Tag: #31

Collector’s Guide: Lapras (Team Up #31)
Lapras (Team Up 31) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Lapras from the Team Up set is a Rare Basic Pokémon, card number 31, with 130 HP. It showcases the iconic Hydro Pump attack and a clean Ken Sugimori illustration that highlights this gentle yet formidable Water-type’s strength and charm.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Up 31 Rare 130 Ken Sugimori
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Weakness: Metal ×2
- Attacks:
- Confuse Ray: Confuses the opponent’s Active Pokémon (cost: 1 Water Energy)
- Hydro Pump: Deals 10+ damage plus 30 more damage for each Water Energy attached (cost: 1 Colorless Energy)
- Flavor Text: It likes swimming around with people on its back. In the Alola region, it’s an important means of transportation over water.
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Set: Team Up (sm9)
- Card Number: 31
- Rarity: Rare
Key Printings

This Lapras originates from the Sun & Moon series set Team Up (sm9). As a Rare Basic Pokémon with 130 HP, it is relatively durable for its era. The two attacks emphasize disruption via Confusion and scalable damage that increases based on Water Energy attachments.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants.
- Identified by card number 31 in Team Up (sm9) and the absence of a regulation mark.
- Artwork by Ken Sugimori serves as a clear visual identifier.
Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- Not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Playability in casual or other formats is not specified.
Care & Storage Tips
- Use a protective sleeve and store away from sunlight and moisture.
- Handle with clean hands; a rigid top-loader or binder helps preserve condition and value.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Up (sm9): A Sun & Moon era set featuring versatile attacks and strategic Energy use. Lapras stands out as a Rare Water-type Basic Pokémon, with Hydro Pump scaling based on Water Energy attachments.
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October 4, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Combee (Lost Thunder #31)
Combee Collector’s Guide: Lost Thunder (sm8-31)

Character Intro

Combee from the Lost Thunder set is a common Pokémon card numbered 31. It features 40 HP and a single attack, Bee March. Its straightforward design makes it a charming addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Lost Thunder 31 Common 40 Akira Komayama
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Ability: None
- Attack: Bee March (search your deck for up to 3 Combee and put them onto your Bench, then shuffle your deck)
- Flavor Text: “It collects and delivers honey to its colony. At night, they cluster to form a beehive and sleep.”
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Image:
Key Printings

This exact printing of Combee appears in the Lost Thunder set (sm8) as card number 31. It is a Common rarity card featuring artwork by Akira Komayama. No other printings or reprints of this exact card are documented.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its Grass type, Basic stage, and the unique Bee March attack. The card’s set code is sm8, it carries no regulation mark, and the Akira Komayama illustration is a helpful visual identifier.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its utility lies primarily in casual play or collection due to its ability to quickly fill the Bench with Combee.

Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its lack of rarity, it is ideal for beginner collectors or those focusing on the Lost Thunder set. Avoid bending or scratching the card to maintain its collectible value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Lost Thunder (sm8): Includes Combee as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with a unique bench-filling attack. It fits well into decks that rely on swarm tactics or Combee evolutions, though it is not tournament-legal. The set’s artwork and design emphasize the natural and communal aspects of Pokémon like Combee.
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October 4, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Articuno-GX (Celestial Storm #31)
Articuno-GX Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Articuno-GX from the Celestial Storm set is a Rare Holo GX card with 170 HP. Numbered 31 in the set, it features the ability Legendary Ascent and the attack Ice Wing, offering a vivid showcase of this iconic Pokémon.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Celestial Storm 31 Rare Holo GX 170 5ban Graphics
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic, GX
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Metal ×2
- Ability: Legendary Ascent — allows switching with Active Pokémon when played onto the Bench and moving Water Energy from other Pokémon.
- Attacks:
- Ice Wing: 130 damage, costs 2 Water + 1 Colorless Energy
- Cold Crush-GX: Discards all Energy from both Active Pokémon; limited to one GX attack per game
- Pokémon-GX Rule: When knocked out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Key Printings

