Pokémon.com defines retreat in the Pokémon Trading Card game as, "When you switch your Active Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon." While that may seem like a simple task, the detail that makes this game mechanic shine as a strategic powerhouse is the cost associated with retreating your active Pokémon. Present at the lower right-hand corner of each Pokémon card, retreat cost is shown with anywhere from 0–5 colorless energy symbols. These denote the number of energy cards that must be attached to the Pokémon before they're discarded in order to switch your active Pokémon with a benched one. When in normal circumstances it's only possible to attach one energy card from your hand to a Pokémon on your turn, it quickly becomes apparent how a higher retreat cost on your Pokémon could mean spending more than one or two turns attaching energy only to throw them into your discard pile.

When we break it down, there's far more to retreating and to the retreat cost in the Pokémon TCG than its simple definition. In practice, retreat in Pokémon TCG means moving your Pokémon around on the playing field from a more exposed, but offensive position, to the relatively protected, passive bench position. Retreat cost remains one of the core functioning mechanics that shape Pokémon TCG strategy, and if you pay attention you'll find dozens of cards that interact with raising cost, lowering cost, or completely inhibiting the retreat of yours or your opponent's Pokémon. From the simplest Item cards like 'Switch' and 'Escape Rope' to Tool cards like 'Float Stone' or 'Air Balloon', Stadium cards like 'Beach Court' and 'Galar Mine', and even Pokémon Abilities like Spidops ex's 'Trap Territory', there are endless means built into the game to interact with retreat cost, creating advantage for yourself or disadvantage for your opponent.

As a name, Retreat Cost shows in-the-know fans of the franchise from around the globe our knowledge and passion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. We hope that the relative obscurity of the name sparks curiosity in those that haven't yet learned the significance of the term, thus fostering a deeper understanding about the hobby they've grown to love.

We're meeting every other Tuesday in-person at the shop in Penndel, PA!

424 W. Lincoln Hwy, Penndel, PA 19047

Learn more!

https://retreatcost.com/keystone-league-bucks-county-pokemon-card-events/

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all – we're partnering with the Morrisville Public Library for an event that's bound to be a blast for Pokémon fans of all ages. It's our first-ever trade and play event at the library, and it's shaping up to be a day filled with fun, learning, and, of course, plenty of Pokémon trading and battling.

When and Where? Mark your calendars for this Saturday! We're gathering at the Morrisville Public Library, a place known for bringing people together and now, for hosting an epic Pokémon event. It's a fantastic opportunity for fans to connect, trade cards, battle out in friendly matches, and just enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of the Pokémon community.

What's Happening?

• Trade and Play Sessions: Whether you're a seasoned trainer or new to the Pokémon TCG, there's something for everyone. Bring your cards, trade with others, and engage in battles to test your skills and strategies.
• Learning Opportunities: New to the Pokémon Trading Card Game? No worries! We'll have sessions to help you learn the basics, understand the different types of cards, and get you ready for your first match.
• Extra Play Accessories: Thanks to Giovanni, our Store Manager, we're bringing extra play accessories like Energy Cards, Trainer Cards, some Basic Pokémon, Damage Counters, etc., to ensure everyone has what they need to participate and enjoy.

What to Expect?

• A Welcoming Environment: This event is all about fun and learning in a welcoming environment. Regardless of your experience level, you'll find yourself among friends and fellow fans eager to share their love for Pokémon.
• Table and Chair Setup: We're setting up tables and chairs to facilitate both trading and battling. Whether you prefer to sit next to your trade partner or face your opponent across the table, we've got you covered.
• Community and Connection: Events like these are a wonderful way to meet other Pokémon enthusiasts, share stories, and create memories. It's not just about the cards; it's about the community.

Join Us! This event is open to fans of all ages, and we encourage you to bring friends and family who share your passion for Pokémon. It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce someone to the Pokémon TCG or to dive deeper into your hobby with fellow enthusiasts.

I can't wait to see the community come together for this special event. Remember, it's Saturday April 6th from 2-4pm at the Morrisville Public Library. Let's make it a day to remember!

Questions, suggestions, or need more info? Feel free to reach out to me at vince@retreatcost.com. Let's make this trade and play event a huge success – see you there!

