Damage counters are the simplest piece of physical equipment in the game, but tracking them accurately matters more than new players expect.
What they represent
Each damage counter, typically worth 10 damage, sits on a Pokémon to track cumulative damage taken during the game. Attacks deal damage in these 10-point increments, and counters stack up as a Pokémon takes repeated hits.
The knockout threshold
Once a Pokémon's damage counters equal or exceed its printed HP, it's knocked out immediately, moved to the discard pile, and its owner's opponent takes a Prize card as a reward.
Damage isn't always permanent
Various Trainer cards, Abilities and attack effects can remove damage counters, effectively healing a Pokémon mid-game — which is why tracking counters accurately turn to turn actually matters for making correct decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a damage counter in the Pokémon TCG?
A token, usually worth 10 damage, tracking damage taken by a Pokémon.
What happens when a Pokémon's damage counters equal its HP?
It's knocked out, and the opponent takes a Prize card.
Can damage counters be removed before a knockout?
Yes, various card effects can remove them, healing the Pokémon.