The Dreaded Broken Combo
How to break the Pokemon TCG Partner Battles format: Use Porygon-Z‘s Crazy Code ability to attach Draw Energy to a pokemon. Then, use Espeon‘s Energy Return Poke-Power to return the Draw Energy to your hand. Repeat until you’ve drawn your entire deck. Finally, use Unown‘s HAND ability to win the game.
The combo has plenty of draw effects to help ensure that the combo can be set up in 1 turn. (Note: This article was posted prior to the rule which disallows playing a supporter on the first turn.)
In the first game played with this deck, it won on the first turn of the game. The opponent didn’t have an opportunity to play any cards.
As a result, the Partner Battles rules team has decided to add Espeon (AQ 11) to the Partner Battles watchlist, as it seems to be the card in this combo most likely to create similar combos with other cards. The rules team are also keeping a close eye on Unown (LOT 91) as a possible alternate ban target, if it should find itself in another broken combo.
What is the Partner Battles watchlist?
The watchlist is where problematic cards go while the rules team decides what to do with them. If the rules team can’t find a way to fit them onto the restricted list, they may be banned in the future.
If your deck contains any cards on the watchlist, you must tell your opponent before the game. Your opponent may have you replace any and all watchlisted cards with a basic energy card of your choice.
As of the date of publication, Espeon (AQ 11) is the only card on the watchlist. You can always check the Banned, Restricted, and Watched Cards page for the most current info.
You can participate in the discussion about Espeon (AQ 11) and other cards on the Banned, Restricted, & Watched Cards list on the Partner Battles Rules document on Google Docs.
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