The Pokémon European International Championships Made Me Fall In Love With TCG

Ready to Dive into the World of Pokémon TCG?

If you’ve ever wondered what lurks inside the mysterious drawer of ‘Things I Will Definitely Learn,’ you’re not alone. Our writer Jim recently attended the Pokémon European International Championships and rediscovered his passion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Jim’s relationship with Pokémon cards has been a rollercoaster of collecting sprees and long breaks. The intricate rules of the TCG always kept him at bay, but witnessing the game played by skilled competitors at the EUIC changed everything.

At the event, Jim immersed himself in the play lab, observed intense battles during the Swiss Rounds, and rooted for his favorites in the grand finals. Despite not fully grasping every card’s effect, he caught the essence and strategy behind the game.

Image: Jim Norman / Nintendo Life

Unraveling the Basics of Pokémon TCG

While the game’s complexity may seem daunting, the main goal is simple: knock out your opponent’s Pokémon using the right energy cards and strategic moves. Watching experienced players in action helped Jim understand the flow of the game, even if he couldn’t decode every card’s power.

It became evident to Jim that Pokémon TCG is more than just a card game; it’s a thrilling experience akin to watching a sports match. The excitement in the arena, the cheers, and gasps at crucial moments turned the game into a spectacle.

Pokémon TCG EUIC 2024
See? People! On their feet! — Image: Jim Norman / Nintendo Life

Embracing the Pokémon TCG Journey

Jim’s EUIC experience reignited his passion for Pokémon TCG. He delved back into collecting cards, revisited the classic TCG game on NSO, and ventured into the world of TCG Live and Pocket app. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Jim, albeit with a tinge of regret for his bank account.

Are you a Pokémon TCG enthusiast with tips for Jim? Share your thoughts in the comments below!