Getting BACK into the Game: The Thread

[Rogue Archetype]

It's been a LONG time since you've seen my name on a new post (I know). It's great to see some familiar names still around here!

I've been off-the-grid for a couple of years (working on a Doctorate degree).

While trying to lurk and grab some advice for myself, I just realized that we don't have a "Getting BACK into the game thread" for people like me (who used to play fanatically and will need to rebuild a playing collection).

Let's make a thread of popular modifed/standard decks and some advice about how to get back into the game for cheap.

Remember, your target audience is the former active tourney player. So, you won't have to go into explaining every card.

Since I'm going to, personally, benefit from your posts. I'd like to thank you in advance guys.

With Respect,
RogueArchetype

 

[treyh37]

like the red genesect collection last year, the xerneas vs yveltal battle decks have trainer lines that cover most of the trainers the high tier decks use, and the xerneas/yveltal non-promos along with a 2-1 aromatisse line make for good starts to either a fairy or dark deck.

as for tier decks themselves we have the obvious
xerneas ex/m kangaskan ex
yveltal ex and other dark
lucario ex/landorus ex and other fighting

m Gengar ex is likely to have something next when it releases
same for metal with aegislash ex/bronzong/cobalion ex/plasma klinklang
fire has either charizard or pyroar
seismetoad ex is a tech your likely to see a lot of
virizion ex/genesect ex is still around
might see some plasma

night march(joltik, lampent, punkaboo) is a deck we could see some of when the new set releases and a lot of the cards are common/uncommon

those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head

 

[Walrusaurus]

Donphan PLS is also seeing a heavy amount of play.

 

[TuxedoBlack]

To help "jump start" your re-introduction, I'd also suggest you review the top decks posted from the recent Fall Regional torunaments. These lists can be viewed at: http://thetopcut.net/2014/10/06/2014-15-autumn-regional-results/

Secondly, card scans of the new set Phantom Forces have also been released and posted (http://pokebeach.com/). After reviewing all lists and card scans, then I think you will be in a better position to narrow your focus to either "particular" decks and/or cards of interest. Thereafter, follow-on discussions can ensue regarding your particular interests/questions at that point.

 

[Rogue Archetype]

EXCELLENT Stuff guys. I'm sure there are several others who are reading this thread and are fistpumping. Thanks.

P.S.
TuxedoBlack, I hope to start crossing your path again at NATS.

 

[TuxedoBlack]

P.S.
TuxedoBlack, I hope to start crossing your path again at NATS.

Great. Looking forward to catching up.

 

[jackpot]

I found a pack at the checkout lane of a local big box store and pulled a Malamar EX FA. I am now wanting to get back into the game. Great start here. Thanks.

 

[Dek]

Easiest suggestions I can make to anyone:

1. Check and see what's legal again. If you're saying a couple years, then I'm assuming either one of the last D/P formats, or the D/P and B/W hybrid format was probably your last. Fortunately for you, several cards like Double Colorless, Rainbow, and Pokemon Fan Club have returned (and PFC is better now IMO). Provided you have playsets of those cards, then the struggle isn't as real as you think.

2. For a quick start, either invest in the Battle Arena Deck if you're looking for more staple cards, or two of the Resilient Life theme decks from the first XY set (if you're looking for an easy-to-build strategy). While you might not get any damage boosting cards in the latter choice, consider that you get the following:
4 Xerneas, which is good
2-2 Aromatisse line, which is the preferred Pokemon now for Energy transfer decks
2-2 Slurpuff line, which prevents any special conditions on your Pokemon with Fairy energy attached
2 Fairy Garden (free retreat if Fairy Energy is attached)

3. If you're looking to build red face paint, there's plenty of (effective) options out there that are dirt cheap (budget pending). Heck, we even have a good Eevee for once

4. If you're looking to build top tier, good news for you! Prices on the more sought-after cards are starting to go down, so you can probably get away with a popular deck like Yveltal for about $100 (give or take a couple bucks).

Hope this helps