How I Improved My Pokémon TCG Gameplay Through Consistency and Preparation
When I first started competing in League Cups and League Challenges, I had no idea how to prepare for these tournaments. However, after reading Isaiah Cheville’s article, Local Lowdown — How to Prepare for the Return of Cups and Challenges, on PokéBeach, I applied one key takeaway: the importance of deck consistency.
I experienced this firsthand when I brought my well-optimized Lugia VSTAR deck to a League Cup in November 2024. While Lugia VSTAR is known for occasionally drawing poor starting hands, focusing on building a consistent deck significantly improved my performance. If you’re interested in reading the full article, you can find it here: PokéBeach Article.
The Impact of Learning Key Skills
Beyond deck consistency, I’ve found content from other creators incredibly helpful. One of my favorites is Mellow Magikarp’s YouTube series, Git Good Academy, which teaches essential skills such as checking your prizes, prize mapping, and more. After watching a video about checking prizes, I can confidently say it has improved my gameplay at both League Cups and League Challenges.
Thanks to these strategies, I even managed to place 4th at a League Cup in November 2024, competing in a strong field of players. This was a huge milestone for me, proving that small improvements can lead to significant results in competitive play. If you’re interested in watching Git Good Academy, check out this YouTube video: Git Good Academy.
Master One Skill at a Time
I highly recommend focusing on one skill at a time. If you’re unsure where to start, I suggest learning how to check your prizes. In the week leading up to my League Cup in November 2024, I spent 5–10 minutes each day practicing how to check my deck for key cards and identify which ones were prized. This simple habit gave me a significant advantage during games.
The Power of a Notepad
Another underrated resource is a notepad. It’s handy for tracking which cards are prized and which are not. Taking notes during games helps prevent mistakes, keeps you organized, and ensures you stay on top of key information. A notepad is a small addition to your setup, but it can make a big difference. You can pick one up at a dollar store or buy a bundle if you find it useful.
Practice in a Public Place
Finally, attending Pokémon Leagues and playing with friends is one of the best ways to improve. Practicing in real-life scenarios allows you to identify misplays, refine your strategies, and test how well your deck performs under tournament-like conditions. These experiences are invaluable for honing your skills and preparing for competitive events.