Sword & Shield·#171·2020
The Ordinary Rod is a fundamental Trainer Item card from the Pokémon TCG, representing a classic tool from the Pokémon video games used for catching various aquatic Pokémon. This specific card, #171 from the 2020 Sword & Shield base set, is a common variant known for its vital resource recovery capabilities in competitive play. Here, you will discover the card's mechanics, including its unique ability to recycle both Pokémon and basic Energy, explore its set history, and delve into the artistic style of its illustrator.
Read more ↓The Ordinary Rod is not a Pokémon itself but a Trainer Item card, originating from the vast and diverse world of Pokémon. As an Item card, it represents a tool or object that a Pokémon trainer might use during their journey or battle, rather than a living creature. Its inclusion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) reflects the deep integration of various in-game items from the video game series into the card game's mechanics. Items like fishing rods have been a staple in the Pokémon video games since the very first generation, allowing players to catch Water-type Pokémon from bodies of water. The Ordinary Rod specifically suggests a standard, reliable fishing rod, a quintessential tool for any aspiring Pokémon trainer exploring the regions and encountering various aquatic species. Its function in the TCG typically revolves around utility and resource management, echoing its role in the video games as a means to acquire something useful.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
