What is a blank V Star card?

A blank VSTAR card is a marker card that has no attacks or abilities. It is included in Pokémon TCG booster packs and serves an important gameplay function – tracking the use of VSTAR Powers which are powerful once-per-game moves. When a player uses their one allotted VSTAR Power, the blank VSTAR card replaces it in play as a reminder they cannot use another one that game.

Introducing Pokémon VSTAR Cards

Pokémon VSTAR cards were first introduced in February 2022 with the Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars expansion set. These new cards evolve from Pokémon V, having higher HP, stronger attacks, and flashy gold borders. But what truly sets VSTAR cards apart is their unique VSTAR Power – a special Ability or Attack you can use only one time each game.

VSTAR Powers are often devastating game-changing moves that can quickly shift the tide of battle. For example, the Mewtwo VSTAR exclusive attack Devolution Bomb does 120 damage to each of your opponent‘s Pokémon V. Removing multiple evolved Pokémon in one move is incredibly disruptive. However, with great power comes great responsibility – you need to choose the perfect moment to unleash your VSTAR Power.

Once used, your VSTAR Power is spent for that game. This is where the blank VSTAR marker comes in…

Purpose of the Blank VSTAR Card

The blank VSTAR serves as a reminder that you already used your one VSTAR Power for the current game. After activating your megamoves, you take your VSTAR card and replace it with the blank marker. This shows both you and your opponent that particular VSTAR‘s Power is no longer available.

Functionally, the blank VSTAR:

• Takes up one of your Benched Pokémon spots or Energy attachments. This prevents using multiple VSTAR Powers.

• Physically indicates you used your VSTAR move for that game. Hard to forget with a marker staring you in the face!

• Allows easy tracking instead of trying to remember if you already played your VSTAR or not.

Without the blank VSTAR marker, it would be far too easy to accidentally use a second VSTAR Power in violation of the rules. The physical card eliminates confusion and enforcement issues.

Using VSTAR Cards in Gameplay

VSTAR Pokémon have special deck building restrictions and gameplay rules:

• You can only have 1 VSTAR Pokémon in your deck. This limits the strategy of using multiple VSTAR Powers per game.

• When your VSTAR is Knocked Out, the blank VSTAR remains in play. Your opponent still scores 2 Prize cards, but you cannot play another VSTAR.

• If you happen to draw a second VSTAR Pokémon, you cannot put it into play while the blank VSTAR is there. This prevents cheating extra VSTAR Powers.

• Between the 1 VSTAR per deck limit and 1 VSTAR use per game limit, the blank VSTAR tightly restricts exploiting these powerful cards.

Carefully planning when to unleash your VSTAR Power is critical. Once it‘s done, no takesies backsies! As long as that blank card remains, consider your VSTAR firepower spent.

Opening a Blank VSTAR in Packs

When opening new Pokémon TCG packs, there is a chance of finding one of the highly sought after VSTAR cards. However, receiving a blank VSTAR card does NOT mean you are guaranteed to pull an actual VSTAR Pokémon in the same pack.

The blank VSTAR simply replaces what would otherwise be a common energy card or basic Pokémon. Pulling it has no impact on receiving any other VSTAR, VMAX, or ultra rare hits in that booster. Don‘t assume a blank VSTAR marker ups your odds of scoring a Charizard VSTAR or other chase card.

According to Pokémon TCG pull rate statistics:

• VSTAR Marker – Appears in 1 out of every 3.3 packs

• VSTAR Pokémon – Roughly 1 out of every 27 packs

As you can see, the blank VSTAR appears far more frequently than the marquee VSTAR cards players covet. Seeing one is no reason to get hopes up, it‘s just fulfilling its duty as a gameplay marker.

Brilliant Stars VSTAR Highlights

The first set to introduce VSTAR cards was Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars released on February 25, 2022. This expansion contained four powerful VSTAR Pokémon to kick things off:

Arceus VSTAR – With the "Aura of Life" ability, Arceus heals all damage from each of your Pokémon V between turns. Keeping your attackers healthy is quite advantageous.

Charizard VSTAR – Sporting 300HP and a scorching "Star Barrage" attack, this beloved fan favorite is in high demand among collectors and players alike.

Whimsicott VSTAR – Not a huge attacker itself, Whimsicott supports other Pokémon by allowing use of two Supporter cards per turn instead of one. Doubling supporters provides major versatility.

Mewtwo VSTAR – Its exclusive "Devolution Bomb" attack hits each of your opponent‘s Pokémon V for 120 damage. Mewtwo VSTAR can single-handedly dismantle an evolved Pokémon strategy.

Value of VSTAR Cards

The popularity and competitive viability of specific Pokémon heavily influences VSTAR values: