Snorlax is most iconic for its blocking of the path in the first-generation Pokémon Red and Blue video games. Since then, it’s made several more appearances in a similar capacity, and this Pokémon TCG iteration of Snorlax from the Pokémon GO [S10b] expansion set references this while at the same time turning it into one of the most dominant defensive forces in the current metagame.

“Defense wins championships” is a sports cliché that applies to decks built around Snorlax as well. Block, Snorlax’s Ability, activates when Snorlax is in the Active Spot. That Ability prevents the opponent’s Active Pokémon from retreating.

The idea is to support Snorlax with defensive supporting cards such as Erika’s Invitation from Pokémon Card 151 [SV2a] and Counter Catcher from Future Flash [SV4M]. If played correctly, the player will be able to stall the opponent until the opponent decks out.

Snorlax is usually paired with the Rotom V card from Lost Abyss [S11]. Since Snorlax seldom attacks, Rotom V’s Ability of Instant Charge, an Ability which ends the player’s turn upon use, provides a viable option for additional card draws.

The card’s illustration is a call-back to Snorlax’s series introduction as a roadblock—but this time on the porch of a house. This also references the set itself which is based on Pokémon GO—the augmented-reality mobile video game that superimposes Pokémon on real-life locations and landmarks.

In English, this card is card 055/078 of the Pokémon GO set.

The retail price of a PSA 10 Snorlax (Pokémon GO [S10b] 056/071) card is 6,974 JPY (~US$46).

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