Progression Series
In Pokemon TCG, a Progression Series (or Evolution Series) is a format where group of people open booster boxes one set at a time and build a deck from cards they’ve pulled so far.
As the prices of physical card products has skyrocketed and the availability makes it really difficult to even buy booster boxes if you’d find them, me and my local gaming group decided to do one virtually with the Scarlet & Violet block, opening packs in Pack Sim and playing the games in Pokemon TCG Live.
Our Progression Series website for results and decklists.
Rules
- We open one set at a time, half a booster box and add cards to our collection. After each set, we build a deck from what we have opened and battle a best of 3 match against everyone else.
- You can use any printing of a card in Live, it doesn’t have to be the one you pull (this is to allow exchanging for a cheaper version or playing with a different art you enjoy more).
- After a set, players will receive extra packs from the set based on their placement:
- 1st place gets 1
- 2nd place gets 2
- 3rd place gets 4
- 4th place gets 6
- and 5th place gets 8 extra packs
Scarlet & Violet (SVI), 6.9.2025
Notable pulls
I had quite a good pack luck for the first set. I pulled some real nice supporting lines like 2 Miraidon ex for setting up lightning decks, 1-1 Spidops ex line for disruption and a 1-1 Revavroom line for draw. I also got a 5-1 line of Armarouge which is giving me hope for future if I pull a couple of Ceruledge exs when Surging Sparks rolls in.
I even got a nice set of trainers: a Professor’s Research, couple of Jacqs and Arven in the supporter side and two Nest Balls to search out Miraidon, some Potions and Picnic Baskets to heal and Energy Retrievals that work really well with Revavroom’s Rumbling Engine ability.
Deck
For my first deck, I decided to go with a lightning build with Kilowattrels and Toxtricitys, supported by Miraidon, Revavroom and Spidops. I also play a 1-1 Greedent line and a 1-1 Blissey line.
Pokémon: 13
2 Miraidon ex SVI 244
3 Toxel SVI 71
3 Toxtricity SVI 72
2 Wattrel SVI 78
2 Kilowattrel SVI 79
1 Varoom SVI 141
1 Revavroom SVI 142
2 Tarountula SVI 18
1 Spidops ex SVI 19
1 Skwovet SVI 151
1 Greedent SVI 152 PH
1 Chansey SVI 144
1 Blissey SVI 145
Trainer: 13
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Professor's Research SVI 189 PH
2 Jacq SVI 175
1 Katy SVI 177
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
2 Switch SVI 194 PH
2 Poké Ball SVI 185
2 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Picnic Basket SVI 184
2 Potion SVI 188
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Vitality Band SVI 197
1 Rocky Helmet SVI 193
Energy: 2
3 Basic {G} Energy SVE 9
16 Basic {L} Energy SVE 4
Total Cards: 60The first couple of decks in a progression series will always be a mixed bag of ragtag misfits but at least I got some lines that support each other. Eager to see how my deck will do in the first round.
Matches
Once everyone has their decks built, we battle.
I was rather happy with my first deck and how it performed. I went 3-1.
In this stage of the series, everyone’s deck is more of a “shake your binder and see what falls out” (with a bad binder…) so a massive part of success in a game is avoiding bricking.
Miraidon ex was a great setup Pokémon in my deck and I used it in every game I played. My biggest issue was that almost all of my attackers, other than Spidops ex, had their main attack cost 3 energy and there was no acceleration. So in many games, I tried to stall until I had a few attackers set up.
Kilowattrel’s Skill Dive ({C}{C} This attack does 50 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)) attack was one of the MVPs as it helped put pressure on opponent’s bench if they tried the same strategy. I also won one game thanks to Toxtricity’s Yank Away attack ({C}{C} Choose 2 random cards from your opponent’s hand. Your opponent reveals those cards and shuffles them into their deck._) by emptying my opponents hand and gaining enough headway to pick up the win.
Revavroom was a lovely idea but I barely ever got it out and when I did, I didn’t get that much out of them because in this format, thinning hand is so hard that eventually I just had 6+ useless cards in my hand.
I had a lot of fun in the first set and can’t wait to see what I pull in the next set.
