The Pokemon trading card game was, at one time, nearly the most popular trading card game in the world. Magic: The Gathering was the first and most well known of the trading card genre, and has always been at the top of the marketplace. Still, Pokemon has been a close second at times. It is no coincidence that Pokemon has held this coveted spot; after all, the game was designed by Wizards of the Coast, the same company that designed Magic: The Gathering. Pokemon has always been the most popular trading card game among younger children.

The Pokemon trading card game is based around the concept of pocket monsters – Pokemon – that are trained by individuals. The individuals playing the game take on the role of Pokemon “trainers.” In the Pokemon trading card game, players use a variety of card types, such as energy, events, trainers and actual Pokemon creatures to attempt to knock out the other player’s Pokemon. Like other trading card games, there are new Pokemon cards and sets released on a regular basis.

The sequence of play in the Pokemon trading card game is very similar to the sequence of play in Magic: The Gathering and other trading card games. On their turn, a player may bring a Pokemon into play from their “bench” area, attach an energy card to a Pokemon, attack with their Pokemon, or retire a Pokemon.

Pokemon may, at various times of the game, be asleep, poisoned, paralyzed or confused. These various states affect what a Pokemon may or may not do during a player’s turn.

Pokemon is, by its design, geared toward younger children. Children in the age group 6-12 tend to be the most common among Pokemon players. Like it’s big brother Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon does have an organized play program. In the organized play program, there are even scholarships available for the best Pokemon players.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Pokemon trading card game is related to many other cross-promotional products. There are Pokemon cartoons, Pokemon video games, and even stuffed Pokemon dolls. Pokemon is a fun and healthy hobby for any child to participate in, but older individuals may find the game boring or simplistic.