Sunday's were I'm sure we could get some help there also. But what I'd like to do is get him as good set going before we go as he has little of the non-character cards. So if any of u have the free time suggest what cards based off those sets might be best for him that would be great so far all I can figure out is Rare Candy cards are something I should probably buy. But I think I read too come the next tournament or when the unreleased set comes out those wont be usable anymore, I think. So I'd rather waste money on cards if he gets into it I know will have some life in them if that makes sense.

Thanks in advanced.
 
which pokemon do u like to play with??? also, rare candys wil be in the coming set Great Encounters, so if i were u, i would w8 until it comes out
 
My son really likes Lucario but its only a basic 30 card deck

I'd guess getting an idea of what we would need for a Lucario & Infernape deck, as we have both the Lv. X ones of those two from the tins, would be a great start.

But all the Infernape posts I've found are 5+ months old; so I don't know which would be the most standard/effective. And am having the same problem Lucario stuff.

So just a copy and past of what the standard is for those two decks or links leading to that info would be great!

I've been up all night looking at all kinds of threads, ebay, and diff. web sites trying to figure this all out. And deff. come to the conclusion I'm completely out of my league so thanks for wanting to help tc.

Edit: The simpler the better too, was reading about the whole fishing engine thing that came up on one of my searches and I think thats way to much for my 7 yr old and me both. =) We got the Akira Miyazaki 2007 World Championships Deck to kind of figure out how to make a deck before I started doing this and his seemed pretty straight forward. The threads I've looked at might be as well but not knowing much about the cards without looking up each individually which I have been but I'm still not sure how complex the strategies are that go along with the those two decks either. Is much easier trying to figure it out when you the cards in your hand to look at.
 
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If you are looking to minimize your initial investment, definitely go with the sure things: singles and tins. I have recently experienced this phenomenon with my seven-year-old too.

Additionally, if you are joining a league, it is a good place to find traders. If you get into boosters, make sure to limit your options early on by trading away your best cards in exchange for needed ones. Find the collectors; they usually need reverse holos (the cards with the shiny backgrounds) and have lots of good trainers that they don't really want.

If you are playing with your son, you will need two decks. You will want them to be evenly matched, unless you like losing all the time and giving him a false sense of security. Winning all the time won't be an option because he will likely start to hate playing.

Lucario/Breloom (search for "rioloom" in deck help) is a very easy deck to build with booster packs from Secret Wonders and the trainer packs. You already have the LvX. It is a pretty simple strategy, too. That is good for a seven-year-old as more complex strategies can leave them with too many choices (many of them bad) each turn.

No matter what decks you decide to build you are probably stuck wth Ebay for the trainers. Trainers from old sets are still legal in Modified format as long as they have been reprinted. That means if you buy Rare Candy now (from Holon Phantoms or POP5) it will still be good into the future since I have heard t will be reprinted in Great Encounters. I sometimes worry about the trainer situation, though, since I have invested quite a bit in Celio's Network and Castaway, in particular, which likely won't be reprinted. What are you gonna do?

Another very good deck that is fairly cheap to build with tins and precons is Empoleon. There are a lot of variants with this deck, and some of the strategies are very complex. If you build Empoleon for yourself, you can build a deck with a slightly more complex strategy so that he can watch you play it and learn, or you can build it with a simple strategy and let him choose from two decks each game (you take the other one). Mantyke/Mantine and Dodrio are good partners for Empoleon, in my opinion, leading to strategies on the simpler side.
 
Word of advice from a father of an 8 year old.....

1)Let the kid build the deck with pokes that he/she likes. Don't force a deck, just because it's good, onto you child. There is a good article on this labeled "Parents Guide to Pokemon" on the OP site. Because if your kid can't use or create what they want, then you'll be wasting your money on the cards. If they lose, it makes them more hungry to win.... They see what cards they are losing to at matches, then they want to try those cards... My girl started at 7 too, and after following the advice of the League Organizers to let her do her own thing, she loves this stuff.... And through her, I now love playing as much as she does.

2)Your child is 7.... We've only been playing about a year, and the cards have changed so much since we began. The cards now, with all their powers/attacks/effects almost seem like an dictionary to a young kid. At 7, you need to start him with a deck that is easy for him to follow. That's not too easy with the sets put out lately.

3)Get the kid into league play! Let him practice, let him mingle with the other people, let him get free stuff for playing, win or lose. Because even in the Junior division (10-U), tournament play is NOT where a newbie should spread his wings. They're fun, win or lose, they get free goods.... But even at an early age the game is intense right away. Plus at league, you can sit with your child, let them play another helpful willing person, and explain the game to them and help them get the flow....

4)Play it at HOME!!! You want to see your kid get into the game.... Spend an hour a week at the dinner table... Just like playing catch outside, or going on a bike ride.... You show you enjoy it --- They'll be waiting by the door with cards in hand waiting for you to get home from work.

