The Bench & Active Pokémon

Understanding the interplay between your Active Pokémon and your Benched Pokémon is fundamental to mastering Pokémon TCG Live. This section will guide you through the strategic deployment and management of your Pokémon on the playfield.

The Active Spot: Your Front Line

The Active Spot is where your primary attacker and defender resides. Only the Pokémon in this spot can directly attack your opponent's Active Pokémon. However, being Active also means being vulnerable to all incoming attacks and effects.

Starting the Game: At the beginning of a match, after shuffling your deck and drawing your initial hand of seven cards, you must choose one Basic Pokémon from your hand to place face down in your Active Spot. If you do not have any Basic Pokémon in your initial hand, you must declare a Mulligan.
Attacking: To attack, your Active Pokémon must have the necessary Energy cards attached to it, matching the attack cost listed on the card. Attacks are declared during your Attack Phase.
Retreating: You can switch your Active Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon by paying its Retreat Cost (indicated by colorless Energy symbols in the bottom right corner of the card). This action can only be performed once per turn during your turn, before attacking. Dragging your Active Pokémon to the Bench and selecting a new Active Pokémon will prompt you to discard the required Energy cards.
Knock Outs: If your Active Pokémon takes damage equal to or exceeding its HP, it is Knocked Out. It is then moved to your discard pile, and your opponent takes a Prize card. You must then promote a Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. If you have no Benched Pokémon, you lose the game.

The Bench: Strategic Reserves

The Bench is where you can stage up to five additional Pokémon, preparing them for battle or protecting them from direct attacks. While Benched Pokémon cannot attack, they can still evolve, have Energy attached to them, and utilize certain Abilities.

Placing Pokémon on the Bench: During your turn, you can play any Basic Pokémon from your hand directly onto your Bench. You can also evolve Benched Pokémon by playing the corresponding Evolution card on top of them.
Bench Capacity: You are limited to a maximum of five Benched Pokémon at any given time. If you try to play a sixth Basic Pokémon or evolve a Pokémon when your Bench is full, the game will prevent you.
Protecting Weakness: Keep Pokémon with a disadvantageous Weakness (e.g., a Grass-type Pokémon against a Fire-type opponent) on the Bench until absolutely necessary. This prevents them from being easily Knocked Out.
Setting Up Evolutions: The Bench is crucial for setting up your evolved Pokémon. Attach Energy to Basic Pokémon on your Bench, then evolve them into Stage 1 or Stage 2 Pokémon to prepare powerful attackers. For example, attaching Energy to a Benched Charmander before evolving it into Charmeleon and then Charizard.
Utilizing Abilities: Many Pokémon have Abilities that function while they are on the Bench. For instance, a Bibarel with the "Industrious Incisors" Ability allows you to draw cards until you have 5 cards in your hand, even while Benched. Keep an eye out for these strategic assets!

Switching and Manipulation

Several Trainer cards and Pokémon Abilities allow for strategic manipulation of your Active and Benched Pokémon, offering crucial tactical advantages.

Switching Trainer Cards:
- Switch: This Item card allows you to switch your Active Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon without paying any Retreat Cost. This is invaluable for saving a damaged Pokémon or bringing in a fresh attacker.
- Escape Rope: Both players switch their Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon. Your opponent chooses first. This can disrupt your opponent's strategy or force out a powerful Active Pokémon.
- Gusting Effects: Cards like Boss's Orders (a Supporter card) allow you to choose one of your opponent's Benched Pokémon and switch it with their Active Pokémon. This is a powerful tool for targeting vulnerable Pokémon or those with high Retreat Costs.
Pokémon Abilities: Some Pokémon have Abilities that facilitate switching. For example, a Pokémon with a free Retreat Cost can often be switched in and out of the Active Spot without penalty, offering great flexibility.

Mastering the art of managing your Active and Benched Pokémon is a cornerstone of success in Pokémon TCG Live. Always consider your opponent's board state, your hand, and your prize cards when making decisions about who to promote and who to keep on the Bench.