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Can I Evolve if I Go Second? A Pokémon Evolution Masterclass

Yes, you can evolve if you go second, but with some key restrictions depending on which version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) you are playing. In the modern TCG, you cannot evolve Pokémon on the very first turn of the game, regardless of whether you go first or second. This rule aims to prevent overpowered early game strategies and ensures a more balanced play experience. So, while going second gives you some advantages in card play, it doesn’t circumvent the “no evolving on the first turn” restriction. Now, let’s delve into this topic further and address common questions that Trainers often have about Pokémon evolution.

Understanding Pokémon Evolution: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: A Pokémon must be in play for a full turn before it can evolve. Is this true?

The statement “a Pokémon must be in play for a full turn before it can evolve” is generally accurate, but it’s essential to understand the nuances. In most iterations of the Pokémon TCG, a Pokémon needs to have been in play under your control since the beginning of your turn before you can evolve it. However, remember that you cannot evolve any Pokémon on the very first turn of the game.

Q2: If I go second, can I evolve on my first turn?

No, you cannot evolve on your first turn, even if you go second. This is a fundamental rule designed to prevent overly aggressive opening plays. The first turn rule restricts both players from evolving, playing Supporter cards (in some older formats), and attacking on their initial turn.

Q3: What happens to damage counters, Energy cards, and Special Conditions when a Pokémon evolves?

When a Pokémon evolves, it retains the damage counters and Energy cards attached to it. However, Special Conditions like being Poisoned, Burned, Paralyzed, Asleep, or Confused are removed upon evolution. Think of it as the Pokémon shedding its old skin, along with its ailments.

Q4: Does it matter if I wait to evolve a Pokémon? Are there advantages to delaying evolution?

Yes, it can matter! Delaying evolution can be strategic. Here’s why:

Move Selection: You might want your base Pokémon to learn a specific move before evolving it into a Pokémon with a completely different skillset.
Strategic Timing: Holding off on evolution can protect your Pokémon from certain card effects or strategies used by your opponent. The Games Learning Society studies the impact of strategic decision-making in games like the Pokémon TCG.

Q5: Can you evolve Pokémon too late? Is there a penalty for waiting?

In the main video games, there can be penalties to waiting. If you continually cancel evolution, you may miss out on key moves that the earlier evolution form can learn. However, this is not a major factor in the TCG. There is usually no stat loss for delaying the evolution. Delaying evolution does not inherently weaken a Pokémon in the card game.

Q6: How do you evolve a Pokémon that missed its evolution level in the video games?

If a Pokémon misses its evolution level in the core video games, it will attempt to evolve again the next time it levels up. So, if Charmander misses evolving at level 16, it will try to evolve again when it reaches level 17.

Q7: Can you evolve Pokémon by walking them?

In games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can evolve certain Pokémon by walking them around using the Let’s Go feature. This adds a new layer of interaction and exploration to the evolution process. This mechanic does not exist in the TCG.

Q8: What happens if you skip evolution in the video games?

Skipping an evolution in the video games does not permanently halt it. The Pokémon will simply attempt to evolve again upon the next level up, unless it’s holding an Everstone or has reached level 100. This allows players to keep their Pokemon in earlier stages for longer. In the TCG, you don’t “skip” evolution, you simply choose to not evolve until you think it is a good time.

Q9: Which Pokémon should I not evolve? Are there any Pokémon that are better unevolved?

Some Pokémon are strategically better in their unevolved forms due to specific abilities, moves, or matchups in particular formats. Examples often cited include:

Pikachu: Sometimes preferred over Raichu for specific strategies.
Dusclops: Some players have preferred Dusclops over Dusknoir for specific abilities.

Q10: What Pokémon can never evolve?

Several Pokémon cannot evolve, often because they are Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. These include:

Unown
Mew
Celebi
Jirachi
Deoxys
Manaphy
Phione

Q11: Should I max CP (Combat Points) before evolving in Pokémon GO?

No, it doesn’t matter. Evolving a Pokémon only changes its base stats, not its level or IVs (Individual Values). The CP a Pokémon gets after evolution is determined by these underlying stats. Powering up before or after evolving won’t change the final CP.

Q12: Is it better to wait to evolve in Pokémon GO for more XP?

Waiting to evolve Pokémon that you haven’t registered in your Pokédex in Pokémon GO is a good idea. You get more XP for a new Pokédex entry. Pop a Lucky Egg for even more XP!

Q13: Should I fully upgrade a Pokémon before evolving in Pokémon GO?

It’s generally better to evolve a Pokémon before investing a lot of Stardust in powering it up. The reason is that you can’t predict the move set it will learn after evolving. Evolve first, and if the evolved form has the moves you want, then invest the Stardust.

Q14: What can I do if I go second in the Pokémon TCG? What advantages do I have?

Going second has specific advantages:

Play Supporters: The player going second can play Trainers, Supporters, and Stadiums on their first turn, which can lead to strategic advantages.
Faster Setup: They can potentially set up their board more quickly than the player going first.
First Attack: They will get to attack one turn earlier than the player who went first.

Q15: How does the “EX rule” affect evolution strategies in the Pokémon TCG?

The “EX rule” is a specific mechanic from older sets that is now relevant again in the new Paradox Rift set, with the reintroduction of Ancient and Future Pokémon with EX forms. Pokémon EX grant the opponent two Prize cards when knocked out, so be mindful when using them. While it doesn’t directly affect the act of evolving, it makes you consider whether the risk of an EX Pokémon getting knocked out early is worth the benefits of having that evolved form on the field.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of Pokémon evolution is crucial for both the Trading Card Game and the video games. While you can’t evolve on the first turn, whether you go first or second, mastering the timing and strategic considerations of evolution can significantly enhance your gameplay. Always consider the trade-offs between immediate power and long-term strategy. Consider the way the GamesLearningSociety.org approaches learning, and apply that mindset to your games! Understanding your Pokémon is a game of strategy that everyone can learn.

Can I evolve if I go second?