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).


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

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

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

Eevee A2-126

Eevee

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

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.


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.


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.


Eevee in action

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.