Rules

For basic game rules, consult the official Rulebook.

Wizards of The Coast Era

Legal Sets:

First Turn Rules

• Winner of a coin flip must go first, after game setup.
• If a players has only a Fossil in opening hand (no Basic Pokémon), they cannot begin the game with it.
• If a player mulligans, the opponent can draw up to two cards per mulligan.
• Player going first must draw a card at start of turn.
• Player going first has no restrictions.

Era-Specific Rules

• Metal Energy's special effects work on any Pokémon. If the Pokémon the Metal Energy's attached to is not Metal type, that Pokémon's attacks do 10 less damage and that Pokémon takes 10 less damage.
• Darkness Energy's special effects work on any Pokémon. If the Pokémon the Darkness Energy's attached to is not Darkness type, that Pokémon takes 10 damage between turns.
• Player's Active Pokémon takes 20 damage if tails is flipped for Confusion. Weakness and Resistance apply.
• Player must flip to retreat their Active Pokémon when Confused. The retreat cost is payed before the flip. If tails, the Pokémon stays Active and can't retreat again during that turn.
• Players may play multiple Stadiums in a single turn.
• Players may play a Stadium with same name as the one currently in play.
• Stadium cards are considered Trainers.
• Players may retreat their Pokémon multiple times during their turn.

EX: Ruby & Sapphire - Power Keepers Format

Legal Sets:

First Turn Rules

• Winner of a coin flip must go first, after game setup.
• If a players has only a Fossil in opening hand (no Basic Pokémon), they must begin the game with it.
• If a player mulligans, the opponent can draw up to one card per mulligan.
• Player going first does not draw a card at start of turn.
• Player going first may not play Supporters.
• Player going first can attack.
• Player going second has no restrictions.

Era-Specific Rules

• Metal Energy's special effects benefit only Metal Pokémon.
• Darkness Energy's special effects benefit only dark Pokémon.
• Players place 3 damage counters on their Active Pokémon if tails is flipped for Confusion.
• Players's Active Pokémon may retreat without flip when Confused.
• Players may play only one Stadium in a single turn.
• Players may not play a Stadium with same name as the one currently in play.
• Stadium cards are considered Trainers.
• Players may retreat their Pokémon only once during their turn.
• Players may use a card effect to evolve a Pokémon the same turn it is played (e.g. Rare Candy).

Diamond & Pearl - Platinum Format

Legal Sets:

First Turn Rules

• Winner of a coin flip must go first, after game setup.
• If a players has only a Fossil in opening hand (no Basic Pokémon), they must begin the game with it.
• If a player mulligans, the opponent can draw up to one card per mulligan.
• Player going first must draw a card at start of turn.
• Player going first may not play Supporters, Stadium, or Trainers.
• Player going first can attack.
• Player going second has no restrictions.

Era-Specific Rules

• Metal Energy's special effects benefit only Metal Pokémon.
• Darkness Energy's special effects benefit only dark Pokémon.
• Players place 3 damage counters on their Active Pokémon if tails is flipped for Confusion.
• Players's Active Pokémon may retreat without flip when Confused.
• Players may play only one Stadium in a single turn.
• Players may not play a Stadium with same name as the one currently in play.
• Stadium cards are not considered Trainers.
• Players may retreat their Pokémon only once during their turn.
• Players may use a card effect to evolve a Pokémon the same turn it is played (e.g. Rare Candy).

Shining Fates - Paldean Fates Format

Legal Sets:

First Turn Rules

• Winner of a coin flip decides who goes first, before game setup.
• If a players has only a Fossil in opening hand (no Basic Pokémon), they cannot begin the game with it.
• If a player mulligans, the opponent can draw up to one card per mulligan.
• Player going first must draw a card at start of turn.
• Player going first may not play Supporters.
• Player going first can not attack.
• Player going second has no restrictions.

Era-Specific Rules

• Items, Supporters, Stadiums, and Pokémon Tools are considered Trainers.
• Players may play only one Stadium in a single turn.
• Players may not play a Stadium with same name as the one currently in play.
• Players may retreat their Pokémon only once during their turn.
• Players may not use a card effect to evolve a Pokémon the same turn it is played unless the text on the card explicitly states otherwise (e.g. Scatterbug).
• Abilities are never blocked by Special Conditions.

Gym Leader Challenge Format

Legal Sets:

First Turn Rules

• Winner of a coin flip decides who goes first, before game setup.
• If a players has only a Fossil in opening hand (no Basic Pokémon), they cannot begin the game with it.
• If a player mulligans, the opponent can draw up to one card per mulligan.
• Player going first must draw a card at start of turn.
• Player going first may not play Supporters.
• Player going first can not attack.
• Player going second has no restrictions.

Era-Specific Rules

• Items, Supporters, Stadiums, and Pokémon Tools are considered Trainers.
• Players may play only one Stadium in a single turn.
• Players may not play a Stadium with same name as the one currently in play.
• Players may retreat their Pokémon only once during their turn.
• Players may not use a card effect to evolve a Pokémon the same turn it is played unless the text on the card explicitly states otherwise (e.g. Wally).
• Abilities are never blocked by Special Conditions.

WoTC = Wizards of The Coast
TPCi = The Pokémon Company International