Pokémon TCG Damage Counters and Knock Out Rules Explained

A Pokémon card’s HP shows how much damage it can take before it is Knocked Out. Damage counters record the damage already placed on that Pokémon during the game.

For example, a Pokémon with 120 HP and 40 damage has 80 HP remaining for Knock Out checks. Keep the counters clearly visible so both players can confirm the total. Damage stays on a Pokémon when it evolves or switches with a Benched Pokémon unless a card effect removes it.

Resolve the attack and calculate its final damage after the relevant effects have been applied. Then place one damage counter for every 10 damage in that final amount.

Place counters only after the attack’s damage calculation is complete. Effects that directly tell you to place damage counters are handled separately and do not use Weakness, Resistance, or other damage modifiers.

After an attack finishes, check every Pokémon affected by that attack. A Pokémon is Knocked Out when its total damage is equal to or greater than its HP.

Do not check only the Active Pokémon if the attack also affected a Benched Pokémon. Complete the attack’s effects first, then resolve every Knock Out created by the attack.

When a Pokémon is Knocked Out, its owner puts that Pokémon and all cards attached to it into the discard pile. This includes attached cards that were supporting or modifying that Pokémon.

The opponent then takes the applicable Prize card or cards. A card-specific rule may change how many Prize cards are taken, so check the relevant card text when needed.

If an Active Pokémon is Knocked Out, its owner chooses a new Active Pokémon from the Bench. Make this choice after the Knock Out cleanup and Prize-card step are resolved.

If the owner cannot provide a replacement Active Pokémon, the opponent wins. Keep the replacement choice with the player whose Pokémon was Knocked Out.

Pokémon Checkup can leave a Pokémon with no HP remaining. Both players first complete the required checks and effects. Only after those checks are complete are the affected Pokémon Knocked Out.

After the Knock Outs, the Active Pokémon is replaced and the applicable Prize cards are taken before the next turn starts. Follow the Checkup order instead of promoting a Pokémon in the middle of the checks.

Use the same order every time damage is dealt. Calculate the final attack damage, place the correct counters, finish the attack, and then check every affected Pokémon against its HP.

When a Knock Out happens, discard the Pokémon and attached cards, take the applicable Prize cards, and promote a replacement if needed. If damage remains after a switch or evolution, leave the counters in place.