When to Use Ice Rider Calyrex V for Maximum Damage

Ice Rider Calyrex V card art from Chilling Reign

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Maximizing Damage with Ice Rider Calyrex V

In the sprawling canvas of the Pokémon TCG’s Expanded era, Ice Rider Calyrex V stands out as a power spike that demands precise timing and careful energy management. This Water-type Basic V from the Chilling Reign set ushers in big-game potential with its two-attack kit, culminating in a dramatic 200-damage knockout on Glacial Lance. At 210 HP and a vulnerability to Metal, Calyrex V invites a dynamic approach: you pace your pressure with Pierce early and then strike with Glacial Lance when the moment is right, all while balancing energy costs and resource retention. The artwork by 5ban Graphics captures the regal, frostborn aura of the Ice Rider, making every knockout feel like a climactic chapter in a layered strategy novel ⚡🔥.

Understanding the math: Glacial Lance and the two-energy discard

Glacial Lance is the centerpiece. Its cost is Water, Water, Colorless, and it delivers 200 damage. The catch? After the attack, you must discard 2 Energy from Ice Rider Calyrex V. That means you need to load Calyrex with at least three Energy on the turn you plan to deliver the big blow, with two of them explicitly Water Energy. The Colorless requirement can be satisfied by any energy you can attach (a generic Energy, or a colorless-capable facilitator). If you deck your plan properly, you can set up a one-hit knockout against many V-Max and other high-HP threats in Expanded, turning early pressure into a late-game finisher. Keep in mind the card’s weakness to Metal x2, which nudges you to pick favorable matchups when you aim for the big 200.

Tip: a clean Glacial Lance often hinges on sequencing. Attach energies across turns, preserve a flexible energy pool, and exploit your opponent’s energy denial or stadiums to keep Calyrex ready for the moment of impact.

Timing and matchups: when to press for the knockout

Early pressure with Pierce (40 damage) helps you apply a threat while you build the necessary energy. It also gives your opponent a sense of urgency, potentially disrupting their setup plans.
Turn planning for Glacial Lance hinges on energy supply. If you can reliably attach two Water energies plus one more energy (any type) by the turn you intend to strike, you can execute Glacial Lance for 200 on that same turn.
Target selection is key. Against tag-team or high-HP threats in Expanded, a successful 200-damage hit can swing two-prize or even snag a game when you’ve got the board for a follow-up. Against Metal-weak opponents, the risk-reward profile tightens, as the damage interacts with type-based resistances and applied effects.
Energy retention after the hit matters. Since you discard 2 Energy from Calyrex V after Glacial Lance, you’ll want a plan to re-load quickly—whether through recursion engines, energy-drawing supporters, or simple defensive plays to maintain your staying power.

Deck-building notes: how to maximize consistency

To consistently unleash 200 damage, you’ll want a lean energy engine and reliable access to Water energy attachments. Consider the following thematic ideas:

Energy acceleration and searching—include cards that help you attach or fetch Water energy efficiently, so you can hit the two Water attachments needed early without depleting your hand. (Think along the lines of energy acceleration tools that exist in your format, while staying within legal Expanded choices.)
Energy retention and recurrency—supporters or items that help you recycle energies or pull them from the discard pile can keep Calyrex primed for the moment of devastation.
Support for early pressure—Pierce can establish a steady stream of damage while you set up Glacial Lance. Don’t neglect simple, consistent chip damage to force defensive plays from your opponent.
Targeted matchups—plan your lineups around metal weaknesses. In competitive play, carrying a few tools to accelerate or mitigate Metal-type threats can help you line up the knockout when it matters most.

Format notes and collector context

Ice Rider Calyrex V is a flashy Ultra Rare holo from the Chilling Reign set. The card’s height lies in its raw power balanced against the energy cost and the requirement to discard two Energy after the big hit. With 210 HP and a Water typing, it sits at an interesting intersection of offense and resilience. Its retreat cost of 2 further informs how you position it—you’ll often want it to strike and then retreat into a sturdier post-attack board state, or pair it with other Water-type attackers that can leverage energy in synergy. The illustration, credited to 5ban Graphics, captures the frosted epic of the Ice Rider mythos without relying on any AI-generated art, which collectors rightfully appreciate.

Market dynamics around this card reflect its status as a sought-after holo from a popular set. CardMarket listings show a recent average around 0.99 EUR with occasional dips to 0.25 EUR, while TCGPlayer holo pricing ranges from roughly 2.57 USD to 12.99 USD depending on condition and demand. For collectors, the holo treatment and the visual appeal of Ice Rider Calyrex V make it a compelling piece to blend into a water-focused collection, even as it remains a solid gameplay option in Expanded decks.

Playing with purpose: a quick strategy recap

lean into Pierce for early pressure, while you prepare the Glacial Lance window
ensure you can assemble two Water energies and a third Energy in the same turn to hit 200 damage
monitor opponent’s energy denial or stadium effects that could disrupt your setup
weigh your matchups by Metal weaknesses to choose when a Glacial Lance knockout is most valuable

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