ORDER OF OPERATIONS
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
When you reach the advanced levels of the game, basic addition and subtraction are no longer enough. You need to use multiplication to calculate Weakness, and you must apply the Order of Operations to figure out your total damage output.
When a Pokémon attacks, the damage can be modified by several things at once: Tool cards that boost damage, Weakness (which multiplies damage by 2), and Resistance (which subtracts damage, usually by 30).
The Golden Rule of Damage Calculation
- First: Add any extra damage from Tool cards, Abilities, or attack effects.
- Second: Multiply the damage for Weakness (×2).
- Third: Subtract the damage for Resistance (usually −30).
🧮 Challenge: The Damage Puzzle
Imagine your active monster's attack does 50 base damage. You have a Tool card attached that adds +20 damage. Your opponent's active monster has a Weakness (×2) to your Energy type, but they also have an Ability that gives them a Resistance of −30.
What is your final damage output? Let's use the formula:
Your final damage is 110!
📝 [Educator Note]
This chapter reinforces the mathematical Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). Encourage your child to write out each step before announcing total damage. Verbalizing the math builds mathematical confidence and prevents errors in tournament settings.
Test Your Knowledge
Complete the official Academy Exam for ORDER OF OPERATIONS to earn Doubloons and secure your operational badge.