This exact printing of Articuno-GX appears in the Celestial Storm expansion, identified by set code sm7 and card number 31. It is a Rare Holo GX card within the Sun & Moon series.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its card number (31), set code (sm7), and artwork by 5ban Graphics. The card’s subtypes are Basic and GX, and it carries the Water type symbol.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its GX attack, Cold Crush-GX, can only be used once per game, adding a strategic element. The Legendary Ascent ability provides tactical flexibility by enabling bench switching and energy redistribution.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the holo finish and artwork, store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface scratches. Minimize handling to maintain condition and value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Celestial Storm (sm7): Introduced Articuno-GX as a powerful Water-type Basic GX with a unique ability and strong attacks. This set is known for its diverse range of GX Pokémon and striking holo artwork, with Articuno-GX standing out as a notable collectible.
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October 3, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Volcanion ◇ (Forbidden Light #31)
Volcanion ◇ Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Volcanion ◇ from the Forbidden Light set is a Rare Prism Star card numbered 31. This Water-type Basic Pokémon has 160 HP, the ability Jet Geyser, and the attack Sauna Blast for spread damage and board control.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Forbidden Light unknown 31 Rare Prism Star 160 Naoki Saito
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic, Prism Star
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Ability: Jet Geyser — Discard a Water Energy to force opponent to switch Active Pokémon with a Benched Pokémon.
- Attack: Sauna Blast — Deals 100 damage to Active and 20 damage to each Benched opponent’s Pokémon.
- Flavor Text: “It expels its internal steam from the arms on its back. It has enough power to blow away a mountain.”
- Rules: Prism Star rule applies — only one copy allowed per deck, and if discarded, it goes to the Lost Zone instead.
Key Printings

The only known printing of Volcanion ◇ is from the Sun & Moon Forbidden Light expansion, card number 31. This printing is distinguished by its Rare Prism Star rarity and the unique Prism Star subtype.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “sm6-31” and the Prism Star symbol. The card’s illustration by Naoki Saito and its distinct ability and attack text further help identify this exact printing.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
Note that the Prism Star rule restricts deck building to only one copy of this card by name, and discarded copies are placed in the Lost Zone rather than the discard pile. This rule impacts both casual and competitive play strategies.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s vibrant illustration and condition, store Volcanion ◇ in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique Prism Star status, maintaining mint condition is advisable for collectors.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Forbidden Light (sm6): The sole set featuring Volcanion ◇, showcasing it as a powerful Water-type Prism Star with a strategic ability and a damaging attack. This set is essential for collectors seeking this specific card.
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October 3, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Piplup (Ultra Prism #31)
Piplup (Ultra Prism 31) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Piplup from Ultra Prism is a charming Common, card number 31. With 60 HP and the attack Splatter, it captures Piplup’s playful spirit in a compact, collectible snapshot.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Ultra Prism 31 Common 60 Ken Sugimori
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Abilities: None
- Attack: Splatter — Deals 20 damage to one of your opponent’s Pokémon without applying Weakness and Resistance if the target is on the Bench.
- Flavor Text: “Because it is very proud, it hates accepting food from people. Its thick down guards it from cold.”
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Print Variants: None
Key Printings

This guide focuses on the Ultra Prism set printing of Piplup, card number 31. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Piplup card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “sm5” and card number 31. The card features Ken Sugimori’s classic illustration style and the Sun & Moon Ultra Prism set branding.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- No official tournament play notes are available due to its unknown legality status.
Care & Storage Tips
- Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially the illustrated front by Ken Sugimori.
- Proper storage will maintain its collectible value and visual appeal.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Ultra Prism: Introduced Piplup as a Basic Water-type with a simple but strategic attack, “Splatter,” suitable for early-game play. The set emphasizes clean artwork and straightforward mechanics, making it accessible for collectors and players alike.
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October 3, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Snorunt (Guardians Rising #31)
Snorunt Collectors Guide: Guardians Rising (sm2-31)

