CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Stage 1
HP: 110
TYPES:
- Grass
EVOLVES FROM: Chikorita
EVOLVES TO:
- Meganium
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Fire
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 2
RARITY: Common
REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Push Down
COST:
- Grass
- Colorless
ENERGY COST: 2
DAMAGE: 50
DETAILS: Switch out your opponent's Active Pokémon to the Bench. (Your opponent chooses the new Active Pokémon.)

MARKET PRICES FOR BAYLEEF 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	5.00	USD
MID	0.46	USD	TREND
LOW	0.15	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Bayleef (ME1-9) emerges as a tactical mid-evolution card with surprising utility in today's fast-paced meta.

This Stage 1 Grass-type brings more than just transitional value on your path to Meganium - its disruptive capabilities can create crucial tempo swings that savvy players can exploit to gain the upper hand in competitive matchups.

Offensive rating: 6/10

Bayleef's Push Down attack delivers a modest 50 damage for two energy (one Grass, one Colorless), which translates to 25 damage per energy investment.

While this damage output is below average for competitive play, the real value lies in its secondary effect - forcing your opponent to switch out their Active Pokémon.

This disruption can dismantle carefully planned strategies, strand energy attachments on benched Pokémon, or force out partially set-up attackers.

Against decks relying on specific Active Pokémon for their strategy, this forced switch can be more valuable than raw damage output.

However, since your opponent chooses the replacement, skilled players can minimize this disruption with proper bench management.

Survival rating: 5/10

With 110 HP, Bayleef offers reasonable durability for a Stage 1 Pokémon, allowing it to potentially survive a hit from moderately powered attackers.

However, its Fire weakness is a significant liability in a meta where Fire types like Charizard and Entei frequently appear.

The two-energy retreat cost is manageable but not ideal, potentially trapping Bayleef in the Active spot when you'd rather have it benched.

Without any inherent defensive abilities or HP-boosting mechanics, Bayleef relies entirely on its base stats for survival.

Consider pairing it with cards that can reduce damage, heal injuries, or facilitate easier retreating to overcome these limitations and extend its battlefield presence.

Versatility rating: 6/10

Bayleef demonstrates solid versatility through its disruptive attack effect rather than raw power.

It can serve as a transition piece to Meganium while still contributing meaningfully to your game plan.

The forced switch effect gives it utility across multiple matchups, potentially disrupting setup Pokémon, stranding energy investments, or buying crucial time.

As a Stage 1, it's relatively easy to get into play compared to Stage 2 Pokémon.

Additionally, being a Grass type opens up synergies with type-specific support cards.

However, it lacks the multi-role capability of truly versatile cards - it can't function as a primary attacker in competitive play due to its limited damage output, and it offers no supporting abilities to benefit your broader strategy when benched.

Speed/Setup rating: 7/10

Bayleef requires moderate setup investment before becoming battle-ready.

As a Stage 1 Pokémon, you'll need to first play Chikorita, then use a turn to evolve.

Its two-energy attack requirement means you'll typically need at least two turns from playing Chikorita before launching your first attack, assuming normal energy attachment pace.

This setup speed is average for the current meta - not particularly fast, but not prohibitively slow either.

The Evolution line is straightforward, without complex requirements or special conditions.

The relatively low energy requirement for Push Down is a positive factor, allowing you to start disrupting your opponent fairly quickly once Bayleef is in play.

Consider energy acceleration cards to improve your attack timeline.

To maximize Bayleef's potential, focus on cards that accelerate energy attachment, protect it from its Fire weakness, or capitalize on the forced switch effect.

Energy acceleration enables quicker attacks, while cards that punish freshly switched-in Pokémon can exploit Bayleef's displacement effect.

Additionally, consider evolution chain support to quickly reach Meganium.

Perfect Partners examples:

Lurantis GX

Its Sunny Day ability accelerates Grass energy attachment, enabling Bayleef to attack sooner while also providing a powerful Grass-type attacker when needed. This acceleration helps overcome Bayleef's moderate setup requirements.

Guzma

This Supporter card complements Bayleef's strategy by allowing you to choose which Pokémon is switched in after using Push Down, creating a more controlled disruption pattern and potentially targeting vulnerable benched Pokémon.

Rare Candy

Bypasses Bayleef entirely to evolve directly from Chikorita to Meganium. While this doesn't utilize Bayleef's abilities, it provides flexibility in your evolution strategy depending on match circumstances and timing needs.

Bayleef occupies an interesting middle ground in the competitive landscape - not powerful enough to build a deck around, but offering enough tactical utility to earn its spot in Grass-focused strategies.

Its strength lies in disruption rather than raw damage output, making it most effective in decks that can capitalize on forced switches.

The Push Down attack creates opportunities to break your opponent's momentum at critical moments, potentially buying valuable time to complete your own setup.

While its Fire weakness and average HP present clear vulnerabilities, Bayleef can still deliver solid performance when properly supported.

Consider it a tactical tool rather than a centerpiece - something to deploy strategically when its disruptive effects align with your broader game plan.

In the right deck construction with proper energy acceleration and protective measures, Bayleef can serve as more than just an evolution stepping stone.