Is Pro Coaching Worth It? And a Preview of the Charlotte Regionals

Is Pro Coaching Worth It? And a Preview of the Charlotte Regionals

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction to competition, misplays and self-doubt at the Pokémon table? This chat between long-time friends Cory and Jared is all about taking your game – or your kid’s game – more seriously, without losing the fun. Across the episode, they break down two big themes: how the Charlotte Regionals metagame might shape up, and whether paid coaching in the Pokémon TCG is actually worth the money.

If you enjoy data, theory and a bit of banter, you’ll like hearing them argue about which decks could surge in Charlotte, from “spicy” picks like Lugia and Arceus Regidrago to reliable favourites such as Charizard and Lost Box variants. The real heart of the conversation comes when they switch to coaching.

Cory shares his short stint as an in‑person coach for a junior player, focusing less on fancy lines of play and more on resilience and composure: “In my opinion, in the junior ranks, whoever makes the least amount of mistakes wins.” He talks about building confidence, handling losses, and helping a young player stop “giving up on yourself” mid-tournament.

From there, the pair weigh up online coaching with top pros, the impact of prize money, and how parents might decide if a coach is right for their child. Jared is honest about the tension between pushing for results and keeping Pokémon fun, especially for juniors who are still learning to cope with pressure.

By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of what paid coaching can and can’t do, what to look for in a good coach, and how mindset often matters more than memorising matchups. If you or someone you care about is getting serious about competitive play, this conversation might make you pause and ask: what do you actually want out of the game?