Character Intro

Snorunt is a Common Pokémon card from the Guardians Rising set, numbered 31. It features 60 HP and two Water-type attacks—Chilly and Frost Breath. With no Abilities and straightforward gameplay, it’s an easy, appealing pickup for collectors, complemented by Tomokazu Komiya’s distinctive artwork.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Guardians Rising 31 Common 60 Tomokazu Komiya
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Metal ×2
- Attacks:
- Chilly (10 damage, costs 1 Water)
- Frost Breath (20 damage, costs 2 Water)
- Evolves From: None
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Abilities: None
- Flavor Text: “Their numbers seem to have rapidly increased in Alola. Custom has it that houses where Snorunt live will be prosperous for generations to come.”
Key Printings

The key printing of Snorunt in the Guardians Rising set is card number 31. This Common rarity card showcases Tomokazu Komiya’s original artwork and Snorunt’s two Water-type attacks, Chilly and Frost Breath. As a Basic Pokémon with no abilities, it’s straightforward in gameplay and collecting.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Snorunt card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “sm2” and card number “31.” The card’s Water type, 60 HP, and the illustrator’s signature style also help confirm authenticity.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality status: unknown.
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to the provided data. With no special abilities and a Retreat Cost of 2, it’s a simple choice for collectors rather than competitive play.

Care & Storage Tips

Preserve condition by sleeving the card and keeping it away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the illustrated front. A binder page or a top-loader helps maintain appearance and value over time.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Guardians Rising (sm2): This set introduced Snorunt as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and charming flavor text. It fits well within the Alola-themed expansion, emphasizing cultural lore and simple gameplay mechanics. The card is a solid collectible for fans of the Sun & Moon series.
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October 3, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Kingdra (Burning Shadows #31)
Kingdra Collector’s Guide: Burning Shadows #31

Character Intro

Kingdra from the Burning Shadows set is a Rare Holo card numbered 31. With a sturdy 140 HP, it’s a resilient Stage 2 attacker, and Tornado Shot adds bench-targeting pressure to its toolkit.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Burning Shadows 31 Rare Holo 140 Mitsuhiro Arita
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Seadra)
- Weakness: Grass ×2
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Attacks:
- Brine: Deals 90 damage to an opponent’s Pokémon that already has damage counters.
- Tornado Shot: Discard a Water Energy to deal 30 damage to a Benched Pokémon.
Key Printings

This Kingdra is part of the Burning Shadows set, card number 31. As a Rare Holo, it’s a desirable piece for collectors focusing on holofoil cards from the Sun & Moon series.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this exact Kingdra card. It can be identified by its set code “sm3” and the card number 31. The illustration by Mitsuhiro Arita is a key visual identifier.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality status: unknown.
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No official tournament play notes are available.
Care & Storage Tips
- Store in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets for added protection.
- Avoid excessive handling to maintain the holofoil finish and artwork.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Burning Shadows (sm3): This set features Kingdra as a powerful Stage 2 Water-type with strategic attacks focusing on targeting damaged Pokémon and bench disruption. The set is known for its vibrant artwork and diverse Water-type Pokémon.
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October 3, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Alolan Raichu (Crimson Invasion #31)
Alolan Raichu Collector’s Guide (Crimson Invasion #31)

Character Intro

Alolan Raichu from the Crimson Invasion set is a Rare Holo card numbered 31 with 110 HP. This vibrant Pokémon features the Surge Surfer ability, enhancing its dynamic playstyle. Its Psychic attack adds a unique twist to its electric origins.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Crimson Invasion 31 Rare Holo 110 Akira Komayama
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Pikachu)
- Type: Lightning
- HP: 110
- Ability: Surge Surfer — If any Stadium card is in play, Alolan Raichu has no Retreat Cost.
- Attack: Psychic (70+ damage) — Does 20 more damage times the amount of Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Resistance: Metal -20
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Flavor Text: It only evolves to this form in the Alola region. According to researchers, its diet is one of the causes of this change.
- Set: Crimson Invasion (sm4)
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- Illustrator: Akira Komayama
- Image:
Key Printings