I finished 3-1 and took second place.
Paldea Evolved (PAL), 15.9.2025
Deck
Pokémon: 14
2 Kilowattrel SVI 79
1 Lucario SVI 114
1 Riolu SVI 112
1 Spidops ex SVI 19
1 Revavroom SVI 142
1 Varoom SVI 141
1 Nacli PAL 121
1 Garganacl PAL 123
1 Naclstack PAL 122
2 Wattrel SVI 78
1 Luxray PAL 71
2 Tarountula SVI 18
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
3 Passimian PAL 118
Trainer: 19
1 Vitality Band SVI 197
1 Rocky Helmet SVI 193
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
1 Katy SVI 177
2 Jacq SVI 175
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Professor's Research SVI 189 PH
2 Switch SVI 194 PH
2 Miriam SVI 179
2 Practice Studio PAL 186
1 Great Ball PAL 183
1 Artazon PAF 76
2 Poké Ball SVI 185
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Clavell PAL 177
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
Energy: 5
5 Basic {F} Energy SVE 14
2 Basic {L} Energy SVE 4
2 Basic {G} Energy SVE 9
1 Luminous Energy PAL 191
1 Reversal Energy PAL 192
Total Cards: 60
Matches
My first matchup was a comeback of the year. I lost first game handily, made a few mistakes but overall the matchup felt very unfavourable. In game two, I was basically defeatd but in the very end I found a Boss to Pelipper that I knew they can’t accelerate to with Gardevoir ex and won by deck out. Then the third game was going all the way to them until I managed to set up Gargnacl and Luxray and pulled my way to victory.
My second match was a wonderful back and forth. We had a good first round match as well and this time my meta decisions paid off. I once again lost the first match handily and felt like I had no chance but then won two tight games to pick up a 2-1 victory.
Third match was brick city. I had type advantage and everything but didn’t draw anything useful. It be like that sometimes.
Final match, I was so close to win the first game but had one turn too little and lost. Game 2, I got the miracle start: 3 Nest Balls and energy. All my stage 1s were in deck so I got my good bois up and Squawk’d into a perfect hand for turn 2 and eventually won in like 3 turns. Final game, it was close back and forth but I managed to pull a victory.
I’m so surprised with that because after I finished building my deck, I felt the deck got worse from first set. That feeling was incorrect though: cutting the more expensive attackers in favour of more streamlined fighting attackers, the deck got way better. I should have even cut Kilowattrel but I originally kept it because there’s so little gust and I wanted to be able to snipe the bench if my opponent retreated there. Turns out, there was no real need or spot for that. I should have cut lightning energy especially.
Obsidian Flames (OBF), 21.9.2025
Notable pulls
None. Absolutely bonkers none. I thought PAL was tough but this time I drew very good.
Deck
Since I didn’t pull any major new lines, I kept the base the same. I switched Kilowattrel to Toedscruel as it can stall in a pinch and hit hard against potential Charizard exs. I also pulled a Glimmora ex which I immediately put in as it’s an efficient attacker, has Ascension on Glimmet and limits opponent bench.
I added two Brassius for draw and Letter of Encouragements to find energies which is something I’ve struggled a lot in the first two sets. I also cleaned up the energy lines a bit.
All I can do now is hope others didn’t pull Charizard and Pidgeot lines.
Pokémon: 14
1 Toedscool OBF 118
1 Lucario SVI 114
1 Riolu SVI 112
1 Spidops ex SVI 19
2 Glimmet PAL 124
1 Glimmora ex OBF 123
1 Nacli PAL 121
1 Garganacl PAL 123
1 Naclstack PAL 122
1 Luxray PAL 71
2 Tarountula SVI 18
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
2 Passimian PAL 118
1 Toedscruel SVI 26
Trainer: 20
1 Vitality Band SVI 197
1 Rocky Helmet SVI 193
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
2 Jacq SVI 175
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Professor's Research SVI 189 PH
2 Switch SVI 194 PH
2 Miriam SVI 179
2 Practice Studio PAL 186
1 Great Ball PAL 183
1 Artazon PAF 76
2 Letter of Encouragement OBF 189
2 Brassius PRE 135
2 Poké Ball SVI 185
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Clavell PAL 177
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
Energy: 4
5 Basic {F} Energy SVE 14
3 Basic {G} Energy SVE 9
1 Luminous Energy PAL 191
1 Reversal Energy PAL 192
Total Cards: 60
Matches
My matches started as expected: getting absolutely destroyed.