Gotta catch 'em all, Vince Pale, RetreatCost.com Owner

Check out our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/retreatcost

We've been getting a lot of growth this past year.  Pokemon has exploded!  I thought this would be a great time to change up the theme a bit and make things a bit easier to navigate at RetreatCost.com.

One big change is the addition of the Booster Packs category.  In the past it was easy to keep Booster Boxes, most ETBs, and single packs in-stock, but things have changed.  Basically, any products that contains booster packs will be in the Booster Packs category to make things easier for customers.

Also, since we've been running RetreatCost through every set since 2014 the "Shop by Set' category was getting a bit unruly.  I took some time to remove any categories for which we no longer have any available products.  

We've also changed up the theme a bit, and I welcome any feedback about the design or usability (vince@retreatcost.com)

Today, I'd like to talk about picking a good Pokémon Card gift for the trainer in your life.  It can be a daunting task shopping for Pokémon cards, especially if you're not very familiar with the game.  Here are some quick tips to help.

Discretely Find Out What Pokemon Your Trainer Likes

Pokemon have many different elemental types like Water, Fire, Grass, Electric.  Usually players, and especially beginners, tend to focus on a few certain types.  

• Fire - Orange/Red
• Water - Blue
• Grass - Green
• Lighting - Yellow
• Fighting - Brown/Orange
• Psychic - Purple
• Darkness - Black
• Metal / Steel - Gray
• Fairy - Pink

Just by looking at some of their favorite cards you can often tell what type of Pokémon they like.

Ask what their favorite Pokémon Are

Pokemon fans undoubtedly have a few select favorite Pokémon too.  My personal favorite include Mew, Flareon, Chansey and Eevee.  Often the accessories and gift boxes will feature certain Pokémon, so those accessories can be a good bet.

Know What The Pokemon Card Products Are

There are two basic ways to buy cards, which go back to the very beginning of the game almost 20 years ago, and they are Booster Packs and Decks.

A deck, or preconstructed theme deck, is a pre-built, competition legal, 60-card deck of Pokemon cards. Decks are cool because they often include a coin, rules, instructions, and everything necessary to play the game.  Decks also contain a bunch of Energy cards, like the ones shown above.  Decks are fun for kids and beginners who want to play the game, and not just collect, but aren't advnaced enough to build their own deck yet.

Many advanced players prefer booster packs because you never know what you're going to get.  A booster pack is just 10 psuedo-random cards.  Boosters always include a number of common cards, a couple uncommon cards, and a one or two Rare or Super Rare cards.  Booster packs are a great small gift for a more advanced player, or a collector.  Most gift boxes contain one or two booster packs.  Pokemon Booster packs are usually about $3 or $4 for current sets that are still in print.

Some other great gift ideas

• Elite Trainer Boxes - ETBs are nice for advanced players who play the trading card game.  They include about 9 booster packs, as well as special dice, and sleeves to protect cards during play
• Pokemon Card Tins - There are a number of cool tins and metal lunch boxes which can be a great way to get a couple extra packs, and can double as fun storage later.
• Gift Boxes - Gift boxes are often really nice if you know the featured Pokemon is one your friend / relative likes.  These products will often contain a HoloGraphic or Foil card of a rare Pokémon, and if the recipient likes that

  Pokémon, it can be a huge boost

• Binders - Binders are another great gift idea because they're helpful for players who collect and players who play the card game.  Pokemon TCG players use binders to store and protect their cards, and often to make it easier to go through their collection and pick out cards when building a deck.  There are a bunch of Pokemon Binders available now-a-days with pages that are bound into them.

I hope this was helpful!  Gotta catch 'em all!

Our Roaring Skies Boosters and Theme Decks have arrived and are ready to ship for their May 6th Launch!  Place your orders now!

The collections include 4x XY Primal Clash booster packs, an exclusive art promo card of their respective namesake, a nice figurine. 

Check out the sell sheet below, and the scans of  Promo Kyogre Primal Clash Reprint and Promo Groudon Primal Clash Reprint, both scans courtesy of Bulbepedia.

Check them out, they're priced at $20 each, and if you get both, you'll be over the $40 free shipping level.  Not too shabby if you ask me.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for using RetreatCost.com as your Pokemon TCG shop!