Pokemon the card game is just like Magic the Gathering. Basicaly you have 60 cards and you try to beat your opponent. You have to choose the pokemon that you want and then use energy cards (which make the pokemon use the move) and then hit your opponents pokemon till they all die, or till you collect all your prizes. I have seen kids play with only 10 cards please if your going to play at least play right.

Playing for keeps
All this is when you have the prize pile who ever wins get to have the cards so the keep them. Also when yo play you cant get your cards back when you lose.

Trading
First you see the card that you want and ask the guy/girl if they wanna trade if yes then your in buisness. I personlay do not like trading cards which I dont have a double for but thats just me. If you are trading for a rare card be ready to dish out a load of cards, if I had to trade I would trade 7 common with about 5 very common or a cheap rare card in their or many be even 2.
If you are going to trade with little kids you can always buls*it them into thinking that the cheapest card you have could be the best in the world.