Pokémon Card Glossary｜A Complete Explanation of Basic and Specialized Terms Beginners Should Remember

The first hurdle for beginners who have just started playing Pokémon cards is the specialized terminology that appears during the game. From basic terms like "Side," "Bench," and "Knocked Out" to abbreviations used in the community like "Mulligan" and "Hand Discard," if there are words you don't know, you won't be able to keep up with the understanding of the matches.

In this glossary, we will organize and explain over 50 basic and specialized terms that Pokémon card beginners should remember, categorized for easy reference. Starting with basic terms, you can learn in stages about match terms, card types, deck building, and community slang, allowing you to efficiently acquire the necessary terms according to your level. If you find a term you want to know, you can quickly check it using the page search (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F).

Basic Terms of Pokémon Cards

The basic terms of Pokémon cards are the official terms most frequently used in advancing the game. They are the formal expressions listed in the rulebook, and it is essential to understand them during matches. Here, we will explain terms related to the basic elements of the game and the cards themselves.

• Terms Related to Basic Game Elements
• Basic Card Terms

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Terms Related to Basic Game Elements

Battle Field
The place where Pokémon that directly battle against the opponent are placed. Each player must put one Pokémon in the battle field, and when the HP of the Pokémon in the battle field reaches zero, it is "Knocked Out."

Bench
The place where Pokémon not participating in the battle are lined up as reserves. You can place up to five Pokémon here and can switch them with the Pokémon in the battle field during your turn. Pokémon on the bench are generally not targeted by attacks.

Side
Cards placed face down at the side from the deck at the start of the game, totaling six cards. Each time you knock out an opponent's Pokémon, you can add one card to your hand, and the player who takes all the sides wins.

Trash
The place where used cards and knocked out Pokémon are placed. It is commonly referred to as the "discard pile," and generally, cards in the trash cannot be used, but some cards can be retrieved from the trash.

Deck
The place where your deck is stacked face down. You can draw one card each turn, and if the deck runs out, you lose the game.

Hand
The cards that the player has in hand. There is generally no limit on the number of cards, and you progress the game using cards from your hand.

Knocked Out
The state when a Pokémon's HP reaches zero. A knocked out Pokémon is placed in the trash along with the cards attached to it, and the opponent takes one side card.

Retreat
Switching the Pokémon in the battle field with a Pokémon on the bench. As a retreat cost, you need to discard the number of energy specified on the card.

Mulligan
If there are no basic Pokémon in your initial hand, you return your hand to the deck, shuffle it, and draw seven cards again. The opponent can draw one card from their hand.

Basic Card Terms

Basic Pokémon
The basic Pokémon card that can be played from the start. It can be played directly onto the field from your hand at the beginning of the game or during a match.

Evolution Pokémon
Evolved Pokémon that are played on top of basic Pokémon. Evolving enhances HP and moves, but you cannot evolve on the turn you play it.

Moves
Attacks or effects that Pokémon can use. They are listed at the bottom of the card and can be used by attaching the required energy.

Abilities
Special abilities that Pokémon possess. Unlike moves, many can be used multiple times if conditions are met, making them a crucial element of strategy.

Weakness
The type that increases the damage a Pokémon receives. If a weakness is exploited, the Pokémon takes double damage.

Resistance
The ability to reduce damage taken from specific types. With resistance, damage from the corresponding type is reduced by 30.

Retreat Cost
The number of energy required for a Pokémon on the battlefield to retreat to the bench. It is listed at the bottom right of the card and can range from 0 to 4.

HP (Hit Points)
A value that indicates a Pokémon's health. It is listed at the top right of the card, and when damage reduces HP to 0, the Pokémon faints.

Damage Counters
Markers that represent the damage a Pokémon has taken. Place one damage counter for every 10 damage, visually managing the amount of damage.

Terms Related to Matches and Battles

Terms related to matches and battles are expressions frequently used during actual gameplay. Understanding the flow of turns and the official names of actions allows for smoother gameplay.

