Pokemon Pocket: Giratina/Darkrai ex Deck Guide

Giratina ex and Darkrai ex: A Powerful Pokémon TCG Duo

After Palkia ex and Dialga ex dominated the Pokémon TCG meta, their sibling, Giratina ex, finally takes center stage. Shining Revelry introduced a Giratina ex variant that pairs perfectly with the improved Darkrai ex, creating a formidable team. This strategy mirrors the success of Darkrai ex with Magnezone, but offers greater power, speed, and consistency. Let's explore why this dark duo is a force to be reckoned with.

Sample Decklist

Giratina ex/Darkrai ex Deck
Druddigon (A1a) x2	Giratina ex (A2b) x2	Darkrai ex (A2) x2	Shaymin (A2) x1
Professor's Research x2	Red x2	Leaf x1	Sabrina x1
Mars x1	Cyrus x1	Poke Ball x2	Giant Cape x2
Rocky Helmet x1

Deck variations may substitute Mars for an extra Leaf or Iono, or omit Shaymin. Removing Shaymin improves consistency but reduces retreat cost reduction. If Shaymin is removed, adding a second Leaf is recommended for consistent free retreats. Remember to disable Psychic Energy; Giratina generates its own, and you want to maximize Darkrai ex's energy accumulation.

Deck Strategy

This deck plays strategically, focusing on a slower, controlled approach rather than immediate aggressive attacks. The reward is two powerful attackers ready simultaneously for flexible gameplay.

Turn one should focus on deploying Druddigon as the Active Pokémon, equipping a Rocky Helmet if available. This discourages early attacks, buying time to set up. Only attach energy to Druddigon if Giratina ex already has energy and a Darkrai ex isn't available.

While Druddigon defends, prioritize getting Darkrai ex and Giratina ex onto the bench and attaching Darkness Energy to Darkrai ex. Nightmare Aura inflicts chip damage, potentially KOing opponents or setting up for a Cyrus play. Giratina ex simultaneously gathers Psychic Energy using Broken-Space Bellow (remember to attach to Darkrai ex first).

After three turns, Darkrai ex or Giratina ex should have sufficient energy to attack. Capitalize on damage from Nightmare Aura and Rough Skin to secure KOs.

Matchups

Rampardos/Lucario decks struggle against this duo. Sudowoodo's damage bonus is ineffective against Druddigon, and KOs from Rough Skin and Nightmare Aura bypass Marshadow's Revenge buff. Darkrai ex, excluding Rampardos, can handle most of the deck with Nightmare Aura and Dark Prism.

Gyarados ex is a challenging matchup. Manaphy easily sets up attackers without triggering Rough Skin, and Gyarados ex can OHKO your Pokémon. Prioritize using Sabrina early to KO Magikarp.

Clodsire ex utilizes Poison and Venoshock. While a threat, Clodsire ex's 160 HP is manageable. Venoshock triggers Rough Skin, making it vulnerable to Giratina ex. Two Druddigons provide ample time to set up Giratina ex or secure a KO with Dark Prism.

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