Pokemon SAS7 Evolving Skies Elite Trainer Box - Blue: Unboxing the Dragon's Hoard!

The Evolving Skies expansion set took the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) world by storm. With its stunning artwork, powerful Dragon-type Pokemon, and a rainbow of Eevee evolutions, it quickly became a favorite among collectors and players alike. And one of the best ways to experience this captivating set is with the Evolving Skies Elite Trainer Box (ETB). But this isn’t just a box of cards; it’s a curated collection, a starting point, and a piece of Pokemon TCG history all rolled into one.

A Glimpse into the Pokemon TCG Phenomenon

Before we delve into the ETB itself, let’s take a step back and appreciate the phenomenon that is the Pokemon TCG. Born in Japan in 1996, just months after the release of the original Pokemon Red and Green Game Boy games, the TCG quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide. It wasn’t just a game; it was a way to connect with the beloved Pokemon universe in a new and tangible way.

Over the years, the Pokemon TCG has evolved, introducing new mechanics, card types, and of course, countless new Pokemon. But the core appeal remains the same: the thrill of collecting, the strategy of deck building, and the joy of battling with friends.

What Exactly Is an Elite Trainer Box?

Think of an Elite Trainer Box as a premium starter kit and collector’s item combined. While booster packs offer a taste of a new set, the ETB provides a more comprehensive and immersive experience. It’s designed to give you everything you need to start playing the game, or to significantly enhance your existing collection, all within a beautifully themed package. It’s more than the sum of its parts.

Unboxing the Evolving Skies ETB: A Journey Begins

Let’s embark on our unboxing adventure! The Evolving Skies ETB, in its vibrant blue variant, immediately catches the eye. The artwork, featuring a majestic Rayquaza soaring through a colorful sky, hints at the power and beauty contained within. As we carefully open the box, we’re greeted with a neatly organized collection of items:

• The Booster Packs: The Heart of the Matter: Eight Evolving Skies booster packs are the main attraction. Each pack holds 10 cards, and the anticipation of what might be inside is a core part of the Pokemon TCG experience. We’ll delve into the specifics of these packs in a moment.

• Protective Sleeves: Keeping Your Treasures Safe: You’ll find 65 card sleeves adorned with the Eevee evolutions. These aren’t just for show; they’re essential for protecting your cards from wear and tear, especially those valuable pulls you’re hoping for. Sleeving your cards is a crucial habit for any serious collector or player.

• Energy Cards: Fueling Your Battles: The ETB includes 45 Energy cards. These are the lifeblood of your Pokemon’s attacks. Each Pokemon requires a specific type and number of Energy cards to unleash their moves. The ETB provides a good starting supply, but you’ll likely need more as you build different decks.

• Dice and Condition Markers: Tracking the Action: Six damage-counter dice and two acrylic condition markers are included. The dice are used to track how much damage your Pokemon have taken during battle. The condition markers indicate special status effects like Poisoned, Burned, or Paralyzed, which can significantly impact the game. These are higher quality than simple cardboard.

• A Player’s Guide: Your Roadmap to Evolving Skies: This booklet is a treasure trove of information. It contains a complete visual checklist of every card in the Evolving Skies set, allowing you to track your collection progress. It also provides insights into the set’s themes, strategies, and key cards.

• The Rulebook: Mastering the Fundamentals: Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player needing a refresher, the included rulebook is your guide to the game’s mechanics. It covers everything from basic gameplay to more advanced rules.

• The Collector’s Box: A Home for Your Hoard: Finally, we have the sturdy collector’s box itself, complete with four dividers. This isn’t just packaging; it’s a stylish and practical way to store your cards, dice, markers, and even extra booster packs. The dividers help you organize your collection by type, rarity, or any other system you prefer.

• A Code Card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online: A nice way to grow your digital collection.

The Cards: Heart of the Collection

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the Evolving Skies ETB: the booster packs themselves.

• Booster Pack Breakdown: The Anatomy of a Pack: Each pack contains 10 cards, typically distributed as follows:

  • 5 Common cards
  • 3 Uncommon cards
  • 1 Rare card (which may be a regular rare, a holo rare, or a higher rarity)
  • 1 Reverse Holo card (any card from the set with a special holographic pattern)
  • 1 Energy card
  • 1 Code Card

  It’s important to note that the “rare” slot can sometimes contain a much rarer card, like a Pokemon V, VMAX, Full Art, or even a coveted Secret Rare.

