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.
1P Lightning - Suggested decklist
Rarity requirements
◊◊◊ – Raichu, Magneton
◊◊ – Electrode, Lt. Surge, Giovanni, Sabrina
Booster pack requirements
Pikachu line
Magnemite line
Voltorb line
Lt. Surge
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.