• Terms for Turns and Phases
• Terms for Battle Actions

Terms for Turns and Phases

Turn
The action taken by each player once. Players alternate between their turn and their opponent's turn.

First Player
The player who goes first, determined by rock-paper-scissors or similar methods. However, the first player cannot use moves on their first turn.

Second Player
The player who goes second. They can use moves from their first turn.

Turn
One turn is counted when both the first and second players have completed their turn once. "3rd turn" means both players have taken their turn three times.

Start of Turn
The timing for processing that occurs at the beginning of your turn. You draw one card and check for conditions like poison or confusion.

Setup
The preparation steps before the game starts. It refers to the series of actions of shuffling the deck, drawing the initial hand of 7 cards, and placing basic Pokémon and prize cards.

End Phase
The timing when effects expire at the end of the turn. Effects that last "until the end of this turn" disappear here.

Terms for Battle Actions

Using a Move
Selecting and activating a move of a Pokémon on the battlefield. The necessary energy must be attached, and it can only be used once per turn.

Attaching Energy
Attaching energy cards from your hand to your Pokémon. Usually, you can attach only one card per turn.

Retreat
Switching a Pokémon on the battlefield with a Pokémon on the bench. You need to discard the energy equal to the retreat cost.

Switch
Exchanging a Pokémon on the battlefield with a Pokémon on the bench. Sometimes, you can switch without paying the retreat cost due to the effects of items or supporters.

Fainting
When a Pokémon's HP reaches zero. All cards attached to the fainted Pokémon are placed in the trash.

Knockout
To cause the opponent's Pokémon to faint. It is used in the expression "to take a knockout."

Taking a Side
After causing the opponent's Pokémon to faint, adding one card to your side from your hand. Winning occurs when all sides are taken.

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Terms Related to Card Types and Rarity

There are various card types and rarities in Pokémon cards. The usage differs depending on the type of card, and the difficulty of obtaining them changes based on rarity. Understanding these terms will help you grasp the value of cards obtained from packs and how to incorporate them into your deck.

• Card Types
• Special Pokémon Cards
• Rarity Terms

Card Types

Pokémon Cards
Cards depicting the Pokémon that are central to battles. There are basic Pokémon and evolved Pokémon.

Trainer Cards
A general term for support cards that are not Pokémon. There are three types: Items, Supporters, and Stadiums.

Energy Cards
Cards required to use a Pokémon's moves. There are 9 types of basic energy such as Grass, Fire, and Water, as well as special energy with unique effects.

Supporters
Trainer cards with powerful effects. Only one can be used per turn, but they have strong effects such as drawing cards or searching for Pokémon.

Items
Trainer cards that can be easily used. Any number can be used in a turn, providing various support effects.

Stadiums
Trainer cards that can only be placed one at a time on the field, affecting the entire game. Both players are affected by the effects.

Special Pokémon Cards

ex
Powerful Pokémon with special rules. When fainted, the opponent can take 2 prize cards.

V
Pokémon with high HP and powerful moves. When fainted, the opponent takes 2 prize cards.

VMAX
Super powerful Pokémon that evolve from Pokémon V. When fainted, the opponent takes 3 prize cards.

VSTAR
Pokémon that evolve from Pokémon V and have a VSTAR power that can be used only once per match. When fainted, the opponent takes 2 prize cards.

GX
Pokémon with powerful GX moves. GX moves can only be used once during a match. When fainted, the opponent takes 2 prize cards.

Prism Star
A special card that can only have one card of the same name in a deck. It has a ◇ (prism) mark next to the card name.

Rarity Terms

C (Common)
The most frequently appearing rarity. Often multiple cards appear from a pack, and there are many basic cards.

U (Uncommon)
The rarity that appears next most frequently after common. It includes cards that are reasonably usable.