• Understanding Card Rarity: The Thrill of the Chase: The Pokemon TCG employs a rarity system that adds a layer of excitement to collecting. Here’s a breakdown of the common rarity symbols you’ll find on cards:

  • Circle (●): Common
  • Diamond (♦): Uncommon
  • Star (★): Rare
  • Holo Star (★H): Holographic Rare (the star symbol is holographic)
  • Ultra Rare: Featuring a Pokemon V, generally a Basic Pokemon, but with greatly increased Hit Points (HP) and stronger attacks.
  • Full Art: These are Ultra Rare cards, and feature extended artwork that covers the entire card.
  • VMAX: These are dynamic, powerful versions of Pokemon, they evolve from Pokemon V.
  • Secret Rare (Rainbow Rare, Gold Cards, Alternate Art): These are the most sought-after cards, featuring unique artwork and special foiling. They are incredibly rare and highly valued by collectors.
    • Rainbow Rares (also called Hyper Rares): Feature a rainbow-colored holographic pattern.
    • Gold Cards: Feature a gold-colored holographic pattern.
    • Alternate Art Cards: Feature unique, often stunning, artwork that differs from the regular versions of the card. These are often considered the most desirable cards in a set.

• Evolving Skies Specifics: A Dragon’s Paradise: The Evolving Skies set, as the name suggests, heavily features Dragon-type Pokemon, known for their power and resilience. Rayquaza, Duraludon, Dragonite, and Noivern are just a few of the Dragon-type powerhouses you might find. But the set also celebrates the Eevee evolutions, offering a beautiful array of V and VMAX cards for Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon. This blend of power and elegance makes Evolving Skies a truly special set. Some standout cards include the Alternate Art Rayquaza VMAX, the Umbreon VMAX, and the various Eevee evolution VMAX cards.

Beyond the Cards: Building Your Collection and Gameplay

The ETB isn’t just about opening packs; it’s about building a foundation for your Pokemon TCG journey.

• Card Sleeves and Their Importance: Card sleeves might seem simple, but they are vital. They keep your valuable cards from, scratches and damage, preserving condition, which greatly affects value.
• Energy Cards The Foundation of a Deck Every attack requires energy, ETB provides an excellent starting point.
• Dice, Markers, and Gameplay: The dice and condition markers, as mentioned earlier, are used during gameplay. The dice track damage, while the markers indicate special conditions like Poison or Burn, which can significantly alter the course of a battle.
• The Collector’s Box: Organization is Key Proper storage greatly helps with any collection, the ETB comes with a high-quality storage box and dividers.

A Little Probability

While we can’t guarantee any specific pulls, it’s fun to consider the probabilities involved in opening booster packs. The exact pull rates for Evolving Skies are not officially published by The Pokemon Company, but based on community data and large-scale openings, we can estimate that the chance of pulling an Ultra Rare or higher is roughly 1 in 4-5 packs. Secret Rares are, of course, much rarer, with odds often estimated at 1 in 2-3 booster boxes (a booster box contains 36 packs). This inherent randomness is part of what makes opening packs so exciting! It’s important to remember that these are just estimates, and luck always plays a role.

The Enduring Appeal: The TCG Journey

I remember vividly when I first started with the Base Set. I wasn’t just collecting pieces of cardboard, but fragments of an amazing world. I traded with friends at school, during lunchtime, and after school. I even participated in small tournaments at my local game shop. I pulled a Charizard, and I will never forget that feeling.
I have seen the TCG grow and change, but that feeling of discovery and connection has always remained.

Wrapping Up: A Box Full of Potential

The Evolving Skies Elite Trainer Box offers something for everyone. For new players, it’s a perfect introduction to the game, providing everything needed to start playing and building a collection. For seasoned collectors, it’s a chance to chase rare and valuable cards, add to their existing collection, and enjoy the beautiful artwork and themed accessories. And for casual fans, it’s a fun way to experience the excitement of opening packs and discovering the world of Pokemon TCG. It’s a tangible piece of the Pokemon universe, a reminder of the enduring appeal of these amazing creatures and the thrill of the game.