Gallade
Chilling Reign (CRE 081)

Gallade (Chilling Reign 81/198) stands as a Stage 2 Fighting-type Pokémon with 170 HP, offering a unique blend of versatility and targeted offensive power in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. With two distinct attacks—Feint and Dynablade—Gallade brings both reliability and strategic potential to any deck that can support its evolution line.

Overview: Gallade’s Core Attributes

• Type: Fighting
• HP: 170
• Stage: Stage 2
• Attacks: Feint (1 Psychic Energy, 60 damage, ignores Resistance); Dynablade (2 Colorless Energy, 60x damage for each of your opponent's Pokémon V in play)
• Weakness: Psychic (x2)
• Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless
• Rarity: Rare
• Set: Chilling Reign

Strengths and Weaknesses

Positives

Gallade shines brightest in metagames dominated by Pokémon V. Its Dynablade attack scales dramatically with the number of Pokémon V your opponent has in play, potentially reaching staggering damage numbers for just two Colorless Energy. This makes Gallade a powerful counter against decks that rely on swarming the board with high-HP Pokémon V, providing an efficient way to threaten multiple-Prize targets.

The first attack, Feint, is a solid single-energy move that deals consistent damage and bypasses Resistance. This can be especially useful against decks that leverage Resistance to mitigate chip damage from common attackers, ensuring Gallade always punches through for full effect.

Negatives

As a Stage 2 Pokémon, Gallade requires significant investment to get into play—evolving from Ralts through Kirlia before reaching its final form. This evolutionary chain can slow down aggressive strategies and make Gallade more vulnerable to disruption or early-game pressure. Additionally, with a Psychic weakness, Gallade is at risk against popular Psychic-type attackers, which are prevalent in many formats due to their synergy with powerful Trainer cards and versatile abilities.

The retreat cost of two Colorless Energy is also noteworthy, potentially limiting Gallade’s mobility once it’s active, especially if you’re facing effects that lock Pokémon in the Active Spot or punish switching.

When to Play Gallade: Optimal Scenarios

Gallade finds its niche in matchups where your opponent relies heavily on Pokémon V. Against decks that fill their bench with these high-value targets, Dynablade can become a devastating finisher capable of taking multiple Prizes in a single attack. For example, if your opponent has three Pokémon V on the field, Dynablade delivers a massive 180 damage for just two Colorless Energy—a rate few other non-V Pokémon can match.

Additionally, Gallade’s Feint attack provides a consistent answer to low-HP threats or Pokémon with Resistance to Fighting, ensuring you maintain pressure even when Dynablade isn’t optimal. If you anticipate a meta where Resistance is a common tech, Gallade’s ability to ignore it gives you a reliable edge.

However, in matchups where your opponent plays few or no Pokémon V, Dynablade’s value drops sharply. In these cases, Gallade’s role shifts to that of a steady secondary attacker rather than a primary win condition. Decks that focus on single-Prize attackers or avoid benching multiple Pokémon V will naturally limit Gallade’s ceiling.

Drawbacks: When to Avoid Gallade

There are circumstances where including Gallade may not be advantageous. In formats dominated by speedy or aggressive single-Prize decks, the time and resources needed to evolve to Stage 2 can leave you vulnerable to being overrun before Gallade can make an impact. Moreover, if Psychic types are prevalent or if your local meta is light on Pokémon V, Gallade’s main selling points are diminished. Decks that can easily target your evolving basics or disrupt your setup further reduce Gallade’s effectiveness.

Why Add Gallade to Your Deck?

Gallade’s inclusion is best justified in decks seeking a flexible counter to Pokémon V-heavy strategies without committing to a Pokémon V or VMAX attacker themselves. Its capacity to threaten big KOs for minimal energy investment makes it a surprise threat that can swing games, especially when opponents overextend their board. If your deck already supports Psychic or Colorless Energy, integrating Gallade becomes even smoother, allowing you to maximize its potential without disrupting your core strategy.

For players who favor adaptability and enjoy exploiting meta trends, Gallade offers a compelling option. Its non-rule box status also means it only gives up one Prize when Knocked Out, making it less risky than using Pokémon V or VSTAR as your main attackers.

Quality/Price Value and Collectibility

From a value perspective, Gallade strikes a favorable balance between affordability and performance. While not as sought after as ultra-rare or alternate art cards, its utility in both competitive and casual play ensures steady demand. The card’s rarity as a Rare and its presence in a popular set like Chilling Reign add to its collectibility, particularly for fans of the Gallade evolution line or those building complete set collections.

Collectors may find additional appeal in Gallade’s artwork and its role in the broader narrative of the set. While it may not command premium prices like some chase cards, its combination of playability and thematic resonance makes it a solid addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate versatile Stage 2 Pokémon.

Strategies and Gameplay Tips

Deck Building and Energy Management

When constructing a deck around Gallade, prioritize consistency tools to accelerate the evolution process. Cards that search out Basics and Stage 1s, as well as those that recover Pokémon from the discard pile, help ensure you reach Gallade efficiently. Since Dynablade uses Colorless Energy, you have flexibility in your energy base—consider blending in other attackers that use similar energy requirements for added synergy.

Timing and Target Selection

Hold off on evolving into Gallade until you see your opponent commit to multiple Pokémon V. This maximizes Dynablade’s output and prevents Gallade from being prematurely targeted by gust effects. Use Feint early to chip away at key threats, then pivot to Dynablade once the board state favors a high-damage strike.

Adapting to Opponents

Against decks that bench aggressively, Gallade can act as a deterrent, forcing your opponent to rethink their board development. Conversely, against conservative or single-Prize strategies, use Gallade as a sturdy secondary attacker or as a pivot to absorb hits while you set up your main win condition.

Synergies with Deck Strategies

Gallade works well in decks that can recycle energy or recover Pokémon from the discard pile. Pairing it with support Pokémon that accelerate evolution or provide extra draw power can smooth out its setup curve. In Fighting-focused builds, Gallade complements other strong attackers by providing coverage against specific threats, particularly when Resistance would otherwise hinder your offense.

Final Thoughts: Is Gallade Right for You?

Gallade (Chilling Reign 81/198) occupies a special place in the Pokémon TCG landscape as a Stage 2 attacker with scalable power and tactical flexibility. Its greatest strength lies in punishing overzealous Pokémon V strategies, making it a valuable tech choice for players seeking to exploit current meta trends. While its reliance on evolving and its Psychic weakness present real challenges, careful deck construction and thoughtful play can unlock Gallade’s full potential.

Whether you’re a competitive player looking for a meta-specific answer or a collector drawn to Gallade’s design and history, this card offers both play value and lasting appeal. Integrate Gallade thoughtfully, adapt your strategy to the matchup, and you’ll find it can deliver game-changing moments that keep your opponents guessing.