5)Set goals with the Game. Make it a goal to get to a big tournament. My daughter and I only played for about a month before Nationals '07.... We went... I didn't expect to do well there and I know my daughter wouldn't either. But several things came out of such a trip. First, we got to see the big stage and what this game is really about. Then we got to play the game against top notch players and see what how they used their cards. But most of all --- THE PEOPLE!!!! I met at least 10 people there that I keep up with from time to time and plan on seeing them and talking again this year. We all have friends, etc. outside the game.... but whenever you go play this game, you meet so many NEW people that treat you like you belong (not everybody, but most)...

6)This game helps your child on many facets of life. Math skils - add, subtract, multiply, divide - it's in there. Interpersonal communication - even if they are a little shy, they have to talk to play the game. It opens them up. Strategy - They strive to win, so they manuver, adjust, modify -- like chess with cards. and most of all like I mentioned above -- ACCEPTANCE & TOGETHERNESS! At home it's personal 1-on-1 time, when they go to a place where others play - it's a Club, a Group, a FAMILY!

Enjoy the game with your kid - You won't be sorry! :thumb:
 
My Daughter, just turned 10 but started dabbling at 8, loves Magmortar and it is in a Pre-con Deck. This Pokemon is easy to use and fun to play. She likes the fact it can Heal itself allowing them to live longer and it also helps in learning how to use Bodies and spread Damage (similar with Lucario but an extra 20) not to mention the 110 HP allows it be a tank!

Trainers really are the key to kids though. You have to find something they like and have fun with. I built the Fishing Engine on a fluke idea, but my Son and daughter both love it as it is fun to use but still effective. It uses Master Balls, Great Balls, Dusk Balls and if your son plays the video games or watches the cartoons, this can create a stir like they are Ash Ketchup (<--- Family Joke) and make them want to play more!

Welcome to Our Community and the Pokemon Family!! I have been doing this with my son since it came out and then got hooked myself!! It is a great Father Son time and when you start doing the 3+ hour road trips, it gets even better!

~Prof. Fish~
 
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If you want to get some Lucario cards, join a local league.
One of the promo cards that the players earn for playing games are Lucario and his Basic.
 
I agree that league is the best place to start. Other players will most likely be willing to help you and your child to understand the game better. Also your son needs to experience the winning and losing aspect of the game before he is subjected to a tournament enviroment. One tournament that my child and I attended, a junior division player lacked the maturity to play in a tournament enviroment and had a crying fit every match that he lost. That is bad for the child as well as the tournament. The tournaments are alot of pressure on anyone, imagine how much it can be for a young child.

Hopefully you are near a good league where everyone is willing to help you understand the game. Good luck.
 
As a more monetary focused answer, there are some basic things to know:

Cards get rotated out of tournament play in September every year (most people only play with the newer cards wherever they play). That's a guarantee, it doesn't happen randomly. Also, no cards have been "banned" from the game for many years, so don't worry about that.

If you're worried about your cards getting old before you've even played them, stick to the diamond and pearl cards. They look different to the older ones, and all the Pokémon have italic "flavour text" on them. That gives you three sets to get used to, with one more coming next month. Try to recognise how they look, so you can tell older ones from new.

The Championship decks are mementos, or learning aids. They're not really proper cards so don't plump for lots of them.

You and your child don't need to play the bleeding edge decks to have fun. In fact, if you try to keep up with the older players yourself, you may make it less fun for both of you.

There's nothing wrong with the Rampardos Theme Deck at all. A list is here if you want reminding what's in it (theme decks are all the same) http://pokegym.net/forums/showpost.php?p=929135&postcount=3

It has some good trainers (Bebe and Dusk Ball). Don't worry about the decks you take to league not being up to scratch. The single most recognisable thing about kids' deck is that they never have enough trainers. "Proper" decks often weigh in at over 30, but 20 Pokemon, 20 Energy and 20 Trainers is the standard, solid start. I think this deck, an Empoleon/Lucario build, is a good model, so you can see the "shape" of successful decks http://pokegym.net/forums/showthread.php?t=65483

I can almost guarantee your child won't be chided by the others for not having an amazing deck. Most kids are still swayed by the best-looking Pokemon. I've seen plenty of kids who are smart enough to play the game much better, but choose to stick to their favourites. Those particular kids also seem to carry their losses with better grace than I!

Above all, have fun
MG
 
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Jerry's Tips (Ehlerz) are among the best I have ever read!

I use the KISS system. Keep it simple

For a new player, there are a LOT of great options out there right now.

Machamp, and his friends, play very well with Lucario, will win some games (I went 3-1 with the deck last night) and it is a VERY straightforward deck which already incorporates the pokemon he likes (Lucario). Take the deck, and make it even simpler.

