Special Conditions is a Podcast dedicated to the Pokémon Trading Card Game that brings over 30 years of combined TCG experience to the game table! Hosts Adam Tuttle and Justin Keller bring unique perspectives on collecting, competing, and the current card market in a family friendly environment.
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189. New 2026 TCG Rule Changes + Black & White Set Hype!
Season 1 · Episode 189
Monday, June 30, 2025 • Duration 58:24
Welcome to Episode 189 of Special Conditions, the Pokémon TCG podcast where competing and collecting collide! 🎴
In this episode, Justin and Lane from Good Morning Johto break down the 2026 Pokémon TCG rule changes, including the controversial shift from “+3 turns” to “+1 turn” and what that means for tournament timing and gameplay. We also dive deep into the upcoming Black & White mega set — covering the incredible reprint cards, massive 800+ card set list, and the return of horizontal line holos!
🛍️ Lane gives a behind-the-scenes look at prepping for Collect-A-Con Cleveland, revealing what it takes to vend at a major convention, pricing strategies, and what they're bringing to sell — including $100k in sealed Pokémon product!
🎉 Plus:
Sideboards in Pokémon TCG? A dream or the future?
TGA grading reveal with a surprise 10!
Is NAIC better in Columbus?
What Union Arena, One Piece, and Magic: The Gathering can teach us about tournament structure.
🎧 Whether you're a collector, competitive player, or vendor, there’s something for everyone this week!
📌 Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Johto Heatwave
02:30 – Lane’s Store Life & Event Planning
03:00 – 2026 TCG Rule Changes Overview
06:00 – Swiss Rounds & Top Cut Changes
09:00 – Tournament Timing & +1 Turn Reaction
13:00 – Comparing with Magic & Other TCGs
17:00 – Slow Play, Judges, and Strategy
20:00 – Best of 3 vs. Best of 1
24:00 – Sideboarding in Pokémon?
28:00 – TGA Grading Reveal & Partnership 31:00 – Thank You to Patrons
Welcome to Special Conditions Podcast Episode 186! 🛡️✨ Today, Adam and Justin sit down with Ray from Collectible Tags for an incredible deep dive into the competitive Pokémon TCG scene!
We break down:
🛡️ Dragapult ex deck strategy — how to master Itchy Pollen and when to break Trainer Lock
🛠️ Pokémon TCG deck building tips — why you should master the top meta decks before going rogue
🏆 Mindset and preparation for competitive Pokémon TCG tournaments
🎯 How Collectible Tags is growing their local Pokémon TCG scene with awesome events! 🎮 Ray’s esports background and his approach to winning more consistently.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to competitive play, this episode is packed with Pokémon TCG podcast insights you won't want to miss. Learn how to level up your game and build better decks today!
🔵 Subscribe for Pokémon TCG news, strategy, and deck building content!
02:25 – Guest Introduction: Ray from Collectible Tags | Pokémon TCG Background
04:42 – Pokémon TCG Tournament Talk: How to Win More Cups and Challenges
08:32 – How to Organize and Run Successful Pokémon TCG Tournaments
15:39 – Competitive Pokémon TCG Tips: How to Improve Your Gameplay Fast
34:29 – Dragapult Deck Strategy and Advanced Meta Discussion
43:11 – How to Master Tournament Play: Smart Strategies and Big Wins
44:01 – Top 4 Misplays to Avoid in Competitive Pokémon TCG
47:57 –
185. Unveiling the Secrets of Pokémon Card Grading with TGA's Head Grader!
Season 1 · Episode 185
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 01:36:44
In episode 185 of Special Conditions, hosts Adam Tuttle and Justin Keller welcome Garrett, the head grader at The Grading Authority (TGA). The show covers various aspects of Pokemon card grading, including the key components of grading, the nuances collectors should be aware of, and the process TGA follows to ensure accurate and consistent grades. The episode also touches on recent market trends, tips for collectors, and Garrett's personal experiences with memorable card submissions. Listeners will learn the importance of using proper card protection techniques, the differences in grading scales, and get insights into what makes a card truly exceptional.