This set had two massive pieces: Charizard ex and Pidgeot ex and I didn’t get a single line of either. I knew going into this set that if other players’ got even some of them, I’d be at a disadvantage.
For the second match, I lost again the first game (how does this always happen?) but then somehow miraculously clawed my way back to a 2-1 win. I had the type advantage which helped turn the tide here.
Third match, I managed to get a good start for game 1 and managed to manouver my Pokémon around in a way that helped me hit hard. I sacrificed a Passimian to get OHKO with Lucario and then retreated to Glimmora ex to hit big pressure and my opponent scooped. I then lost the two other, rather tight matches.
Fourth match didn’t happen this week so I finished 1-2 (+1 win for concession).
151 (MEW), 26.9.2025
Notable pulls
We are finally cooking! The 4 pity packs from Obsidian Flames were lit! I got myself a Pidgey and Charizard ex.
Then from 151, I got another Pidgey and couple of Pidgeottos so I can run 2-2-1 Pidgeot ex line. And the second to last pack gave me Charmander so I can play 1-1-1 Charizard ex.
Deck
I started from scratch after twice making small changes as now I feel like I have pieces for a good deck finally. I did entertain the idea of playing a birds deck with Pidgeot, Dodrio, Fearow, Delibird, Squawkabilly and Kilowattrel but ended up building a Pidgeot/Charizard/Arcanine/Dodrio deck.
Pokémon: 18
1 Doduo MEW 84
1 Dodrio MEW 85
1 Pidgey MEW 16
1 Pidgey OBF 162
2 Pidgeotto MEW 17
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 217
1 Growlithe SVI 30
1 Growlithe MEW 58
1 Arcanine MEW 59
1 Arcanine ex SVI 32
1 Charmander MEW 4
1 Charmeleon MEW 5
1 Charizard ex PAF 54
1 Cleffa OBF 80
1 Delibird PAL 46
1 Entei OBF 30
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Luxray PAL 71
Trainer: 18
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
2 Brassius PRE 135
2 Clavell PAL 177
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Great Ball PAL 183
2 Jacq SVI 175
3 Letter of Encouragement OBF 189
2 Miriam SVI 179
4 Nest Ball PAF 84
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Professor's Research CEL 24
2 Rare Candy MEG 125
1 Rocky Helmet VIV 159
3 Switch SVI 194
1 Vengeful Punch OBF 197
1 Vitality Band SVI 197
Energy: 2
1 Reversal Energy PAL 192
9 Basic {R} Energy SVE 10
Total Cards: 60
Matches
While I finally got a deck that could play well, so did my opponent. The first match I lost 2-1 as we had very similar decks but they had slightly better consistency cards. I lost first, won second and completely bricked in third.
I lost two more matches with no chance and the last match was a win by default as we didn’t play.
For the next set, I need to come up with something smart and unexpected if I wish to be able to pick up wins again.
Paradox Rift, 4.10.2025
Notable pulls
I didn’t get much from this set, at least not for now. I got the Garganacl that accelerates energy and a 0-2-2 line of Garchamp ex which I was looking to play but can’t. 3 Earthen Vessel were exactly what I needed as I’ve been struggling to find energies.
Deck
I’ve pretty much lost almost all my matches for the past few sets so I had to go into this with a new strategy. I decided to skip both Charizard and Pidgeot ex because my opponent’s just had better builds of those and I couldn’t keep up.
I decided to go back to my roots of fighting + Spidops and Dodrio. Spidops ex is mostly there to counter Charizard ex, Glimmora ex is my main attacker + limits their bench to 3. I now play two Garganacls: one that heals and another that accelerates fighting energy from discard. Lucario is efficient revenge attacker once the opponent KOs some of my fighting monsters. Dodrio is my draw engine and late game efficient attacker and Cleffa is there to save me from horrible hands.
