Avery
Chilling Reign (CRE 130)

Summary of Avery – Pokémon TCG Trainer Card

Avery is a Supporter card from the Chilling Reign expansion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Its effect allows you to draw three cards, and if you drew any, your opponent must discard Pokémon from their Bench until only three remain. This dual-purpose card offers both draw power and strategic disruption, making it a notable addition to many deck archetypes.

Comprehensive Review of Avery

1. Card Effect Analysis

Avery’s ability to draw three cards provides instant value, enhancing your hand size and giving you more options for your turn. The secondary effect, which forces your opponent to trim their Bench down to three Pokémon, introduces a layer of tactical disruption that can impact your opponent’s strategy significantly. This effect is especially potent against decks that rely on filling their Bench for combos or maximizing damage output based on the number of Pokémon in play.

2. Positive Aspects

• Disruption: Avery shines as a disruption tool, forcing opponents to make tough decisions about which Benched Pokémon to keep and which to discard. This can break up planned evolutions, remove support Pokémon, or disrupt setup strategies.
• Card Draw Consistency: Drawing three cards is always beneficial, ensuring you maintain momentum and have access to resources, regardless of the board state.
• Versatility: Since Avery doesn’t target a specific type or archetype, it can be slotted into a wide variety of decks, offering both draw and disruption without requiring specific synergy.
• Tempo Advantage: Forcing your opponent to discard Benched Pokémon can slow down their game plan, especially if they rely on evolving multiple Pokémon or need certain Bench sitters for abilities.

3. Negative Aspects

• Limited Impact Against Low-Bench Decks: If your opponent only has three or fewer Pokémon on their Bench, Avery’s disruptive effect is nullified, reducing it to a basic draw Supporter.
• Supporter Slot Competition: Since you can only play one Supporter per turn, using Avery means foregoing other powerful options that might offer more targeted effects, such as searching for specific cards or healing.
• No Direct Board Presence: Unlike some Supporters that can accelerate energy or heal, Avery doesn’t directly improve your board state beyond drawing cards and disrupting the opponent.
• Potential Synergy with Opponent: In rare cases, if your opponent wants to clear their Bench (for example, to avoid being targeted by attacks that hit the Bench), Avery could inadvertently help them.

4. Situational Advantages and Disadvantages

When Avery Excels:

• Against decks that fill their Bench quickly, such as those focused on swarming Basic Pokémon or setting up multiple evolutions.
• In matchups where your opponent relies on Bench-sitting Pokémon for abilities that boost consistency, energy acceleration, or extra draw.
• When you need to dig through your deck for answers while simultaneously disrupting your opponent’s setup.

When Avery Falls Short:

• Against single-Prize attacker decks or control decks that keep their Bench minimal at all times.
• In situations where you desperately need a Supporter that searches for specific cards or recycles resources rather than simply drawing.
• If you’re ahead and your opponent’s Bench is already empty or nearly so, the disruptive potential is lost.

5. Value and Collectibility

In terms of value for players, Avery stands out as an affordable yet effective option for both casual and competitive decks. Its status as an Uncommon card makes it accessible, and its utility ensures continued demand in both standard and expanded formats. While not a rare collector’s gem, Avery’s popularity due to its disruptive effect means it holds steady value for players. For collectors, unless seeking a full-art version or building a complete set, Avery’s main appeal lies in its gameplay impact rather than rarity.

6. Strategic Advice: When and How to Play Avery

Timing is Key:

• Use Avery when your opponent’s Bench is full or nearly full to maximize the disruption. The earlier you force discards in their setup phase, the harder it is for them to recover.
• If you suspect your opponent is holding onto crucial Pokémon for future turns, playing Avery can force them to make difficult choices, possibly discarding key evolution targets.
• Consider holding Avery if your opponent’s Bench is not yet developed. Wait for them to commit more Pokémon before playing it.

Adapting to Opponents:

• Against decks that swarm the Bench, prioritize Avery over other draw Supporters to break up their strategy.
• Against low-Bench decks, use Avery primarily for the draw effect and save your other disruptive tools for later turns.

Combining with Other Effects:

• Pair Avery with strategies that punish thin Benches or capitalize on your opponent having fewer options.
• After using Avery, follow up with attacks or abilities that further pressure your opponent’s limited Bench.

7. Synergies with Deck Strategies

Avery fits naturally into control and disruption-focused decks, but can also serve as a tech option in aggressive builds. Decks that aim to limit the opponent’s resources will benefit from Avery’s ability to force discards, especially when combined with other effects that restrict recovery or punish low Bench counts. Additionally, decks that lack consistent draw engines may include Avery to supplement their options while still offering the bonus of disruption. It’s important to balance Avery with other Supporters to ensure you have the right tool for each matchup.

8. Final Thoughts: Should You Include Avery?

If you’re looking to add flexibility and disruption to your deck without sacrificing draw power, Avery is a compelling choice. Its effectiveness scales with the metagame; in environments where Bench-heavy strategies are common, Avery’s value skyrockets. Even in formats with less Bench reliance, the guaranteed draw three cards keeps it from ever being a dead card. For collectors, Avery may not be the centerpiece of a collection, but its ongoing relevance ensures it remains a staple in many players’ binders and decks alike.

Take Action:

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a newcomer refining your deck, consider testing Avery in your list. Its unique blend of draw and disruption can tip close games in your favor and keep your opponent off balance. Don’t underestimate the psychological impact of forcing tough decisions on your opponent—sometimes, a well-timed Avery can shift the entire flow of a match.