Dark-sandslash – Team Rocket Returns (#18)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Dark-sandslash (#18) is a Rare card from EX - Team Rocket Returns released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Masakazu Fukuda and the Swift attack (50 damage), This attack's damage isn't affected by Weakness, Resistance, Poké-Powers, Poké-Bodies, or any other effects on the Defending Pokémon.. TCGplayer market price sits around $7.66, Cardmarket average sale is €3.74, Floor listings start near €1.90.
- TCGplayer market price: $7.66
- Cardmarket trend price: €4.44
- Recent low listing: €1.90
Card Details
- Set
- Team Rocket Returns
- Card Number
- 18
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Masakazu Fukuda
- HP
- 70
- Type
- ✊ Fighting, 🌙 Darkness
- Weaknesses
- Grass ×2
Abilities
-
Poison Payback
If Dark Sandslash is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent's attack (even if Dark Sandslash is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.
Attacks & Strategy
-
Swift
[Colorless, Colorless, Colorless]
— 50
This attack's damage isn't affected by Weakness, Resistance, Poké-Powers, Poké-Bodies, or any other effects on the Defending Pokémon.
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Dark-sandslash from Team Rocket Returns (Rare) represents a solid addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2004, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Masakazu Fukuda.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Dark-sandslash 18 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Dark-sandslash's Swift deals 50 damage for Colorless + Colorless + Colorless energy. Special effect: This attack's damage isn't affected by Weakness, Resistance, Poké-Powers, Poké-Bodies, or any other ...
Stats Overview: 70 HP • Fighting/Darkness Type • Weak to Grass ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Dark-sandslash Cards
Looking for other Dark-sandslash cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Rocket Returns #18 ← Current | 70 | 1 attack | Rare | $7.66 |
�📦 Team Rocket Returns Set Context
This Dark-sandslash is part of the Team Rocket Returns expansion , released as part of the EX series in 2004.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Masakazu Fukuda, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Dark-sandslash card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
- Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
- Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
- Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service
Collector Notes
- Rare cards from Team Rocket Returns are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Masakazu Fukuda resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Fighting, Darkness typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Dark-sandslash 18 was released in 2004 in the Team Rocket Returns expansion. This set is part of the EX series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Masakazu Fukuda. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: Team Rocket Returns is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Fighting type Pokémon like Dark-sandslash have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Unlimited format.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Dark-sandslash card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Fighting energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Dark-sandslash works best in Fighting type decks.