00:00 Introduction to Pokemon Card Grading
03:01 Special Guest: Garrett, Head Grader at TGA
03:34 Garrett's Journey into Card Grading
05:26 Favorite Teams and Pokemon
09:31 Pokemon Card Grading Process
31:30 Common Mistakes in Submitting Cards
36:37 Challenges and Rarity in Card Grading
49:53 Iconic One-of-One Sports Cards
50:23 Pokemon Cards with Exceptional Quality Control
53:27 Understanding the Grading Process
56:51 Handling Disagreements in Card Grading
01:04:09 The Impact of Pokemon's Popularity on Grading
183. From Pokemon Center Lotteries to Surprise Evolutions
Season 1 · Episode 183
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 01:10:53
Special Conditions Podcast
Publish Date - 2/25/25
In this week's episode, Adam and Justin dive into the Mirida Regionals to break down the first tournament results with Prismatic Evolutions now legal for Standard play. Justin has a surprise opening and some mail for his personal collection (PC). We also share our thoughts on the new line system on PokémonCenter.com, discuss the exciting new cards from Prize Pack Series 6, and remind everyone about the online codes for the illustration contest cards, coming this Friday, 2/21/25.
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Pokemon Packs
01:23 Special Conditions Podcast Introduction
02:29 Snowy Weather and Pet Stories
03:51 Pokemon Regionals Recap
06:47 Discussion on Decks and Strategies
09:16 Instagram and Social Media Updates
22:20 Opening the Surprise Box
34:06 Unboxing and Discussing Recent Pokemon Card Acquisitions
37:28 Controversy at Sam's Club: Missing Pokemon Card Pallet
182. Is Pokémon Scalping RUINING the Hobby? | Illustration Contest Spotlight
Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Duration 01:05:34
In this episode of the Special Conditions Podcast, hosts Adam Tuttle and Justin Keller delve into the challenges of finding Pokémon cards anywhere. People are camping overnight!
Surprise mail call brings Justin more cards than he knows what to do with. Also some never before seen cards!
Pokémon Center is giving away the 2025 Pokémon Illustration Content cards with purchases with the special code.
They discuss the artistic journey of Pokémon card artist Atsushi Furusawa, and break down the intricate process behind creating Pokémon TCG artwork.
Additionally, the hosts talk about new Pokémon card sets revealed in Japan. The episode concludes with an announcement of new product releases and an exploration of strategies to tackle bots on the Pokémon Center website.
00:00 The Crazy Line-Up for Chicken Nuggets
00:26 Pokemon Card Art Appreciation
01:51 Internet Woes and Community Day Plans
04:40 Exciting Pokemon Mail and New Battle Deck
06:13 Opening Happy Meal Pokemon Packs
10:31 A Box Full of Pokemon Surprises
24:14 Illustration Contest Promos and Scalping Concerns
28:49 Excitement for New Releases
29:22 Arcanine Illustration Contest Insights
30:20 Artist Atsushi Furusawa's Journey
31:48 Detailed Art Creation Process
35:29 Exploring Other Works by Furusawa
40:38 Break and Housekeeping
42:45 Lily Premium Tournament Collection
45:19 Dragapult EX League Battle Deck
181. Prismatic Evolutions: The Hype and Hunt
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Duration 49:37
Special Conditions Podcast 181
In this episode of Special Conditions, Adam and Justin delve into the state of the Pokémon TCG community amidst the chaotic launch of Prismatic Evolutions. They discuss their personal goals, the challenges of finding this highly coveted set, and how GameStop and Pokémon Company International are handling the situation. The duo also shares their experiences with in-person play, including Adam's adventure with GLC at the local Pokémon league. Tune in for a blend of insightful discussions, humorous Twitter highlights, and a look at Brandon from Mystic Rips' take on the current market.
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Patreon Shoutout
02:03 Episode Introduction
02:42 Prismatic Evolutions Hunt
03:28 Prismatic Evolutions Pull Rates and Resale Market
06:09 GameStop and Pokemon Center Announcements
09:52 Opening Lost Origins Packs
13:34 Trainer Gallery Collection
17:33 Goals and Progress
23:52 Rockabilly Vibes and Social Media Plugs
24:22 Pokemon League Adventures
25:28 Exploring GLC Format
28:36 Star Wars Unlimited and Other Hobbies
29:45 Break Time and Housekeeping
32:25 Pokemon TCG News and Updates
37:09 Prismatic Evolutions Market Trends and Community Reactions
49:04 Wrapping Up and Contact Information
180. Unwrapping Goals for 2025
Sunday, January 12, 2025 • Duration 57:32
Special Conditions Ep. 180: Unwrapping Goals for 2025
Recording Date - 01/08/25
Publish Date - 01/12/25
On this week's episode Adam and Justin return to the podcast with holiday updates! Justin opens some of Japan's latest high class set Terastal Festival while Delibird delivers some mail! Goals are set between the two of them and now to succeed in making these a reality for the new year! No need to worry about Prismatic Evolutions as we will discuss the set next week a little more in depth. Maybe we can even find some early if we're lucky…
