Pokémon mechanic

Prize Cards

The face-down cards that decide how a game is won.

How it works

At the start of a game, each player sets aside a small stack of cards face down. These are the Prize cards. When your Pokémon knocks out an opponent's Pokémon, you take one or more of them into your hand.

Taking all of your Prize cards is one of the main ways to win. This turns each knockout into progress, and it makes the number of Prize cards a Pokémon gives up an important design choice.

Powerful Pokémon often give up more than one Prize card when knocked out. That is the balance behind modern card groups such as Pokémon-GX and Pokémon ex: stronger effects, bigger risk.

In practice

An example in play

Both players set aside six Prize cards at setup. Picture a close game where you have taken four and your opponent has taken three. Each knockout now feels heavy, because one more good attack could swing the race.

Now add a special Pokémon to your side of the table. Charizard-GX from Hidden Fates is a Pokémon-GX, and groups like that usually hand over more than one Prize card when they are knocked out. If your opponent knocks it out, they jump forward in the race by more than one step. You paid for the extra power with extra risk.

Mew ex from the 151 set works the same way. Its Ability can support your draws, but if it falls, your opponent takes extra Prize cards. A careful player thinks about that before putting it in front.

Common mistakes

Looking at Prize cards. They stay face down until you take them. A card stuck there is simply out of reach for that game.
Counting every knockout as one. Always check whether the fallen Pokémon is a special type before you count.
Racing without a backup. If your Active Pokémon is knocked out and your Bench is empty, the game ends no matter how many Prize cards you took.
Forgetting other ways to win. The Prize race is the usual route, but running the opponent out of Pokémon or cards also ends a game.

Questions readers ask

Do I choose which Prize card I take?

The cards are face down and set aside from the top of your deck, so you do not know what they are. Check the rulebook for the exact taking procedure.

Why do some Pokémon give up more than one?

It balances their strength. Our page on Pokémon ex and GX explains the trade.

How many Prize cards do I start with?

The turn guide describes six per player in the usual setup. Special formats may differ.

More mechanics in this game

Evolution How Basic Pokémon grow into Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pokémon.
Weakness & Resistance Type matchups printed on every Pokémon card.
Abilities & Pokémon Powers Special effects that are not attacks.
Trainer Cards Item, Supporter and Stadium cards that support the game plan.
Pokémon ex & GX Special Pokémon groups that trade extra power for extra risk.

Go further

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. This page explains the idea in general terms and is not an official rules reference.