R (Rare)
A slightly rare rarity. One is guaranteed to be included in a pack, and many powerful cards usable in battles are included.

RR (Double Rare)
A rarity often found in powerful cards such as evolution Pokémon and V Pokémon. It features a holographic card finish.

SR (Super Rare)
A very rare rarity. It has special illustrations and gold finishes, making it highly valuable for collectors.

SAR (Special Art Rare)
One of the highest rarities featuring special illustrations that cover the entire card. It also exists in support cards.

UR (Ultra Rare)
The highest rarity that shines in gold. It is very difficult to obtain and is often traded at high prices.

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Terms Related to Deck Building

Terms related to deck building are expressions that should be understood when constructing your own deck. They are important concepts for considering how to build a deck and the reasons for including certain cards, and they frequently appear in conversations with advanced players.

• Basic Terms of Decks
• Deck Types and Strategy Terms

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Basic Terms of Decks

Deck
A set of 60 cards used for battles. There is a rule that allows up to 4 cards of the same name.

Construction
The act of building a deck. It is used in phrases like "constructing an environment deck."

60 Card Rule
A rule stating that a deck must consist of exactly 60 cards. Decks with fewer than 60 or more than 61 cards are invalid.

Same Name Card Limit
A rule that allows only up to 4 cards of the same name in a deck. Basic energy cards can be included in any quantity.

Regulation
A classification of rules that determine the legality of card usage. It is identified by the alphabetical symbol printed on the bottom left of the card.

Standard
The current main regulation. The cards that can be used are limited to the latest ones and are updated regularly.

Extra
An expanded regulation that allows the use of past cards. You can build decks freely from a larger card pool.

Deck Types and Strategy Terms

Aggro (Fast Attack)
A deck type that aggressively attacks from the early game, aiming for a quick victory. It uses energy acceleration cards to deal damage quickly.

Control
A deck type that limits the opponent's actions while carefully creating advantageous situations. It frequently uses hand destruction and lock-type cards.

Beatdown
A deck type that overwhelms the opponent with powerful attackers. It ensures the opponent is defeated with stable damage sources.

Lock
A deck type that restricts the opponent's actions, sealing their movements. The strategy focuses on stopping abilities and item usage.

Combo
A deck type that combines multiple cards to unleash powerful effects. It can be strong if it works, but there are risks if the parts do not come together.

Meta Deck
A deck built to counter popular decks in the environment. It often includes many cards that are advantageous against specific deck types.

Generic Card (Hanyou Card)
A convenient card that can be used in any deck. It refers to cards commonly used in many decks, such as "Professor's Research" and "Boss's Orders."

Terms and Slang Commonly Used in the Community

Terms and slang commonly used in the community are abbreviations and colloquialisms that frequently appear in conversations among players. Understanding these when viewing discussions about Pokémon cards on YouTube or social media can help you grasp the content smoothly.

• Abbreviations Commonly Used in Matches
• Community Slang

Abbreviations Commonly Used in Matches

Hand Destruction (Hand Destroys)
A strategy that forces the opponent to discard cards from their hand. It is an abbreviation for "Hand" (hand) and "Destroy" (destroy), and is an effective tactic to hinder the opponent's moves.

Top Solution (Top Kaiketsu)
Resolving a situation by drawing the top card from the deck. It is also referred to as "drawing the top," and is used in situations involving an element of luck.

Search
The act of looking for a specific card from the deck and adding it to your hand. It is used in phrases like "searching for Pokémon."

Draw
The act of drawing a card from the deck. It is used in expressions like "draw 3 cards."

Recruit
Bringing a Pokémon directly from the deck to the bench. It refers to the effect of deploying onto the field without going through the hand.

Compression (Asshuku)
Reducing unnecessary cards from the deck to make it easier to draw the needed cards. For example, using a Hyper Ball to search for Pokémon compresses the deck.

Energy Acceleration (Ene Kasoku)
Attaching energy beyond the usual "1 card per turn." This is achieved through abilities or support effects.

