Top Meta Decks Pokemon TCG Pocket Tier List

[@elliottkashner8481]

Thumbs up to this format. I like the counter balance of having a strictly meta deck list and then an off meta deck list in separate videos. My moods for tcgs bounce back and forth between “I want to try hard” and “I want to experiment.”

[@darkly7749]

I really enjoy how no-nonsense this video format is, it's clean, to the point and tells me everything I need to know at a glance (including where to get said cards).

[@mattlepinski]

I really appreciate the little graphic that shows which packs to open to get each of the cards in the deck!! Overall, just a very high production value video!

[@lukaskaune5789]

I love the exclusion of the A tier, I am all for the commentary 😆

[@lukaskaune5789]

I am finding a lot of success with that Flareon - Greninja deck Jeff highlighted on stream this week when facing the S-tier decks (to be fair I have not tournament tested it). Maybe there's still some hope for breaking into A-tier before the next card release?

[@roboticvenom1935]

@@lukaskaune5789 could you show mthe video that was in please/livetstream? i would like to see him play it

[@lukaskaune5789]

@ it’s from this stream: kzbin.infoE64_KL8vEXs?si=E4fiS9WcFAxdv3hv

[@steventaylor9962]

This was a fantastic format Jeff. Well communicated, and easy to wrap brain around as a new player. The included deck lists as a representative sample were quite helpful to give a clear example if I wanted to try it out, and visually the layout of the video makes it very easy to search after the fact for a particular deck. Finally the reality of the big 3's power over everything else can't and shouldn't be denied, so appreciate the honesty there. Keep these up!

[@premier9435]

Been a fan of yours since I started playing MTG and watching MTG content back in 2012, love your work and glad you still play games I enjoy playing too 😂

[@methmeth]

I love you explaining the variation in these decks. Makes it more likely we have one list as long as we have the EXs

[@TheFundler]

Dude you did such a great job in this video. Thank you. So concise, and very well well spoken. Knowledgeable and unbiased.

[@BugCatcherClay]

Appeasing the engagement gods. Great video Jeff! This style of content is solid both for those who just wanna netdeck and to just have an idea of what to expect when playing on ladder or competitively.

[@Soperman223]

I like that this format makes it explicit how good/consistent each deck is, while your other meta roundup videos are structured in a way that it can be easy as a viewer to lose track of which decks are actually good, which decks look fun and can high roll, and which decks just look fun but aren’t particularly strong (although I do personally prefer seeing all of the experimental decks because that’s what I like more as a player) With that said I’m more than happy to watch both videos, love your breakdowns and analysis!

[@rivhi7974]

Including the decks and their variations is fantastic for people like me who don’t really keep up that much with the tournament meta to see what new deck inclusions pop up to try ourselves. Love it

[@cheezeygamer1012]

I love that you add the pack point costs for each deck. deserves a sub

[@Arcadium7]

This formatting perfect, thanks Jeff!

[@DavionAngeles]

Now this how you drop a Pokemon TCG Pocket video. FROM NOW ON, THIS IS HOW YOU DO VIDEOS!!! Amazing work Jeff. The quality of your content stands out in a sea of creators all making the same videos, discussing decks, and cherry-picking the best matches. Yes, you cover that too, but you never settle for just that. You always go above and beyond, constantly raising the bar. I can’t wait for your next video!

[@HooglandiaPocket]

Here is hoping some day the Al-Gor-Rithm decides to start showing my videos to people.

[@echris10sen]

​@HooglandiaPocket KZbin nerd tip that's counter intuitive. Don't turn on the notify subscribers button. It makes sure it always goes to a live feed. Some guy called Pirate software says this in one of his vids and he blew up overnight.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

@@echris10sen those types of tricks generally speaking don't work. If they did everyone would be KZbin millionaire. There is a TON of "survivorship bias" in the content space where people doing best practices tell you that is how you take off - for every person they are working for there are lots of others they don't.

[@echris10sen]

@HooglandiaPocket Fair enough but every little bit helps. Rather vids go to live audience than dead accounts.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

@@echris10sen this channel is less than two months old. There aren't a bunch of dead accounts subbed to it.

