[Update 28 Jun 2024] Recent changes in the metagame have enhanced the status of the Chien-Pao ex deck. Notably, the rise of the Gardevoir ex deck—currently the most dominant deck in the meta—has facilitated the Chien-Pao ex deck’s own surge because this deck’s matchup against the Gardevoir ex deck is generally favorable.

Despite a somewhat disappointing showing at the Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC), this deck has in general been thriving in the new meta. Recent standout results include three top-five finishes at the Lima Special Event, two top-four finishes at the Indonesia Championships, third place at the Los Angeles Regionals, and sixth place at the Bologna Special Event.

Some Pokémon TCG decks favour a subtler or more strategic approach. Others gradually build to a crescendo at which point they can wreak serious havoc. This Chien-Pao ex deck, however, is neither. This deck is the Pokémon TCG equivalent of a “Hulk Smash”—even if it can be seen coming well in advance, its raw power is such that only a proper opponent’s setup can potentially contain it.

The deck’s cornerstone, the Chien-Pao ex card from the Snow Hazard [SV2P] expansion set, gets the ball rolling with its Shivery Chill ability. If it’s in the Active Spot, the player can add two Water Energy cards from the deck to the hand. By pairing it with Baxcalibur, another Snow Hazard [SV2P] card, Chien-Pao can deal up to 180 damage on the very first turn of the game thanks to its synergy with Baxcalibur’s Super Cold ability.

The carnage doesn’t stop there. Baxcalibur’s ability also sets up the Kyogre card from Incandescent Arcana [S11a]. Coupled with its Energy-adding Wave Summoning attack, Kyogre won’t take long to set up its Dynamic Wave attack—dealing 180 damage and returning all its attached Water Energy cards to the player’s hand.

As if all of that weren’t enough, the Radiant Greninja card from Battle Region [S9a] can easily pick off opposing Benched Pokémon through Moonlight Shuriken.

The cumulative retail price of the cards in a Chien-Pao ex deck is at least ¥4,000 (~US$26).

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