SETTING UP
SETTING UP
Before the battle begins, we have to set up our play area. Think of the table like a giant sports field for your team!
- Shuffle: Mix up your deck of 60 cards so they are in a surprise order.
- Draw 7: Take the top 7 cards from your deck and hold them in your hand. Keep them a secret from the other player!
- The Active Spot: Choose one Basic monster from your hand and put it face-down in the middle of the table. This is your Active Spot! Only the monster in the Active Spot can attack.
- The Bench: You can put up to 5 more Basic monsters face-down behind your Active monster. This is the Bench. They are your backup players waiting for their turn.
- Prize Cards: Take the top 6 cards from your deck and put them face-down on the side of the table. These are your Prize Cards. We will learn how to earn them soon!
If your opening hand has no Basic Pokémon, you show your hand, shuffle it back, draw a new hand of 7, and your opponent gets to draw one extra card as a tiny bonus. Do not worry — this happens to everyone sometimes. It is the game's way of making sure both teams can start fairly.
Keep your deck neat and your discard pile easy to see. Soon you will use both zones to remember what has already happened in the battle. Organizing the table is part of being a thoughtful Trainer.
👨🏫 [Parent Prompt]
Have your child deal out 7 cards. Ask: "Can you count to 7 as you draw these cards? Let's make sure we have exactly 7!"
Test Your Knowledge
Complete the official Academy Exam for SETTING UP to earn Doubloons and secure your operational badge.