Which Decks Should Include Corsola in Pokémon TCG Meta

In Pokemon TCG ·

Corsola SM1-36 card art from Sun & Moon by Satoshi Shirai

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Corsola’s role in the Sun & Moon meta: a bench-building ally

In the bustling landscape of the Sun & Moon era, Corsola is a compact yet surprisingly versatile Basic Water Pokémon that can nudge a deck from cautious setup to quick, explosive bench pressure. With 80 HP and a simple, synergistic two-attack kit, Corsola embodies a philosophy many players cherish: a dependable early-game engine that doesn’t demand a flagship evolution to shine. The artwork by Satoshi Shirai adds a gentle, coral-reef charm to a card that often operates in the background, quietly enabling the next turn’s big plays. ⚡💎

Call for Family: turning tempo into board presence

Corsola’s first attack, Call for Family, costs a single Colorless energy and asks you to search your deck for up to two Basic Pokémon and place them onto your Bench, then shuffle. In practice, this is a powerful tempo tool. It lets you pre-assemble a robust bench by your second or third turn, accelerating your path to an evolving lineup or simply giving you two fresh targets for future evolutions. This is especially valuable in formats where rapid board development defines the pace, and you’re trying to outpace defensive setups or stall strategies. The ability to set up a reliable bench also supports strategies that rely on quick transitions into more powerful Stage 1s or Stage 2 lines, without sacrificing your primary active Pokémon.

  • Pair Corsola with search-focused supporters or item-based deck thinning to maximize the odds of hitting two essential basics on turn one or two.
  • Use Corsola to shore up early weaknesses in water-centric builds, giving you immediate access to two fresh basics for later evolution lines.

Surf: spreading damage while you develop your board

The second attack, Surf, costs Water plus two Colorless energies and deals 60 damage. It’s not a game-breaking number, but in the right deck, that 60 damage lands consistently enough to pressure your opponent while you conspire to hit your big synergy pieces on the bench. Surf’s efficient colorless cost allows you to ignite this threat even when your energy attachment is a touch constrained—an important consideration in Expanded formats where you’re juggling multiple energy types and spells. And because Corsola is a Water type with a Grass-type weakness, you’ll want to lean on your Water lineup’s resilience and support to weather certain matchups. 🧪🎴

Deck archetypes that benefit from Corsola’s toolkit

While Corsola may not be the breakout star of a single, cutting-edge archetype, it fits neatly into several themes that emphasize quick bench development and reliable early access to basics. Here are a few ways players have threaded Corsola into their lists:

  • Bench-first Water decks: Corsola helps you hit two additional basics to fuel future evolutions, while your primary strategy plants roots across the bench. This supports lines that rely on Stage 1s or Stage 2s that want a strong start before you start bogging down your hand with draw power and evolution cards.
  • Hybrid lists with evolution accelerants: If your game plan involves high-HP Water Pokémon that take a couple of turns to set up, Corsola acts as a bridge—quickly stacking a front-row of options so that your heavy hitters can come online faster.
  • Budget or entry-level builds: In formats where staples can be scarce, Corsola’s Call for Family offers a low-cost path to board presence, making it appealing for newer players exploring synergy between search mechanics and bench strategy.

Strategic considerations: timing, weakness, and format

Corsola’s little toolkit shines when you balance timing and coverage. Its Grass weakness at x2 is a reminder to pair it with proper matchups and ensuring you’re not suddenly left on the back foot against a grass-heavy opponent. In Expanded formats, Corsola sits comfortably as a flexible early-game piece, while Standard formats may not be eligible in some rotations. That nuance matters for deck builders who want to keep Corsola online without straying into formats where it’s restricted. The card’s Uncommon rarity and its holo variant’s presence in different print runs also give collectors a sense of value beyond raw gameplay. For collectors, the shimmering holo versions can offer a nice contrast to the normal non-holo print, though both share the same core abilities on the card text. 🔎💎

The Sun & Moon era—where Corsola lives on SM1—remains a favorite for players who enjoy streamlined bench development and clear pathways to evolving a lineup. The card’s Call for Family can dramatically impact the tempo of a single turn, and its Surf attack provides a predictable damage option when you’re still assembling your toolkit. As with many classic Pokémon TCG cards, the best results come from weaving Corsola into a broader strategy: energy management, bench discipline, and a clear plan for how your two buffed Basic Pokémon will contribute to your mid-game plan. 🎮🎨

Market snapshot and collector notes

For collectors watching the market, Corsola SM1-36 sits at an approachable price point in many markets, reflecting its Uncommon rarity and the availability of both normal and holo variants. CardMarket lists a low price around 0.02–0.07 EUR for non-holo copies and a holo variant typically higher, with historical averages around 0.35 EUR for holo copies in some windows. TCGPlayer data shows low prices starting near 0.02 USD and mid prices around 0.20 USD for non-holo, with holo versions climbing higher (market prices around 0.13 USD for standard copies, and higher for reverse-holofoil). As with many older prints, condition and print run influence value, but Corsola’s steady presence in decks across the Sun & Moon era keeps it relevant for collectors who enjoy a well-rounded Water-type staple. 💎🎴

In terms of card imaging and licensing, Satoshi Shirai’s art gives Corsola a friendly, familiar feel that resonates with players who love the underwater world of Pokémon. The card’s design and flavor text (where applicable) contribute to the tactile storytelling of the game—an aspect that often matters as much as raw damage numbers in deck-building decisions.

When you’re pondering whether to sleeve Corsola into your deck, think beyond the exact numbers on the card. It’s about what Corsola unlocks on the bench—the freedom to search, the momentum to deploy, and the chance to pivot into a stronger evolution line as you ride the tempo wave into the mid-game. ⚡🔥

Curious to try Corsola in your own list? You can pick up related gear and accessories that suit casual play or collector setups.

Neoprene Mouse Pad Round Rectangular Non-Slip

More from our network

More from our network


Corsola

Set: Sun & Moon | Card ID: sm1-36

Card Overview

  • Category: Pokemon
  • HP: 80
  • Type: Water
  • Stage: Basic
  • Dex ID: 222
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Regulation Mark:
  • Retreat Cost: 1
  • Legal (Standard): No
  • Legal (Expanded): Yes

Description

Attacks

NameCostDamage
Call for Family Colorless
Surf Water, Colorless, Colorless 60

Pricing (Cardmarket)

  • Average: €0.07
  • Low: €0.02
  • Trend: €0.08
  • 7-Day Avg: €0.11
  • 30-Day Avg: €0.08

Support Our Decentralized Network

Donate 💠