Poliwrath

Description

The 1999 Base Set Poliwrath stands as one of the most recognizable cards in the original Pokémon Trading Card Game. Released during the franchise's explosive debut, this Holo Rare card, designated as Card #13, captures the essence of the early TCG era. Designed by Ken Sugimori, the card represents the final evolution of the Poliwhirl line, bringing a powerful presence to any Water-type deck. As a Stage 2 Pokémon, it requires evolution from its previous forms, making it a key piece for collectors building complete set lists or investors tracking the history of the Base Set. Poliwrath is a Water-type Pokémon with 90 Hit Points, offering substantial durability in gameplay. Its attack options provide strategic flexibility: Water Gun deals 30 damage plus an additional 10 for each unused Water Energy, scaling its power based on resource management. The Whirlpool attack deals 40 damage and includes a disruptive effect, forcing the opponent to discard an attached Energy card if they have any. This combination of raw power and disruption made it a staple in competitive formats during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The card’s Pokédex entry highlights its swimming prowess, noting that it easily overtakes the best human swimmers using both front crawl and breaststroke techniques. For collectors, the Base Set Poliwrath is more than just a game piece; it is a cultural artifact from 1999. The Holo Rare treatment adds a distinct visual appeal that sets it apart from common and uncommon cards in the set. Whether you are completing a vintage collection, seeking a specific card number for your portfolio, or exploring the roots of the Pokémon TCG, this card offers significant collector value.