Archetypes

Archetypes by game

Pokémon TCG

• Evolution-line decks. A deck built around one line of Pokémon, such as Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard. The plan is to set up the final evolution as fast and as safely as possible. Example cards: Charizard, Charizard ex.
• Type-themed decks. Decks that focus on one Energy type, for example Fire or Water. Fans of the games often pick a type that matches their favorite Pokémon. Example cards: Blastoise, Venusaur.
• Rule-box decks. Decks that lean on Pokémon-GX or Pokémon ex. They gain strong effects but give the opponent extra Prize cards when a card is knocked out. Example cards: Charizard-GX, Mew ex.

Magic: The Gathering

• Aggro. Aggressive decks that try to win quickly with cheap creatures and direct damage. Example cards: Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer, Lightning Bolt.
• Control. Decks that answer the opponent's cards and win later. Blue and white often lead here. Example cards: Counterspell, Snapcaster Mage.
• Midrange. Decks that balance efficient creatures with removal and card advantage. Example cards: Dark Confidant, Serra Angel.
• Ramp. Decks that make extra mana early to cast large threats sooner. Example cards: Llanowar Elves, Black Lotus.

Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG

• Blue-Eyes. A group of cards that support Blue-Eyes White Dragon, often with fusion and tribute themes. Example cards: Blue-Eyes White Dragon.
• Dark Magician. A Spellcaster group that supports Dark Magician and its related cards. Example cards: Dark Magician.
• Red-Eyes. A Dragon group built around Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Example cards: Red-Eyes Black Dragon.
• Exodia. A deck that tries to collect all five pieces of Exodia for an immediate win. Example cards: Exodia the Forbidden One.