Erika's Dratini and Old Metal Energy

[amphachu]

I was curious as to how Erika's Dratini worked with the old Special Metal energy. Would the damage be reduced before checking for the power? I assume it is, but I was just wondering.

 

[PokePop]

If something is too good to be true, it is.
What you suggest would create an invulnerable Pokemon.
It wouldn't work that way.

In any event, "old Special Metal Energy" follows the "most recent printing" rule.
No matter the text on your Special Metal Energy card, you use the text of the most recent printing, so it would not work on Erika's Dratini.

And.... there is a ruling on this from the original Compendium ( http://compendium.pokegym.net/compendium.html ):

Q. If you attached Metal Energy to an Erika's Dratini, would you apply the Pokémon Power first or the Metal Energy?
A. The Metal Energy first (like a trainer). Watch out with using Metal on Erika's Dratini though. The Metal won't reduce the 10 damage to zero unless that's the entire amount done. (Dec 21, 2000 WotC Chat, Q5 & Q144)