The Top 3 Pokémon Decks in the Standard Format: Dominance and Strategy in Dueling (May 2024)
Are you ready to take the throne in the Pokémon TCG Standard format? Then dive into the world of strategic depth and diverse deck archetypes that make this format so exciting! But which decks are currently dominating the meta and securing your victory?
Get ready for explosive firepower, clever item control, and the power of the mysterious Lost Zone! In this blog post, we present the three best Pokémon decks for May 2024 : Charizard ex/Pidgeot ex, Chien-Pao Baxcalibur, and Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR.
The best Pokémon decks in the Standard format: These decks have everything you need to become a champion! Dive into the details of their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses, and find out why they're currently outperforming the competition. Which deck has what it takes to become a champion?
The choice is yours! Analyze the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of these top decks and find out which one best suits your playstyle. Grab your deck and claim the throne in the next tournament!
In the following sections of this blog post, we will delve deeper into the details of the three decks and explain how they work, what cards they contain, and what strategies they pursue.
The best Pokémon decks in the Standard format are waiting for you! Discover the power of these decks and dominate the next Gym!
But don't wait until your opponents outrank you ! Order the missing cards for your deck now and secure the decisive advantage in the next Pokémon Gym!
With a little practice and the right deck, you too can be the next Pokémon champion!
Have fun reading and playing!
1st place: Charizard/Pidgeot
Dominate the Pokémon Arena with the dominant deck!
This deck guide shows you why the Charizard ex / Pidgeot ex deck masters the current Pokémon format in the TCG!
The strengths of the deck:
Brutally powerful Pokémon: Charizard ex has an incredible 330 HP and packs a serious punch with its "Blazing Shadow" attack. Hardly any of your opponents' Pokémon can withstand this attack.
Rapid Evolution: Thanks to Charizard ex's "Hellfire Regiment" ability, you can attach up to 3 Fire Energy to your Pokémon as soon as you evolve it. This means your powerhouse is ready for action right away.
Flexible playstyle: With Pidgeot ex, you can search for the cards you need at any time to perfectly adapt your strategy.
Counter the Counter: The deck offers ways to defend against the most popular anti-Charizard strategies.
This is how the deck works:
Your goal is to quickly get a Charizard ex into play. Thanks to strong Supporter cards like Arven and, rarely, even Bibarel, you can do this quickly. Pidgeot ex helps you search your hand for the perfect cards—whether you need Boss's Orders to take out opposing Pokémon or Iono to disrupt your opponent's hand.
Try this top strategy now!
This deck guide offers a detailed explanation of how to play, as well as a decklist recommendation with all the essential cards. You'll also learn which tech options you can try to further customize your deck.
Dominate the format with the best deck and order the missing cards for your personal Charizard ex / Pidgeot ex deck today!
- 4x Charmander (OBF 026)
- 1x Charmander (PAF 008)
- 3x Charizard ex (PAF 054)
- 2x Pidgey (MEW 016)
- 2x Pidgeot ex (OBF 164)
- 1x Radiant Charizard (CRZ 020)
- 1x Bidiza (CRZ 111)
- 1x Bidifas (BRS 121)
- 1x Rotom V (CRZ 045)
- 1x Pii (OBF 080)
- 1x Manaphy (BRS 041)
- 1x Jirachi (PAR 126)
- 1x Lumineon V (BRS 040)
- 3x Pepper (SVI 166)
- 3x Enigmara (PAF 080)
- 2x Command from the Boss (PAL 172)
- 1x Rioba (TEF 146)
- 1x Professor Futurus' scenario (PAR 171)
- 4x special candy (PAF 089)
- 4x Hyperball (PAF 091)
- 4x Fat Friends Knursp (TEF 144)
- 1x Nest Ball (PAF 084)
- 2x Superangel (PAL 188)
- 2x First-Class Catcher (TEF 157)
- 1x Counter Catcher (PAR 160)
- 1x Nowhere Vacuum Cleaner (LOR 162)
- 1x Address book (SVI 182)
- 1x Forest Seal Stone (SIT 156)
- 1x defiance band (SVI 169)
- 1x Technical Machine: Reverse Development (PAR 177)
- 1x Stadium Ruin (BRS 137)
- 1x Mist Veil Energy (TEF 161)
- 6x Fire Energy
Charizard and Pidgeot have powerful attacks that can inflict high damage on your opponent.
Charizard and Pidgeot both have weaknesses to type attacks, making them vulnerable to certain decks.
With cards like "Buddy-Buddy Poffin" and "Turbo Trainer," you can quickly and reliably gather the energy you need for your attacks.