I got two TM: Evolutions and decided to play one (I initially had 2 but had to cut one). Not very likely to draw it but it can help me get stuff up faster.
Pokémon: 14
1 Lucario SVI 114
1 Glimmora ex OBF 123
1 Riolu SVI 112
1 Spidops ex SVI 19
1 Doduo MEW 84
2 Glimmet PAL 124
1 Nacli PAL 121
1 Garganacl PAL 123
1 Naclstack PAL 122
1 Cleffa OBF 202
2 Tarountula PAL 16
1 Nacli PAR 101
1 Garganacl PAR 104
1 Dodrio MEW 85
Trainer: 24
3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
2 Jacq SVI 175
1 Defiance Vest PAR 162
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Brassius PRE 135
2 Letter of Encouragement OBF 189
1 Mesagoza SVI 178
1 Miriam SVI 179
1 Practice Studio PAL 186
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
1 Great Ball PAL 183
1 Rocky Helmet VIV 159
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Giovanni's Charisma MEW 161
1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
1 Cycling Road MEW 157
1 Rigid Band MEW 165
1 Vengeful Punch OBF 197
1 Professor's Research PRE 122
4 Nest Ball PAF 84
2 Clavell PAL 177
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Arven SVI 166
2 Rare Candy MEG 125
Energy: 3
2 Basic {G} Energy MEE 1
6 Basic {F} Energy SVE 6
1 Reversal Energy PAL 192
Total Cards: 60
Matches
First game was relatively tight but I lost 2-1. I won game 1 and was one turn away from winning game two. Third game I lost clearly. I got trapped into active in both last two games and their Scream Tail did havoc against my bench.
Second match, again against Gardevoir and had little change. In game 3, I prized all my attackers: Dodrio, Spidops and Glimmora and they ended up being the last 3 prizes too so I lost.
Paldean Fates
I’ve been falling out of speed against other, more meta level decks. For Paldean Fates, I tried to put together something fun to enjoy fun deck building but lost all my games straight up.
Deck
Pokémon: 19
1 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Kadabra MEW 64
1 Gengar MEW 94
1 Cleffa OBF 202
1 Lechonk SVI 154
1 Haunter PAF 56
1 Oinkologne ex SVI 158
2 Abra MEW 63
1 Alakazam ex MEW 65
2 Houndstone PAF 43
1 Pidgeotto MEW 17
1 Cyclizar SVI 164
1 Fidough SVI 98
1 Dachsbun PAF 39
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Gastly MEW 92
1 Houndstone ex OBF 102
3 Greavard PAF 42
1 Mewtwo ex PAR 58
Trainer: 14
1 Giovanni's Charisma MEW 161
4 Nest Ball PAF 84
2 Jacq SVI 175
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
2 Brassius PRE 135
2 Clavell PAL 177
1 Arven OBF 186
2 Iono PAL 185
2 Switch BCR 135
2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
2 Super Rod PAL 188
3 Rare Candy PAF 89
3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
Energy: 1
7 Basic {P} Energy SVE 13 PH
Total Cards: 60
Temporal Forces
Temporal Forces didn’t really make a difference in my available card pool so I reverted back to my Glimmora/Spidops deck with minor changes.
Pokémon: 13
1 Lucario SVI 114
1 Glimmora ex OBF 123
1 Riolu SVI 112
1 Spidops ex SVI 19
1 Doduo MEW 84
2 Glimmet PAL 124
1 Nacli PAL 121
1 Garganacl PAL 123
1 Naclstack PAL 122
1 Cleffa OBF 202
2 Tarountula PAL 16
1 Nacli PAR 101
1 Dodrio MEW 85
Trainer: 24
3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
2 Jacq SVI 175
1 Defiance Vest PAR 162
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Brassius PRE 135
2 Letter of Encouragement OBF 189
1 Mesagoza SVI 178
1 Miriam SVI 179
1 Practice Studio PAL 186
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
1 Giovanni's Charisma MEW 161
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
1 Cycling Road MEW 157
1 Rigid Band MEW 165
1 Vengeful Punch OBF 197
1 Professor's Research PRE 122
3 Nest Ball PAF 84
2 Clavell PAL 177
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Arven SVI 166
2 Rare Candy MEG 125
3 Ultra Ball MEG 131
Energy: 3
2 Basic {G} Energy MEE 1
6 Basic {F} Energy SVE 6
1 Reversal Energy PAL 192
Total Cards: 60
Games
First match went quite as expected: in game one after losing a few Pokémon, I went for Ascension on Glimmet only to find my only Glimmora ex was prized. At that point, my opponent had accelerated a dozen or so energies on the field and I scooped. Game two, I started with lone Riolu and got donked turn 2.
