Bisharp Exemplifies Metal-Type Core Mechanics in Scarlet & Violet

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Bisharp and the Metal Core of the Pokémon TCG

In the vast, gleaming world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Bisharp stands out as a disciplined envoy of the Metal type. Sporting 110 HP and a Stage 1 evolution line from Pawniard, this Rare card from the Team Up set (SM9) embodies the core mechanics that have defined Metal-type decks for years: precision, resilience, and aggressive timing. The art by Anesaki Dynamic captures the knightly menace of a Pokémon built to cut through the chaos of battle, its blades reflecting the subtle glow common to Metal-type cards. This is not just a data sheet; it’s a showcase of how a single card can distill a type’s philosophy into two potent attacks and a memorable silhouette. ⚡🎴

Team Up’s Bisharp arrives with a design that emphasizes calculated assaults over brute-force brute-force. Its Stage 1 evolution from Pawniard marks a moment where the player transitions from a blade-wielding scout to a board-controlling hitter. The metallic motif runs through every entry: from HP and retreat cost to the two-weapon attitude of its attacks. The card’s rarity and the illustrator’s crisp lines remind collectors why the Metal type has long been associated with sharp edges, careful planning, and a certain tactful ruthlessness at the table. 🔥💎

Card Data Snapshot: What makes Bisharp tick

Name: Bisharp — Rare, Stage 1, HP 110
Type: Metal
Evolves From: Pawniard
Set: Team Up (SM9)
Illustrator: Anesaki Dynamic
Attacks:
- Single Lunge — Cost: Metal; Damage: 30+; Effect: If this Pokémon has no damage counters on it, this attack does 90 more damage.
- Power Edge — Cost: Metal, Colorless, Colorless; Damage: 90
Weakness: Fire ×2
Resistance: Psychic −20
Retreat: 2
Legal: Expanded playable (Standard at the time not legal)

The interplay between Bisharp’s two attacks is where the core mechanics of Metal really shine. Single Lunge rewards clean execution: if Bisharp is pristine—no damage counters—the attack becomes a 120-damage threat in a single turn, a striking parallel to how Metal-type decks often seek clean, decisive blows before any counters are added to the board. Power Edge, with its straightforward 90 damage, provides a reliable alternate route when the board state requires solid, consistent pressure. This dual-attack dynamic mirrors how Metal-type archetypes balance risk and reward—strong, edge-of-the-table plays backed by solid defense and careful resource management. 🛡️⚔️

“Bisharp shows how Steel and calculation go hand in hand—keep Bisharp unscathed, and the blades can slice through the late-game stall.”

Gameplay Strategy: Building around the Metal core

To maximize Bisharp’s potential in an Expanded-friendly Metal deck, think tempo and protection. Metal energy support is your backbone, and Bisharp rewards a plan that minimizes risk while maximizing every strike. Because Single Lunge scales up dramatically if Bisharp remains undamaged, players often pair it with cards that help Bisharp survive early exchanges—skirmish-focused Stadiums, energy acceleration, and healing options that fit within the Expanded window. The 110 HP line sits in a sweet spot: tough enough to endure some hits, but not so bulky that it can’t be knocked out by a determined Fire-type or a focused boss card later in the match. The Fire weakness is a natural pull for opponents who want to push you into a short, decisive exchange; your plan is to weather the early turns, peel away threats, and then strike with a crisp two-hit combination. 🔥⚡

From a deck-building perspective, Bisharp’s cost structure — Metal for both attacks, plus the general Colorless flexibility on Power Edge — encourages the inclusion of energy acceleration and draw to ensure you can hit your key turns consistently. Consider pairing Bisharp with other Metal attackers that share efficient energy costs, and weave in utility tech that helps you protect Bisharp or fetch the right attacker at the right moment. The elegance of the Metal core is that it often rewards precise sequencing: the moment you land a clean Single Lunge while Bisharp remains pristine, you can tip the balance with Power Edge for a definitive knockout. 🎯🔩

Art, Lore, and Collectibility

Anesaki Dynamic’s illustration captures the essence of a knight in gleaming armor—Bisharp’s blades gleam with a vow to cut through chaos, a visual echo of Metal-type’s precision mechanic. The aesthetic is not just for show; it aligns with a broader collector’s desire to own a card that embodies a type’s philosophy, from the crisp linework to the reflective chrome-like finish. The Team Up set’s generous print run ensures Bisharp remains accessible for players while preserving enough rarity to entice collectors who chase holo variants and first-edition whispers in the future. The card’s holographic print (when available) accentuates the steel motif, making battles and binders feel a little more epic each time you shuffle. 🎨💎

Market Pulse: Price and value dynamics

Pricing for Bisharp sits within the typical range for a rare Team Up metal card in Expanded circulation. CardMarket’s data reflects a holo-oriented market with a holo average around €0.50 and a non-holo average near €0.37; the holo trend shows a lively movement (trend around €1.19 in some periods), underscoring the ongoing collector interest in holo-metal staples. On TCGPlayer, normal (non-foil) copies hover around a low of roughly $0.17, a mid around $0.27, and a high near $1.49 for standout examples; reverse holo foils can range from a low of about $0.06 to a high around $1.49, with market pricing around $0.59 for some listings. For players, this means Bisharp remains a budget-friendly but strategic pick in the right decks, while collectors can chase holo-foils or condition-perfect copies as the Meta evolves. 💎📈