How to read a pokemon card

How to Read a Pokémon Card: Every Symbol and Number Explained

A Pokémon card packs a lot of information into a small space. Here's what each part actually tells you.

HP, stage and type

The number in the top-right corner is HP — how much damage the Pokémon can take before it's knocked out. Just above the name, you'll usually see whether it's Basic or an evolution stage, and the coloured symbol in the corner shows its type.

Attacks and Energy cost

Each attack lists an Energy cost on the left (the symbols show which and how many Energy types are needed) and a damage number on the right. Some attacks have additional effects written underneath the damage number.

Weakness, resistance and retreat cost

Along the bottom you'll find Weakness (doubles or otherwise boosts damage taken from that type), Resistance (reduces damage from that type, less common in modern sets) and Retreat Cost (how much Energy you discard to swap this Pokémon out of the Active spot).

Collector number and rarity

The fraction at the very bottom, like 4/84, is the card's number out of the set's total card count. The small symbol next to it indicates rarity — the same system used across cards like Lurantis ex.

Frequently asked questions

What does the number in the top corner of a Pokémon card mean?

That's HP — how much damage it can take before being knocked out.

What do the numbers under an attack's name mean?

Damage dealt on the right, Energy cost symbols on the left.

What's the fraction printed at the bottom of the card, like 4/84?

The card's collector number out of the set's total card count.

You might also like

Back to blog