When going first, you have the advantage of being the first player to evolve your Pokémon. This can lead to massive gains if timed correctly, allowing you to set up your strategy before your opponent has a chance to respond. However, the major drawback is that you cannot place an energy card during your first turn, meaning your opponent will have the first opportunity to attack.

A common tactic for players going first is to place a "buffer" Pokémon in the active position, such as Snorlax. This buys time to evolve Pokémon on the bench without exposing valuable attackers to early damage. Buffer Pokémon can absorb hits, allowing you to develop your strategy uninterrupted.

Another effective strategy is to prioritize Pokémon whose evolution has an energy cost of one, such as Ponyta evolving into Rapidash. This approach lets you evolve quickly on your second turn and attack immediately, leveraging the early evolution advantage for maximum impact.

The biggest advantage of going second is being the first to place an energy card. This enables you to attack before your opponent has the opportunity to deal damage, potentially giving you an early lead in the match.

To capitalize on this advantage, it’s a good idea to choose an active Pokémon that has a low energy cost for its attack. For example, Pokémon with attacks requiring just one energy can deal quick damage and disrupt your opponent’s strategy before they fully develop their board.

By setting the pace with early attacks, you force your opponent to adapt to your plays, putting them on the defensive from the start. This approach is especially effective against slower deck types that rely on setup time.