[@YourTamedLion]

You still have the higest quality of these meta reports in terms of presentation, explanation and time efficiency. Making this the easy choice to stay up to date without spending too much time on it. Good job and thanks 👍

[@drumstep9135]

I think this video was formatted perfectly. Good explanation of each deck and it's potential variations.

[@ellahazan-fuchs7249]

This has been the best format for this video so far for me, keep up the amazing work!

[@leventhumps3861]

I like the format and the pace of your videos. It’s straight to the point and data!

[@robertrodriguezjr.5811]

The format of this video is great! Sample deck lists and specifics about them is appreciated. Thank you so much for these and the best deck videos on the Marvel Snap side. You sir, are the best!

[@Azn69r]

As always top content, thanks a lot Jeff !

[@warofonslaught]

I appreciate the deck lists and their variations/options. The graphics are also well done. Two thumbs up!

[@Poooopdollar]

Jeff always putting out quality content. I love the deck specifics, it really helps players like myself that don't have every card to either focus on crafts or which packs to open. GGs!

[@wickler9843]

I liked the format of the video a lot. The sample decklists help out a lot. I wouldnt mind even going into more detail about matchups or substitutions in the decklists. But its also pretty great as is! :)

[@fathercammy]

This was awesome! Been watchin your content in all your different card game adventures! Loved the deck lists! Loved the format! More like this!!

[@skotiaH2O]

great analysis! every player should watch this video to have a good understanding of the current meta.

[@jeff3221]

Really great video man. Concise, highly informative sample deck lists and commentary, and the card point cost and card locations is a fantastic touch. Keep it up!

[@cbgumbert]

Perfect breakdown and supporting data imo, feels similar to your Snap breakdowns which are my go-to 100% of the time. Thanks Jeff!

[@murderpoet101]

Super useful, concise, easy/fun to look at.

[@JudgementWeasel]

I really like the format, and I appreciate the work put into the decklists I find sometimes with tier lists it can be hard to follow along, especially if you're not as caught up with the meta. The visuals are a huge aid!

[@ThaddTheChadd]

I love the way you had everything layed out. Very clean

[@lucky_mouse]

I think this might be my favorite among all the formats you've ever done, even for other games. The layouts look amazing, and the commentary and the lists are crystal-clear as well. You and your editor have outdone yourselves once more. 👏👏

[@robertcote3488]

Love the format, great stuff as always!

[@knotmaggot9588]

Love the format and commentary. I also liked the variations within each of the shells (especially Pika).

[@yougotsnail8266]

This format was perfect for what I was looking for! I like hearing the alternatives you could play for cards you may not have too! Or specific reasoning why you want cards like Giovani in the Blaine deck to meet that 100 hp checkpoint. Great video!

[@mathewchaney5411]

Top-notch editing quality! Excellent content! Huzzah!

[@benb.8170]

Like it Jeff! Keep this format going~🎉

[@Grayfox541]

Thank you for the video! I really like this format. Really good explanations and really easy-to-understand visuals.

[@felipefagundes7136]

The format on the video is great! Maybe a little more detail on each deck's matchups and substitutions would be welcome... Anyway, great work and thanks for the content!

[@hisfriend2892]

This format is very helpful. Noting specific card techs for individual matchups like Arcanine EX is particularly useful.

[@joshuadavis8265]

Good video, loved the format

[@elfhririn]

Your script & graphic in this vid takes my 1 ptcgp youtube sub slot. Honestly, glad i found this vid, the rest of the channels were much less consise & useful. Well done. Keep me around :)

[@shinyNickShark]

I was about to comment why no A tier, i guess thats why you watch the whole video. Great video. Love sample lists and hope you keep making these formats of videos. This plus your weekend tournament round up are videos i will recommend to everyone new starting pocket.

[@chazclark86]

Good Structure Jeff, very informative, showing the graphics is also great. Also your deck builds are awesome! Keep up the good work sir!!

[@friendlyfella364]

Easily the best produced and best edited meta analysis. I wouldn't change a thing.

