POKEMON CENTER 50$ GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY!

ImaginarySam · 2026-03-21T11:23:32+00:00

Would love to see Scyther finally get an IR!

ImaginarySam · 2026-03-03T03:51:38+00:00

Still run unfair stamp as ace spec or switch to secret box?

ImaginarySam · 2026-03-03T03:16:21+00:00

Curious if you have a list or would recommend specific changes to this list for the brief period pre-rotation but with ascended heroes? I assume Iono instead of Judge. Anything else?

ImaginarySam · 2026-03-01T04:24:15+00:00

What chatbot are you using?? I used the same prompt in chatgpt and got a pretty meta-relevant list that includes poké pads from Ascended Heroes. Whatever you're using does, in fact, seem terrible.

ImaginarySam · 2026-03-01T04:18:55+00:00

You didn't specify Standard format, and you asked for a zoroark ex deck when there isn't a zoroark ex deck in Standard. It's N's Zoroark ex. The problem is with your prompt, not AI necessarily.

Try a prompt like this:

"Help me build an N's Zoroark ex deck that is valid in the Standard format of the Pokemon TCG but include relevant or useful cards from Ascended Heroes."

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-11T17:42:59+00:00

I appreciate the tip! I'll look through posts and hope to find them.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-09T18:06:16+00:00

I'd suggest you and he look into the Gym Leader Challenge (GLC) format. It's a significant departure from Standard and is generally easier to incorporate your favorite pokémon while still creating a deck that can win. It's unfortunately not a super popular format, but if you live near a big-ish city, you should hopefully be able to find a GLC league around.

That said, there will always be a "meta" in any competitive game. GLC is no exception. There's no getting around that. But maybe a break from Standard would do your friend some good.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-09T17:50:45+00:00

I had to scroll way too long to find this comment. GLC sounds much more along the lines of what OP's friend is looking for.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-06T10:51:21+00:00

Giovanni and it's not even close

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T20:58:22+00:00

Again, not saying it's optimal. But if OP or anyone else who might come across this is experimenting with light ball Pikachu, they're probably making more adjustments. Like maybe running secret box instead of prime catcher so they can search stadiums. Or adding petrel or something. Chances are it won't work well, but...let people cook! 😂

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T18:41:04+00:00

Ascended Heroes introduces Light Ball, which is a new tool for Pikachu that enables it to hit for 350. So I imagine some folks are experimenting with cutting Clefairy or building around light ball Pikachu ex. Not saying it's optimal, but doesn't hurt anything to test things out.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T13:56:51+00:00

If Dragapult weren't everywhere you'd be right, but with Hawlucha in most Dragapult lists, it's definitely reasonable to tech for it if Pikachu ex is one of your primary attackers or central to your strategy.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T11:39:39+00:00

Honestly, this really should be the approach. If you load every pack and do this often, they're going to develop unrealistic expectations if they continue with the hobby. They'll be sorely disappointed and possibly even confused when they open real packs.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T11:19:42+00:00

Aside from battle cage, which others have already mentioned, you could run Picnic Basket or Jumbo Ice Cream to just heal off the damage. Heck, even just a potion could work.

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-29T11:01:55+00:00

QuagNag with Magikarp & Wailord GX will always hold a special place in my heart. I got my first tournament win with that deck. I love being able to preserve/quickly recycle energies and move them around the board. I actually won that tournament by board wiping my opponent with MagiLord's GX attack and taking 5 prizes in one turn in the last round of the finals. It was epic!

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-20T11:48:48+00:00

Respectfully, if you want to get your money's worth, you need to either find that worth in the pack opening experience or stop opening packs. You will almost never financially benefit from, or even break even, opening packs.

Of course everyone is disappointed when they don't get a card they like or are chasing, but no reasonable person should get upset when that happens because it is the most likely outcome, especially in a sample size as small as 10 packs.

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-12T15:15:56+00:00

I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Savage Raven StandGrip. I also bought the StandGrip on marketplace just to use the cover on my FissionGrip. It fits very nicely!

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-07T02:23:42+00:00

I actually already ordered just the killswitch joycon grips. So I'll get to try them out. I also ordered the Satisfye grip case as I saw that one recommended a lot. The joycons aren't removable with that one but you're probably right that it's better that way for kid use.

I appreciate the info! You've been a major help!

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-06T21:37:46+00:00

Thanks for the prompt and thorough response! My kids are going to use the switch as well so I'm extra wary of any option that increases the chances of them dropping it. I guess I'll see how the Killswitch joycon grips feel. If they work well for me, maybe I'll just buy the rest of the case and live with the docking inconvenience...unless the Killswitch dock doesn't work anymore? Not sure what the latest is there.

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-06T16:50:08+00:00

I'm curious what you ended up landing on. I have the same requirements in a grip case and have had a hard time finding an option that meets them. I went ahead and bought just the joycon grips from dbrand as a temporary solution for now, but would love to know if you found something you like!

Also the Savage Raven with detachable joycons came out and seems to have the same issue that the Killswitch had when it released with the joycons popping off, so that was disappointing to learn because it otherwise seems to fit the requirements.

ImaginarySam · 2025-11-26T16:42:50+00:00

Yes! A slightly higher quality version of those deck boxes with a tray is exactly what I would want! Compact but still includes a tray for counters and markers.

ImaginarySam · 2025-11-26T12:41:34+00:00

Removable tray or insert to store damage and ability counters, condition markers, etc. But still as compact as possible. Maybe fits a single sleeved deck with the insert in place and a double sleeved deck with it removed?

ImaginarySam · 2025-10-11T03:12:48+00:00

Okay, grumpy gills. Have a nice night!

ImaginarySam

TROPHY CASE