build-tcg-deck

name	build-tcg-deck
locale	caveman-ultra
source_locale	en
source_commit	82c77053
translator	Julius Brussee homage — caveman
translation_date	2026-04-19
description	Build a competitive or casual trading card game deck. Covers archetype selection, mana/energy curve analysis, win condition identification, meta-game positioning, and sideboard construction for Pokemon TCG, Magic: The Gathering, Flesh and Blood, and other TCGs. Use when building a new deck for a tournament format or casual play, adapting an existing deck to a changed meta-game, evaluating whether a new set warrants a deck change, or converting a deck concept into a tournament-ready list.
license	MIT
allowed-tools	Read Grep Glob WebFetch WebSearch
metadata	{"author":"Philipp Thoss","version":"1.0","domain":"tcg","complexity":"intermediate","language":"natural","tags":"tcg, deck-building, pokemon, mtg, fab, strategy, meta, archetype"}

Build TCG Deck

Construct TCG deck archetype → final optimization. Works across Pokemon TCG, MTG, FaB, other major TCGs.

Use When

• New deck for tournament format or casual
• Adapt existing deck to changed meta
• Eval whether new card/set warrants change
• Teach deck construction principles
• Convert concept → tournament-ready list

In

• Required: Game (Pokemon TCG, MTG, FaB, etc.)
• Required: Format (Standard, Expanded, Modern, Legacy, Blitz, etc.)
• Required: Goal (competitive, casual, budget)
• Optional: Preferred archetype (aggro, control, combo, midrange)
• Optional: Budget constraints
• Optional: Current meta (top decks, expected field)

Do

Step 1: Define Archetype

Choose strategic identity.

1. ID available archetypes in format:
   • Aggro: Early pressure + efficient attackers
   • Control: Answer threats, win late via card advantage
   • Combo: Assemble card combos → powerful synergy / instant wins
   • Midrange: Flexible, shifts aggro ↔ control
   • Tempo: Resource advantage via efficient timing + disruption
2. Select based on:
   • Playstyle
   • Meta positioning (what beats top?)
   • Budget (combo needs specific expensive)
   • Format legality (bans, rotation)
3. ID 1-2 primary win conditions:
   • How does deck actually win?
   • Ideal game state to reach?
4. State archetype + win condition clearly

→ Clear archetype + win conditions. Specific enough to guide selection, flexible to adapt.

If err: No archetype feels right → start w/ strongest individual cards, let archetype emerge from pool. Sometimes best deck built around a card, not concept.

Step 2: Build Core

Select cards defining strategy.

1. Core engine (12-20 cards depending on game):
   • Directly enable win condition
   • Max legal copies
   • Non-negotiable — deck fails w/o
2. Support (8-15):
   • Find/protect core