Ultimate Guide to the Best Articuno ex Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

For fans of the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, the ultimate guide to the Articuno ex deck is essential reading, especially as it currently stands out as one of the top-tier decks in the competitive scene. With a stroke of luck, this deck can unleash significant damage while simultaneously taking out benched Pokémon by Round Two. Informally referred to as a “High Roller”deck, the Articuno ex strategy hinges on leveraging Misty and achieving high coin toss results to maximize damage output.

This guide will delve into the core strategies that define the most effective Articuno ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket, equipping you with the insight needed to outplay your opponents.

Optimal Card Selection for the Articuno ex Deck

Below is a curated list of cards that form the backbone of a powerful Articuno ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket:

Card	Quantity
Articuno ex	2
Staryu	2
Starmie ex	2
Misty	2
John	2
Poke Ball	2
Professor’s Research	2
Sabrina	2
Red Card	2
Potion	2

This deck’s strength lies in its multitude of Support Cards designed to bolster Articuno ex, while the Red Card can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. Staryu and Starmie ex offer alternatives when high rolls are elusive, providing tactical flexibility.

Alternative Cards for Consideration

One notable feature of this deck is its efficiency; it can effectively operate with only two Articuno ex cards alongside 18 Support Cards. If you’re looking to modify your build, consider replacing Staryu and Starmie ex with cards like Hand Scope and X Speed. Hand Scope allows you to strategize by inspecting your main pile, while X Speed facilitates swapping positions with another Articuno ex when health is low.

Strategic Play with the Articuno ex Deck

The Articuno ex deck is notorious for its ability to frustrate opponents in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Central to its strategy is the combination of Misty’s High Roll ability—requiring at least two heads—and the strategic deployment of Water-energy to Articuno. This approach can quickly set the stage for a relentless barrage of attacks through the Blizzard move, dealing 80 damage to the opponent’s Active Pokémon and an additional 10 to each benched Pokémon.

While Blizzard may inflict damage on your opponent, it also poses a risk by harming your own benched Pokémon. This trade-off is crucial, as it can severely weaken your supporting Pokémon if not managed prudently. The deck is potent enough to begin this offensive strategy as early as Round Two or Three, solidifying its reputation in the current meta.

Best Starting Hand for Optimal Performance

Best starting hand for Articuno ex deck (Image via TPC)

Your ideal starting hand should consist of Articuno ex, Misty, and Professor’s Research. Position Articuno ex in the Active Slot and employ Misty to chase a High Roll in the following round. Meanwhile, Professor’s Research aids in drawing additional support cards to accelerate your setup and offensive strategy.

Should you have Staryu or Starmie ex, consider placing them on your bench. They can substitute for Articuno ex in the Active Slot if Misty’s first attempt at a High Roll fails. This also serves as a viable strategy against high-damage opponents like Exeggutor ex, who might threaten your Articuno ex.

Gameplay Tips for the Articuno ex Deck

Trainer and Item Cards in this deck (Image via TPC)

Executing the Articuno ex deck strategy involves consistent high rolls with Misty to create early damage pressure. Here’s a streamlined playing guide to optimize your deck’s efficiency:

Deploy Articuno ex in the Active Slot.
Activate Misty in an attempt to secure a High Roll, channeling all Water-energy generated into Articuno ex.
Utilize Professor’s Research to draw additional Misty cards if necessary.
Commence your damage onslaught with Blizzard, targeting the Active Pokémon for 80 damage and inflicting 10 damage to your bench.
In cases of failed High Rolls, rely on Support Cards like Potion and Sabrina to preserve Articuno ex’s vitality.
Incorporate Starmie ex strategically for damage dealing and stalling tactics as you build up Articuno ex.
Deploy Giovanni for significant damage, inflicting 90 to the Active Slot and an additional 20 to the bench.

However, if you fail to secure two heads with Misty’s toss, the deck’s momentum can stall, allowing your opponent to counter effectively. This scenario places your gameplay on a slower trajectory, sometimes leading to drawn-out matches. Nonetheless, when executed correctly, this deck strongly pressures your opponents, leading to frequent concessions.

Identifying Counters to the Articuno ex Deck

Pikachu ex decks are the natural counters to Articuno ex decks (Image via TPC)

From a strategic standpoint, the most effective counters to Articuno ex decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket are Lightning-type Pokémon, with Pikachu ex and Zapdos ex serving as front-runners. Due to Articuno ex’s inherent vulnerability to Lightning-type attacks, it sustains an additional +20 damage from these cards. Consequently, a fully-set Pikachu ex can inflict 110 damage—escalating to 120 with Giovanni’s effects—making it a formidable threat.

Furthermore, due to the reliance on supporting cards within the Articuno ex deck, gameplay falters significantly when Misty fails to secure high rolls, inviting counters and strategies from the opposition. For instance, if up against a Charizard ex deck powered by Moltres ex, the tables can turn quickly if they unleash their Crimson Storm before you achieve victory.

Source & Images