Wikipedia

List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets and Shin Bet: Difference between pages

(Difference between pages)
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
→Duties and roles: Deleted 'IT IS THE BEST SECURITY FORCES IN THE WORLD' - this is patently biased.
 
Line 1:
{{poke-cleanuptoofewopinions}}
This is a list of expansion sets for the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].
 
:''For the ethnic group, see [[Shabak people]].''
==Wizards of the Coast==
[[Wizards of the Coast]] published the Pokémon TCG from 1999 until the release of [[#Legendary Collection|Legendary Collection]].
 
[[Image:ShabakLogo.gif|thumb|100px|Shabak emblem "Defender who shall not be seen"]]
===Base Set===
[[Image:Baseset_pikachu.JPG|right|thumb|Red-Cheeked [[Pikachu]] error card]]
The '''Base Set''' was the first one to come out and is thus one of the few sets to have the complete lineup of Basic [[Energy card]]s and, unlike the other more specialized sets, contains a well-rounded lineup of Pokémon, including [[Chansey]], [[Gyarados]], and [[Pikachu]].
 
The '''Shabak''' (in Hebrew, שב"כ '''{{Audio|He-Shabak.ogg|"Shabak"}}''') an acronym of "Shérūt Bītāhōn Klālī" שירות ביטחון כללי) is usually referred to in English as the '''Shin Bet''' (which was what Shabak was originally called in Israel's early days). The Shabak is also known in English as the '''Israel Security Agency''' (ISA), or the '''GSS''' (General Security Service). The Shabak is the Internal General Security Service of [[Israel]]. Its [[motto]] is "מגן ולא יראה," which translates into: "Defender (Shield) who shall not be seen". The service consists of close to 5,000 employees. It is one of three principal organizations of the [[Israeli Intelligence Community]], alongside [[Aman (IDF)|Aman]] (the [[military intelligence]] of the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]]) and [[Mossad]] (responsible for overseas [[Intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]] work).
This set has 102 cards, including the basic Energy cards. It is the only set to come out with four pre-constructed decks (60-cards pre-arranged by the producers meant for dueling), called Zap!, Brushfire, Overgrowth, and Blackout, as well as a [[Starter pack]] starring [[Machamp]]. It is the only set in the Pokémon Trading Card Game to not have a symbol. This set comes immediately before [[#Jungle|Jungle]].
 
== Duties and roles ==
The [[Base Set]] was released on March [[1999]], during the prime of [[Pokémon]]. As a result, kids around the [[United States]] were in a mad dash to grab as many of these cards as possible. A series of fights and robberies took place in schools as a means to possess a full set, and as a result, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was banned in some districts, such as the [[Los Angeles Unified School District|LAUSD]]. By far the most sought-after card was [[Charizard]], possibly because of its high [[hit point]]s and damage. It was apparent that most people aimed to collect these cards rather than play them, since Charizard had serious drawbacks not immediately noticeable. It is interesting to note that Charizard was not any rarer than other holofoil, but perhaps just seemed to be so, since it was the one everyone wanted. However, any "holographic-rare" card was treated like gold, as well as any error cards, like the Red-Cheeked Pikachu (as seen above). The scramble subsided to some degree with the release of Jungle, the second set.
{{Israelis}}
The Shabak's duties are:
* Upholding the state [[security]] against those who seek to undermine it by [[terrorism|terrorist]] activity or violent revolution.
* Expose terrorist organizations of [[Israel]]i civilians
* Interrogations of terror suspects.
* Providing [[military intelligence|intelligence]] for [[counter-terrorism]] operations in the [[West Bank]] and the [[Gaza Strip]].
* [[Counter-espionage]].
* Protect the lives of senior public officials (see also: [[bodyguard]]s).
* Secure important infrastructure and government buildings.
* Ensure the security of [[El-Al]], [[Arkia]] and [[Israir]] flights and Israel's [[embassy|embassies]] abroad.
 
One of the Shin Bet's roles is to protect the lives of senior Israeli ministers and public servants (such as the [[President of Israel]]). The Shin Bet is also responsible for preventing the funding of underground movements and terror groups whose members are Israeli citizens. It accomplishes this goal by using interrogations and secret agents ([[HUMINT]]).
===Jungle===
'''Jungle''' was the second set to come out; it comes after the Base Set and before Fossil. Its symbol is the [[rafflesia]] flower.
 
== Legal status and methods ==
This set had only 64 cards, very small for an expansion set in the card game, with the exception of promotional sets (though "Fossil," the following set, would have even fewer cards). It also had the biggest emphasis on the Pokémon themselves, with room for only one [[Trainer card]]. It was the first set in which [[Wizards of the Coast]] made an identical "Rare" group of cards to the "Holographic Rare" group, something not practiced in the Japanese version. Though the Japanese version also possessed "Rare" and "Holographic Rare" segments, each rarity class contained different cards. This practice would continue until [[Nintendo]] bought back the rights to the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
The Shabak relies mainly on [[HUMINT]] to extract information and gather intelligence. It uses [[informant]]s from the local population in order to gather intelligence about planned attacks or about the ___location of opposition leaders. Shabak had overwhelming success with informants, managing to target the top leaders of the Palestinian organizations—including hardliners such as [[Hamas]] and the [[Islamic Jihad]]. The killing of Sheikh [[Ahmed Yassin]] and [[Abed al-Aziz Rantissi]] shows how deeply Shabak has penetrated into the Palestinian militias. As a result, the Palestinians groups, mainly the [[al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades]] started killing suspected [[collaborator]]s.
 
Shabak also extracts information by [[interrogation|interrogating]] suspects. In [[1987]], after complaints about excessive use of violence in interrogations of Palestinian prisoners, the Landau Committee (headed by a former Supreme Court President) prepared a two-part report on Shabak's interrogation methods. Only one part was made public. It revealed that the Shabak regularly used violent methods of interrogation and that Shabak agents were tutored to lie in court about how evidence was uncovered. The committee report also gave guidelines for future interrogations but most of the details were in the secret part of the report. The open part revealed that the guidelines allowed Shabak to apply "moderate physical pressure" in the case of "necessity." In [[1994]], State Comptroller Miriam Ben-Porat, in a report not made public until February [[2000]], found that during 1988-1992 "Violation of the Landau Commission and the GSS regulations continued to be widespread in the interrogation facility in Gaza and, to some extent, in other facilities.… Veteran and senior investigators in the Gaza facility carried out severe and systematic violations. Senior GSS commanders did not prevent these violations." [http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/a4d9ee9284f95f798525697b0049366c?OpenDocument]
===Fossil===
'''Fossil''' was the third set to come out; it comes after the [[#Jungle|Jungle]] and before [[#Base Set 2|Base Set 2]]. Its symbol is the skeletal structure of an [[Aerodactyl]]'s foot.
 
