Giovanni's Meowth

Description

Released in 2000 as part of the Gym Challenge expansion, the Pokémon Trading Card Game card known as Giovanni's Meowth (43) holds a distinct place in the franchise's early history. The card's design is attributed to Atsuko Nishida, a key artist in the franchise's visual identity during this period. In gameplay, Giovanni's Meowth offers a basic Stage 1 Pokémon with 40 HP and a modest retreat cost of one Colorless energy. Its primary attack, Colorless False Charity, adds a layer of psychological strategy by allowing the player to disrupt the opponent's deck management. If the coin flip succeeds and the revealed card is a Trainer, it is moved to the discard pile, potentially hindering the opponent's future moves. The secondary attack, Double Scratch, provides consistent damage output based on coin flips, making it a versatile tool in early-game scenarios. Collectors appreciate this card not just for its mechanics, but for its representation of the Gym Leader theme that defined the Gym Challenge set. For enthusiasts building complete collections or seeking specific cards from the original base set era, this card remains a foundational piece of the 2000 release landscape.