Card Anatomy
This number, found in the top right corner of a Pokémon card, shows how much damage the Pokémon can take before being knocked out.
HP (Hit Points)
Released in 1999 in North America, this is the name of the very first Pokémon TCG base expansion set
Base Set
This is the exact number of cards required to build a legal standard Pokémon TCG deck
60 cards
This symbol (usually a star) indicates a card is of this general tier above common and uncommon
Rare
This fiery starter from the original Base Set is historically one of the most sought-after and expensive vintage cards in pristine condition
Charizard
This colored symbol located in the bottom right corner of modern cards tells you the specific expansion set it belongs to.
Set Symbol
This iconic 2002 set was the final English expansion published by Wizards of the Coast before Nintendo took over direct production
Destiny (or Skyridge for e-Reader series, but Neo Destiny / Expedition mark the transition)
This is how many prize cards each player sets aside at the start of a standard match
6 prize cards
This holographic pattern features a smooth, vertical rainbow sheen across the entire card artwork.
Cosmos Holofoil (or standard Holofoil)
This ancient, mysterious stone tablet card from early expansions featured unreadable glyphs and required a specific translation
Ancient Mew
This term describes the energy cost or cards you must discard to retreat your active Pokémon to the bench
Retreat Cost
This 2003 advanced set introduced Pokémon-ex (lowercase "ex") with double-page artwork and silver borders to the TCG
EX Ruby & Sapphire
This special condition prevents your active Pokémon from attacking or retreating during your turn
Asleep (or Paralyzed)
This grading company (abbreviated PSA) uses a numerical scale from 1 to 10 to authenticate and score vintage cards
Professional Sports Authenticator
This trainer card from the early sets lets you flip a coin; if heads, you switch your opponent's active Pokémon with one of their bench Pokémon
Pokémon Switch (or Gust of Wind)
Introduced in the Diamond & Pearl era, this specific type of trainer card allows you to search your deck for any card you want
Supporter card (or specifically, Item/Trainer depending on context—Trainer: Item like Poke Ball or Computer Search)? Let's go with: What is a Trainer Card
This 2016 special 20th-anniversary set featured classic Base Set reprints alongside modern rules and was named after the Kanto region town
Generations
When you have no Pokémon left on your bench after your active Pokémon is knocked out, this happens
losing the game / your opponent wins by taking their last Prize or running out of Pokémon (Loss by Bench-out)
This ultra-rare card rarity features deeply etched, textured artwork where the Pokémon pops out in full-art foil.
Full Art / Secret Rare / Illustration Rare
This massive 2016 Tag Team / GX-style or legendary card featured two massive mascots together, such as Mewtwo & Mew-GX
Tag Team card
This tiny letter or symbol in the very bottom-left or bottom-right corner (like 'Sgn' or regulation marks like 'E', 'F', 'G') indicates whether a card is legal for standard competitive play.
Regulation Mark
This legendary secret rare card from the 2002 Neo Destiny set features a Pokémon that has turned evil/dark and commands a shimmering alternate color scheme.
Shining Charizard
This specific rule states you can only have one of these powerful named cards with this status in your deck (e.g., Radiant Pokémon)
Radiant Pokémon limit (one per deck)
This ultra-expensive illustrator promo card from 1998 features Pikachu drawing other Pokémon and is widely considered the rarest card in the world
Pokémon Illustrator
This promo card was originally given away to attendees of the 1999 1st Movie release and features a glowing, mystical pink clone cat
Ancient Mew or Mew promotional card