Second match was tighter. In the first game, I got the best possible start, being able to set up all my attackers and draw support early on and steam rolled through. Second game I also won but my opponent managed to set up their field better so it was a tighter fight.
Third match was a good back and forth but having only 1 copy of Glimmora ex and Spidops ex led to me running out of steam against big bulky Blastoise ex.
Twilight Masquerade
I was hopeful with this set but apart from a couple of Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex (that I forgot to put into my deck…) and a single Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, the set didn’t excite me.
I didn’t want to play with my brick heavy Spidops ex/Glimmora ex deck so I took a new look at an idea I was entertaining earlier: a Future box. I wasn’t sure if I had enough pieces to make it work so I didn’t earlier but it turned out real nice.
Deck
Pokémon: 10
1 Pidgey MEW 16
1 Miraidon TEF 121
1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Pidgeotto MEW 17
2 Iron Hands TEF 61
2 Miraidon ex SVI 81
1 Iron Crown ex TEF 81
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
Trainer: 20
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Giovanni's Charisma MEW 161
4 Electric Generator SVI 170
1 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
1 Heavy Baton TEF 151
1 Miriam SVI 179
3 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Iono PAL 185
1 Arven SVI 166
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Techno Radar PAR 180
3 Switch MEG 130
1 Ultra Ball MEG 131
1 Future Booster Energy Capsule TEF 149
1 Professor's Research PRE 122
2 Rescue Board PRE 126
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
Energy: 2
12 Basic {L} Energy SVE 12
2 Basic {P} Energy SVE 13
Total Cards: 60
Miraidon ex and baby Miraidon both help set up by finding Pokémon and accelerating energy. Iron Hands ex is the main hitter as it takes an extra prize and with Miraidon’s acceleration and Electric Generators I can hit hard early.
Last few sets I’ve lost so many games to being stranded into an active spot so now I play 3 Switch, 2 Rescue Board and 1 Future Booster Energy Capsule to avoid that. Looking back now, I’d swap one Switch to Ursaluna.
Matches
I finally broke my long losing streak. First match I won 2-0 by getting set up real fast and getting extra prizes with Iron Hands ex. Second match was not as fast victory but I did manage to finish 2-0 by top decking Earthen Vessel at the very last moment before losing in game 2.
3-0 baby! I got nasty lucky game 1, opponent started with a solo Charmander and I managed to get Iron Hands ex attack off to donk. Second game was tight but I managed to pull through.
Shrouded Fable
I decided to freshen up my deck after some new picks. Especially a thick line of Dusknoir tempted me so I built a poison + Dusknoir list.
Deck
I built a fun deck but didn’t put enough time into cooking, brewing and tuning so it ended up having too many moving pieces. It revolves around Scolipede’s Dastardly Jab attack (Put damage counters on your opponent’s Active Pokemon until its remaining HP is 10), Brute Bonnet’s Toxic Powder ability (Once during your turn, if this Pokemon has an Ancient Booster Energy Capsule attached, you may make both Active Pokemon poisoned) with Dusknoir line, Sableye and Okidogi ex to finish stuff off.
Roaring Moon ex, Munkidori ex were bad calls, I should have focused more on the main tactic.
