For many children of the 90s and early 00s, Pokémon was a huge part of our childhoods. There was something for everyone, whether it was playing video games, watching anime, or collecting cards. And for those who collected the cards, we grew attached to our favorite little monsters and dreamed of one day becoming Pokémon Masters.
While the card game has evolved significantly since it was first introduced in 1996, the core mechanics remain the same. Players must use their creatures to battle against their opponent and knock out all of their Pokémon to win. But to be successful, Trainers must also ensure they have the right cards in their deck.
This article will look at some of the most important cards for any Trainer's collection.
What Is A Trainer Pokémon Card?
Before we get to the top Pokémon trainer cards, we should find out what they are.
Trainer Cards are just as crucial as energy cards because they provide a wide range of effects that can help you gain an advantage over your opponent. Some trainer cards allow you to draw more cards from your deck, others allow you to search your deck for specific cards, and still, others let you do things like heal your damaged Pokémon or put new Pokémon into play.
There are three types of trainer cards:
- Item Cards. Item cards are one-time-use items that can provide beneficial effects in battle. Examples of item cards include potions that can heal your Pokémon, escape ropes that let you switch out Pokémon, and lucky eggs that boost the experience points your Pokémon receive.
- Supporter Cards. Supporter cards are similar to item cards because they provide practical effects but can only be used once per turn. Supporter cards usually have a wider range of effects than item cards, such as letting you draw more cards, search your deck for specific Pokémon, or even revive fainted Pokémon.
- Stadium Cards. Stadium cards provide ongoing effects as long as they remain in play. Stadium cards are unique in that both players can have one in play simultaneously.
Top 10 Pokémon Trainers Cards Considered The Best By Players
Once you have become familiar with the world of trainer cards and understand how they work, you can learn about the most popular and valuable trainer cards. In this block, we will present you with the best Pokémon trainer cards that can significantly influence the course of the game, give you an advantage during the battle, and impose exciting effects.
The main thing is that almost all the cards from this list can be obtained in nearly every edition of Pokémon and bought from other players' hands. Many of these cards are not collectible and can be in almost every player. Also important, these trainers are not banned from official competitions, so you can quickly build your deck for the game and be sure you do not violate the community's rules.
1. No. 1 Trainer
This one of the best Pokémon TCG trainer cards is at the top of our list, not because it can give you incredible advantages on the battlefield and crush opponents in a matter of steps. The thing is that this card is number one among collectors.
So, this card could only be found at the Pokémon tournament in 1999. In addition, it's said that there are only seven such cards in the whole world. So, the Pokémon associations evaluated several of these cards; in 2020, one of them was sold for $100,000.
Therefore, such a trainer card is the most important among collectors, but it will never be used in the game.
2. Switch
This card is considered one of the classic Pokémon Trainer cards, but it still performs well during combat. With this trainer, you can change your active Pokémon to any from your benched one. However, your move is not limited to this.
You can also remove the poison, confusion, burn, and sleep effects of your Pokémon. This makes the card very useful during combat and gives you a noticeable advantage, especially when your opponent wants to finish your downed Pokémon.
3. Ultra Ball
Let's say you start the game, but you're low on base Pokémon, and your opponent is about to slay your Pokémon. And then suddenly you notice this card in your hand. What are your actions? Everything is effortless. Instead, use it and take any one Pokémon from the deck.
4. Cynthia
A classic but still great move by Cynthia. This one of the best trainer cards allows you to remove cards from your hand to the deck and then draw six new cards from it. A simple and harmonious move that can turn the tide of battle.
5. Boss's Orders
Do you want to turn the game's tide in your favor, instantly defeat the Pokémon and take your prize card? Or do you want to spoil your opponent's plans and make them nervous? Then the Boss's Orders card will serve you as a great helper.
With this trainer, you can optionally replace your opponent's active Pokémon with any Pokémon from their bench. Thus, you can radically change the course of the game, defeat the opponent's tactics and plunge him into a state of shock.
Such a card is handy when your opponent was charging a Pokémon, laying evolution cards, and preparing a Pokémon for a fight, and you defeated it in one turn.
6. Float Stone
The Pokémon battle is a complex and strategic process. Your Pokémon can either win or lose during a fight. That is why it is so important to be able to retreat in time and save the life of the pocket monster.
However, experienced Pokémon players know that it's not easy to retreat during a fight, as many Pokémon require payment to exit. But after all, the player may not have enough energy cards to perform such an action. What to do in this case?
The answer is simple. Get the Float Stone card. This one of the best Pokémon TCG trainer cards allows players to retreat from the battlefield without paying the energy cost. Such a card is handy during battles and can drastically change the course of the game.
7. All Types Of Healers
Since any Pokémon duel somehow implies damage, each of the Pokémon trainers needs to heal their monsters in time. That's what healer cards are for. There are many types of such cards; some heal 30 units, others 100, and some can completely raise the dead or remove all imposed effects.
One way or another, this type of card is essential for any player during a fight, so be sure to invest a few healers in your decks so as not to lose your valuable Pokémon.
8. Professor's Letter
Energy for attacks is vital for every player. This best trainer card can draw two basic energies from the deck. So, almost every player takes such a card into battle, so you should be no exception.
9. Here Comes Team Rocket
In the anime and during combat, Team Rocket can't interfere with you and your Pokémon during battle, but it can apply interesting effects during combat.
So, from the effect of this card, all prize cards must be revealed and remain so until the end of the battle. Although this card does not affect the course of the fight, you can at least know what prize card your opponent takes in case of defeating your Pokémon.
10. Professor's Research
This is also a valuable and classic trainer card that allows you to discard all your cards from your hand and then draw random cards from your deck.
Bottom Line
We believe these are the best trainer cards in the Pokémon TCG. While some might disagree with our choices, we feel that these cards offer a great deal of utility and power and can help any trainer take their game to the next level.
FAQ
What Are Pokémon Trainer Cards?
Pokémon trainer cards are unique cards that allow you to perform specific actions or tasks in the Pokémon TCG. They can be used to heal your Pokémon, search for specific Pokémon, or even evolve your Pokémon.
What Are The Top Pokémon Trainer Cards?
The top Pokémon trainer cards are the ones that offer the most versatile and powerful effects. These cards can be used in various ways to help you win Pokémon TCG matches.
Are There Holographic Trainer Cards?
Yes, there are Pokémon trainer cards that have a holographic foil design. These cards are usually rare and, therefore, more expensive. However, they can be well worth the investment if you want to add some pizzazz to your Pokémon TCG deck.
What Is The Most Expensive Pokémon Trainer Card?
2002 No. 1 Trainer is the most expensive Pokémon card and can cost about 100 000 dollars for one card.