Hi there. In this Pokemon TCG post, I present an alternative budget Alakazam deck.
Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam Evolution Trio
Abra Choices
There are different Abras available in the format. Here they are.
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The 40 HP Abra has the Teleport ability if you want to run away in certain scenarios. The other Abras with 50 HP are more preferred as Dragapult ex is still popular.
Kadabra
Kadabra is one of the few useful middle Stage 1 evolution Pokemon in the game. Upon evolution from Kadabra to Abra, you may draw 2 cards.
Alakazam
Alakazam is the main attacker and key card in this deck.
Sample Alakazam Deck
Pokémon: 21
2 Abra TWM 80
2 Abra MEG 54
4 Kadabra MEG 55
3 Alakazam MEG 56
4 Dunsparce TEF 128
4 Dudunsparce PRE 80
1 Psyduck MEP 7
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
Trainer: 33
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Great Ball PAL 183
2 Rare Candy MEG 125
2 Artazon PAF 76
1 Max Rod PRE 116
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
1 Tulip PAR 181
1 Lana's Aid TWM 155
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Jamming Tower TWM 153
3 Lillie's Determination MEG 119
2 Miriam SVI 179
2 Boss's Orders MEG 114
1 Clive PAF 78
2 Bill's Transfer MEW 156
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Hilda WHT 84
Energy: 6
6 Psychic Energy SVE 13
ACE SPEC Choice: Max Rod Vs Enriching Energy
Enriching Energy allows you to draw 3 cards upon manual Energy attachment for the turn. This goes well with Dundunsparce. Attach to Dudunsparce to draw 3 cards, then use the Dudunsparce ability to draw 3 more cards. This would put the Dudunsparce, Dunsparce and Enriching Energy back into the deck. As Enriching Energy is back in the deck, you can reuse it.
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The problem with Enriching Energy is that you don't attach a Psychic Energy to an Alakazam for attacking during a turn. A second ACE SPEC option is to use Max Rod. Max Rod is a very powerful recovery card that is 5 times a Night Stretcher.
Possible Other Inclusions
Shaymin is one option to protect your non-rule box Pokemon from bench sniping attacks.
Psyduck is a new counter card against Pokemon with abilities that Knocks Out itself. This stops Dusclops, Dusknoir, Forretress ex and Magneton.
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One idea is to use Dudunsparce ex as an alternate attacker. You do run Dunsparce and Dudunsparce anyways. The first attack does more damage if the opponent has a lot of Pokemon ex in play.
Gameplay Notes
The gameplay for this Alakazam deck is very simple. Setup Abras, Kadabras into Alakazams. Also setup Dudunsparce for more draw power. Attack with Alakazam when you are ready. Alakazam is the main attacker.
Use Boss's Orders and Counter Catcher to target 2 or 3 Prize Pokemon for the knockout with Alakazam.
Recovery options include Miriam, Super Rod, Max Rod (if used) and Night Stretcher.
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Deck Advantages
This deck has a lot of draw power from Kadabra, Alakazam and Dudunsparce. You can see a lot of cards in your hand and can do big damage with Alakazam.
I think the favourable matchups for the Alakazam deck are against Raging Bolt ex, Gholdengo ex, Ceruledge ex. Pretty much against big Basic decks and Stage 1 decks.
Many of the attackers are single prize attackers. The opponent has to really work for the win against you.
Disadvantages
Iono is a pretty popular hand disruption Supporter card in the format. Opponents who have decks with a lot of Iono do disrupt your hand from a 15 card hand into a 3 card hand. Make sure you have Dudunsparce on the Bench just in case.
Team Rocket's Watchtower does negate the abilities of Colourless Pokemon. This stops Dudunsparce and its draw power.
Dragapult ex decks with Dusknoir can take multi prize turns against you. They could also board wipe key Pokemon on your side of the field. Psyduck can kind of help but it is an expensive physical card. (Low supply and its being scalped.)
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One thing to keep in mind when playing this deck is that the games can be long. There is also a lot of shuffling. Although Alakazam is a good deck for beginners, opponents may not like you if the shuffling speed is slow. Slow and frequent shuffling makes games longer than normal. A tie is generally not preferable for both players.
Psyduck is a good card. The big issue with it is that an expensive card to get in real life. In the Toronto area, it is 20 CAD. The supply is limited as this promo card is in the 3 pack blister products from the Mega Evolution set.
Closing Notes
Alakazam is an okay choice as a first deck choice. It has good consistency with its drawpower and you can have good firepower in Alakazam. This deck is not a top tier deck but the cards (except for Psyduck) are affordable and this deck can cause some upsets.
A lot of shuffling is required for this deck in real life play. This deck is good for beginners from a gameplay perspective but it is also not great for newer players as a lot of shuffling is needed. Games can be long and you want to avoid ties.