Pokémon: 15
1 Pidgey MEW 16
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Sableye TEF 107
1 Dusknoir PRE 37
1 Brute Bonnet PAR 123
1 Roaring Moon ex PAR 124
1 Okidogi ex SFA 36
1 Pidgeotto MEW 17
2 Dusclops PRE 36
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Munkidori ex SFA 37
1 Venipede TWM 115
1 Scolipede TWM 117
1 Whirlipede TWM 116
2 Duskull PRE 35
Trainer: 18
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
4 Nest Ball SUM 123
3 Janine's Secret Art PRE 112
1 Jacq SVI 175
1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
1 Perilous Jungle TEF 156
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159
2 Binding Mochi SFA 55
1 Atticus PAF 77
1 Arven SVI 166
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Professor's Research JTG 155
2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
3 Ultra Ball MEG 131
3 Switch SVI 194
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
Energy: 1
7 Basic {D} Energy MEE 7
Total Cards: 60
Matches
I lost both first matches 2-0. I did get the deck rolling in couple of games but not well enough to score any wins. As I expected, it was too clunky, especially since my competition had really consistent, fast and energy acceleration focused decks (Gardevoir and Chien Pao).
In second match against Chien Pao, I prized Brute Bonnet both times so couldn’t finish off my opponent’s big basics.
When I built my Scolipede deck, the last thing I expected was a mirror match. The third match was kind of that though. We both played Scolipede with Brute Bonnet but with very different techs and supports. First game was really tight and I managed to snag the win barely by getting a Blood Moon Ursaluna KO in the last turn. Second game I got perfect start: going first, I started with Okidogi ex, Nest Ball, Pidgeot ex, Rare Candy and two dark energies. Then, turn 2 I top decked Janine’s Secret Art to power up my Okidogi for a T2 KO on my opponent’s Mew ex and set up Pidgeot ex. My opponent bricked and couldn’t find more than one another Pokemon so I steamrolled the game in three turns.
Stellar Crown
I really liked my last deck’s idea and my plan was to continue with that, reducing some clunk and make it more focused. But then I didn’t get any extra support for it with the extra packs and I pulled a nice colorless Tera package from Stellar Crown so I decided to switch up.
Deck
The deck is build around Terapagos ex / Fan Rotom engine. Fan Rotom helps get Pidgeot pieces and to get bodies on bench to fuel Terapagos ex’s attack. I only have one Teal Mask Ogerpon ex which is bit sad but it works as an extra attacker as well as draw engine.
This deck revolves around heavy use of Crispin and Glass Trumpets to power up Terapagos, Mew and Blood Moon Ursaluna ex while setting up Pidgeot ex for consistency and I have one copy of Briar to hopefully get ahead with prizes in the end.
Pokémon: 8
2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeotto MEW 17
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
2 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
1 Mew ex MEW 151
Trainer: 22
1 Carmine TWM 145
2 Artazon PAF 76
4 Nest Ball PAF 84
2 Glass Trumpet PRE 110
1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
1 Mesagoza SVI 178
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Colress's Tenacity SFA 57
2 Rare Candy PAF 89
1 Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131
1 Briar SCR 132
2 Crispin SCR 133
1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Ultra Ball MEG 131
1 Professor's Research PRE 122
2 Switch SVI 194
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
1 Rescue Board PRE 126
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
Energy: 4
3 Basic {L} Energy SVE 12
1 Therapeutic Energy PAL 193
6 Basic {G} Energy SVE 1
3 Basic {W} Energy SVE 11
Total Cards: 60
Matches
My first match was a great back-and-forth battle against a Iron Hands ex/Galvantula ex box. I won the first game as I got a great start and denied their Iron Hands before it got powered up. Second game, they got Iron Hands up and I didn’t get much up and lost.
In the third game, both of us set up and it was a real good back and forth. I was down 2 prizes to 5 and all hope seemed lost. Then a Briar + KO for 3 prizes tied it up and my opponent ran out of Pokemon to bench to bump up Terapagos’ damage and failed to find a Boss’s Orders to bring something smaller to active. On my turn, I found a boss for KO and I somehow pulled through for a 2-1 victory.
Second match was against a Gardevoir ex deck and after a bit shaky start, managed to set everything up and kinda steamroll from there. My opponent made a misplay of trying to hit my bench Terapagos ex with Scream Tail so that bought me an extra turn which helped me get the win. Game 2, I opened a lone Pidgey with nothing in my hand. Luckily, my opponent Iono’d me to a much better hand on their first hand and we got into a good match.
