Preparing for the Pokémon Europe International Championship
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending a major event like the Pokémon Europe International Championship (EUIC) is the chance to connect with skilled players and gain insights into their strategic thinking. Thanks to a media pass from The Pokémon Company, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tord Reklev, a player renowned for his numerous tournament victories and engaging stream matches. Tord’s approach to tournament preparation is methodical and deeply analytical. He begins by conducting a thorough review of the current meta, identifying the decks that are in vogue and ensuring he is up-to-date with the latest legal card pool. This initial phase helps him gauge the landscape and narrow down his options.
Focusing on a Single Archetype
Once Tord has a solid understanding of the meta, he moves on to the next step in his preparation process. "When I find my favorite," he explained, "I just try to lock in on just that one archetype." This strategy involves dedicating a significant amount of time to playing and refining a single deck, which allows him to develop a deep, intuitive understanding of its mechanics and potential matchups. By doing so, he aims to become an expert in that specific deck, ensuring that he can execute its strategies flawlessly during the tournament. This focused approach underscores Tord’s commitment to excellence and his belief in the power of specialization.
The EUIC Top Picks
On the second day of EUIC, the most frequently used decks were Dragapult ex and Gardevoir ex, closely followed by Archaludon ex and Miraidon ex. When I asked Tord if any of these top picks surprised him, he was candid and confirmed that the current meta had evolved exactly as he had anticipated. However, he did highlight one deck that stood out to him: Gholdengo ex. "Gholdengo ex is really good," he remarked, noting that it not only posed a strong challenge to his own deck but also demonstrated that the testing group who developed the list was "one step ahead." This endorsement suggests that Gholdengo ex is a deck to watch and could be a viable option for players looking for a competitive edge.
Testing the New Meta in Japan
The upcoming TCG rotation on April 11 is a significant event for Pokémon players, as it will introduce a new set of legal cards and potentially disrupt the current meta. Tord has already had a preview of the new format, thanks to his participation in the Champions League Fukuoka in Japan on February 15. Despite the competition, he managed an impressive 11th place with a Noctowl Tera Box list. This deck, which he believes is one to watch post-rotation, showcases his adaptability and strategic foresight. The Noctowl Tera Box list is a testament to Tord’s ability to identify and leverage emerging trends in the TCG scene.
The Impact of Meta Changes
With the rotation looming, Tord reflected on the cards that will be leaving the game. He identified Manaphy and Kirlia as the biggest losses. Manaphy, known for its bench protection, will be sorely missed, and the absence of Kirlia will be particularly challenging for Gardevoir ex players. These changes will undoubtedly reshape the meta, presenting both opportunities and challenges for players as they adjust their strategies and deck builds. Tord’s insights provide a valuable perspective on what to expect and how to prepare for the new format.
Looking Forward to Pokémon Day
As we concluded our conversation, the topic turned to Pokémon Day, which is set to take place on February 27. Tord expressed his excitement about the event, particularly the prospect of new card reveals. He praised the direction the TCG has taken over the past couple of years, highlighting the deliberate construction of diverse deck archetypes and varying levels of difficulty within the meta. This balance, he believes, has made the game more engaging and accessible. Additionally, we discussed Pokémon TCG Pocket, the mobile version of the game. Tord found the app to be "very well designed" and enjoyable, though he acknowledged that it would never surpass his love for the physical TCG. He also considered the possibility of Pocket making its way into major tournaments, given its growing popularity and the revenue it generates for the game. As rotation approaches and Pokémon Day nears, it’s clear that the TCG community has much to look forward to in the coming months.
