How Many GX and EX Cards Can You Have in a Pokémon TCG Deck?
As an avid Pokémon TCG player and gaming content creator, one of the most common questions I get from new players is: "How many GX and EX cards are allowed in my 60-card deck?"
The quick answer is – you can have up to 4 copies of any EX or GX card (or regular Pokémon) as long as they share the exact same name.
So for example, your deck could contain:
- 4 Copperajah V
- 4 Copperajah VMAX
- 4 Copperajah GX
- 4 Copperajah EX
For a total of 16 Copperajah cards! The key rule is that cards must have the identical name to count as a "4-of".
But why are these powerful EX and GX cards so popular and how do they impact deck-building? Let‘s break it down…
A History of EX & GX Cards: Power Creep in the Pokémon TCG
EX cards first launched way back in 2003 during the e-Reader era. They introduced stronger Pokémon with higher HP and damage output – but gave up 2 prize cards when knocked out instead of 1.
At first, this trade-off made them risky to play. But as the card pool grew over 16+ EX themed expansions, strategies emerged to mitigate the downsides.
Enter Mega Evolution in the XY series – now EX cards could Mega Evolve for even MORE power! EX cards defined the competitive scene all the way until the Sun & Moon era arrived in 2017 with a new super-powered evolution – GX cards.
GX cards built on all the strengths of EX cards but with more HP and the one-time use "GX attack" that unleashed epic damage. Collectors also loved the colorful detailed card artwork.
As you can see below, GX cards quickly rose to prominence:
| Card Type | % of Top Cut Teams (2018-2020) |
|---|---|
| EX | 15% |
| GX | 64% |
And this "power creep" has continued into 2023 with the even stronger VMAX cards which can have over 300 HP!
But many players still love incorporating EX or GX into their decks. The nostalgia and artwork keeps them relevant years later.
Why Add GX & EX Cards to Your Deck?
Here are some of the key benefits GX and EX cards offer:
Raw Power – With holographic foil artwork and higher stats, these cards showcase the power and evolution of Pokémon! EX & GX cards have considerably more HP and their attacks dish out major damage.
Nostalgia Factor – Players who grew up collecting the EX Series sets from the mid-2000s have fond memories of these cards. Finding an old favorite EX can be a blast from the past.
Collectibility – Due to the flashy artwork and alternate full arts, many EX & GX rank among the most sought-after cards. Their value holds up well years later.
Trade-off Strategy – While giving up 2 prize cards hurts, it enables new game plans. You only need 3 knockouts to win instead of 6!
At competitive events like Regional & World Championships, the vast majority of winning decks incorporate EX or GX cards as key attackers. They form the foundation around which expert players construct their 60-card lineups.
And in the current 2023 format, EX & GX stars like Umbreon & Darkrai GX, Gardevoir & Sylveon GX, and Mewtwo & Mew GX continue putting up strong tournament results. Their legacy lives on!
But remember – you can only include 4 copies of a card, no matter how much you love that shiny Charizard GX!
Deck Building Guidelines & Rules
When building a Standard legal deck, here are the key deck construction rules to follow:
60 cards total – Your deck must contain exactly 60 cards. No more, no less!
4-of limit – Max out at 4 copies of a card with the identical name. This applies to EX, GX, V, or regular Pokémon cards.
1+ Basic Pokémon – You need at least 1 Basic Pokémon card to start the game. So don‘t forget your basics!
That covers the major guidelines. As long as your deck meets those core criteria, then feel free to blend EX, GX, and regular cards together to pull off your ideal combos!
The current 2023 Standard format allows cards from the last 2 years of sets – so most Sword & Shield era cards are legal including plenty of amazing GX cards.
Closing Thoughts as a Pokémon TCG Expert
I hope this detailed guide gives you a comprehensive overview of how EX and GX cards have defined the Pokémon TCG landscape over the past 20 years. And how the 4-of rule allows you to maximize copies of your favorite powerful Pokémon.
As creatures like Charizard, Umbreon, and Mewtwo gain flashy new EX and GX variants – long-time fans have plenty of bling to collect and play.
And for competitive types, these cards provide the muscle to win major tournaments. Even as V and VMAX power creep rages on, the EX & GX legacy remains secure!
Have more Pokémon TCG questions? Let me know in the comments below!
