What are Pokémon Single Strike cards?
A Battle Style introduced in the Sword & Shield—Battle Styles set, focusing on slow, powerful, and decisive attacks that often deliver high damage.- Identified by a red 'Single Strike' logo on the card, typically in the top right corner of the artwork.
- Gameplay often involves sacrificing resources (like discarding Energy) to achieve massive damage numbers, aiming for one-hit Knock Outs.
- Supported by a wide range of dedicated Trainer and Energy cards that enhance the Single Strike strategy.
🥊 Introduction to the Single Strike Style
The Single Strike Battle Style was a major mechanic introduced to the Pokémon TCG in March 2021 with the Sword & Shield—Battle Styles expansion. As a counterpart to the flexible Rapid Strike style, Single Strike focuses on raw power, aiming to defeat the opponent's Active Pokémon quickly and decisively, akin to a single, focused blow.
🔥 Synergy and Support
Single Strike cards are designed around maximizing damage output. They are easily identified by the red 'Single Strike' stamp on the card. The mechanic is heavily supported by dedicated cards like the powerful Single Strike Energy (which boosts damage and provides two Energy) and Houndoom (which accelerates the Energy attachment and drawing of Single Strike cards). These support cards are essential for quickly setting up an overwhelming offense.
💥 Competitive Impact
Like its counterpart, the Single Strike style was a competitive powerhouse. Decks centered on Single Strike Urshifu VMAX utilized its ability to hit for immense damage, often achieving a one-hit Knock Out against opposing Pokémon VMAX, quickly taking Prize cards and ending games. The style's consistency and destructive power kept it highly relevant in major tournaments.
🔄 Flexibility and Evolution
While its core focus is raw damage, Single Strike has featured across various Pokémon types, most notably Dark and Fighting. The style was further expanded in subsequent sets like Chilling Reign and Fusion Strike, ensuring new attackers and support options were available to keep the high-damage strategy viable throughout its time in the Standard format.