In [[1999]] the [[Supreme Court of Israel|Israeli Supreme Court]] heard several petitions against Shabak methods. It found that these included: (1) "forceful and repeated shaking of the suspect’s upper torso, in a manner which causes the neck and head to swing rapidly," (2) manacling of the suspect in a painful “Shabach position" for a long period of time, (3) the "frog crouch" consisting of "consecutive, periodical crouches on the tips of one’s toes," and other methods. The Court ruled that Shabak did not have the authority, even under the defense of "necessity," to employ such methods.
One intention of this set is to complete the 151 [[:Category:Pokémon species|species of Pokémon]] from the [[Pokémon#First generation|first generation]]. This might explain why Fossil contains the fewest cards of any standard set in the card game. Future sets would often use a [[gimmick]] to differentiate its cards from other sets.
 
In the Justice Ministry, [http://www.justice.gov.il/MOJHeb/PraklitotHamedina/MehozotHapraklitutVehamachlakot/HamachlakaLetafkidimMeyuhadim/ the Department For Special Roles], there is a senior investigator who checks complaints about Shabak interrogations.
This set is named for the Pokémon that, in the video games, must be brought to life from fossils: [[Omanyte]], [[Kabuto (Pokémon)|Kabuto]], and Aerodactyl. The card game follows a similar path in that the card "Mysterious Fossil" (shown above) must be played before any fossil Pokémon can be played.
Shabak claims that it is now basing its interrogations only on psychological means. However, organizations such as [[B'Tselem]] and [[Amnesty International]] still accuse Shabak of employing physical methods that amount to torture under international conventions.
 
In [[2002]] the Israeli [[Knesset]] passed a law, regulating the activity of Shabak. The law ruled that:
===Base Set 2===
* The [[Prime Minister of Israel]] is in charge of the Shabak and carries ministerial responsibility for its activity. The head of the Shabak answers to the prime minister.
[[Image:Baseset2_pikachu.JPG|right|thumb|[[Pikachu]] (Compare with error Pikachu from the Base Set)]] The '''Base Set 2''' is a set of cards in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. This was the fourth set to come out; it comes after the [[#Fossil|Fossil]] set and before [[#Southern Islands|Southern Islands]]. Its symbol is a [[Poké Ball]] with a number 2 behind it to indicate that it is a [[sequel]] to previous sets in the card game, particularly the [[#Base Set|Base Set]].
* The Shabak head will serve 5 years in duty, unless there is a state of emergency.
* Interrogation methods: this part was not made public.
 
== History ==
This set is a reprint of most of the cards in the Base Set and Jungle expansion set (but ''not'' the Fossil set), including the [[Energy card]]s. This is because by the time it was released, those two sets were considered "too old" and unusable in [[tournament]]s. Not every card was reprinted, excluding certain cards from competitive play, such as [[Mr. Mime]]. Also, since every card in this set has been previously printed, it lacks a special stamp reading "[[First edition|1st edition]]" during its initial run.
=== Foundation ===
With the declaration of Israeli Independence, the '''Shin Bet''' was founded, as a branch of the [[Israel Defense Forces]], and was headed by [[Isser Harel]] (the father of Israeli Intelligence, who later headed the [[Mossad]]). Responsibility for Shin Bet activity was later moved from the IDF to the office of the [[Prime Minister of Israel|prime minister]]. During the [[1948 Arab-Israeli war]] that was declared against Israel following the Israeli independence, the Shin Bet's responsibility included only internal security affairs. It was only later that its responsibilities were extended to [[Counter-espionage]] and the monitoring of [[Israeli Arabs]] (Arabs who did not leave Israel during the 1948 war of Israeli independence and who were granted Israeli citizenship).
 
===Southern IslandsEarly days ===
In the beginning, as part of efforts to prevent anti-state activity, the Shin Bet monitored pro-[[Soviet]] opposition parties suspected of supporting the [[Soviet Union]] over [[Israel]] if the [[Cold War]] were to become an active full scale war. The political leadership, headed by [[David Ben-Gurion]], silenced publications that dealt with these activities. Only [[Uri Avneri]] successfully published about these activities in [[Haolam Hazeh]] newspaper. A great controversy was created when two Shin Bet agents were caught installing a [[bugging device]] in [[Meir Yeari]]'s office (Yeari was the leader of [[Mapam]] - a [[Socialist]] [[Zionist]] party with favorable views of the [[Soviet Union]] and [[Joseph Stalin]]).
'''Southern Islands''' is a set of cards in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. Though it is often considered the fifth set, it was actually a [[promotion (marketing)|promotional]] set, sold as a complete collection in the form of a specially-packaged box (rather than as nine-card [[booster pack]]s). It comes after the [[#Base Set 2|Base Set 2]] and before [[#Team Rocket|Team Rocket]].
 
One of the Shabak's most important successes, though it is often incorrectly attributed to the [[Mossad]], was to obtain a copy of the [[On the Personality Cult and its Consequences|secret speech]] made by [[Nikita Khrushchev|Khrushchev]] in 1956, when he denounced [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]]. A Polish edition of the speech was provided to the Israeli embassy in [[Warsaw]] by the boyfriend of the secretary of a Polish communist official. The Shabak's Polish liaison officer conveyed the copy to Israel. The Israeli government then decided to share the information with the United States, who published it with Israeli approval.
When arranged in the correct way, every [[illustration]] used in this set forms a single larger image.
 
Up until the [[Six Day War]], the Shin Bet continued to focus on [[counter-espionage]] and monitoring political activity among the Israeli Arabs. Shabak's most notable achievement in counter-espionage was the capture of Dr. [[Israel Bar]] in [[1961]] who was revealed to be a [[Soviet]] [[spy]]. Bar was a [[Lieutenant Colonel]] in the reserves, a senior security commentator and close friend of Ben-Gurion, and reached high Israeli circles. Bar was tried and sentenced to ten years in prison (which was later extended by the Supreme Court to fifteen years, following his appeal), where he died. In the same year, [[Kurt Sita]], a [[Christian]] [[Germany|German]] from the [[Sudetenland]] and a [[professor]] in the [[Technion]], was revealed as a [[Czech people|Czech]] [[spy]].
===Team Rocket===
There is a set of cards in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] named after '''Team Rocket''', a trio (or organization, depending on one's definition) from the [[Computer and video games|video games]] [[Pokémon Red and Blue]] and ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]''. While it has some devotion to the trio known as [[Team Rocket|Jessie, James, and Meowth]], who relentlessly follow the protagonists in the [[Pokémon (anime)|anime]], most of this set refers to the [[criminal organization]] they belong to. This is the sixth set, coming after [[#Southern Islands|Southern Islands]] and before [[#Gym Heroes|Gym Heroes]]. Its symbol is the '''''R''''', which is the Team Rocket organization's symbol and can be seen on practically everything that comes from them.
 