When I was leading 2 prizes to 4 in the second game, they set themselves up for a great 4 prize turn with Munkidori damage. I was able to save myself by getting a Bravery Charm to get my Mew ex out of Munkidori range and on my last turn, top decked a Boss’s Orders to win the match 2-0.
For my third match, I got a lucky first game victory as my opponent prized all their main pieces. Second game was tight but I lost — the matchup was a Terapagos ex mirror but with very different tech. My opponent played it with a Brute Bonnet poison package. I managed to pull a victory in the final game as I got easy early KOs against a Joltik and Cleffa as my opponent had to take some time to set up.
3-0 again, felt super good about the deck and my gameplay decisions.
Surging Sparks
I didn’t pull any new architypes really so I took my last set’s deck and added a Pikachu ex that I pulled. I also swapped a Bravery Charm to Super Rod which I forgot last time and shuffled around energies a bit to accomodate Pikachu’s new attack requirements.
Deck
Pokémon: 9
2 Pidgey MEW 16
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
1 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
1 Mew ex MEW 151
2 Pidgeotto MEW 17
2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
Trainer: 23
1 Carmine TWM 145
2 Artazon PAF 76
4 Nest Ball PAF 84
2 Glass Trumpet PRE 110
1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
1 Mesagoza SVI 178
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Colress's Tenacity SFA 57
2 Rare Candy PAF 89
1 Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131
1 Briar SCR 132
2 Crispin SCR 133
1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Ultra Ball MEG 131
1 Professor's Research PRE 122
2 Switch SVI 194
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
1 Rescue Board PRE 126
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
1 Super Rod PAL 188
Energy: 4
3 Basic {L} Energy SVE 12
6 Basic {G} Energy SVE 1
2 Basic {W} Energy SVE 11
2 Basic {M} Energy SVE 16
Total Cards: 60
Matches
My first match started with a Fan Rotom donk on my side as my opponent started with a lone Rellor and I had a perfect hand to hit 70 for the win. At the start of the second game I made a misplay by searching for Fan Rotom turn 2, thinking it was my first turn and I could fill my bench. My opponent had a slightly slow start too so it wasn’t as detrimental. I ended up winning the set 2-0 thanks to late game Pikachu ex one-hit KOing their Bloodmoon Ursaluna.
Second match, I’m facing Iron Hands ex box. After two really tight matches, I managed to pull through for 2-0 win. I won the first game thanks to Pikachu ex and in the second game, after 6 or so tails flips on Mesagoza, I finally got heads, got Pidgeot ex for missing energy and Briar for a 3-prize KO and win.
Third match had three really good and tight matches. I ended up losing the third game to a frickin’ Lisia’s Appeal, a card I have never seen before. 1-2 loss and finished the set with 2-1 record.
Next set is Prismatic Evolutions which is gonna be stacked. I’m hoping for some extra Crispins, wouldn’t hate some Flareon exs or Dragapults either.
Prismatic Evolutions
I was hopeful for some Eeveelutions but only got Umbreon ex and Glaceon ex and they are both quite bad. Plus they have very different energy requirements so it would be hard to play them in the same deck.
I did get materials for a turbo lightning deck. I now have 3 Iron Hands ex, 2 Pikachu ex, 4 Crispin and 4 Electric Generators. It’s a mean deck and I’m not sure I’d enjoy playing it.
Deck
Pokémon: 11
2 Magnemite PAL 65
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 216
2 Pikachu ex SSP 238
1 Pidgeotto MEW 17
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Magneton SSP 59
2 Miraidon ex SVI 244
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Iron Hands ex PAR 248
Trainer: 15
1 Switch CRZ 144
2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
3 Crispin SCR 133
1 Grand Tree SCR 136
2 Future Booster Energy Capsule TEF 149
1 Lisia's Appeal SSP 179
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
3 Ultra Ball MEG 131
1 Super Rod PAL 188
4 Professor's Research PRE 122
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
3 Nest Ball PAF 84
4 Electric Generator PAF 79
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Rare Candy MEG 125
Energy: 3
12 Basic {L} Energy SVE 12
2 Basic {G} Energy SVE 1
2 Basic {M} Energy SVE 16
Total Cards: 60
Matches
I started against a cool Great Tusk mill deck. My turbo Hands build was just a bit too much for it however. I won 2-0 without a lot to tell afterwards.
