Hitmonlee Synergy in Pokémon TCG: Card Database Analysis

In TCG ·

Hitmonlee card art from Furious Fists set (XY3)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Hitmonlee: A Study in Synergy and Strategy

Within the Furious Fists era, Hitmonlee stands as a lean, focused fighter whose tools lean into tempo and bench-pressure rather than raw power alone. This article dives into synergy analysis using a card-database mindset—pulling from press-worthy details like HP, attacks, and the expanded-era legality—to illuminate how Hitmonlee can slot into decks that prize careful sequencing, bench management, and steady chip damage. At 90 HP, this basic Fighting-type card might not boast the flash of a mega-hit attacker, but its two-key attacks, Stretch Kick and Spiral Kick, reward smart budgeting of Fighting energy and opponent bench positioning. ⚡🔥

Here are the essential data points that shape Hitmonlee’s role in deckbuilding and matchups:

  • Name: Hitmonlee
  • Card ID / Set: xy3-47, Furious Fists (XY3)
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Type: Fighting
  • HP: 90
  • Stage: Basic
  • Attacks: Stretch Kick (Fighting) — 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon; Spiral Kick (Fighting, Fighting) — 30 damage
  • Weakness: Psychic ×2
  • Retreat: 1
  • Illustrator: Hitoshi Ariga
  • Legal in Standard / Expanded: Standard may not be legal for this card in many modern formats; Expanded only

From a gameplay perspective, Stretch Kick has a clear tempo edge: it pushes 30 damage onto a Benched target, allowing you to pressure the opponent’s resource set without directly exposing Hitmonlee to active-attacker retaliation. This is especially potent in decks that rely on bench-punishing strategies, where you’re constantly juggling which targets to threaten next. The move carries a practical caveat—no Weakness or Resistance modifiers apply to Benched Pokémon—so you’re chipping away in a way that scales across turns, not just one big swing. Combined with Spiral Kick’s two-Fighting-energy cost, Hitmonlee rewards intelligent energy budgeting and the ability to maintain steady pressure while you establish a plan for your next powered attacker. 🎴🎨

In a broader synergy sense, Hitmonlee’s role is less about being the peak finisher and more about acting as a reliable early-game engine that accelerates into mid-game tempo. In Expanded formats, where you can piece together support from a larger pool of Fighting-type cards, Hitmonlee functions as a reliable anchor for bench management. Its basic nature means you can deploy it early, set up bench pressure, and leverage later turns to connect with synergy cards that accelerate energy or buff bench damage to key threats. The card’s relatively low retreat cost (1) also makes it easier to reposition Hitmonlee as the battlefield shifts, a crucial advantage when you’re chasing a precise sequence of attacks rather than a single knockout. ⚡💎

“A disciplined footwork-focused fighter, Hitmonlee keeps the pace of the match even when the big finishes look far off.”

Art and lore fans will appreciate Hitoshi Ariga’s illustration, which captures Hitmonlee’s poised, martial-arts focus. The Furious Fists set itself leans into the dynamic, energetic vibe of boxing-inspired Pokémon, and Hitmonlee is a natural fit for that theme. The set’s placement within XY3 helps collectors appreciate how art, rarity, and playability intertwine—an interplay that’s especially appealing when you’re tracing a card’s journey from release to modern re-evaluation in market listings. 💎

Speaking of market dynamics, Hitmonlee XY3-47 sits in an interesting price tier. The pricing data shows two clearly differentiated streams: non-holo copies hover around a modest baseline, while holo variants command noticeably higher values pursuing collector interest and display appeal. As of the latest snapshots, CardMarket’s average for standard copies sits around 0.23–0.27 EUR, with the low end near 0.02 EUR and the mid-range around 0.23–0.26 EUR. TCGPlayer data paints a similar picture in USD terms: normal copies trend around 0.26–0.27 USD, with a low near 0.10 USD and a higher peak near 1.49 USD for well-preserved examples. For holo or reverse-holo instances (where applicable within the XY3 window), market prices can climb toward the $1.00–$3.00 range, depending on condition and demand. This makes Hitmonlee a charming, wallet-friendly option for players building an Expanded-focused Fighting lineup or collectors chasing that nostalgic Furious Fists motif. 🔥

From a strategic vantage point, Hitmonlee shines when you pair it with other Fighting Pokémon that balance energy acceleration and bench pressure. Because Stretch Kick targets the opponent’s Bench, you can script scenarios where you stall a foe’s development while you prepare your heavier hitters for late-game triumphs. If you’re playing with a tempo deck, the ability to maintain board presence without spending your active attacker on every turn can be the difference between victory and a narrow defeat. And while Hitmonlee’s Psychic weakness is a factor to respect in matchups, smart deck composition—adding Psychic-resistance or protection options, or simply sequencing hits to avoid predictable knockouts—keeps Hitmonlee versatile and relevant in Expanded formats. 🎮⚡

For readers who want to explore more about the broader world of card databases and synergy analysis, the following reads offer diverse perspectives on decks, mechanics, and culture across the TCG ecosystem:

Ready to add a touch of fighting finesse to your collection or your next deck, Hitmonlee’s measured cadence and reliable bench-damage capability make it a compelling expansion pick for fans who appreciate clean tempo and practical matchups. If you’re curious about incorporating Hitmonlee into a broader synergy-driven strategy, keep an eye on how the expanded pool evolves—new support and tools can shift the balance, and a classic like Hitmonlee can find fresh purpose in the right roster. ⚡🎴

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