Quick Links
The Pikachu ex and Zapdos ex is one of the most popular decks inPokemon TCG Pocket, and for good reason. This deck is highly consistent, has good damage output, and is strong against the Starmie and Articuno ex deck that is also in the top tier.
This deck relies on Pikachu ex’s Circle Circuit, which deals increased damage according to how many Pokemon you have on the bench. Below, we’ll take a look at all the cards you need to build this deck, how to play it, and some of its matchups.
Pikachu And Zapdos ex Decklist
The stars of this deck arePikachu exandZapdos ex, which are both very strong BasicElectric-type attackers. Pikachu’s Circle Circuit is capable of dealing90 damage for just two Energy, but itrequires three Pokemon to be on the bench. This is why we includetwo copies of Voltorb and Electrode, so that we can fill the bench early and take full advantage of Circle Circuit.
Zapdos offers an alternative method for offense, butrelies on coin flips to deal high damage. This can be risky, especially with three Energy cost, soPikachu is often better for consistency.
The remaining cards in the deck are to support these Pokemon, withGiovanni, Sabrina, Poke Ball, and Professor’s Researchbeing staples in most strong decks. Here are all the cards you need.
Pikachu ex/Zapdos ex
Pikachu ex x2
Zapdos ex x2
Voltorb x2
Electrode x2
Giovanni x2
Sabrina x2
Potion x2
Poke Ball x2
Professor’s Research x2
This deck requires you to open cards fromall three Genetic Apex packs, so it can take a bit of luck to fully put it together. To make things a bit easier, you canswap out Zapdos ex for normal Zapdos, or useone copy of Zapdosand swap in aPincurchinfor Paralyze support.
Deck Strategy
The main strategy of this deck is toget Pikachu up as soon as possible, thenfill your bench with your remaining Pokemon. Since this deck mainly includes Basic Pokemon, you cantake advantage of Poke Ball todraw the rest of your Pokemonand then set them up on the bench.
Zapdos and Voltorb/Electrode are also good starting cards, especially against decks that playEnergy acceleration cardslike Misty, Gardevoir, or Moltres ex.Electrode has no retreat cost, making it a great choice forsetting up Energy on Pikachu, and with only one retreat cost,Zapdos ex can be retreated for free using X Speed.
Zapdos also hasPeck, whichcosts only one Energy, making it a great option toget out some damage early on, especially against Water-type decks where Peck would be super effective.
Overall, the strategy of this deck is fairly straightforward and easy to get the hang of, which is one of the reasons it’s so strong.
Deck Matchups
As mentioned above, this deck is veryfavorable against Water-type deck matchups, especially theStarmie and Articuno ex deck. If they set up Staryu in the active spot, aZapdos ex using Peck with Giovannican instantly take it down, giving you time toset up energy on Zapdos or Pikachuon the bench.
In general, this deckdoes well in most type-neutral matchupsthanks to Pikachu’sefficient energy-to-damage ratio. That said, this deck is at abig disadvantage against Fighting-type deckslikeMarowak ex or Machamp ex. Luckily, these decks aren’t as prevalent as other options, so the number of decks Pikachu ex is weak to is fairly limited.
