Champions League Fukuoka Results and How to Practice Opening HandsChampions League Fukuoka Results and How to Practice Opening Hands
The Payoff with Pete
Corey and Jared recap Champions League Fukuoka while spotlighting new Japanese cards that could reshape the Pokémon TCG meta. They also share practical ways to practise opening hands and tough in-game scenarios beyond standard online play.
1:06:00•23 Feb 2024
Champions League Fukuoka, Spicy New Cards and Smarter Ways to Practise
Episode Overview
- Lugia VSTAR won a 2,600-player Champions League Fukuoka, powered by new Cinccino and Mist Energy tech in a best-of-one format.
- Charizard remains the most played deck, but faces fresh pressure from cards like Iron Leaves ex and targeted anti-Dark tech.
- Disruption tools such as Eri, which removes two items from an opponent’s hand, are reshaping control and Arceus builds.
- Creative practice methods include testing best-vs-best opening hands and running games where only one player gets an ideal start.
- Setting up board-state puzzles with known outs helps players refine sequencing and endgame decision-making away from online play.
“We want to see if my deck at its best can beat your deck at its best.”
How do different practice tricks turn an average Pokémon player into a serious contender? Teach Me Pokémon co-hosts Corey and Jared chew over that question while recapping Champions League Fukuoka and the wild new cards shaking up the Japanese meta. You’ll hear them marvel at a 2,600-player event where Lugia VSTAR snags first place in a best-of-one format, backed by a new Cinccino that swings for huge numbers with special energy.
As Corey puts it, “These trades, you're getting some little Cinccino that's smacking you for 330 damage… and then you're trading back one prize.” They also highlight Mist Energy shutting down effects from attacks and the disruptive supporter Eri, which lets you strip two item cards from your opponent’s hand.
The pair geek out over incoming ACE SPEC cards like Master Ball and Prime Catcher, debate whether Charizard can stay on top once new tech like Iron Leaves ex appears, and chuckle through stall strategies with Snorlax and Great Tusk-style mill ideas. There’s plenty of light ribbing (including Corey forcing his wife to watch a Japanese stream she can’t understand) and shout-outs to past guest and tournament organiser Randall Robertson. The second half turns into a mini coaching clinic.
Jared suggests creative practice methods you can’t do online: giving each player a ‘perfect’ opening hand to test best-vs-best matchups, letting one player start with the nuts while the other takes an average hand, and setting up puzzle boards with hidden win conditions. Corey pushes back on some of it, but both agree that practising correct sequencing and tough late-game decisions is what really moves your win rate.
If you care about Pokémon TCG meta shifts and want smarter ways to practise your opening hands, this chat gives you plenty to think about and try out at your next league night. How are you going to upgrade your testing before the next big event?
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