[@PrettyChillwt]

I have really no notes for this format. I think having the deck list examples help a lot especially when explaining variants of the archetype. Good stuff and hope to see more like this.

[@blankface911]

Love the format my guy, keep it up.

[@shenronsgoldfish]

I love this super good content and very easy to digest, you're crushing it.

[@LapizDragon]

Love this format - digging through tournament data manually is a pain and this summary is a great way to start jumping into competitive decks. One thing I'd like to see more of is explanation/reasoning behind your strong opinions on red card and >4 basics. I think I understand the latter better but if you have a clip or video somewhere about either let me know.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

I'll get around to the red card math video this month at some point. The proof is in the pudding for more basics though. All the top decks have optimized to playing five or more at this point.

[@JuicyJaelynn]

I personally really like the deck lists being present because I enjoy seeing how the lists get optimized over time. That and I don’t know where else to find the meta deck lists lmao

[@brotherghoulish]

Looove your meta breakdowns

[@josephchambers4509]

Loved this format!

[@MrEmafon4]

Loved this format, please keep it up.

[@bjc21]

Dig this format, the sample decks are quite useful, and appreciate the more in-depth deck list discussion. For example, the Blaine deck and breakpoints, getting into the weeds of the deck building there is nice. I’d much prefer this format to the alternative (just dropping things in a tier list)

[@MDM2-MDMX]

Very nice video, I like this format

[@CardKitchen]

This is way better then standard tierlist where’s articuno greninja seems to be performing the best of the greninja but didn’t see it here

[@HooglandiaPocket]

I verbally mentioned that Greninja variations include Articunco over Starmie sometimes. That archetype in general doesn't have enough sample size to make conclusions about which are strictly best - people speculating on this newest flavor that spiked a tournament being ideal are just clickbaiting this early.

[@nunyabusiness233]

Internet loves tier lists. I found it interesting and really liked having sample deck lists. Gives me ideas for things I might want to try.

[@alanruiz6566]

Best format so far! Loved getting into each deck and different tech cards. Also appreciate still going through the S Tier. I want to know the most optimized lists of the decks I’m playing! Keep up the good work

[@xaviermontes4268]

Love this format for the video.

[@ryty0591]

Love the video! I am surprised you didn’t include 18t-Rattata in the S tier though.

[@alaabenfadhel6406]

This format is perfect!

[@nokiahaler]

Thanks for the Alakazam+Exeggutor deck, named mine Zam and Eggs

[@Valkaiden]

With the early prevalence of Mewtwo decks I built up a dark deck around Nidoking, Muk, and Weezing. Gives a lot of flexibility and Nidoking is a huge surprise to a lot of folks I would say from my experience.

[@MrMfpd]

Yep I don't have the cards to compete apples to apples and don't really have an answer for pikach. But it's been fun fighting above my weight with dark.

[@DinoConV]

I really enjoyed this structure. The sample lists and discussions on small variations was great! Coming from SNAP though, I wouldn't mind having a couple "Jeff's Picks" for fun non-tiered brews, too.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

Did you catch my off meta round up from Monday? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaTckqiNocqtZ7c

[@DinoConV]

@@HooglandiaPocket I did! Wasn't sure if this video was meant to be in addition to or in lieu of that content going forward.

[@fabiobelmonte6069]

Absolutely useful video

[@jaycezis]

Starmie greninja is the best deck I have without spending pack points. I used a modified version of the list (in b tier) for the pvp event. Great video!

[@Lycandros]

I find the sample deck lists very helpful.

[@vecheeto21]

Damn Jeff went in on Dragonite 😆, very understandable however, i still took it to a tourney and went 4-1 missing top cut by one win which makes me proud, hopefully we get more support cards to make the deck a little more faster

[@BeniahMillar]

I like that you included deck lists

[@DavidRodriguezJr]

Dragonite joins the Kang Tier.

[@stevenpeters9038]

D-Tier is SOLIDLY above Kang Tier! Hurting that poor Dragon's feelings.

