How Many Cards Are in a Pokémon Deck?

One of the most common questions for beginners is simple: "Do I really need exactly 60 cards?"

The short answer is Yes. But knowing the number is only the first step. To win, you need to know which 60 cards to choose. Here is the definitive guide to official deck sizes, card limits, and the "Golden Ratios" for building a winning deck in 2026.

The Official Card Count

According to the official Pokémon TCG rules, a standard competitive deck must contain exactly 60 cards.

• The Exact Rule: Not 59, not 61. If your deck count is wrong, you cannot start the game.
• Includes Prize Cards: This is the #1 confusion for new players. The 6 Prize Cards are part of your 60-card deck. You shuffle your 60 cards, then set aside the top 6 for prizes. You do not bring 66 cards.

The "Rule of 4" (Card Limits)

While you need 60 cards total, internal limits prevent you from overpowering your deck.

Max 4 Copies: You cannot have more than 4 cards with the same name in your deck.

• Example: You can play 4 Pikachu, but not 5.

Different Names Count Separately: The limit applies to the exact name text.

• Charizard and Charizard ex are considered different cards.
• Verdict: You can legally play 4 Charizard AND 4 Charizard ex in the same deck.

The Exception (Basic Energy): You can have as many Basic Energy cards as you want. There is no limit.

How to Build a Pokémon Deck (The Winning Ratios)

Now that you know you need 60 cards, how do you fill the slots? Beginners often fill their decks with too many Pokémon (20+) and too much Energy (20+). This is a mistake.

A balanced deck in 2026 typically follows this structure:

1. Pokémon: 14 to 18 Cards

• Consistency is key: Instead of 1 copy of 15 different Pokémon, use 3 or 4 copies of your main attackers.
• The Bench: Remember, your Bench can only hold 5 Pokémon, so don't overload your deck with Basic Pokémon you can't play.
• Evolution: If you play a Stage 2 Pokémon, you must include the Basic and Stage 1 versions to evolve it.

2. Trainer Cards: 30 to 35 Cards

• The Engine: Trainers are the most important part of your deck.
• Supporters: Powerful cards (like Iono) that let you draw cards. You can only play 1 Supporter per turn.
• Items: Utility cards (like Ultra Ball). You can play as many Items as you want during your turn.

3. Energy: 10 to 12 Cards

• You only need enough energy to power your attacks.
• Example: If your main attack requires 2 Energy, having 10-12 Energy cards in the deck is statistically enough to find them when needed.

Game Setup Zones (Where the Cards Go)

Once your 60 cards are shuffled, here is where they land on the playmat.

Deck: Your face-down stack of remaining cards.

• Warning: If you run out of cards in your deck and cannot draw at the start of your turn , you lose the game immediately.

Hand: You draw 7 cards to start the game.

Prize Cards: The top 6 cards of your deck are set aside face-down. You take one every time you Knock Out an opponent's Pokémon.

Discard Pile: Where your used Trainer cards and Knocked Out Pokémon go.

FAQ

Why 60 cards?

It provides the perfect balance of probability. With 60 cards, it is statistically challenging but possible to draw your specific key cards when you need them.

What is a 40-card deck?

This is only for "Prerelease" (Build & Battle) tournaments. When a new set launches, players get a kit and build a 40-card deck to play fast, casual games with 4 Prize Cards.

Can I mix languages in my deck?

Yes, with caution. In most local tournaments, you can use foreign language cards (e.g., French cards in the US) if you have a reference available to tell your opponent what the card does. However, for major events like Regionals, specific rules apply.