Hi there. In this short Pokemon TCG post I cover the Supporter cards Kieran & Carmine from Japan's Transformation Mask and the upcoming international release Twilight Masquerade in late May.
The characters Kieran and Carmine from the Teal Mask expansion from the Scarlet & Violet Pokemon video game.
Kieran Supporter Card
Screenshot from Bulbapedia below.
Every once in a while there is a supporter card that allows you choose one of two options. Kieran allows for a Switch option as option number one which is kind of meh as you can the item card Switch. The second option allows attacks used by your Pokemon do 30 more damage to your opponent's active Pokemon ex and active Pokemon V. This extra damage boost can be a surprise factor in knocking out key popular Pokemon like Giratina VSTAR, Lugia VSTAR Charizard ex, Iron Hands ex, etc. My issue with this card is that there are better Supporters to use than this one.
Pros
- Choose between one of two effects.
- Extra 30 damage to opponent Pokemon ex or Pokemon V is helpful for hitting key numbers to target popular bulky Pokemon.
Cons
- Situational supporter, would use something else like Boss's Orders, Iono, Professor's Research.
- Need a Pokemon to combo this card with.
Carmine Supporter Card
Screenshot from Bulbapedia below.
In the Pokemon TCG game when you go first in your first turn you cannot attack nor play a Supporter card. This Carmine Supporter card allows you to use this if you go first during your turn. (You can also use this card outside the first turn.)
This Supporter's card effect is like a weaker version of Professor's Research. You discard your hand and draw 5 cards. Professor's Research discards your hand and draws 7 cards.
There could be a few decks that can benefit from running 4 Carmines in the hopes of having it in your hand if you go first and in your first turn. The benefit would be having a good first turn setup. You could view Carmine as a Squawkabilly ex alternative where you do leave a vulnerable low HP 2 prize Pokemon in play.
It is kind of risky to have this card in your deck. You have to go first in the game plus you have to have Carmine in your hand to use it. Maybe you can combo this with the upcoming Tatsugiri with the Attract Customers ability. Let's see how this card plays out. It could be bad, okay or good in certain decks.
Pros
- Can play this Supporter card if you go first during your first turn. A rare thing.
- Drawing 5 is better than generic Draw 3 cards like Nemona
Cons
- Discarding your hand can be costly depending on the deck.
- Weaker than Professor's Research outside of the first turn. Professor's Research allows you to draw 7 cards after hand discard.