Kyurem-EX Dominates Fast Tempo Decks in Pokémon TCG

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Kyurem ex card art from Black Bolt set (SV10.5B)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Kyurem ex: Building a Fast Tempo Toolkit in Black Bolt

In the fast-paced world of the Pokémon TCG, power alone isn’t enough; tempo matters. Kyurem ex enters the fray as a Basic Water-type powerhouse with a staggering 230 HP, ready to weather early trades and swing momentum with a single, devastating blow. This Special Illustration Rare from the Black Bolt set isn’t just a glossy foil; it’s a strategic engine designed to pressure your opponent from turn one and crescendo into late-game control. ⚡🔥

Two things define Kyurem ex on a tempo-focused battlefield: first, an efficient early strike, and second, a late-game finisher that scales with the prize count. The first attack, Slash, costs Colorless + Colorless and deals 50 damage. It’s a solid, low-commitment swing to begin pressuring your opponent while you set up. The real anchor is Blizzard Burst, a 130-damage punch that also punishes the board state in a unique way: This attack also does 10 damage to each of your opponent's Benched Pokémon for each Prize card your opponent has taken. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) The more prizes your opponent has claimed, the more lethal this strike becomes. That creates a dynamic you can lean on—collect quick prizes to unlock bigger bursts, and keep pressure high to force mistakes. 💎

From a deck-building perspective, Kyurem ex rewards players who embrace a brisk pace. With a 230 HP buffer, you can weather early counters while your opponent struggles to keep up with prize pressure. Its Water typing harmonizes well with a consistent Water-energy engine, giving you reliable access to Blizzard Burst as soon as you hit the required energy thresholds. The Stage is Basic, making it a straightforward inclusion in many tempo-oriented lines, and its Retreat cost of 2 is manageable with typical fall-back options. In standard and expanded formats, Kyurem ex stands as a flexible staple for players who value aggression that scales. ⚡🎴

Why fast tempo decks love Kyurem ex

  • High HP, big payoff: 230 HP buffers early exchanges, letting you survive until Blizzard Burst lands a game-changing hit. 🔥
  • Prize-driven damage: Blizzard Burst rewards you for your opponent taking prizes, turning a sluggish early game into a late-game avalanche of damage. 💎
  • Two-pronged offense: Slash provides a reliable, budget-friendly option, while Blizzard Burst scales dramatically as the game evolves. 🎮
  • Collector appeal: The Special Illustration Rare foil in Black Bolt makes it a standout centerpiece for collectors and players alike. 🌈
  • Format flexibility: Legal in standard and expanded, giving you room to experiment with various Water-energy strategies and support cards. 🗺️

To maximize Kyurem ex’s tempo potential, think in layers. Early on, you should aim to establish board presence with a quick, consistent energy attachment plan and a couple of decisive trades. As prizes accrue, Blizzard Burst can swing the game in your favor, especially when your opponent’s bench is full or when you’ve coaxed them into overextending their setup. The attack’s built-in “damage to the bench” effect is a natural deterrent for risky bench sniping by your opponent and a strong incentive to control the pace of the match. 🎴

Deck-building tips for speed and pressure

  1. Prioritize a steady energy flow: because Blizzard Burst costs Water + Water + Colorless, include a solid mix of Basic Water Energy cards and efficient search tools to hit the two-water requirement quickly.
  2. Lean on draw and consistency: pair Kyurem ex with draw-support that doesn’t fritter away your tempo. Quick-turn plays and rapid hand refreshers help you keep the pressure while you charge Blizzard Burst.
  3. Bench management matters: Blizzard Burst becomes more punitive as your opponent’s prize count climbs. Use disruption and tempo tools to prevent your opponent from stabilizing the bench while you build toward your big finish.
  4. Prizes-aware decisions: recognize when to push for an early KO and when to play for prize acceleration. The card rewards players who balance aggression with careful resource preservation.
  5. Support it with staples: consider defensive or draw-oriented teammates and battlefield control tools that fit a Water-energy framework, ensuring you can defend Kyurem ex while your plan unfolds. 💡

From a market and collecting perspective, Kyurem ex from Black Bolt stands out as more than a powerful play—it's a piece of the era’s design language. Its Special illustration rare status makes it a magnet for collectors who chase holo foils and distinctive card arts. The set’s holo variant adds another layer of value for those who pursue complete, aesthetically cohesive collections. For players, the practical value lies in the ability to convert tempo into prizes and, ultimately, victory. ⚡

Market snapshots can fluctuate, but the current CardMarket data for Kyurem ex around late 2025 suggests a low barrier to entry for non-holo listings, with average prices hovering around a few tenths of a euro and a handful of listings dipping below a euro. As always, prices move with print availability, demand, and the broader market mood—but Kyurem ex remains a credible, budget-friendly tempo option for players exploring Water-energy lines within the Black Bolt framework. 🔍

Whether you’re chasing a victory lap with Blizzard Burst or simply admiring the card’s striking foil art, Kyurem ex brings a blend of resilience and raw power to fast tempo decks. It’s a reminder that speed, precision, and a little frost-bitten fury can tilt a game in a single, satisfying burst. 🎇

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