[@Ragnarokandroll]

Nice video! Maybe a “Jeff’s Picks” section similar to the Snap videos where you highlight low played but potentially good/fun off meta stuff to keep an eye on

[@someone999555]

While i get the exclusion of the a tier based on results, i do think if theres one deck that can go there, its the greninja water decks. Yes, it may not have the results yet, but thats also because of how dominant pika has been, especially before people worked out consistent mewtwo and charizard decks. Now that the usage rate across the big three is more spread out, i recon gren water decks very well could see results befitting that a tier. Personally im partial to the baby and ex articuno variant, but i think the archetype in general just feels like a cut above the other b tier decks. Just my take, and i realize the results arent there yet, but i have faith in the deck getting them moving forward.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

The idea that Pikachu is the only problem match up for Greninja decks isn't reflected in the data. Looking at match up tables they are often bad into Mewtwo as well depending on the builds.

[@someone999555]

@HooglandiaPocket is it? I tend to only check tournament data from the bigger ones, but within those, when i look at the gren decks that perform well, the only match-up i see the deck frequently lose a disproportionate amount into is pikachu. mewtwo record always seems to be pretty even, ergo it coming down to who draws better. Now granted, looking at the top performing decks only skews that data in favour of the greninja decks, but its still noteworthy when the gren decks face 5-6 mewtwo decks in a tournament and lose to one or two of those only.

[@hydr3537]

Is there a reason why the white card slot in the ninetales deck is given to farfetchd instead of sleep jigglypuff? The sleep stall seems to do its job well if your draw was bad.

[@PatrickBrophy]

Still love playing Blaine with the Pigeot line or my shitty Dragon Wall deck where it’s Dragonite ramping in the back while either Kangaskhan or Snorlax are getting beat on. It reminds me of playing a Maze’s End deck with fogs during R2R MtG standard.

[@benjaminwatkins429]

The little infographic to show where each card comes from is easy to parse

[@pyrolatry87]

GREAT VIDEO!!!🎉

[@bzzt5902]

It's a little shocking seeing the blastoise vs misty builds side by side like that, just how much space those stage 2 builds take up in a build. Still prefer the blastoise version, but just a handy visual for me to keep in mind.

[@burn8tor16]

Loved this format.

[@thebridgeninja]

Loved it. How does the promo mankey stack up?

[@HooglandiaPocket]

Not being played in any successful decklists really. Just gets KO'd by too many things before really getting setup a lot of the time.

[@alexvidelaarancibia262]

very good video but I would have liked to see some interesting decks in the current meta like the wigglytuff + greninja or the Greninja + Mewtwo are interesting options to see within that tier list

[@HooglandiaPocket]

I covered off meta decks finding success on Monday here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaTckqiNocqtZ7c Can't remotely objectively measure decks without meaningful play rates.

[@tetravisum]

Dragonite is a lot of fun, but what's really funny to me is how many people on tiktok and other social media are convinced that it's OP

[@djsuswbsb]

I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say it’s OP lmao. I’ve seen more jokes about it failing to set up more than anything.

[@LLBB1021]

Dragonite and grenninja deck is so fun (especially noex mode) but 2 stage 3s is so difficult to get online

[@mattlepinski]

Does anyone know if we have a date for the mini-set? I hope the new cards are successful in shaking up the metagame a bit.

[@realf8]

So the d in d tier stands for dragon.. right? .. RIGHT?😢

[@Havok91]

As an Alakazam main, I can definitely agree with the consistency issues, but man. When he gets rolling, he's nigh-unstoppable, and it's the best feeling in the world watching you and the opponent playing well, only for Alakazam to turn the whole game on its head. He's a consistent threat from the minute Abra shows up and induces a mini-mindgame where your opponent has to accurately deduce when Alakazam is going into the active zone.

[@fallguybuddy2654]

Right before the next Apex event, lets go. I like this format with the decklists shown

[@ichiryoka88]

I thought you'll show the A tier at the end of the video. I was wrong 😂

[@kaullm]

Nice vid man

[@ozzymandias7649]

I think one card that would help the meta would be a supporter card that adds an energy color of your choice, either immediately that turn or on the next energy draw. It would make multi color decks much more viable since many multi color deck are only looking for one or two of one energy type and majority of the other.