I like staying one color for a new player, in that they will have enough trouble getting through some of the tough choices (do I start with Riolu or Machop...what trainers should I play??)

Teach them the basics, and teach them the "Tricks" (remember, after your opponent knocks out your Pokemon, Machamp's first attack does 70 for 1 energy!!) (remember, always remember to call "Stance" on Lucario Level X, and then they can't hurt you next turn!!)

I would do the following as a "Starter" Machamp/Lucario Deck...

3 Machop (DP)
3 Machoke (DP)
3 Machamp (DP)
4 Riolu (DP)
3 Lucario (DP)
1 Lucario LVL X (DP2)
4 of another Starter Pokemon (I like Farfetch'd(DP3), or Absol(DP3), or Stantler(DP3))

(21 total)

This seems like a lot, but newer players HATE to mulligan. They like to get right in and play the game. A more experienced player might say...hey, take out a Machoke, and you only need Riolu and Machop as starters, but the consistency will pay off for the newer player.

Trainers
4 Celio's Network
4 Team Galactic's Mars (No challenge for what to discard, take out of their hand)
2 Copycat
2 Quick Ball
2 Master Ball
4 Potion (DO NOT LAUGH! PERIOD. Great card for a new player)
3 Rare Candy
2 Switch
1 Time Space Distortion (Preferred) or Night Maintenance

(24 total)

Energy

13 Fighting Energy
2 Double Rainbow Energy (not sure if I wouldn't go 15 Fighting to start)

(15)

What do we notice here? Not many flips/fails cards except for Riolu and Machamp's big attack.

I do not like the Machokes, but with rotation coming, I will keep them for now. You may want to switch them for the older, better Machokes.

The "opponent deck" can then focus on Infernape with Infernape Level X...something like this...

4 Chimchar
3 Monferno
3 Infernape
1 Infernape Level X
3 Delcatty (energy Draw)
3 Skitty (tail whip)
4 Starters (again)

Total Pokemon - 21


Continued later

Vince
 
I think this thread shows one thing; the learning curve at first is a bit steep. But its worth noting you've already done the hard part, because you've played your first game. A majority of people just look at the cards and never get to that point!

MG
 
Welcome! Let me start by saying that you actually started off very well on your own. I recommended buying an Infernape/Empoleon/Torterra deck and matching Lv X tin to many poke-confused parents this holiday season. It is wonderful that you are fostering your son's interest and getting involved yourself and not just sitting on the sidelines, so to speak. Have fun at league! As stated above me - the kids will not laugh at his deck and he will have new friends to talk to about Pokemon.

You have gotten a lot of great advice already. You have not seen a lot of posts on Lucario and Infernape decks recently because they were extremely popular and have been created, tested and updated by many, many players already. The good news is that they are still good and fun decks. I second what others have already said - if he likes Lucario then focus on Lucario. Actually, Ramparados and Lucario make a good combo as well. Unfortunately, I do not see a deck list in the deck forum for you. But you might consider keeping the Ramparados deck as an option and for trainers, etc. Machamp/Lucario (often called Mario deck) as Vince said is another good option for him.

And as a sidenote, the World Championship cards can be used in your decks for fun and even league play but not at tournaments. Still, it is fun to see what the champs played and it is a good way to test out some cards before you trade for or buy them.

Finally, if you feel that he has the mechanics down then you might consider attending a prerelease for the next set if there is one in your area. It is a fun way to get some of the new cards and see how they can be played and get a feel for tournaments. It is a tournament but they are basically just for fun and not cut-throat. Everyone starts off with the same odds as you make your deck on the spot from packs that you open there.
 
Thanks everyone, were planing on heading to a card shop after he gets out of school to get what we can there and the rest on ebay, and all this info has and will be a great asset. I especially appreciate all the posts from the other parents some really great advice there, also.
 
Vularm, I don't have much else to add (there has been some great advice posted in this thread), but I can totally relate to your situation. My daughter (also seven years old) started with the game last spring. It took also took us a while to get over the learning curve, but we've been having lots of fun ever since!!

I mostly wanted to second Vince's suggestion for the Machamp/Lucario deck. My daughter plays a Mario deck more often than not, and she does well with it. She's played some of the other popular decks (Infernape/Skitty, Feraligatr/Skitty/Magneton, Absol/Honchkrow) and can do OK with them, but Mario has by far the best track record for her. As mentioned earlier, the deck is fairly simple and doesn't have a lot of tough choices to make. The thing that makes it good for her though, is that it seems to be able to recover more easily if she gets caught off-gaurd or makes a mistake. (Machamp's revenge is great!)


The following comments aren't really related to your original post asking about deck ideas and acquiring cards, but in case you might find them helpful, I'll share anyway....