Charizard/Pidgeot relies heavily on certain Supporter cards like "Marnie" and "Professor's Research" to function effectively. If these cards are interrupted by the opponent, the deck's performance can suffer.
Both Charizard and Pidgeot have high HP, allowing them to stay in the game longer and deal more damage.
The success of the Charizard/Pidgeot deck relies heavily on a good start. If you don't draw the right cards in the first few turns, it can be difficult to get the deck's engine running.
2nd place: Chien Pao Baxcalibur
Looking to freeze the competition? Then you've come to the right place! The Chien-Pao ex deck is one of the most explosive in the current Standard format and will leave your opponents on edge.
Fast winning rounds: With a little luck, you can take two prize cards on each turn and race to victory.
Flexible attackers: The deck offers a variety of attackers for different situations. Chien-Pao ex deals massive damage with Hail Blade, while Brilliant Greninja can take out two Benched Pokémon with Moonlight Shuriken. Iron Hands ex, on the other hand, effectively takes out single-price Pokémon.
The strategy builds on Baxcalibur and its "Super Cold" ability. This allows you to attach any number of Water Energy from your deck to your Pokémon during your turn.
Chien-Pao ex: Discards Water Energies to deal high damage with Hail Blade and Knock Out Pokémon of all types. Chien-Pao ex's other ability, "Chilling Chill," lets you search for two Water Energies from your deck and put them into your hand.
Baxcalibur: The key player! With "Super Cold," you prepare energy for various attackers.
Brilliant Greninja: With Hidden Cards, it discards Energy and draws cards. This allows you to cover the discard costs for Hail Blade and Super Energy Retrieval. Moonlight Shuriken potentially hits two Benched Pokémon at once and bypasses Manaphy's Protect with Boss Prikazzt and Scent of Farewell.
Iron Hands ex: Efficiently kills single-price Pokémon with Amp Up and, unlike other attackers, retains attached Energy.
Tips for playing:
Prioritize Bibarel: Two Bibarel are important, as they provide the resources needed for Super Energy Recover and Ultra Ball. Opponents could target Bibarel with Counter Badges or Boss's Orders, so redundancy is important.
- 3x Frospino (PAL 057)
- 3x Baojian ex (PAL 061)
- 2x Espinodon (PAL 060)
- 1x Radiant Greninja (ASR 046)
- 1x iron bundle (PAR 056)
- 2x Bidiza (CRZ 111)
- 2x Bidifas (BRS 121)
- 1x Iron Hand ex (PAR 070)
- 2x Ciphermaniacs decoding (TEF 145)
- 4x Perla (ASR 147)
- 2x earthen vessel (PAR 163)
- 4x special candy (PAF 089)
- 4x Hyperball (PAF 091)
- 4x Fat Friends Knursp (TEF 144)
- 1x Neutralizing Perfume (ASR 136)
- 4x High-quality energy gain (PAL 189)
- 3x Superangel (PAL 188)
- 1x Hisui Heavy Ball (ASR 146)
- 4x Nest Ball (PAF 084)
- 1x First-Class Catcher (TEF 157)
- 2x PokéStop (PGO 068)
- 1x Lightning Energy
- 8x Water Energy
Chien-Pao ex allows you, with a bit of luck, to take two Prize Cards on each turn and thus quickly take the lead.
Baxcalibur's "Super Cold" ability is central to the strategy. Disabling Baxcalibur early can stall the deck.
The deck offers a variety of attackers for different situations. Chien-Pao ex deals massive damage on its own, Brilliant Greninja can take out two Benched Pokémon, and Iron Hands ex efficiently takes out single-price Pokémon.
Decks that disrupt items or supporter cards can be hard hit by Chien-Pao ex.
The different attackers and strategies allow you to adapt to different opponents and game situations.
The deck's explosive play is highly dependent on chance. Sometimes lightning-fast victories are achieved, while in other games the tide can turn quickly.
3rd place: Lost Zone Box
The rebirth of a giant
Giratina VSTAR was once a dominant deck in the Pokémon TCG format before this year's rotation changed the rules. But thanks to the new Time Force set and smart adjustments, Giratina VSTAR is making a brilliant comeback and conquering the Shadow Zone once again!
Giratina VSTAR impresses with its raw power, capable of taking out even the largest Pokémon in one hit with its attack "Starburst." Supported by allies like "Cramorant" and "Sableye," it's excellent for quickly defeating opposing Pokémon with low HP.
Efficient strategy
The deck cleverly utilizes the Lost Zone mechanic to banish cards from the deck and thus activate the effects of Trainers and Pokémon. Comfey and Banette play a key role in this, sending cards to the Lost Zone while also providing important resources.
