Avery
Chilling Reign (CRE 211)

Summary of Avery (Chilling Reign 211/198 – Rare Rainbow)

If you’re a Pokémon TCG player or collector, Avery from the Chilling Reign set is a Supporter card that stands out for its dual impact on both hand advantage and board control. This rainbow rare version not only boasts stunning visual appeal but also offers strategic depth, making it a sought-after choice in both competitive play and collections.

In-Depth Review of Avery

Card Overview

Avery is a Supporter card, meaning you can play only one per turn. Its effect is twofold: draw three cards, and then, if you drew any cards this way, your opponent must discard Pokémon from their Bench until they have only three remaining. This simple yet powerful combination gives you resources while disrupting your opponent’s setup. The rainbow rare finish elevates its collector’s value.

Strengths of Avery

• Hand Advantage: Drawing three cards is always welcome, especially in decks that benefit from cycling through cards quickly to assemble combos or find key pieces.
• Bench Disruption: Forcing your opponent to reduce their Bench size can shatter strategies that rely on a full Bench, such as those focusing on evolving multiple Pokémon or utilizing abilities that require a wide board.
• Versatility: Avery fits into many deck archetypes, from aggressive builds looking to slow down opponents to control decks aiming to limit threats on the board.
• Collector Appeal: The rainbow rare version is highly desirable due to its scarcity and vibrant design, making it a centerpiece for collectors.

Weaknesses of Avery

• Situational Impact: If your opponent has three or fewer Benched Pokémon, the disruption aspect is nullified, reducing Avery to just a draw card.
• Supporter Limitation: Since you can only play one Supporter per turn, using Avery might mean sacrificing more impactful Supporters in certain situations, especially when you need healing or a different form of disruption.
• Potential Drawback: In some matchups, forcing your opponent to discard Benched Pokémon may inadvertently help them by removing liabilities or freeing up bench space for stronger plays.

Best Scenarios to Use Avery

Avery shines brightest against decks that aim to fill their Bench, such as those reliant on swarming basic Pokémon or using abilities that trigger with a crowded board. It’s especially effective mid-game, when your opponent has invested resources into building their Bench but hasn’t fully capitalized on it yet. By disrupting their setup at this point, you can delay their strategy and gain a crucial tempo swing.

Conversely, Avery is less impactful against single-Prize attacker decks or those that intentionally keep a small Bench. In these cases, Avery essentially becomes a draw-three card, which, while still useful, doesn’t justify its inclusion over other Supporters in every deck.

Why Add Avery to Your Deck?

• Multi-Purpose Utility: Few cards offer both draw power and board disruption in one package. Avery’s dual effect makes it a flexible tool that can adapt to various game states.
• Tech Choice: Even as a single copy, Avery can swing certain matchups in your favor, making it a strong tech option against meta decks that rely on a wide Bench.
• Deck Space Efficiency: Instead of dedicating multiple slots to draw and disruption, Avery combines both, freeing up space for other vital cards.

Quality/Price Analysis and Collector Value

The rainbow rare Avery commands attention not just for its gameplay utility but also for its collectible status. While its competitive effectiveness is solid, the price reflects both its playability and its rarity. For players, the investment is justified if you frequently face Bench-heavy strategies or participate in tournaments where every edge counts. For collectors, the card’s limited availability and striking appearance ensure lasting demand, especially among those completing master sets or seeking high-end display pieces.

It’s important to weigh the card’s effect against its cost: in casual play, standard versions may suffice, but for competitive players and collectors alike, the rainbow rare Avery represents both functional power and long-term value.

Strategic Tips: When and How to Play Avery

• Timing is Key: Use Avery when your opponent’s Bench is at its fullest, particularly if they’re setting up crucial support Pokémon. This can force them to discard essential components of their strategy.
• Maximize Draw Value: Play Avery when you need to dig for specific cards but also want to disrupt your opponent’s setup. Avoid using it when your own board is underdeveloped, as you’ll want to capitalize on the disruption aspect.
• Adapt to Opponent: If facing decks that don’t rely on a large Bench, save Avery for moments when you need extra cards rather than for disruption. Against decks that do, prioritize playing Avery before your opponent can use their Benched Pokémon’s abilities or evolve them.
• Synergize with Board Control: Pair Avery with strategies that already pressure your opponent’s board, such as those that target Benched Pokémon or restrict Bench size, to amplify the disruptive effect.

Deck Synergies and Archetype Considerations

Avery integrates well into control and tempo-based decks that aim to limit an opponent’s options. Decks that can capitalize on a reduced opposing Bench—perhaps by targeting lone Benched Pokémon or exploiting weakened setups—benefit most from Avery’s effect. Additionally, decks that draw heavily or cycle Supporters appreciate the flexibility Avery provides, as it doesn’t force a singular playstyle but instead adapts to the flow of the match.

While Avery isn’t universally optimal, its inclusion as a tech card can swing games in your favor against popular meta decks, making it a staple consideration for serious players who value adaptability and disruption.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Avery from Chilling Reign is a multifaceted card that rewards thoughtful play and strategic timing. Its ability to disrupt opponents while providing draw power makes it a valuable asset in many decks, especially in a meta filled with Bench-centric strategies. The rainbow rare version further enhances its appeal, offering collectors and players alike a card that’s both beautiful and effective. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your deck’s versatility or add a standout piece to your collection, Avery is a choice that delivers on multiple fronts.

Ready to enhance your deck or collection? Don’t overlook the potential of Avery—both on the battlefield and in your binder!