For players of the Pokémon TCG Pocket seeking to dominate with one of the game’s most formidable damage-dealers, an effective Charizard ex deck guide is essential. As a monotype Fire deck, this setup incorporates potent Fire-type cards, including Moltres ex and a variety of Ponyta cards. When executed correctly, this deck can unleash devastating damage that will challenge your opponent’s defenses.
This comprehensive guide will delve into constructing the optimal Charizard ex deck for Pokémon TCG Pocket and strategies for leveraging it in PvP encounters.
Optimal Card Selection for Charizard ex Deck
To create a powerful Charizard ex deck, consider including the following cards:
| Card | Quantity |
| Charizard ex | 2 |
| Moltres ex | 2 |
| Charmander | 2 |
| Charmeleon | 2 |
| Ponyta | 2 |
| Rapidash | 2 |
| Professor’s Research | 2 |
| Sabrina | 2 |
| X Speed | 2 |
| Pokeball | 2 |
Substitutions to Consider: If you want to mix up your lineup, consider incorporating Growlithe and Arcanine in place of Ponyta and Rapidash. However, steer clear of including Arcanine ex, as adding excessive ex cards can result in a deck that is overly reliant on energy.
Strategic Insights for Utilizing Your Charizard ex Deck
Moltres ex plays a vital role in your Charizard ex deck strategy, swiftly accumulating energy to empower your Charizard ex. Unlike the straightforward setups of decks centered around Pikachu ex or Mewtwo ex, you’ll need to start with Charmander and progress through its evolution to Charizard ex.
This means it’s crucial to avoid placing Charmander in the Active Slot unless it’s evolved into Charizard. Moltres ex’s ability, Inferno Dance, facilitates energy attachment exclusively to benched Pokémon, making it a strategic asset.
The standout attack from this deck is Charizard ex’s Crimson Storm, which demands four energy (two Fire, two Colorless) to unleash a formidable 200 damage, capable of knocking out the vast majority of Pokémon currently in the game, regardless of their weaknesses.
Best Opening Moves with Charizard ex Deck
Your ideal opening hand should include Charmander, Moltres ex, and either Professor’s Research or Pokeball. Deploy Moltres ex in the Active Slot with Charmander securely on the bench. Utilizing Professor’s Research will allow you to draw additional cards, increasing your chances of obtaining Charmeleon or Charizard ex.
If Charmander does not turn up in your initial draw, Pokeball provides a mechanism to recover this card quickly. Additionally, possessing a Ponyta can fill gaps in your lineup if other essential cards are absent from your starting hand.
Playing Your Charizard ex Deck Effectively
As highlighted, Crimson Storm is your primary offensive move, but it’s crucial that Moltres ex remains in play long enough to support Charizard ex effectively.
Here’s an optimal sequence to follow during a match:
- Begin with Moltres ex as the Active Pokémon.
- Keep Charmander or Charmeleon on the bench.
- Attach one Fire energy to Moltres ex and activate Inferno Dance, flipping coins for energy attachments. Utilize any heads rolled to empower Charmander, Charmeleon, or Charizard ex on the bench.
- When Charizard ex has accumulated four energy, swap Moltres ex to bring Charizard ex into the Active Slot using X Speed.
- Unleash Crimson Storm with Charizard ex, noting that it will require two spent energy.
- Prepare defensively for the next turn, attaching only one energy to Charizard. If victory seems near, consider another X Speed swap to finish the game or plan your next attack with Crimson Storm.
- Leverage Sabrina to force opposing Pokémon switches, particularly against Water-type contenders like Blastoise ex, Golduck, or Gyarados.
The Charizard ex deck holds the title as one of the most potent decks available in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Identifying Counters to Charizard ex Decks
Charizard ex decks are inherently vulnerable to Water-type strategies, taking an additional 20 damage from Water moves. Consequently, decks featuring Blastoise ex or Golduck can effectively counter your Charizard ex setup.
Additionally, many Blastoise ex decks incorporate Articuno ex, which further strengthens their defense against Charizard. Employing Sabrina strategically can force switches that may interrupt your opponent’s plans, especially when they field significant threats like Blastoise, whose 180 HP can prove challenging to overcome if Charizard ex is sidelined or knocked out.