In a game where every extra attached Energy results in a significant power boost, Alakazam serves as a punisher for those high powered, energy-hungry Pokémon. Its base 60-damage Psychic attack scales up with each Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon. For example, it perfectly deals 120 damage to Pikachu ex with 2 L Energy, and 150 damage to Mewtwo ex with 3 P Energy. With Giovanni‘s support, it can reach crucial thresholds to take down other heavy hitters like Starmie ex and Venusaur ex. Since Alakazam is worth just one point, unlike these Pokémon ex, it is heavily favored in trades. It will naturally pair up with other 1-point Pokémon in generally budget-friendly shells.
The Abra line is surprisingly flexible with attack costs, never requiring more than a single P. This allows the deck to easily incorporate another type of Energy and engine without compromising Alakazam’s consistency or that of its pre-evolutions.
Alakazam - Kangaskhan variant
Rarity requirements
◊◊◊ – Alakazam, Kangaskhan
◊◊ – Giovanni, Sabrina
Booster pack requirements
Abra line
Kangaskhan
Sabrina
Giovanni
The deck is paired with Kangaskhan, whose heavy bulk buys extra turns while you fully charge Alakazam, and it packs a decent (dizzy) punch. X Speed may not seem intuitive, as Abra can retreat using Teleport, but Kangaskhan’s high retreat cost makes it necessary. Giovanni is crucial for securing key damage thresholds, while Sabrina isn’t as impactful here, as Alakazam thrives against fully charged Pokémon already in the Active Spot. Red Card can also be included for disruption.
Weaknesses
The strength of Psychic also becomes its weakness, as it’s highly predictable and easy to play around. By its very nature, Psychic works best in retaliation, meaning you often place yourself in a position where you’re behind to work at full efficiency.
- Two of the top decks, Mewtwo ex and Charizard ex, discard two Energy after using their strongest attack, effectively countering Alakazam’s Psychic.
The entire line is frail in terms of bulk, with a type advantage that is currently not very impactful.
