Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex deck guide

The world of Pokemon TCG Pocket is shifting every month with new expansions that bring both fresh strategies and nostalgic throwbacks. The latest set, Wisdom of Sea and Sky, marks the ninth installment since the game's release and kicks off the A4 series. With 241 new cards, this expansion leans heavily on the Johto region.

Among them, Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex stand out not just for their iconic status, but also for their synergy in the title's competitive play. This guide will walk you through building and piloting the best Ho-Oh ex/Lugia ex deck to maximize your wins with a straightforward and powerful strategy.

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Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex deck guide: Cards you need

Card	Quantity
Ho-Oh ex	2
Lugia ex	2
Pokemon Center Lady	2
Potion	2
Elemental Switch	2
Giant Cape	2
Professor’s Research	2
Poke Ball	2
Red	2
Guzma	1
Leaf	1

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Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex deck guide: Startegy breakdown

Ho-Oh ex's variants (Image via The Pokemon Company)

This deck thrives on a two-stage offensive setup. Your early game revolves around Ho-Oh ex, whose primary role is to withstand pressure and prepare Lugia ex for the late-game sweep.

1) Ho-Oh ex

• HP: 150
• Move: Phoenix Turbo
• Move Damage: 80
• Move Effect: Attach one Fire, Water, and Lightning Energy from your Energy Zone to your Benched Basic Pokemon in any configuration.
• Move Cost: 3 Colorless

Ho-Oh ex needs two turns before it can start dealing damage (due to its three-energy requirement) and distributing energy, so keeping it alive during this setup phase is crucial.

Support cards like Potion, Pokemon Center Lady, and Giant Cape give Ho-Oh ex the extra survivibility it needs. Once set, it deals 80 damage while fueling your Lugia ex with the required energy types.

Lugia ex variants (Image via The Pokemon Company)

2) Lugia ex

• HP: 150
• Move: Elemental Blast
• Move Damage: 180
• Move Effect: Discard 1 Fire, 1 Water, and 1 Lightning Energy.
• Move Cost: 1 Fire, 1 Water, 1 Lightning

When Lugia ex hits the field fully charged, it's a powerhouse. With 180 base damage, it can knock out most Pokemon in a single hit. The goal is to have Ho-Oh ex set up at least two-to-three full sets of energy onto Lugia ex before switching them in for the finishing blows.

Use Red for an extra +20 damage boost against ex Pokemon, ensuring even bulkier threats are taken down in one hit, securing 2 points.

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Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex deck guide: Essential Support cards

Essential Support cards for this deck (Image via The Pokemon Company)

• Pokemon Center Lady: Heals 30 damage and removes all Special Conditions. Ideal for keeping Ho-Oh ex in play longer.
• Potion: Heals 20 damage. A simple but effective way to extend survival.
• Elemental Switch: Lets you transfer Fire, Water, or Lightning Energy from the bench to your Active Pokemon. Great for quick adjustments and setting up Lugia ex faster. You can use both of these in a single turn since it's an item card.
• Giant Cape: Boosts HP by 20. Makes Ho-Oh ex bulkier and helps it survive until its attack is online.
• Professor’s Research: Draws 2 cards. Helps you dig through your deck for essential pieces.
• Poke Ball: Fetches a random Basic Pokemon from your deck — essential in the early game to get your Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex in play.
• Red: Your key to breaking through high-HP threats, especially ex opponents. Adds 20 extra damage during the turn when it's used.
• Guzma: Removes all Tool cards attached to your opponent’s Pokemon. Great against disruptive tools like Rocky Helmet or Poison Barb and can be critical to keeping your setup safe.
• Leaf: Reduces your Active Pokemon’s retreat cost by 2. Useful for efficiently swapping Ho-Oh ex for Lugia ex without energy loss.

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This deck’s beauty lies in its simplicity and raw power. Ho-Oh ex provides the essential energy acceleration, while Lugia ex delivers devastating knockouts. With proper support and careful timing, this combo can dominate both casual and competitive matches.

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If you are interested in Pokemon TCG Pocket topics, check out our other articles:

• Pokemon TCGP decks tier list
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• What are Pokemon Tools in Pokemon TCGP, and how to use them
• All status conditions explained in Pokemon TCGP
• How to access older packs in Pokemon TCGP