This guide focuses on the exact printing from the Crimson Invasion set, card number 31. This Rare Holo version is notable for its clean artwork and the inclusion of the Surge Surfer ability, which can be strategically valuable in gameplay.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include its set code (sm4), card number (31), and rarity (Rare Holo). The card’s unique ability and attack text also help distinguish it from other Raichu cards.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its ability to reduce Retreat Cost to zero when a Stadium is in play can be tactically advantageous, and its Psychic attack scales with the opponent’s Energy attachments, offering flexible damage output.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the holo finish and maintain card condition, store Alolan Raichu in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, and keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or fading.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Crimson Invasion (sm4): Introduced Alolan Raichu with its distinctive ability Surge Surfer and a powerful Psychic attack, enriching the Lightning-type lineup with strategic versatility.
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October 3, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Poliwhirl (Sun Moon #31)
Poliwhirl Collector’s Guide: Sun Moon Set (sm1-31)

Character Intro

Poliwhirl from the Sun Moon set is an Uncommon Water-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 90 HP. It features the attack Wave Splash, highlighting its water-based power. This is card number 31 in the set.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sun Moon 31 Uncommon 90 Atsuko Nishida
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Poliwag)
- Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless Energy
- Weakness: Grass (×2)
- Resistances: None
- Abilities: None
- Attacks:
- Double Slap: Flip 2 coins; does 30 damage for each heads (cost: 2 Colorless)
- Wave Splash: Deals 60 damage (cost: Water + 2 Colorless)
- Flavor Text: “It marches over the land in search of bug Pokémon to eat. Then it takes them underwater so it can dine on them where it’s safe.”
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Release Date: Unknown
Key Printings

This exact Poliwhirl appears in the Sun Moon base set (sm1) as card number 31. It is an Uncommon card illustrated by Atsuko Nishida. The artwork shows Poliwhirl in a dynamic pose, emphasizing its readiness to battle and hunt.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Poliwhirl. Identifiers include the set code “sm1” and card number “31.” The lack of a regulation mark and unknown release date are notable for collectors tracking print runs.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data. Its straightforward attacks and moderate HP make it a solid choice for casual play but less competitive in tournament settings.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vibrant illustration by Atsuko Nishida and maintain condition, store this Poliwhirl in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, careful handling helps retain collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sun Moon (sm1): Introduced a fresh wave of Pokémon cards with updated mechanics and artwork. Poliwhirl sm1-31 fits as a reliable Stage 1 Water-type with balanced attacks and a thematic flavor text emphasizing its hunting behavior.
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October 2, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Shinx (Shining Fates #31)
Shinx Collector’s Guide: Shining Fates #31

Character Intro

Shinx from the Shining Fates set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 31. It has 60 HP and features the attack Under Pressure. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Shining Fates 31 Common 60 Uta
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fighting (×2)
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: D
- Flavor Text: All of its fur dazzles if danger is sensed. It flees while the foe is momentarily blinded.
Key Printings
- Shining Fates #31 (Common): Features the attack Under Pressure, which deals 10+ damage and does 50 more damage if the opponent has 3 or fewer Prize cards remaining. The card has no abilities.
Variants & Identifiers
- Print variants: None known
- Set code: swsh45
- Card number: 31
- Illustrator: Uta
- Image: /images/swsh45/swsh45-31.jpg
Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No additional tournament or play notes are available.
Care & Storage Tips

As a Common card with a single retreat cost and no special abilities, preserving the card’s surface and edges is key to maintaining its collector value. Store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the vibrant illustration by Uta.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Shining Fates: Shinx appears as a Basic Lightning-type with an attack that gains power late in the game. The dazzling-fur flavor text and nimble retreat make it a visually appealing, tactically interesting pickup for Lightning-focused collections.
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October 2, 2025