How to Build and Play the Raticate Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

The Raticate deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that leverages the "Super Fang" attack to consistently reduce your opponent's active Pokémon to 10 HP. Unlike traditional decks that rely on brute-force damage to scale, the Raticate deck functions as a surgical tool. By pairing the "Super Fang" mechanic with specific utility cards that provide "ping" (chip) damage or defensive stalling, you can maintain a favorable prize trade even against the most formidable EX Pokémon. This guide covers the optimal build, sequence of play, and tactical trade-offs needed to pilot this deck effectively in competitive matches.

Understanding the Raticate Core Mechanic

The centerpiece of this deck is Raticate, specifically utilizing its signature attack, "Super Fang." This move is unique in the current Pokémon TCG Pocket meta because it ignores the opponent's total HP, forcing them into a state where they have only 10 HP remaining.

Because Raticate itself is relatively fragile, the goal is not to tank hits—it is to act as a "softener." You are essentially resetting the opponent's health bar to a negligible amount. The most successful players treat Raticate as a consumable resource. You should prioritize getting Rattata and Raticate onto the bench as quickly as possible. Since Super Fang requires two Energy, you need a reliable way to accelerate attachments or minimize the time Raticate spends in the active slot before it is ready to strike.

Essential Support Cards for the Raticate Engine

Because Raticate leaves the opponent with 10 HP, you need secondary sources of damage to finish the job without wasting additional turns. Including cards that provide incidental damage or "spread" effects is critical. By incorporating support Pokémon or Trainer cards that can ping for 10 damage, you ensure that once Super Fang hits, the opponent’s active threat is removed immediately on your next turn.

• Switching Cards (X Speed/Switch): Raticate is a glass cannon. You must include cards that allow you to rotate your damaged Raticates out of harm's way. If a Raticate survives a turn, use a Switch card to bring in a fresh attacker, preserving your board state.
• Chip Damage Support: Look for Pokémon that can perform low-cost attacks dealing 10–20 damage. These are your "finishers." Once Super Fang has reduced the target to 10 HP, any attack—no matter how weak—secures the knockout.
• Draw and Disruption Supporters: Professor’s Research is mandatory to cycle through your deck for your evolution chain. Sabrina is equally vital, as it allows you to force an opponent’s high-HP threat into the active spot if they try to hide behind a weaker bench sitter.

Managing the Prize Trade

Playing Raticate requires a disciplined approach to the prize race. Because your opponent will likely try to knock out your Raticate in one hit, you must focus on taking knockouts on their high-value EX Pokémon.

Even if you lose a Raticate, the trade remains positive if you are consistently removing a high-HP threat in two turns or less. When the opponent moves a fresh Pokémon to the active spot, don't panic. The beauty of the Raticate strategy is that it resets the health of any new threat. If you find yourself in a position where you cannot secure a kill, use your defensive items to stall while you set up a second Raticate on the bench.

Strategic Limitations and Trade-offs

The primary limitation of the Raticate deck is its reliance on consistency and board presence. If you are facing decks that can heal their active Pokémon, your Super Fang efficiency drops significantly. Always account for your opponent’s bench space and potential healing items; if they can heal the 10 HP, your entire strategy is delayed.

Furthermore, Raticate lacks the HP to survive against meta-dominant attackers that reach high damage thresholds early. You must accept that your Raticates are expendable. If you focus too heavily on keeping one Raticate alive, you will lose the momentum needed to win the game. Instead, build your board state to ensure a constant stream of Raticates ready to enter the fray.

Optimal Sequencing for Competitive Play

When piloting the deck, your opening hand is the most important factor. You should prioritize searching for Rattata and ensuring you have at least one way to evolve into Raticate by turn two.

Step-by-Step Execution:

1. Opening: Mulligan aggressively for Rattata and energy acceleration.
2. Mid-Game: Set up two Raticates on the bench. Use your Trainer cards to dig for your evolution pieces.
3. The "Trap": If you are going second, look for opportunities to utilize Sabrina to pull a weak, high-retreat cost Pokémon into the active spot. This stalls their momentum while you prepare your Raticate to hit their actual win condition.
4. The Finisher: Use Super Fang on the target. On your next turn, use a quick-attack Pokémon or a damage-dealing item to finish the 10 HP target.
5. Rotation: Immediately retreat or switch out the used Raticate to keep your opponent from taking easy Prize cards.

Expert Tips for Success

The most successful Raticate players in Pokémon TCG Pocket understand that this deck is a "clock." You are not trying to play a long, grindy game; you are trying to force a 2-for-1 prize trade every single cycle.

• Patience is Key: Do not feel forced to attack if your Raticate is the only thing on your board. If you have a backup on the bench, feel free to let the active Raticate take the hit.
• Energy Management: Since you need two energy for Super Fang, prioritize attachment to the bench-ready Raticate. Never leave a Raticate in the active spot without an escape plan.
• Track Your Opponent’s Deck: If you know your opponent is running heavy healing, prioritize taking out their support Pokémon early, even if it doesn't net you a big prize. Denying them the ability to heal is how you secure the late game.

By mastering the sequence of "Super Fang" followed by a chip-damage finisher, you turn the Raticate deck into one of the most unpredictable and lethal threats in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Stay aggressive, manage your bench, and never be afraid to trade a Raticate for a high-value EX knockout.