---
blogpost: true
date: Feb 2, 2025
category: Pokémon TCG Pocket
language: English
---

# Which Eevee is Actually Worth Playing?

No Pokémon in TCG Pocket has more versions floating around than Eevee, seven unique cards, to be precise. But let's be honest: not all Eevees are created equal. Four are essentially cosmetic differences, leaving us with three real contenders. So, which Eevee deserves a coveted spot in your deck?

Let's dive into some statistics, but relax; it’ll be painless (mostly).

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## Eevee Battle Royale: Average Damage Edition

If you're aiming for consistency, average damage (expected value) is your best friend. Here's how our three attacking Eevees stack up mathematically.

### Eevee `A1-206`

![Eevee `A1-206`](https://assets.tcgdex.net/en/tcgp/A1/206/low.webp){align=center}

**Tackle**: 20 damage. No surprises, no dice-rolling anxiety. Always dependable, like a favorite sweater.

$$\mathbb{E}[\text{Tackle}] = 20$$

### Eevee `A2-126`

![Eevee `A2-126`](https://assets.tcgdex.net/en/tcgp/A2/126/low.webp){align=center}

**Quick Attack**: 10 base damage plus a coin flip; heads nets an extra 20.

Coin flips add excitement, but statistically:

$$\mathbb{E}[\text{Quick Attack}] = (0.5 \times 30) + (0.5 \times 10) = 20$$

Statistically identical to the trusty Tackle, but a touch more exciting (or stressful, depending on your luck).

### Eevee `A1a-61`

![Eevee `A1a-61`](https://assets.tcgdex.net/en/tcgp/A1a/061/low.webp){align=center}

**Continuous Steps**: 20 damage per heads until you flip tails. Could be legendary; could also disappoint dramatically.

Here's some trivia to impress your friends: The expected number of heads before hitting tails is always exactly one. Neat, right?

Therefore:

$$\mathbb{E}[\text{Continuous Steps}] = 20 \times 1 = 20$$

Yes, it's 20 again. Pokémon loves balance, apparently.

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## Numbers Don't Lie, but They Can Mislead

So all three Eevees average 20 damage per attack. Big whoop. But averages don’t capture the thrill (or heartbreak) of actual gameplay.

In reality:
- **Tackle (A1-206)** is reliable but uninspiring.
- **Quick Attack (A2-126)** tempts fate just enough to feel exciting.
- **Continuous Steps (A1a-61)** swings wildly between spectacular glory and total embarrassment.

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## The Real Question: Can Eevee Actually KO Anything?

Average damage is nice, but early-game knockouts matter far more. Basic Pokémon rarely have 20 HP or less, meaning plain old Tackle Eevee (`A1-206`) simply can’t take anything out immediately.

Here's how our Eevees fare against common Basic Pokémon HP tiers:

|   HP | Count | Examples                        |
|-----:|------:|:--------------------------------|
|   30 |     3 | Tynamo, Magikarp                |
|   40 |     3 | Flabébé, Joltik, Rattata        |
|   50 |    30 | Weedle, Venonat, Caterpie       |
|   60 |   105 | Bellsprout, Petilil, Oddish     |
|   70 |    44 | Bulbasaur, Paras, Scyther       |
|   80 |    33 | Tangela, Heatmor, Magmar        |
|  ... |   ... | and more...                     |

### One-Hit KO Chances (Selected Examples)

| HP | **Tackle** | **Quick Attack** | **Continuous Steps** |
|----|------------|------------------|----------------------|
| 30 | 0%         | 50%              | 25.0%                |
| 50 | 0%         | 0%               | 12.5%                |
| 70 | 0%         | 0%               | 6.25%                |

### Overall KO Probabilities (across all Basic Pokémon)

|       | **Tackle** | **Quick Attack** | **Continuous Steps** |
|-------|------------|------------------|----------------------|
| 1HKO  | 0%         | 0.5%             | 8.19%                |
| 2HKO  | 2.02%      | 12.87%           | 13.29%               |

Continuous Steps Eevee (`A1a-61`) clearly shines brightest when you're dreaming big, though prepare for a few crushing disappointments. Quick Attack (`A2-126`) offers a decent compromise; slightly more predictable, still with a modest upside.

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![Eevee in action](images/the-best-eevee/image-2.png){w="80%" align=center}

## So, Which Eevee Should You Choose?

Ultimately, it depends on your playstyle:

- If you value consistency, go with **Eevee `A1-206` (Tackle)**, but don’t expect any surprises (or victories) from it.
- For a little spice and occasional clutch early knockouts, choose **Eevee `A2-126` (Quick Attack)**.
- If you're a gambler at heart and love epic moments (or epic failures), embrace **Eevee `A1a-61` (Continuous Steps)**.

Statistics aside, your Eevee choice says a lot about you. Choose wisely; or just flip a coin.