=== After the Six Day War ===
This set introduced the [[pokémon card#Dark Pokémon|Dark Pokémon]], Pokémon controlled by the Team Rocket organization. Dark Pokémon in this set are able to use low amounts of [[Energy card|Energy]] to attack but suffer from low [[hit point]]s--that is, they're quick to power up but can just as quickly be brought down. The latter proved unpopular with competitive play, and Dark Pokémon would not show a strong presence until the set's [[sequel]] released many years later, [[EX Team Rocket Returns|Team Rocket Returns]], with its Hit Points problem fixed.
After the [[Six Day War]], Shabak efforts to monitor terrorist activity in the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip]] become a more and more dominant part of the organization activity, and today it is considered to be the major part of Shabak's mission. [[Yeshayahu Leibowitz]] warned that the control over the territories will turn Israel into a "Shabak state". However, Shabak imposed restrictions on itself in order to not harm democratic values, separation of authorities and to prevent the risk that Shabak will be used in a totalitarian manner.
 
=== Years of crisis ===
This is also the first set to include a card exclusive to the English language version. As part of a [[promotion (marketing)|promotion]], an American-only [[Raichu|Dark Raichu]] can be found in this set, though it is the rarest card. The card number for Dark Raichu states "83/82".
During [[1984]]-[[1986]] Shabak went into a major crisis following the [[Kav 300 affair]] in which two terrorists who hijacked a bus and took hostages were executed without trial by Shabak officers, who later covered up the event and gave false testimonies. Following this affair, [[Avraam Shalom]] (then the head of Shabak) was forced to resign.
 
The event resulted in the Landau committee, which regulated Shabak interrogation methods.
===Gym Heroes===
[[Image:Gymheroes_bonix.JPG|right|thumb|[[Brock (Pokémon)|Brock's]] [[Onix]]]]'''Gym Heroes''' is the seventh set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Team Rocket|Team Rocket]] and before [[#Gym Challenge|Gym Challenge]]. Its symbol is an [[amphitheatre]] with a black stage and white tiers. Its name comes from the ''Gym'' Leaders it focuses around and how these Gym Leaders have relatively optimistic and carefree personalities compared to those featured in Gym Challenge.
 
In [[1995]] a crisis followed the [[assassination]] of [[Israeli Prime Minister]] [[Itzhak Rabin]] by [[Yigal Amir]]. Following the Shabak's failure to protect Rabin, [[Carmi Gillon]] was forced to resign. Later, the [[Meir Shamgar|Shamgar]] investigation committee learned of serious flaws in the personal security unit and the provocative and inciting behavior of [[Avishai Raviv]] - an [[Agent provocateur]] of the Shin Bet Jewish Unit. Raviv obtained a "[[photoshop]]ped" picture of Rabin in an [[SS]] uniform, and presented it in the infamous [[Zion Square]] demonstration in Jerusalem prior to Rabin's murder.
This is the first set to have [[Pokémon card#Owner's Pokémon|Owner's Pokémon]], the owners being the Gym Leaders of the various [[Pokémon Gym]]s around [[Kanto (Pokémon)|Kanto]]. While all eight Gym Leaders are represented, the most attention is paid to the first four met in the [[Computer and video games|video games]]: [[Brock (Pokémon)|Brock]], [[Misty (Pokémon)|Misty]], [[Lt. Surge]], and [[Erika (Pokémon)|Erika]]. Each of their Pokémon reflect their favorite [[Pokémon types]], as well as Pokémon they have been seen carrying in the [[Pokémon (anime)|TV show]]. For example, Brock specializes in the [[Pokémon types#Rock-type|Rock-type]], so a lot of his cards in the card game would be Rock Pokémon. However, in the anime, he also carried a [[Vulpix]], a [[Pokémon types#Fire-type|Fire-type]], which is also included in this set.
 
Gillon was replaced by outside "import", [[Israeli Navy]] [[admiral]] [[Ami Ayalon]]. Ayalon rehabilitated Shabak after Rabin's murder and worked hard to restore its reputation with the general public.
Owner's Pokémon must be [[Pokémon evolution|evolved]] from a Pokémon of the same owner, which also proved to be unpopular, as the element of mixing and matching cards from different sets is lost. Additionally, some of the "Rare" cards had little or no value in play, such as Misty's [[Tentacool]], which is incapable of doing damage and is overshadowed by a better version of "Uncommon" rarity. However, Owner's Pokémon have been sporadically released in [[Japan]], though except for those within [[#EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua]], none have been translated into [[English language|English]].
 
In [[1996]], a unit of the Shabak assassinated [[Hamas]] chief bombmaker [[Yahya Ayyash]] by planting an explosive device in his [[cellular phone]]. The operation was carried out after an instruction by then Prime Minister [[Shimon Peres]].
===Gym Challenge===
'''Gym Challenge''' is the eighth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Gym Heroes|Gym Heroes]] and before [[#Neo Genesis|Neo Genesis]]. Its symbol is an [[amphitheatre]] with a white stage and black tiers. Its name comes from the ''Gym'' Leaders it focuses on. Unlike those featured in Gym Heroes, these Gym Leaders tend to have more serious personalities and more dubious intentions.
 
=== During the al-Aqsa Intifada ===
This is the second set to prominently feature [[Pokémon card#Owner's Pokémon|Owner's Pokémon]]. It features the last four [[Pokémon Gym]]s in [[Kanto (Pokémon)|Kanto]] encountered in the [[Computer and video games|video games]] and the Gym Leaders who own them: [[Sabrina (Pokémon)|Sabrina]], [[Koga (Pokémon)|Koga]], [[Blaine (Pokémon)|Blaine]], and [[Giovanni (Pokémon)|Giovanni]], though all of that region's Gym Leaders have some degree of representation in this set. Each of their Pokémon reflect their favorite [[Pokémon types]], as well as any other Pokémon they might be associated with. For example, Giovanni prefers the [[Pokémon types#Ground-type|Ground-type]], so many of Giovanni's Pokémon would be of the Ground type. However, he is often seen in the [[Pokémon (anime)|anime]] petting a [[Persian (Pokémon)|Persian]], which is also included in this set (as well as "Giovanni's [[Meowth]]," which it [[Pokémon evolution|evolves]] from). This set also added "[[Team Rocket|Rocket's]] Pokémon." While Team Rocket is not a Gym Leader, Giovanni runs the Team Rocket organization, which likely explains its presence in this set.
{{SectOR}}
In 2000, Ayalon ended his 5-years term and he was replaced by veteran Shabak official, [[Avi Dichter]]. Dichter, an ex-[[Sayeret Matkal]] [[commando]] and an experienced Shabak [[espionage|agent]], tightened the working relationship with the [[Israeli Defence Forces]] and the [[Israeli police]]. Foreign press hinted that Shabak is working tightly with the elite Israeli counter-terror unit, [[YAMAM]].
 
