Single point Lightning deck

Overview

Although Pikachu ex steals the spotlight for Lightning-types, there’s a way to build a deck without using it—or any Pokémon ex, for that matter. Single point Lightning (also called Single Prize Lightning) plays the best non-ex Stage 1 L Pokémon, delivering solid attacks while only trading 1 point, yet capable of knocking out Pokémon ex on its own merits:

  • Raichu is the main finisher, dealing 140 damage for LLL by discarding all of its Energy
  • Magneton serves as the deck’s energy engine, accumulating L that can be transferred to other attackers thanks to Lt. Surge
  • Electrode deals a respectable 70 for LL and stands out with its no retreat cost, facilitating switching strategies and preserving Energy for a Lt. Surge reassignment.

The purpose of the deck is to engage in efficient trades against ex decks to win the race.

Magneton A1-98 Genetic Apex from Pokémon TCG Pocket (preview)

1P Lightning - Suggested decklist

Rarity requirements

◊◊◊ – Raichu, Magneton

◊◊ – Electrode, Lt. Surge, Giovanni, Sabrina

Booster pack requirements

Genetic Apex Pikachu logo

Pikachu line
Magnemite line
Voltorb line
Lt. Surge

Genetic Apex Mewtwo logo

Giovanni

This is a rather difficult deck to build, as you want to run 2-2 lines of all the key Pokémon while still leaving room for staples like Pokéball, Professor’s Research, and Lt. Surge. Giovanni is almost essential, enabling Raichu to one-shot Mewtwo ex. Sabrina and Potion are also strong options. Adjust the ratio of Pokémon and Trainers based on the matchups you expect to face.

Weaknesses

  • None of the Pokémon are particularly effective until they evolve, leaving you stuck with a Basic Pokémon for too long in case your draws don’t come together.

  • All fully evolved Pokémon are fragile, with Raichu being the only one capable of surviving a fully charged Pikachu ex’s Circle Circuit.

  • The limited space for Trainer cards forces you to make sacrifices in certain matchups, which can be costly when facing a more diverse competitive field.