Pokemon is a revolutionary game that wrapped many of our childhood memories in an exciting fantasy. While we may not be the only ones, Pokémon has continued to shape many generations, even in the 21st century. As a parent, you might have a kid who talks about Pokémon cards, and you have no idea what he/she is fussing about; children will always be two steps ahead of you. Much attention is paid to Pokémon, but most of us forget about Pokémon Trading Cards (PTC). Wizards of the Coast initially invented it in the mid-’90s before it changed ownership to the Pokémon company. PTCG is easily accessible, which is one of its most significant advantages. In this guide, we will explore why we think most people are still obsessed with PTCG.
1. Let’s Start Here: What is Pokemon?
The year 2021 will mark Pokémon’s anniversary since its inception. Pokemon is the world’s biggest media franchise in Japan and was developed by two developers: Ken Sugimori and Satoshi Tajiri. If you’re a big fan of keeping your pokemon card values in check, it’s vital that you know there are more than eight hundred plus cards, and collecting all of them is not easy. As an extensive media franchise, pokemon exists as toys, video games, a TV show, and a trading card game. The pokemon are creatures which you live with or live in the world. If your kid happens to have them, they are known as trainers whose mission is to collect all of them.
2. Elegance
As we mentioned above, PTCG has a lot of simplicity to it. If you’re a newbie to the game, all attacks and abilities effects are self-explanatory, and you will have a smooth experience in your first game. However, it would be best if you covered a lot of depth before fully grasping the entire content. You can use mechanics like blocking or tapping rather than using convoluted resource management. You are only required to put down Energy per each turn and utilize pokemon’s abilities as frequently as it states.
Additionally, you can use any number of trainer cards. However, you can’t use Supporter Trainer cards since they are only bound to one card per each turn. After this, you only need to follow what the card says in a direct and definite description. If you impact adequate damage to enemy pokemon, you can collect all the prize cards, after which the game ends.
3. Negotiation
Growing up, most of us used trade stickers with our friends. However, times have changed, and many kids nowadays have outgrown this old habit. In the 21st century, most kids favor the idea of exchanging pokemon. This will help to upgrade their action collection and increase their Pokemon card deck. This act of bargaining helps to improve their negotiation skills. Negotiation skills are a critical asset you need in your arsenal, especially if you’re a business owner. These skills allow one to assess a problem, communicate efficiently, and improve your social skills.
4. Refines Mathematical Skills in Children
Did you know vinyl pokemon can boost your child’s mathematical skills? For many people, they might consider this as a ridiculous concept. When two Pokémon’s fight, they trade at different points. These numbers are known as damage points. When playing trading cards, kids have to keep count of these points to stay in the game. In numeral learning, these points are digits which they have to analyze and count. Individuals with good numeracy skills and keen interpretation of data are highly sought after by employers. Refining your child’s mathematical skills might help to shape their career path in the future.
5. Boosts Organizational Skills in Kids
If you’re an adult who plays PTCG, you already know that it’s tough to maintain a vast collection of pokemon vinyl figures. Additionally, even holding a considerable collection of deck cards is difficult for some adults. If you’re new to PTCG, then you must know this. Many parents have a hard time training their young ones to stay organized with no success. However, it would be best to keep a keen eye on maintaining their pokemon toys; it will surprise you. If they can nurture this skill into their teen years, it will help shape their characters into disciplined individuals.
6. Strategy and Thrill
The game rules dictate that a player can’t interrelate with an enemy during the opponent’s turn. During this period, you should focus on your turns. This includes the tactical aspect of setting up your game. Additionally, this period is also suitable for improving your combinations. Many decks have a defined way of winning. To master your deck, you must understand how to get to your deck most quickly and effectively. You will also be forced to sacrifice what you can because you cannot win any game without this. However, avoid giving out too much as it might cost you in the end. This thrill of losing and implementing new strategies keeps many players hooked to trading card games.
7. Fun and Intense
Most players know what they need to surrender to secure a win or advantage. Additionally, it would be best to consider whether what you’re giving up will add you a good gain. Understanding how to position yourself increases your probability of winning a game. This is a type of science that takes time to learn and understand. If you’re following a particular strategy to win a game, your enemy is no different. They are also analyzing your every move so that they also double their winning chances. This phase of the game is intense, intriguing, and fun. However, your strategy might not work if your winning card is among the last in your deck. Additionally, your opponent might disrupt your winning chances, which means you have to rethink your options and choices. This intense period is what keeps many people obsessed with PTCG.
8. Good-looking Cards
Some of the cards in pokemon TCG are beautiful and appealing to the eye. Most of the cards have shimmering foils and are fully covered in different artworks. Some cards have a gold or rainbow effect, and many players feel useful in having such cards. Compared to other games, pokemon TCG has the best-looking cards. Additionally, some of the cards have rare prints, which make playing PTCG worthwhile. For young ones, having these cards might boost their self-esteem, knowing that they worked hard to get a particular card.
9. Online Platform
Many popular Trading Card Game companies have tried to implement online platforms with little to no success. However, PTCG has a platform that allows you to play the whole game online. Additionally, all the mechanics and rules from the original cardboard cards are included in the forum. Pokemon Company introduced this platform in 2011, and they have included cards from before and after the platform launch. The best part is that buying a product in the physical version gives you access to unlock all its content in the online platform. This includes all visual features like boxes for your decks, dissimilar coins, and card sleeves. Since this platform is free to pay, many pokemon lovers are instantly hooked since it also offers better features like free cards.
10. Compatible with Many OS Platforms
If you have an interest in TCGs, PTCG is an excellent option to start with. On top of being free and easy to start, it’s also available on different operating system platforms. PTCG offers many features to play around with even if you’re not purchasing any of their merchandise. Additionally, The Pokemon Company offers budget-friendly pre-built Deck themes that allow players to compete head-to-head with other players without collecting many cards. This environment is competitive, which will keep you on your toes and increase the whole game’s fun.
11. Social Factor
PTCG offers plenty of social factors for players. When players are going around neighborhoods, towns, or even countries looking for pokemon, they will randomly meet. When players meet up, they might have a talk where they discuss their love for the game. Additionally, social media has provided a platform where people can share information regarding the game. We even have memes that have cropped up as a result of people sharing their experiences about PTCG. Because of this internet craze, more and more people are obsessed with PTCG. This effect doubles the rate at which people are likely to keep playing.
12. Provide a Distraction to Real Life Issues
As human beings, we quickly get bored with the same news headlines. Nobody wants to keep reading and seeing the bad news, so games such as PTCG provide an escape from the real world. Games provide a temporary diversion from real-world drama. If watching an NBA game is your best relief, we have people who prefer playing PTCG. Additionally, if you have a weak opinion about something, you might end up doing what everyone is doing.
As we have mentioned above, playing card games helps you learn negotiation skills and strategize efficiently. After reading this guide, we hope it will spark your curiosity about trying Pokemon TCG or recommending it to your friend. Remember, we all need times when we need to relax and take a break.
