briansunter Repo Meta Research
Research Pokemon TCG Pocket meta and propagate findings into user-facing skills.
Data Sources
| Source | URL | What It Provides |
|---|---|---|
| Pokemon Zone | pokemon-zone.com/pocket |
Tier lists (top player polling + tournament results) |
| PokemonMeta | pokemonmeta.com |
Power rankings from 400+ topping tournament decklists |
| Limitless | pocket.limitlesstcg.com |
Tournament results (147+ events, 16K+ players) |
| Limitless Cards DB | pocket.limitlesstcg.com/cards |
Card details, set browser |
| PokeGoldfish | pokegoldfish.com/pocket |
Deck lists and meta breakdowns |
Research Workflow
1. Gather Current Data
- Check Pokemon Zone for latest tier list
- Check PokemonMeta for power rankings
- Browse Limitless for recent tournament winning decks
- Check for new set releases on limitlesstcg.com
2. Query Local Database
Use the MCP server tools to cross-reference:
- query_cards: "SELECT type, COUNT(*) FROM cards GROUP BY type" — type distribution
- get_type_stats: current type breakdowns
- search_cards: find new cards by set code
- find_counters: verify matchup claims
3. Identify Changes
Compare research findings against current REFERENCE.md data:
- New tier placements (cards moving up/down)
- New deck archetypes emerging
- New staple cards entering the format
- Matchup shifts
- New set releases and their impact
4. Update Skills
Files to update (always update REFERENCE.md, never SKILL.md for time-sensitive data):
| File | What to Update |
|---|---|
skills/pokemon-meta-analysis/REFERENCE.md |
Tier list, power rankings, matchup matrix, meta distribution, trends |
skills/pokemon-deck-building/REFERENCE.md |
Deck lists, archetype viability, best practices table |
skills/pokemon-card-analysis/REFERENCE.md |
Card tier tables (S/A/B tier), trainer card lists |
5. Update Dates
Every REFERENCE.md has a "Last updated" header. Always update it:
> Last updated: [Month Year] ([Set Code])
What NOT to Hardcode in SKILL.md
These files should stay evergreen — no dates, counts, or meta-specific data:
- Card counts ("2908 cards") — changes with every scrape
- Set names ("Pulsing Aura B3") — becomes stale
- Dates ("April 2026") — immediately outdated
- Specific tier placements — shifts with tournaments
Research Checklist
- Checked all 3 primary sources (Pokemon Zone, PokemonMeta, Limitless)
- Queried local MCP database for card/type stats
- Updated all 3 REFERENCE.md files if meta shifted
- Updated "Last updated" dates
- No time-sensitive data leaked into SKILL.md files
- Verified card names match database (no fabricated cards)
- Deck lists sum to exactly 20 cards
- Point maps included for Mega decks
Triggering a Research Cycle
Typically after:
- New set release (every ~4-6 weeks)
- Major tournament results
- User asks for a meta update
- After running
bun run scrapefor a new set