Dichter was in charge when the [[al-Aqsa Intifada]] erupted. He managed to react quickly to changes and turn Shabak into a prominent player in Israel's war against [[Palestinians]] after the collapse of the [[2000 Camp David Summit]].
Owner's Pokémon must be evolved from a Pokémon of the same owner, which also proved to be unpopular, as the element of mixing and matching cards from different sets is lost. However, Owner's Pokémon have been sporadically released in [[Japan]], though except for those within [[#EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua]], none have been translated into [[English language|English]].
 
The Shin Bet is most known for its role in the conflict with [[Palestinians]]. The Shin Bet produces intelligence which enables the [[Israeli Defence Forces]] (IDF) to prevent [[suicide bombing]]s before they reach their destinations. This is usually done by preventive arrests and deploying road blocks when there is a serious alert.
===Neo Genesis===
[[Image:Neogenesis_chikorita.JPG|right|thumb|[[Chikorita]] ]] '''Neo Genesis''' is the ninth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Gym Challenge|Gym Challenge]] and before [[#Neo Discovery|Neo Discovery]]. Its symbol is a pair of stars, one in front of the other. ''Neo'' is [[Latin]] for "new", and ''Genesis'' is [[Greek language|Greek]] for "beginning". Neo Genesis features [[Pokémon#Second generation|second-generation]] Pokémon that come from the region of [[Johto]] and is the first set to do so. With it comes two new [[Pokémon types]]: [[:Category:Dark Pokémon|Darkness]] and [[:Category:Steel Pokémon|Metal]], each with their own [[Energy card]]s.
 
In addition to preventing [[suicide bombing]]s from the West Bank by arrests and special operations, Shabak is working tightly with the [[Israeli Air Force]] in order to pinpoint and kill terror masterminds and terrorist leaders by precision [[air strike]]. The targets are field commanders and senior leaders of Palestinian militant factions (which Israel consider as terrorists), mainly those of [[Hamas]], but also of the [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad|Islamic Jihad]], the [[Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades]], the [[Fatah]] and even one [[Al-Qaeda]] linkman ([[Iad Al-Bik]]). These assassinations, called "[[targeted killings]]", are usually done by [[helicopter gunship]]s, where both IAF commanders and Shabak agents sit together in the command center monitoring the operation. Shabak's task is giving intelligence when and where the target will be available for a strike and then reacting to IAF [[UAV|drone]] feedback and ensuring the men on the sight are indeed the wanted terrorists (this part is called "identification and incrimination").
The design on the cards have also changed, now looking closer to the Japanese version. The [[hit point]]s displayed on the upper-right is now smaller, and its color has changed from red to black. The statistics on the bottom of the card now have [[dune]]-shaped indentations in the background immediately behind each stat. The text reading "Basic Pokémon" is now directly under the HP (Hit Points) instead of the upper-left corner. The information about the Pokémon directly below the [[illustration]] is now in a [[parallelogram]] instead of a [[rectangle]].
 
Shabak's effective activity during the second Intifada boosted its reputation both among the Israeli public and [[counter-terror]] experts. [http://www.fas.org/irp/world/israel/shin_bet/m052504.html]
===Neo Discovery===
'''Neo Discovery''' is the tenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Neo Genesis|Neo Genesis]] and before [[#Neo Revelation|Neo Revelation]]. Its symbol is a [[Maya civilization#Pyramids and temples|Mayan temple]]. The ''Neo'' part of its name is Latin for "new," since this set features Pokémon considered new during its release. The ''Discovery'' part probably implies the discovery of the mysterious [[Unown]] in the Ruins of Alph in [[Johto]]. While the architectural structure of the ruins is ambiguous in the [[Computer and video games|video games]] [[Pokémon Gold and Silver]] and [[Pokémon Crystal]], in [[Pokémon 3: The Movie]], they seem to be of [[Central America|Central]] or [[South America|South American]] origin.
 
=== 2003 to 2006 ===
The Unown are a [[Pokémon]] themed on the [[English alphabet]]. At the time of Neo Discovery's release, there were 26 types, one for each letter. (Later, Unown ? and Unown ! would be introduced, bringing the total to 28.) Neo Discovery introduced these Pokémon into the card game with nine letters: A, D, E, F, I, M, N, O, and U. Each could affect the game in different ways related to a word starting with the letter the Unown represents. Unown "O" (as seen in the picture) is associated with the word ''[[Observation|observe]]'', and this application in the card game is done through "observing" the opponent's deck.
In November 2003, four former heads of Shin Bet ([[Avraham Shalom]], [[Yaakov Peri]], [[Carmi Gillon]] and [[Ami Ayalon]]) called upon the Government of Israel to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1096286,00.html].
 
[[Ami Ayalon]], along with Palestinian professor [[Sari Nusseibeh]], launched the ''[[National Census]]'' peace initiative.
Neo Discovery also premieres many [[Pokémon#Second generation|second-generation]] Pokémon into the card game, such as [[Smeargle]], [[Politoed]], and [[Wobbuffet]]. In a way, this makes it a counterpart to the [[#Jungle|Jungle]] set (which introduced another third of the original 150 Pokémon).
 
[[Avi Dichter]] is one of the chief supporters of building a defence barrier against Palestinians in the [[West Bank]]. The Israeli government began building the [[Israeli West Bank Barrier]] in [[2003]]. Dichter has since said that the barrier 'is working' and helps to prevent and reduce [[terror]] attacks. [http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=397404&displayTypeCd=1&sideCd=1&contrassID=2], [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/12/17/wmid17.xml&sSheet=/portal/2003/12/17/ixportal.html&secureRefresh=true&_requestid=229966]
===Neo Revelation===
[[Image:Neorevelation_sgyarados.JPG|right|thumb|Shining [[Gyarados]]]] '''Neo Revelation''' is the eleventh set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Neo Discovery|Neo Discovery]] and before [[#Neo Destiny|Neo Destiny]]. Its symbol is a splash of water, possibly referring to the [[sea serpent]] known as the Red [[Gyarados]], pictured to the right. The ''Neo'' part of its name is Latin for "new," since this set features Pokémon considered new during its release. The ''Revelation'' part refers to the [[Bible|Bible's]] [[Book of Revelation]], the final book, as this set completes the [[Pokémon#Second generation|second-generation]] Pokémon's representation in the card game.
 
In February [[2005]], [[Ariel Sharon]] announced that [[Yuval Diskin]], a veteran Shabak field agent, senior negotiator with Palestinian officers and mastermind of the "targeted killings", will replace Dichter after he ends his five-year term. On [[May 15]], [[2005]] Diskin entered into office after Dichter left with great applause from the press, the politicians, and the public. Dichter has joined the political arena and is now a member of the [[Kadima]] party, founded by the former [[Israeli]] prime minister [[Ariel Sharon]].
As of the release of this set, there would be at least one card of each of the 251 Pokémon, including the elusive [[Celebi]]. This set finishes the second generation with Pokémon like [[Porygon2]], [[Misdreavus]], and [[Flaaffy]]. In a way, this makes it a counterpart to the [[#Fossil|Fossil]] set (which rounded out the original set of 150 Pokémon). It also includes three more of the [[Unown]] introduced in Neo Discovery: B, K, and Y.
 