Flexibility and adaptability
Thanks to cards like Iron Leaf ex, the deck can adapt to different situations and hold its own even against seemingly insurmountable opponents. Boss's Command and Counter Catcher provide additional control and allow you to dictate the game.
The Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR deck focuses on quickly bringing Giratina VSTAR into play and using its high attack power to defeat opposing Pokémon. At the same time, the Lost Zone mechanic is actively used to banish cards from the deck, thus activating Trainer and Pokémon effects.
- 4x Curelei (LOR 079)
- 3x Giratina V (LOR 130)
- 3x Giratina VSTAR (LOR 131)
- 2x Shuppet (SVI 087)
- 1x Banette ex (SVI 088)
- 1x Banette (LOR 073)
- 1x Zobiris (LOR 070)
- 1x Urgl (LOR 050)
- 1x Radiant Greninja (ASR 046)
- 1x Manaphy (BRS 041)
- 1x Iron Leaf ex (TEF 025)
- 4x Achromas' Experiment (LOR 155)
- 1x Command from the Boss (PAL 172)
- 1x Felizia (ASR 150)
- 4x Illusion Portal (LOR 163)
- 4x Nest Ball (PAF 084)
- 3x Exchange (SVI 194)
- 2x Fat Friends Knursp (TEF 144)
- 2x Superangel (PAL 188)
- 1x Hyperball (PAF 091)
- 1x Counter Catcher (PAR 160)
- 1x First-Class Catcher (TEF 157)
- 1x Pokécom 3.0 (SVI 186)
- 1x Forest Seal Stone (SIT 156)
- 1x Sinnoh Temple (ASR 155)
- 1x Bolardin (PAF 076)
- 5x Psycho Energy
- 4x Plant Energy
- 4x Jet Energy (PAL 190)
Giratina VSTAR has one of the highest attack stats in the current format and can take out even the largest Pokémon in one hit with its attack "Starry Requiem."
The deck requires a certain level of understanding and practice to effectively utilize the various card combinations. Beginners may have difficulty playing the deck optimally.
The deck cleverly utilizes the "Lost Zone" mechanic to banish cards from the deck and activate Trainer and Pokémon effects. This allows the deck to gain card advantage while simultaneously exerting pressure on the opponent.
Because the deck relies heavily on the Lost Zone mechanic, it is vulnerable to opposing decks that can disrupt this mechanic.
Thanks to cards like "Iron Leaf ex," the deck can adapt to different situations and hold its own even against seemingly insurmountable opponents. "Boss's Command" and "Counter-Trap" provide additional control and allow you to dictate the game.
The deck requires careful resource management, as it is important to find the right balance between building the Lost Zone and attacking with Giratina VSTAR.
Conclusion: Dominate the game with these top decks!
In the Spotlight: Three Top Decks in the Pokémon TCG Standard Format (June 2024)
The Pokémon TCG scene in the Standard format is undergoing a transformation, with new decks emerging and established strategies being adapted. In this dynamic environment, three decks have proven particularly outstanding: Charizard ex/Pidgeot ex, Chien-Pao Baxcalibur, and Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR.
Charizard ex/Pidgeot ex: Aggressive Firestorm
This deck relies on the explosive combination of Charizard ex and Pidgeot ex. Charizard ex impresses with high damage and the ability to quickly lay down Energy. Pidgeot ex supports with search functions that bring the perfect card into play at any time. The strategy is clear: quick setup, high aggression, and control through item synergy.
Chien-Pao Baxcalibur: Control with Bite
Chien-Pao Baxcalibur takes a different approach: control through item locks and targeted KOs. Chien-Pao's high damage and ability to block the opponent's items make it a key element. Item locks stifle the opponent's strategy, while Chien-Pao ensures quick KOs.
Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR: Versatility and Depth
Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR combines versatility with high attack power. Giratina VSTAR can operate both offensively and defensively, benefiting from the "Lost Zone" mechanic. Cards like Cramorant and Sableye reinforce this strategy. The deck is characterized by adaptability and effective techs against various decks.
Which deck has what it takes to become a champion?
Choosing the right deck depends on your individual playstyle and the current metagame. Charizard ex/Pidgeot ex impresses with aggressiveness and speed, Chien-Pao Baxcalibur with control and efficiency, while Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR scores with versatility and adaptability.
The discussion is open!
Which of these top decks has piqued your interest? Which strategies do you prefer? Share your opinion in the comments and discuss which deck has the potential to become a champion in the current Standard format!