Be careful of the Level X cards. They are cool! But they can be distracting for a new player. When she got her first Level X card, my daughter would tend to focus a lot of her efforts on getting it out ASAP. She would be planning so far ahead to get it out, that she would forget to work on her benched Pokemon. Or she would forget to keep working on her contingency plan for when it got knocked out. It may be worthwhile to leave it out of the deck until your son has a good grip on the Level X's counterparts.

Dice and coin flipping... My daughter couldn't flip a coin to save her life. The first time we went to League, we noticed that everyone used dice. (Heads = Even #, Tails = Odd # ) You may be familiar with this already, but if not you may want to pick up some dice from the dollar store. (Or buy some fancy ones from the game shop.) They are also used to keep track of the damage, instead of the paper coins.

You mentioned buying individual cards. We were in the same boat as you. We started with Diamond and Pearl and had to buy cards like castaway, rare candy, cessation crystal, windstorm, double rainbow energy, etc.... In the meantime, as you start to look at deck lists for new ideas, you'll usually end up needing a couple of new cards in order to experiment with the idea. I've wasted a few too many dollars buying specific cards to experiment with. (Or we traded cards that I later wished that we hadn't.) Now instead of buying the cards first, we'll print off copies on regular paper and then slip them inside of a sleeve (already containing a regular card). I can't feel the difference when playing. This gives you a chance to play with a deck before committing to buy the cards on eBay or wherever. (Obviously you'll want the real cards when you play at League, but for testing at home it's great.) Here is a link to some more info on making card proxies.

I started out sitting with my daughter during all of her matches at League. I have fun watching her play!!! But especially when we were starting out, I watched what the other kids were doing/playing. And then I was able to help her learn some of the less obvious (to a seven year old, at least) tricks/moves at home. She got A LOT of good advice and feedback from the other players, but talking through our matches at home seemed to help her a lot. And then after a month or two, she seemed to have everything down. I did the inital research and helped her get started, but now she knows the ins and outs of the game much better than me...

-Matt
 
The best advice I can give you is know that this game can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. The good news is that it's much better for a new player than it has been recently. With most of the Lvl X cards being released in the already mentioned tins, the monetary cap on the hard to get "super rares" isn't as bad as it was when the Ex sets were released. When starting off, the preconstructed decks are a good to a point. Generally, they will be balanced so playing them against each other is a great way to learn the game and how the cards work together. Once you have the basics down and start getting into tournament play (and the strategy and deckbuilding that goes with it) you will have three options in regards to actually getting the cards, and it all depends on how much you are willing to spend:

1) Buy packs of cards here and there, including tins. Hope you open up something good and either play with it or find someone who has too many cards that wants the few "good" cards and will trade you a lot for them.

2) Ebay. Find the specific cards you want and buy/bid on them. The upside, you will get the ones you want for a deck. The downside, the "good" cards will be hard to find and/or expensive. Also, beware of high shipping costs as they can easily kill you when buying singles or small groups of cards.

3) Buy a box of the most current set out. This might sound like overkill to some, but with two kids (5 and 7) who love Pokemon, the cost of buying a couple of packs every time we went to the store started to add up. Retail prices for a pack of cards is about $4. With 36 packs in a box, $4 X 36 comes to around $150 plus tax, which I consider quite a bit of money, even if it's spread out over a month or two. The prices for a box of cards (on Ebay) are usually around $80 plus shipping. If you do go this route you will have plenty of options to play with and more than enough to trade for specific cards you might want to build around.

The two biggest things you have to decide upon is will you be playing with tournaments in mind and how much you are willing to spend on the game. If you are not planning on entering the tournament setting just yet, find a local league. Not only will your son (and you) find people to learn from and play with, but you get free cards, and you can try and trade for the cards you want. As for the money aspect, if you find that you are buying a couple packs of cards each week, or buying rare cards on Ebay for $3 (or more) plus shipping, you are probably better off just saving up and buying a box when a set comes out. The one time hit usually evens out over time and you have the cards early on when the newest cards are the most wanted.
 
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Buying boxes is great for getting trade bait, but once you become more advanced keep Japanese boxes in mind. If you look you can find them for cheaper than English boxes, and you get the cards before they come out. Japanese cards can be played in tournaments, but you need totally opaque sleeves and translations from the OP website.
 
Yeah I think you should build Machamp/Lucario. Its great for starters because of its simplicity.
I made it for my brother 1 month before worlds and he came 3rd with it.
The main reason because Machamp/Lucario is great for juniors is because they're both the same type and their attacks are a bit straight forward and don't require much strategy.
Check out KingGengar's article in the Archetype section for more.
 
In reference with FriedBlaziken's post, You can look at the worlds booklet and check out Andrew Choong's 3rd place profile under Juniors section for more information. ^^
 
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