In September 2006, the Shin Bet, launched its first-ever public recruitment drive with the creation of a [http://www.shabak.gov.il Web site]. The employment campaign, coming on the heels of a newly approved defense budget, is targeting computer programmers.
Most importantly, this set was the debut of the [[Pokémon card#Shiny Pokémon|Shiny Pokémon]]. Shiny Pokémon are extremely powerful, but no more than one of each kind is allowed in a deck. This tradition was short-lived, however, as the Shiny Pokémon were present only until the following set, Neo Destiny. However, [[Pokémon card#Pokémon Star|Pokémon-star]] cards, which function almost identically to Shiny Pokémon, were introduced in a later set known as [[EX Team Rocket Returns]].
 
===NeoRising DestinyProfile===
Once considered a commitment to lifelong anonymity and even invisibility in Israeli society, today a Shabak agent who achieves high rank in the service, especially the director, is considered a candidate for membership in the top brass of the Israeli government and business community. This process follows a trend started by ex-generals and colonels of the Israel Defense Forces, the trailblazers including [[Moshe Dayan]], [[Ariel Sharon]], and [[Yitzhak Rabin]]. In the Shabak and the foreign intelligence [[Mossad]] service, the trend showed up much later (During mid-[[1990s]]), even though Isser Harel (who served as head of both services) and Meir Amit of the Mossad both served as lawmakers.
'''Neo Destiny''' is the twelfth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Neo Revelation|Neo Revelation]] and before [[#Legendary Collection|Legendary Collection]]. Its symbol is a blue sparkle above a white sparkle, possibly referring to the Dark and Light Pokémon within this set. The ''Neo'' part of its name is Latin for "new," since this set features Pokémon considered new during its release. The ''Destiny'' part implies this set is beyond [[prophecy]]--that is, beyond Neo [[Revelation]].
 
Ex-Shabak directors today are increasingly visible as candidates for higher office. Yaakov Peri became the chairman of Bank HaMizrahi in 2002, and also became a highly visible guest on television programs. Carmi Gillon serves as Chairman of the Local Council of [[Mevaseret Zion]], Jerusalem's most affluent suburb, while Avi Dichter and Ami Ayalon were at one time leading candidates for defense minister (Dichter for the Kadima party formed by prime minister Ariel Sharon, Ayalon on the Labour party ticket). Dichter eventually became Minister of Internal Security in the current government led by [[Ehud Olmert]]. Ayalon has attracted widespread following as a co-initiator with Palestinian dignitary Sari Nusseibeh of the non-governmental Peoples' Voice initiative to petition the governments in Israel and the Palestinian Authority for a permanent settlement.
This set is the second set with an emphasis on [[Pokémon card#Dark Pokémon|Dark Pokémon]], though unlike its predecessor, [[#Team Rocket|Team Rocket]], these Dark Pokémon don't seem to have any influences. In this set and only this set, they are counterbalanced by [[Pokémon card#Light Pokémon|Light Pokémon]]. Whereas Dark Pokémon have low [[hit point]]s (health) and do a lot of damage, Light Pokémon have high Hit Points and have attacks and other abilities that revolve around support, such as healing damage.
 
== Criticism ==
Perhaps the reason why Light Pokémon have not seen an appearance after this set is because many of its moves benefit the user and the opponent equally, thus requiring the user to set the situation up for maximum gain while preventing the opponent from doing so. Also, Light Pokémon do not normally inflict much damage, a disadvantage in a game whose objective is to cause as much damage as possible. However, a counterpart to Dark Pokémon known as [[Pokémon card#Delta Pokémon|Delta Pokémon]] has recently been introduced and could be a descendant of Light Pokémon.
 
The so-called "[[Shabak technique]]" is an extreme [[interrogation]] technique that is used by the Shin Bet on [[Palestinian]] suspects. It has never officially been confirmed by the secretive Shin Bet as acceptable for use. Informal accounts by prisoners indicate it may involve forcing the subject to sit on a short stool or chair which is angled forward (so it's impossible to sit in a comfortable, stable position) and then tying their arms and legs behind them to the chair, while also covering their head with a bag and possibly subjecting them to extremely loud noise, such as music. The subject is then left in this condition for extended periods of time. Sleep is not allowed for the duration.
This set completes the [[Unown]] alphabet started in [[#Neo Discovery|Neo Discovery]] with twelve letters: C, G, H, L, P, Q, S, T, V, W, X, and Z. (Unown "J" was released between sets.) This set is also the last to be owned by [[Wizards of the Coast]] and is the first since the [[#Base Set|Base Set]] to have not have identical "Holographic Rare" cards and "Rare" cards in its English version.
 
This method was considered by the Israeli Supreme Court on September 6, 1999, which prohibited this method, along with all other forms of torture and physical pressure. In 2000 an official Israeli government report was released, after being kept secret for five years, in which the government admitted torturing Palestinian detainees between 1988 and 1992.
===Legendary Collection===
The '''Legendary Collection''' is the thirteenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after Neo Destiny and before the Expedition Pokémon-e base set.
 
On May 6, 2007 two human rights organizations released a report in which they charge the Shin Bet of continuing its torture techniques despite a court ruling in 1999 prohibiting such techniques. The report is based on testimony from 73 prisoners who were in Shin Bet custody between March 2005 and July 2006. The report continues with descriptions of these techniques, all of which are classified as torture under international law: physical beatings, painful binding, back bending, and body stretching and prolonged sleep deprivation.
The Legendary Collection is the sequel to [[#Base Set 2|Base Set 2]]: It is made up entirely of reprints from the first four sets: [[#Base Set|Base Set]], [[#Jungle|Jungle]], [[#Fossil|Fossil]], and [[#Team Rocket|Team Rocket]]. Its purpose is to make these cards legal in tourmanent play; otherwise, these cards would be considered "too old." Thus, some people call this "Base Set 3." The Legendary Collection is the first set to have a parallel set whose only difference is that shiny foil is printed on the entire front of the card except for its illustration. (This isn't done in the regular set.) Strangely, even though this set is an amalgamation of four sets, this set contains fewer cards than any of the following three.
 
Furthermore, the report criticizes the lack of accountability within the Shin Bet stating that despite over 500 complaints of abuse made to the attorney's office since 2001, no criminal investigation was launched as complaints are investigated by a member of the Shin Bet.
==Nintendo==
[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/856142.html]
After Legendary Collection, Nintendo regained the rights to the Pokémon TCG, and began publishing the game in North America on their own.
 