[@dimer1977]

Best format so far IMO. Only criticism would be that I'd like a bit more exposition on each deck, or if not every deck at least any newer decks or ones that have had a rise in performance. I assume you're moving fast intentionally for reasons likely based on your knowledge and experience of how these videos should work, if so understandable and play on. Great stuff overall.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

Yeah - in general I think these videos tend to be consumed by people who are loosely familiar with the archetypes, so quick high level overviews pointing out flex details is what I aim for. I also think it is tedious and boring to listen to me list every card in a deck list verbally when you can see them on screen or reference that in the description. No one need to hear me say "two pokeball two research" a dozen times.

[@dimer1977]

​@@HooglandiaPocketagree with that for sure. What I was getting at was more detail on matchups/strategy with the decks, though your overview is certainly detailed within the time you allow for it. And I guess for the deep divers we have the deck highlights. I don't want this to come across too negatively, the video was great and your best meta round up yet I think.

[@revo5124]

First tier list vid i actually plan on watching fuly😂

[@HooglandiaPocket]

I promise I'll never spend 20 minutes saying something that could be said in 10 for the sake of milking another ad roll here.

[@aamirahmed5842]

are there any alternatives to Arcinine Ex in charizard?

[@D00M3R-SK8]

I got into this game while watching you stream Snap the other day. I have mist of the best decks within less than 48 hrs. Such a stark contrast to Snap. I hope they fix the acquisition in Snap. As a paying player, even just giving more options to chose from in the token shop each day, would go a long way to alleviate some of my stress. Ofc improving the systems for the new players is paramount, but as a player who takes breaks of a few months off each year, it's always difficult for me to get hold of the cards I want when I return, even when I'm spending money.

[@D00M3R-SK8]

I'm just missing my Arcanine ex and Starmie ex to be able to make all the best decks now. I do still need some more copies of the more niche ex cards, but got a great start here.

[@moonblastx1996]

Top tier Pocket content

[@markvergara8297]

As a gengar main, I still feel like he is very underrated. I have all of these decks and still prefer to play Gengar, it could also just be the style I prefer. Gengar Ex x2 , 2 haunter, 2 gastly Jynx x2 Baby Mew2 (waller) Cons: early game is a struggle, auto dies to turn 2 pikachu, Misty with a lucky coin toss, etc. Also weak vs Mew2 Ralts deck, the fact that mew2 usually stays on 2 energy makes Jynx not a strong counter play than normal Pros: the longer you can keep the match going the stronger the deck is, having 2 gengar EX's, 2 loaded jynx is tough to deal with. By end game the opponent is usually building up heavy energy pokemon, like blastoise, venasaur, charizard, etc.

[@HooglandiaPocket]

Gengar is a fan favorite that sees regular play in tournaments and has literally never posted a result.

[@trialconesiaur1638]

My partner and I opened two full art Dragonites in a row yesterday (still don’t have the base card). Sorry Jeff, but it doesn’t matter what your silly little “data” says, the big beautiful puffy dragon will always be S-tier in my heart

[@RyanMeese-r9c]

I definitely prefer if you include a sample decklist that you feel is potentially the strongest version of each deck, like you have here

[@I_B_Not_Sane]

Personally I greatly enjoyed the sample lists to give other options for when you want to play something, and also want to not just play the same 20 cards. And versus trying to netdeck elsewhere, its nice to not have to figure out what trainer card to replace the "discard a card and make your opponent shuffle the order of cards in their hand"... I mean red card. Thanks for always having great content.

[@AvgBlue]

I prefer full deck list in the videos, I like to use videos like this for reference when I look for new decks so play

[@tonyaldante1017]

I know the data probably doesn't reflect this but I have a feeling starmie golduck has better consistency as a misty deck compared to the ones listed here, psyduck slowing down the opponent denying early draws feels pretty reasonably valuable with a card as fast and flexible as starmie ex, the health and damage thresholds line up nicely against the meta decks and a singleton basic articuno ties it together, I've been tuning into the streams and not seen you try it yet and think it would at least be enjoyable if not outright good, going first turn one psyduck misty heads is a really nice highroll scenario