The main thing I remember about Sabrina’s Pokémon character was a rather twisted anime episode where she speaks through a creepy doll, like some kind of psychic ventriloquist. As a child, it bothered me a little, which makes my newfound appreciation for it surprising. In my battles in Pocket for the Pokémon Trading card gameThe Saffron City Gym Leader Follower card has become my favorite tool when building a deck.
Sabrina is a Supporting Trainer card whose standard version has a rarity of two diamonds. When played, Sabrina allows you to force your opponent to swap their Active Pokémon with another Pokémon on their bench of their choice. It’s quite a uncomplicated activity, but this pliant card has become the basis I tinker with in various decks.
Unlike similar follower cards like Misty or Lieutenant Surge, Sabrina’s power is not constrained to Psychic types. This makes it useful in a variety of decks. Its effect is uniquely adapted to battles TCG Pocket. The game features a simplified version of the competitive card game; in this condensed style of play, forcing your opponent to swap their lively Pokémon can be quite destructive if done correctly.
There were times when I used my Sabrina card to pressure my opponents into switching to high-investment Pokémon – like the former Zapdos – without any energy attached to them. This lack of energy leaves the mighty Pokémon unable to attack – and completely vulnerable to my attacks. In another battle, I faced an evasive opponent who kept switching out their Pokémon at low health, but then my Sabrina card forced them to bring back one of three Pokémon (whose HP I had lowered earlier) into the match. Another time I only needed one extra turn to properly equip my former Pikachu, so I used Sabrina to hold off my opponent one more turn.
Sabrina has helped me improve my game so much that every time I draw her I feel a little relieved. She may or may not definitely win the battle, but her ability allows me to break the momentum and direct the flow of turns. It’s no wonder it’s become a favorite card in my own deckbuilding – and people apply some of the most popular decks today.
In its current state TCG Pocket “meta” is a bit all over the place. The game just launched its first online PvP event on Thursday. Many people apply Mewtwo ex and Pikachu ex decks, which can frustrate some players. But Sabrina’s utility reminds me that sometimes the most useful cards aren’t always the flashiest ones. By carefully implementing it as part of my strategy, I’m surprised at how many huge, “scary” Pokémon I can defeat.
If you haven’t gotten Sabrina into a Pack or Wonder Pick yet, you can exchange her for 70 Pack Points in a card swap. (That’s what I did and I don’t regret the purchase.) I’m glad he doesn’t say scary dolls anymore, but he can still scare my opponent a little.