== Lists and tables ==
===Expedition===
=== Important events in Shabak history ===
[[Image:Expedition_eremoval2.JPG|right|thumb|Energy Removal 2]] '''Expedition''' is the fourteenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Legendary Collection|Legendary Collection]] and before [[#Aquapolis|Aquapolis]]. Its symbol is a [[Poké Ball]] drawn to look like a lower-case "e."
* [[1948]]: the Shabak is founded as the ''Shin Bet'' and is one of the three secret services in Israel along with the Military Intelligence and the Foreign Intelligence (later, the [[Mossad]]).
* [[1956]]: the Shabak obtains a copy of Khrushchev's speech denouncing Stalin.
* [[1961]]: the Shabak expose Doctor [[Israel Bar]] as a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Espionage|spy]].
* [[1984]]: the [[Kav 300 Affair]], two terrorists hijacked a [[bus]] and after IDF SF and Shabak regained control over the bus, [[Avraam Shalom]] ordered the killing of the two terrorists who were captured alive, and [[Danny Yatom]] knocked their skulls in with a brick. The officers involved tried to cover this up.
* [[1987]]: the Izat Nafsu affair, when an officer was cleared from spy charges, and Shabak was highly criticized for his methods and norms.
* [[1995]]: the [[assassination]] of [[Yitzhak Rabin]] by [[Yigal Amir]] and the failure of Shabak to prevent it.
* [[1996]]: the Shabak assassinates [[Hamas]] top bombmaker [[Yahya Ayyash]].
* [[2000]]-[[2005]]: the [[al-Aqsa Intifada]] and Shabak main role in intelligence gathering and [[counter-terror]] efforts. [[Avraam Dichter]] received high credit for Shabak part in thwarting hundreds of [[suicide attack]]s and the [[assassination|targeted assassination]] of terrorist leaders.
 
=== Heads of the Shabak ===
This set is the first set to be adapted into English by [[Nintendo]] after Nintendo bought the card game's rights back from [[Wizards of the Coast]]. It is also the first to use the [[e-Reader]]: By scanning a dot code found on the bottom of all of the cards and the sides of some, the e-Reader can display patterns, produce sounds, or other various novelties. (This may be the reason why cards in the Expedition set are noticeably thicker than previous sets.) However, none of these features are required for play. At 165 cards (330 if its parallel set is included), Expedition is the largest set ever in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
* [[Isser Harel]] (1948–1952)
* [[Izi Dorot]] (1952–1953)
* [[Amos Manor]] (1953–1963)
* [[Yossef Harmelin]] (1964–1974)
* [[Avraam Ahitov]] (1974–1981)
* [[Avraam Shalom]] (1981–1986)
* [[Yossef Harmelin]] (1986–1988)
* [[Yaakov Peri]] (1988–1994)
* [[Carmi Gillon]] (1995–1996)
* [[Ami Ayalon]] (1996–2000)
* [[Avi Dichter]] (2000–2005)
* [[Yuval Diskin]] (2005–)
 
==Shabak in Popular Culture==
Because of its completely new format, this was thought to be a good time to balance the card game with less powerful versions of previously printed cards. For example, '''Energy Removal 2''' (pictured above) serves an identical purpose to Energy Removal from the [[#Base Set|Base Set]], except a [[Coin flipping|coin must be flipped]] to determine if the effects are successful. However, this set also introduces the [[Trainer card#Supporter card|Supporter card]], a type of Trainer card that now dominates competitive play.
* [[Shin Bet]] operative Dahlia Tal appears in the [[Ubisoft]] video game [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow]]. As a jest, when Lambert brings up the Shin Bet, Fisher replies with "Spooky. Who are we torturing?"
 
* [[Shin Bet]] agents appear several times in Joel Rosenberg's book The Copper Scroll.
===Aquapolis===
'''Aquapolis''' is the fifteenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Expedition|Expedition]] and before [[#Skyridge|Skyridge]]. Its symbol is a [[skyline]] within a water [[Drop (liquid)|droplet]]. It is also the largest set of Pokémon cards ever released (as of February 2006).
 
== See also ==
This set is the second of three to extensively use the [[e-Reader]]: By scanning a dot code found on the bottom of all of the cards and the sides of some, the e-Reader can display patterns, produce sounds, or other various novelties. (This may be the reason why cards in the Aquapolis set are noticeably thicker than sets before [[#Expedition|Expedition]].) However, none of these features are required for play. Aquapolis introduces [[minigame]]s playable by scanning in dot codes from multiple cards (in any order). These mini-games will usually be very simple, and more often than not, each Pokémon whose card has been scanned in will play some role in the mini-game.
* [[Israel Security Forces]]
* [[Israel Defence Forces]]
* [[MAGAV]]
* [[Mossad]]
* [[YAMAM]]
* [[Security agency]]
 
== External links ==
While [[Trainer card#Technical Machine|Technical Machines]] were dabbled upon in Expedition, Aquapolis is the set to make use of them. Technical Machines would be released sparingly from this point onward.
* [http://www.shabak.gov.il/ Shabak Official website (Hebrew)]
* [http://www.fas.org/irp/world/israel/shin_bet/ Shin Bet] ([[Federation of American Scientists|FAS]])
* [http://www.fas.org/irp/world/israel/shin_bet/m052504.html "Return of the Shin Bet" By Omri Essenheim] ([[Maariv]], [[25 May]] [[2004]] - reprint at FAS)
* [http://www.btselem.org/english/legal_documents/HC5100_94_19990906_Torture_Ruling.PDF Text of the 1999 High Court of Justice ruling] (PDF)
* [http://www.btselem.org/english/torture/background.asp B'tselem report on Shabak's use of torture]
* [http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3230365,00.html Knesset said "No" to Shabak]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/637293.stm BBC - Israel admits torture]
 
[[Category:Intelligence agencies]]
===Skyridge===
[[Category:Israeli Security Forces]]
'''Skyridge''' is the sixteenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Aquapolis|Aquapolis]] and before the [[#EX Ruby and Sapphire|EX Ruby and Sapphire]]. Its symbol is a pair of [[mountain]]s with a [[halo]] around the taller one.
 
[[ar:شاباك]]
This set is the last of three to extensively use the [[e-Reader]]: By scanning a dot code found on the bottom of all of the cards and the sides of some, the e-Reader can display patterns, produce sounds, or other various novelties. (This may be the reason why cards in the Skyridge set are noticeably thicker than sets before [[#Expedition|Expedition]].) However, none of these features are required for play. Skyridge continues Aquapolis's tradition of [[minigame]]s playable by scanning in dot codes from multiple cards (in any order). These mini-games are usually be very simple, and more often than not, each Pokémon whose card has been scanned in will play some role in the mini-game.
[[cs:Šin Bet]]
 
[[da:Shin Bet]]
===EX Ruby and Sapphire===
[[de:Schin Bet]]
[[Image:Rubysapphire_torchic.JPG|right|thumb|[[Torchic]]]]'''EX Ruby and Sapphire''' is the seventeenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#Skyridge|Skyridge]] and before the [[#EX Sandstorm|EX Sandstorm]]. Its symbol is a jewel with a [[Brilliant (diamond cut)|brilliant cut]], viewed from above. It is named after the [[Computer and video games|video games]] [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire]]. The ''EX'' part comes from the [[Pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] present in this set.
[[es:Shabak]]
 
