A Bold New Chapter

Overview

Black & White, released April 25, 2011, launched the BW era with 115 cards featuring Generation V Unova Pokemon exclusively. It introduced full-art cards to the TCG for the first time — textured ultra rares that span the entire card face. The set also debuted the modern card template and removed LV.X and Prime mechanics in favor of a streamlined approach.

Most valuable cards

Full Art Reshiram (#113) and Full Art Zekrom (#114) are the marquee chase cards and the first full-art Pokemon cards ever printed. Full Art Pikachu (#115, secret rare) is exceptionally rare and valuable. Regular holo Reshiram and Zekrom are iconic. Emboar (ability variant) was a competitive staple.

1 #110

Fighting Energy

2 #111

Darkness Energy

3 #112

Metal Energy

4 #113

Reshiram

5 #114

Zekrom

6 #115

Pikachu

Tips to finish the set

Black & White has 115 cards including full-art cards numbered at the end. The 3 full-art cards are the premium pulls. The all-Unova Pokemon roster means this set is a complete Generation V snapshot. Common and uncommon cards are very affordable — target the full-art trio last.

1. 01

   Scan Black & White cards to identify full-art variants

2. 02

   Look for the BW set symbol on the bottom right

3. 03

   Prioritize full-art EX cards — they set the template for modern chase cards

4. 04

   Track your collection progress across the 114-card set

Scan with the app

Pokex identifies the new BW-era card design and distinguishes full-art textures from regular holos. The scanner helps verify the authenticity of full-art Reshiram, Zekrom, and the rare Pikachu, which can be targets for counterfeiting.