Aggro vs Control: Granbull’s Optimal Role in Pokémon TCG

Granbull card art from Kalos Starter Set XY0-23 illustrated by Masakazu Fukuda

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Granbull in the spotlight: Aggro vs Control in the Pokémon TCG

In the ongoing dance between aggression and control on the tabletop, Granbull from the Kalos Starter Set makes for a compelling case study. With a tidy 100 HP and a pair of attacks that mix reliability with a hint of luck, this Fairy-type Stage 1 fights for a role that isn’t always clear-cut in modern decks. Masakazu Fukuda’s illustration graces the card with a bold, confident presence, reminding us that even a faerie bulldog can kick off a match with attitude. ⚡🔥

Here we’ll chart Granbull’s best-fit niche, weaving together its game mechanics, its place in the expanded-legal landscape, and what collectors and players should know about its value and artwork. The card exists in holo, normal, and reverse variants within the XY0 Kalos Starter Set, and its rarity is listed as None, a reminder that this is a core-set staple rather than a chase card. The card’s balance of power, risk, and tempo invites a thoughtful approach: can Granbull pace the early game as an aggressive disruptor, or does it shine brightest when used as a controlled pressure point? Let’s dive in. 🎴

Granbull at a glance

Type: Fairy
HP: 100
Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Snubbull)
Attacks:
- Headbutt — Fairy, Colorless for 30
- Double Stomp — Fairy, Colorless, Colorless for 50+, with a coin-flip mechanic: Flip 2 coins. This attack does 20 more damage for each heads.
Weakness: Metal ×2
Resistance: Darkness −20
Retreat Cost: 3
Set: Kalos Starter Set (xy0)
Illustrator: Masakazu Fukuda
Variants: normal, holo, reverse
Legal: Expanded (standard not legal for this card)

Aggro path: turning pressure into quick prizes

Granbull’s core strength as an aggressor lies in its two-attack ladder. Headbutt offers a safe early threat that can land a solid 30 damage on the first turns when you’re setting up a board state. But it’s the risk-reward of Double Stomp that really defines Granbull’s tempo. With one or two heads on the coin flips, you’re looking at 70–90 damage for three energy. In a fast aggro plan, that means you can threaten to take a quick Prize or two before your opponent stabilizes their board—and you’re seldom outgunned on the bench thanks to its respectable 100 HP. To maximize this role, build around reliable Fairy energy acceleration and a lean line of supporting basics that can soak a hit while you set up. The Metal weakness suggests caution against metal-heavy decks, but the Resistance to Darkness adds a defensive slant against certain common exertions in the era. The retreat cost of 3 invites a careful approach to switching out Granbull—plan your energy attachment and switching strategy so you aren’t stuck with a passive attacker when you need a pivot. It’s a musical chair of tempo, but Granbull can beat a rhythm that keeps the pressure on, especially when your opponent is trying to slow you down with trainer disruption or board wipes. 🎮

Control pathways: when to cool the tempo down

Granbull can still perform a controlled tempo play, but it requires careful sequencing. In a control-oriented build, you lean on Granbull as a reliable midrange hitter that can contribute meaningful chip damage while you curate a more consistent path to victory—often via bench-presence and selective removal or denial engines from your deck. The coin-flip randomness of Double Stomp earns its keep only when you’ve crafted a plan that can capitalize on a few favorable heads, rather than praying for a string of perfect flips. In these moments, you’ll use Granbull to threaten a surprising knockout or to force your opponent into an awkward decision between defending against a bigger threat and stalling your momentum. Think of Granbull as a bridge piece: it doesn’t need to be the main finisher, but it can quietly close gaps when paired with a handful of deliberate choices—including stalls, removals, and weathering early aggression from your opponent. The 3 retreat cost nudges you toward smart positioning and energy management, ensuring you’re not left vulnerable to a clean bench-kill while you range for your next blow. 🛡️

Collector insight: art, evolution, and accessibility

The Kalos Starter Set is a nostalgic doorway into the XY era, and Granbull’s artwork by Masakazu Fukuda captures a moment of confident, rocky resolve. This card’s holo, reverse holo, and standard prints give collectors a few avenues to celebrate the blossom of a fairy-panged canine. For modern collectors, the rarity being listed as None reminds us that this is a more accessible target for completing a Kalos-era binder, though holo variants will attract premium interest among fans who want that extra shine on their desk displays. The card’s evolution from Snubbull is a neat reminder of how a simple line can become a strategic toolkit when placed into the right deck. ✨

From a market perspective, the data paints a picture of steady interest with approachable price points. Cardmarket shows an average around 0.38 EUR with some ultra-low outs for bare copies and a growing trend signal (0.74). TCGPlayer data for the non-holo variants indicates a low floor around 0.01 USD and mid-range values near 0.7 USD, with market prices hovering around the 1-dollar mark in many shops. For players hunting value, a holo copy often represents the sweet spot for both playability sentiment and display-worthy art. It’s a gentle, approachable corner of the market that invites fans to relive a slice of the Kalos era without breaking the bank. 💎

Market pulse and practical tips

If you’re considering Granbull as a central figure in an aggro deck, here are pragmatic takeaways:

Target early game momentum with a clean energy setup so Double Stomp can hit its peak early.
Be mindful of Metal-type threats; pair Granbull with techs that can help defeat or bypass metal-decked attackers.
Favor hoarding a few heads for the big 90-damage payoff to threaten fast Prize draws, but don’t rely on flip outcomes alone—mix in solid pressure with consistent attackers.
Appreciate the aesthetics: holo and reverse holo copies offer striking display value for fans of Fukuda’s distinctive style.

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