[[fa:شاباک]]
This set introduces [[Pokémon#Third generation|third-generation]] Pokémon and continues to be scannable by the [[e-Reader]]. However, the dot codes on the left side of the card is gone, replaced with a single dot code on the bottom. Unlike the cards in [[#Expedition|Expedition]], [[#Aquapolis|Aquapolis]], and Skyridge, however, this dot code produces only where to find the Pokémon in the video games instead of completely original [[Pokédex]] information. This set yet again changes the layout of the cards; except for the dot code at the bottom (which is now absent), it is exactly the same as the Japanese layout and is the format used up to this day.
[[fr:Shabak]]
 
[[id:Shin Bet]]
This set is also the first to have Pokémon-ex, Pokémon who are stronger than usual, but the rewards are doubled if a player can take one down. During its release, these Pokémon were exceedingly useful, but as more cards were released, the card game became increasingly stacked against Pokémon-ex. Today, while they are still commonly used, many expert decks no longer have them.
[[he:שירות ביטחון כללי]]
 
[[nl:Shin Bet]]
===EX Sandstorm===
[[ja:シャバック]]
'''EX Sandstorm''' is the eighteenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#EX Ruby and Sapphire|EX Ruby and Sapphire]] and before [[#EX Dragon|EX Dragon]]. Its symbol is a pair of [[fossil]]s: The Claw Fossil and the Root Fossil from the [[Computer and video games|video games]] [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire]]. The ''EX'' part comes from the [[Pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] present in this set. The ''Sandstorm'' part comes from the fact that the player must retrieve these fossils in the video game from within a sandstorm.
[[pl:Szin Bet]]
 
[[fi:Shin Bet]]
This set brings back the Mysterious Fossil from the [[#Fossil|Fossil]] set and expands on it with the Claw Fossil, which can be made into [[Anorith]], and the Root Fossil, which can be made into [[Lileep]]. Both of these Pokémon are from the [[Pokémon#Third generation|third generation]]. The Mysterious Fossil plays the same role as before, which is to evolve it into [[Omanyte]], [[Kabuto (Pokémon)|Kabuto]], or [[Aerodactyl]]. EX Sandstorm also continues to introduce third-generation Pokémon into the card game, with many desert-themed Pokémon, such as [[Cacnea]] and [[Vibrava]], as well as completely unrelated Pokémon, such as [[Zangoose]] and [[Sableye]]. Pokémon from older generations return, such as [[Xatu]] from the [[Pokémon#Second generation|second generation]] and [[Psyduck]] from the [[Pokémon#First generation|first]].
[[sv:SHABAK]]
 
EX Sandstorm takes the [[pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] and makes them even more powerful by introducing them in the form of [[Pokémon evolution|evolved Pokémon]].
 
===EX Dragon===
'''EX Dragon''' is the nineteenth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#EX Sandstorm|EX Sandstorm]] and before [[#EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua]]. Its symbol is a [[crosshair]], possibly referring to how many [[:Category:Dragon Pokémon|Dragon Pokémon]] fly. The ''EX'' part comes from the [[Pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] present in this set. The ''Dragon'' part comes from this set's emphasis on Dragon Pokémon.
 
Many of the cards in this set are considered [[Pokémon types#Dragon-type|Dragon-type]], many of which made their debut in this set, such as [[Bagon]] and [[Altaria]]. There aren't very many Dragon-type Pokémon, however, so most of this set is made up of other [[Pokémon#Third generation|third-generation]] Pokémon, such as [[Ninjask]] and [[Shuppet]], as well as Pokémon from older generations, such as [[Dragonite]] (as Dragonite ex) and [[Pineco]].
 
===EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua===
[[Image:tavstm_takyogre.JPG|right|thumb|[[Team Aqua and Team Magma#Team Aqua|Team Aqua's]] [[Kyogre]]]]'''EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua''' is the twentieth set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#EX Dragon|EX Dragon]] and before [[#EX Hidden Legends|EX Hidden Legends]]. Its symbol is a cross-shaped [[scar]], half of it red ([[Groudon]]) and the other half blue ([[Kyogre]]). The ''EX'' part comes from the [[Pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] present in this set. The rest of its title refers to the [[Eco-terrorism|ecoterrorist]] groups [[Team Aqua and Team Magma]] and how they are constantly in conflict with each other.
 
This set marks the return of [[Pokémon card#Owner's Pokémon|Owner's Pokémon]] (Pokémon who belong to somebody or something) outside of the Japanese version, not seen since [[#Gym Challenge|Gym Challenge]]. Almost all of the Pokémon in this set are owned by either Team Magma or Team Aqua. Introduced in this set are dual-type Pokémon, Pokémon with two different [[Pokémon types]], though they are exclusively some of the stronger Pokémon in this set with the [[Pokémon type#Dark-type|Darkness type]] mixed in. In a way, this is a [[sequel]] to the [[#Team Rocket|Team Rocket]] set early into the card game's history, as Team Aqua and Team Magma are [[Hoenn]]'s equivalent to [[Team Rocket]].
 
As of September [[2005]], EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua is the last set released to be deemed "too old" and thus unplayable in [[tournament]]s at its current state. This cutoff point was chosen probably because this is the last set to use the [[e-Reader]], used in a few of its cards; all following sets would abandon it completely.
 
===EX Hidden Legends===
'''EX Hidden Legends''' is the twenty-first set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua]] and before [[#EX FireRed & LeafGreen|EX FireRed & LeafGreen]]. Its symbol is a large dot with six equally-spaced smaller dots surrounding it. This entire setup is within a solid white irregular [[hexagon]]. The ''EX'' part comes from the [[Pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] present in this set. The ''Hidden Legends'' part refers to [[Regirock]], [[Regice]], and [[Registeel]], [[Legendary Pokémon]] hidden away in stone structures. Its symbol refers to Registeel's face, which is seven dots arranged in such a way.
 
This set revolves around three concepts: Regirock, Regice, and Registeel, as mentioned above; [[Jirachi]], a Legendary Pokémon with the power of [[wish|wishes]]; and [[Pokémon 4Ever]] with the presence of Dark [[Celebi]]. Dark Celebi is the first [[Pokémon card#Dark Pokémon|Dark Pokémon]] within the "EX" sets and the only one to be a basic Pokémon. This set also continues to introduce Pokémon into the card game. In addition to the Pokémon above, [[Beldum]] and its [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] line makes its debut.
 
As of September [[2005]], EX Hidden Legends is the oldest set that is [[tournament]]-legal; all sets before this one are considered "too old."
 
