Base–Gym (Classic Extended)

The final evolution of the original Haymaker archetype. Rocket's Zapdos has no weakness and Electroburn hits for 70 damage — enough to one-shot most Pokémon. Erika's Jigglypuff gives a chance at Turn 1 wins with PlusPower. Erika's Dratini stalls against heavy hitters. Heavy Trainer engine with 35 Trainers.

The most degenerate deck of the format — runs 41 Trainers. Turn 1: play Erika cards to draw, hit opponent down to 4 cards with Imposter Oak's Revenge, strip more with Rocket's Sneak Attack, then finish with The Rocket's Trap to leave them with zero cards in hand. Turn 2: Do the Wave for 60+ damage with PlusPower for easy KOs. Games were often over before the opponent played a card.

Uses Psyduck's Headache attack Turn 1 to block Trainers, then evolves to Dark Vileplume for permanent Trainer lock via Hay Fever. Snorlax becomes the main attacker, safe from Energy Removal and Super Energy Removal. Snorlax's Thick Skinned power also allows risk-free use of Dark Gloom's Pollen Stench coin flip. Whoever wins the opening coin flip against Wigglytuff/Trapper typically wins the game.

A dedicated mill/stall deck. Kangaskhan and Chansey wall while the deck uses Computer Error and Imposter Professor Oak to force the opponent to draw through their deck. Moltres's Wildfire attack discards cards from the top of the opponent's deck. Energy Removal and Super Energy Removal prevent the opponent from attacking. Tickling Machine forces unfavorable coin flips.

Brock's Ninetales uses Shapeshift to copy the attacks of evolved Pokémon like Misty's Gyarados and Dark Blastoise. Brock's Protection makes Ninetales immune to Energy Removal and Super Energy Removal. Chansey walls early while the board develops. The premier Gym Leader-themed competitive deck of the format.

The winning deck from the first major organized event in Pokémon TCG history — the 2000 Super Trainer Showdown aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA (~6,000 attendees). Fast, aggressive, all-Basic Pokémon lineup means zero setup time. Mewtwo's Energy Absorption provides energy recursion. Maxes out on draw Trainers to cycle through the deck quickly.

Wigglytuff's Do the Wave combined with Mewtwo as an Energy Absorption attacker. Muk shuts down opposing Pokémon Powers — Blastoise's Rain Dance, Alakazam's Damage Swap, and Mr. Mime's Invisible Wall all stop working. No Removal Gym protects energy from removal. Rocket's Sneak Attack provides Turn 1 hand disruption.

Venusaur's Energy Trans Pokémon Power moves Grass Energy freely between your Pokémon. Combined with Rainbow Energy (which counts as Grass while attached), Mewtwo absorbs energy, attacks, then has it moved away before taking a knockout. Pokémon Center heals all damage since energy can be moved off before playing it. Kangaskhan stalls early.

Aerodactyl's Prehistoric Power prevents both players from evolving Pokémon. Since this deck runs mostly Basics (Mewtwo, Mr. Mime, Chansey, Ditto), it doesn't need evolution while locking opponents out of theirs. Erika's Dratini blocks damage while stalling. Mysterious Fossil brings out Aerodactyl without needing a Basic.

Uses Dodrio's Retreat Aid to freely alternate between Lt. Surge's Raticate (Super Fang halves the opponent's remaining HP) and Mr. Mime (Meditate finishes them off). Resistance Gym provides defensive support. Heavy energy denial with Energy Removal and Super Energy Removal completes the control strategy.