Second match was against quite a meta level Dragapult ex/Charizard ex and my turbo wasn’t quite turbo enough. 0-2, I had no chance against this.
My last match was against Joltik box with Terapagos ex. I won the first game thanks to setting up Iron Hands ex fast enough and almost lost the second game, only winning against a misplay from my opponent and a lucky Boss’s Orders top deck at the very end.
Journey Together
Deck
I didn’t pull any strong lines from JTG but did get a third Bolt in pity packs so I decided to finally build a Raging Bolt ex deck despite having only one Sada’s Vitality.
Pokémon: 9
2 Koraidon SSP 116
1 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Magnemite PAL 65
1 Raging Bolt ex PRE 166
1 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
1 Magneton SSP 59
2 Raging Bolt ex TEF 208
1 Pidgeotto MEW 17
1 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
Trainer: 17
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Switch MEG 130 PH
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Professor Sada's Vitality PAR 170
2 Technical Machine: Turbo Energize PAR 179
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Professor's Research JTG 155
3 Crispin PRE 105
1 Rare Candy SVI 191
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
2 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
Energy: 3
8 Basic {L} Energy SVE 12
3 Basic {G} Energy SVE 1
6 Basic {F} Energy SVE 14
Total Cards: 60
Matches
First match, game 1 I lost to a T2 donk with just a Magnemite in active. Game two was tighter but I lost 6-5 prizes to a strong Archaludon ex / Hop’s Zacian deck.
In the second match, I lost straight up 2-0 without much chance.
My deckbuilding mistakes failed me completely, making this set a good learning experience.
Destined Rivals
After my horrible blunder that was Journey Together, I managed to pull something good and put together a nice deck for the penultimate set.
Once I saw the second Ethan’s Ho-oh ex, I got so happy because I had been hoping to play SVI Armarouge but so far, I hadn’t had the opportunity as I lacked energy acceleration for fire energy. I added a 1-1 line of Crustle which turned out to be a galaxy brain move.
Deck
Pokémon: 10
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Armarouge OBF 44
1 Chi-Yu PAR 29
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Armarouge PAF 15
2 Ethan's Ho-Oh ex DRI 39
1 Dwebble DRI 11
1 Crustle DRI 12
4 Charcadet SVI 40
Trainer: 21
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Jacq SVI 175
2 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Lana's Aid TWM 155
1 Arven SVI 166
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Carmine PRE 103
3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
2 Explorer's Guidance PRE 107
1 Eri TEF 146
2 Iono PAF 80
2 Ultra Ball MEG 131
4 Professor's Research PRE 122
2 Switch SVI 194
1 Boss's Orders MEG 114
Energy: 3
8 Basic {R} Energy SVE 10
2 Luminous Energy PAL 191
1 Reversal Energy PAL 192
Total Cards: 60
Matches
I went 3-0 this set and created this beautiful card to commemorate this fantastic deck
The first matchup I played against a Hydrapple / Team Rocket’s Spidops deck and despite having weakness advantage, my attacks cap at 320 dmg so I was struggling until the little crab Crustle completely walled my opponent and I picked up a 2-1 victory.
In the second match, Crustle went all the way against a Joltik box. 2-0, not much to say about those matches.
In the final match, I got another type advantage as I faced a Meowscarada ex deck. They played a thick 3-2-2 Dusknoir line though so Crustle wasn’t very helpful. Meowscarada being stage 2 and having “only” 310 hp was the deciding factor though. Once I got my Ho-oh up and running, it was pretty much a guaranteed victory.
This was my third clean sweep out of 14 sets. As we’re heading into the last set with Black Bolt & White Flare, I’m in the second place in total standings to my surprise. It’s been really tight though which makes it so much fun.