===EX FireRed & LeafGreen===
[[Image:fredlgreen exeggutor.JPG|right|thumb|[[Exeggutor]] ]] '''EX FireRed & LeafGreen''' is the twenty-second set of cards from the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. It comes after [[#EX Hidden Legends|EX Hidden Legends]] and before [[EX Team Rocket Returns]]. Its symbol is a black [[Poké Ball]] with white outlines, possibly referring to the symbol of [[#Base Set 2|Base Set 2]]. The ''EX'' part comes from the [[Pokémon card#Pokémon-ex|Pokémon-ex]] present in this set. The ''FireRed & LeafGreen'' part refers to the [[Computer and video games|video games]] [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen]].
 
Because Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are [[remake]]s of [[Pokémon Red and Blue]] (the Blue version is called the [[Pokémon Green|Green version]] in Japan, hence the "LeafGreen" portion), it follows that the cards in this set would be remakes of the cards during Pokémon Red and Blue's era. Every Pokémon from this set are from the [[Pokémon#First generation|first generation]], completely ignoring the second and third. It also features Pokémon characters from the Red and Blue era, such as [[Professor Oak]] and [[List of Pokémon characters#Other minor characters|Bill]].
 
Most importantly, however, many of the cards in this set play like, but never ''exactly'' like, their counterparts from the card game's first three sets: [[#Base Set|Base Set]], [[#Jungle|Jungle]], and [[#Fossil|Fossil]]. For example, Exeggutor in this set (see above) has the "Big Eggsplosion" attack, which it shares with its Jungle counterpart.
 
However, like the video games, it brings the first-generation Pokémon and characters up to date, possessing newer innovations like [[Trainer card#Supporter card|Supporter cards]] and Pokémon-ex. It also makes use of new characters, items, and places in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, such as [[Sevii Islands#One Island (Knot sland)|Celio]].
 
===[[EX Team Rocket Returns]]===
EX Team Rocket Returns is the twenty-third set in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It comes after EX FireRed & LeafGreen and before EX Deoxys. Its symbol is an emblem of Team Rocket, a shield-like shape with a black bold R in the center. This emblem for Team Rocket is unusual as it appears nowhere else; the purpose of this emblem is probably to distinguish this set from the former Team Rocket set. The EX part of this set's title comes from the presence of Pokémon-ex in the set. The Team Rocket part is the set's theme, Team Rocket as a criminal organization--its members, the Pokémon it controls, and the techniques it uses for world domination. The Returns part is an indication that it's a sequel set to the Team Rocket set released four years earlier.
 
===[[EX Deoxys]]===
[[Image:Ex Deoxys.JPG|right|thumb|EX Deoxys logo]]EX: Deoxys is the eighth set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. This is overall the twenty-fourth set. The set's symbol is a shooting star, and the set is based on the Pokémon Deoxys, and also loosely on Rayquaza. Both of these were the featured legendary Pokémon in the seventh Pokémon movie, Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys.
 
===[[EX Emerald]]===
[[Image:Ex emerald.JPG|right|thumb|EX Emerald logo]]EX Emerald is the twenty-fifth set in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It comes after EX Deoxys and before EX Unseen Forces, conciding with the release of its complement video game Pokémon Emerald in May 2005. Its symbol is a gemstone, presumably an emerald. The EX part of its title comes from the presence of Pokémon-ex in the set, and the Emerald part obviously comes from the title of the game it represents.
 
===[[EX Unseen Forces]]===
[[Image:Exunseenforces.gif|frame|EX Unseen Forces Logo]]EX: Unseen Forces is the tenth set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over the Trading Card Game from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. The set, which in Japan was named "GoldenSky and SilverSea", is set in Johto, and is the first set by Pokémon USA to mainly consist of Pokémon from the Pokémon Gold and Silver games, released in 2001. The set's official symbol is a black silhouette of Ho-Oh's wing, superimposed on a white silhouette of Lugia's wing.
 
===[[EX Delta Species]]===
[[Image:Exdeltaspecies.gif|frame|EX Delta Species Logo]]EX Delta Species is the eleventh set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over the Trading Card Game from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. The set, which in Japan was named "Researching Tower of Holon", is set in the research centre, Holon. Due to a mix-up with translations, this was supposed to be released after EX Legend Maker, but that was delayed until February 2006 in English-language territories. This set is disliked by some people because of the complexity of Delta Species Pokémon. The set's official symbol is Holon Tower. The tower has a tall cylindrical body, what looks like a massive roof, and two buttresses at its base.
 
===[[EX Legend Maker]]===
[[Image:Exlegendmaker.gif|frame|EX Legend Maker Logo]]EX: Legend Maker is the twelfth set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over the Trading Card Game from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. The set, which in Japan was named "Eidolon Forest", is set in a forest in the middle of nowhere. Due to a mix-up with translations, this was supposed to be released before EX Delta Species, but was delayed until February 2006 in English-language territories. This is considered by many to be a very good set, for several reasons - possibly for its similarity with Jungle and Fossil original expansions, or possibly for its exclusion of the complicated Delta Species Pokémon. Its symbol is a stylized forest, a white egg-shaped area with three black acute isosceles triangles to represent the trees (or possibly Regirock, Regice, and Registeel). It received the name Legend Maker due to the inclusion of Mew.
 
===[[EX Holon Phantoms]]===
[[Image:Exholonphantoms.jpg|frame|EX Holon Phantoms Logo]]EX Holon Phantoms is the thirteenth set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over the Trading Card Game from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. The set, which in Japan was named "Holon Phantom", is set in an undeveloped area of Holon. It marks the return of Delta Species Pokémon, after they debuted in EX Delta Species last December (November in some regions). The set symbol is the Holon symbol, with three triangles around the sides.
 
===[[EX Crystal Guardians]]===
[[Image:Crystalguardians.jpg|frame|right|EX Crystal Guardians Logo]]EX Crystal Guardians is the fourteenth set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over the Trading Card Game from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. The set, which in Japan was named "Miracle Crystal", is set on an unknown island inhabited by Pokémon and Delta Species Pokémon. It marks the return of Delta Species Pokémon, after they debuted in EX Delta Species last December (November in some regions), and then returned in EX Holon Phantoms in May 2006. The set symbol is a crystal. The set will be released on August 30 in North America and Europe.
 
===[[Furthest Ends of Offense and Defense]]===
Furthest Ends of Offense and Defense will be the fifteenth Pokémon Trading Card Game set when released by Pokémon USA, Inc. in late 2006. The set, which has no English name as of yet, is set on an unknown island far away, inhabited only by Delta Species Pokémon. It marks the final appearance of Delta Species Pokémon, after they debuted in EX Delta Species last December (November in some regions), returned in EX Holon Phantoms in May 2006, and most recently appeared in EX Crystal Guardians in August 2006. The Delta Species Saga consists of four sets - however, the saga was interrupted by EX Legend Maker in English-language territories.
 
==External links==
* [http://www.pokemon-tcg.com Pokémon TCG Official Site]
* [http://op.pokemon-tcg.com Pokémon Organized Play Official Site]
* [http://www.pokebeach.com PokéBeach]
 
[[Category:Pokémon Trading Card Game]]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pokémon_Trading_Card_Game_sets"