Removal (Jokyo)
Trash the opponent's Pokémon or Stadium on the field. It is a tactic to eliminate threatening cards.

Guaranteed Search
A search effect that allows you to definitely add a desired card to your hand. It can reliably obtain targeted cards like "Computer Search."

Community Slang

Environment (Kankyou)
The current state of popular decks and cards in the competitive scene. It is used in phrases like "top deck in the environment."

Tier 1/2/3 (Tier One, Two, Three)
The strength ranking of decks. Tier 1 refers to the strongest decks, Tier 2 to the next best, and Tier 3 to those below that.

Meta Game
A strategic way of thinking that involves reading the environment and building counter decks. Thinking about how to construct a deck that can win against popular decks is referred to as "setting the meta."

Mirror Match
A match between the same decks. Simply saying "mirror" is also understood, and the subtle differences in play can determine the outcome in mirror matchups.

Luck of the Draw (Hikiun)
The luck of drawing good cards from the deck. It is used in phrases like "good luck of the draw" or "not blessed with luck of the draw."

Accident (Jikoru)
Not being able to move due to not having the necessary cards in the opening hand or early game. "Opening hand accident" means the worst possible start.

Functioning (Mawaru)
When the deck functions as ideally intended. "The deck is functioning" refers to being able to execute the desired moves.

Stability (Antei-sei)
The degree to which a deck operates stably without accidents. A highly stable deck has fewer opening hand accidents and can operate consistently each time.

Initial Move (Shodou)
The movements at the start of the game. A deck with a "fast initial move" means it can deploy quickly.

Terms Related to Events and Tournaments

Terms related to events and tournaments are essential knowledge when participating in official Pokémon card tournaments or events at card shops. By understanding the tournament format and rules, you can enjoy your first participation with peace of mind.

• Types of Events
• Tournament-Related Terms

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Types of Events

Gym Battle
A beginner-friendly event held at card shops. Participants receive a participation prize, making it an easy entry-level event.

City League
An official tournament held regionally. Top performers are granted the right to participate in the Champions League.

Champions League
A large-scale official tournament at the national level. Players who have achieved good results in their regional City Leagues can participate.

World Championship Series (WCS)
The pinnacle international tournament for Pokémon cards. Representative players from around the world gather to determine the world champion.

Pre-release
An event held before the release of a new booster pack, allowing players to experience the new cards in advance. It is a special event where you can battle using unreleased cards.

Tournament-Related Terms

Swiss Draw
A match format used in preliminary rounds. Players with similar win-loss records are matched against each other, and everyone competes a set number of times.

Top Cut
The advancement of qualifying players to the final tournament. The terminology changes based on how many top players can advance, such as "Top 8" or "Top 16."

BO3 (Best of Three)
A match format where the player who wins 2 out of 3 games is declared the winner. It is an abbreviation for Best of 3 and tends to highlight differences in skill levels.

Sideboard
Spare cards that can be adjusted between matches in certain tournament formats. You can prepare up to 15 cards and swap them based on your opponent.

Regulation
Rules that define the range of cards that can be used in a tournament. Standard regulation is the most common.

Summary: Learn the Terms and Enjoy Pokémon Cards More

The terms related to Pokémon cards may seem overwhelming at first, but as you engage in battles, they will naturally become familiar. You don't need to memorize all the terms at once; starting with basic terms like "Side," "Bench," and "Knockout" will help you understand the flow of the game.

As you become accustomed to battles, learning community terms like "Hand Disruption" and "Energy Acceleration" will allow you to understand explanations in YouTube videos and on social media more smoothly. When you start building decks, terms like "Generic Cards" and "Regulation" will be useful.

Understanding these terms will facilitate communication with your opponents and broaden your strategic options. Use this glossary as a reference to enjoy the world of Pokémon cards more deeply. If you come across terms you don't understand, feel free to return to this page for clarification.