In the Pokémon TCG, Weakness and Resistance modify attack damage taken by the Active Pokémon. Most mistakes come from calculation order, confusing damage with damage counters, or overlooking text that changes the normal procedure.
This guide starts after the Pokémon TCG setup. Read the defending card’s printed values rather than assuming every era uses the same multiplier or reduction.
Five-step calculation
- Read the attack and calculate its base damage.
- Apply relevant effects that modify damage.
- Apply the defending Active Pokémon’s Weakness.
- Apply its Resistance afterwards.
- Place damage counters for the final result.
The attacking Pokémon’s type normally determines whether Weakness or Resistance matches. Card text can change or bypass the procedure, so use the current wording.
Simple examples
| Situation | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 60 damage, matching ×2 Weakness | 60 × 2 | 120 damage |
| 60 damage, matching −30 Resistance | 60 − 30 | 30 damage |
| No type match | No change | 60 damage |
These are demonstrations only. Copy the exact printed value from the defending card and announce intermediate results when several effects apply.
Damage is not placed counters
An attack can deal damage, while another effect can place damage counters directly. Weakness and Resistance do not automatically modify counters placed by an effect. Follow the verb used by the card. Likewise, damage to Benched Pokémon normally ignores Weakness and Resistance unless text says otherwise.
Table routine
- Point to the attacking Pokémon’s type.
- Read the opponent’s Active Weakness and Resistance.
- Announce base damage and modifiers.
- Apply Weakness, then Resistance.
- Place all counters and check remaining HP.
For foreign-language cards, identify the current reference text before play, just as you would verify Pokémon regulation marks.
Common mistakes
- applying Resistance before Weakness;
- using an attack’s Energy cost as its type;
- assuming every card says ×2 or −30;
- doubling counters placed by an effect;
- applying Weakness to the Bench;
- missing text that ignores a modifier.
Final checklist
- Attacking type identified.
- Full attack text read.
- Base damage calculated.
- Printed Weakness applied first.
- Resistance applied second.
- Damage and counters kept separate.
- Bench exception checked.
- Remaining HP confirmed.
Browse the French Pokémon selection or the Fusion Strike Elite Trainer Box for catalogue context. The real product packshot illustrates this article; rules still come from official resources.
Next step: take two practice cards, invent three simple attacks and announce every calculation step before placing counters.