Carvanha: Rarity vs Pull Rates Correlation in Pokémon TCG

In TCG ·

Carvanha card art (Obsidian Flames) by Jerky

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Rarity and Pull Rates: Carvanha in Obsidian Flames

In the Pokémon TCG, rarity and pull rate are constant conversations at the table, especially when a new expansion lands with a mammoth card pool. Obsidian Flames, cataloged as sv03, presents a dense ecosystem where Common cards like Carvanha (sv03-046) live alongside far shinier rarities. The contrast between a Common rarity and the thrill of chasing holo or higher variants is exactly where statistics meet storytelling. Carvanha’s presence in this set offers a practical lens on how often you should expect to see it in booster pools and how its market value interacts with its print run.

Carvanha is a Basic Water-type Pokémon with 50 HP, illustrated by Jerky. Its official rarity is Common, and it appears in both normal and reverse-holo variants within the Obsidian Flames lineup. The set itself is sizable—officially cataloged with 197 cards in the standard count and 230 in total—so the density of commons remains high, even as the pool expands. The card bears Regulation Mark G and has both standard and reverse-foil prints, increasing the chances for a player to encounter it across different product types. As of the 2025 updates, you’ll find Carvanha cataloged under sv03, echoing the broader print strategy that keeps commons accessible while still offering collectible appeal through reverses and modern printings.

Card at a glance

  • Name: Carvanha
  • Set: Obsidian Flames (sv03)
  • Card Number: 046
  • Rarity: Common
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 50
  • Type: Water
  • Attack: Sharp Fang — Cost: Water; Damage: 20
  • illustrator: Jerky
  • Weakness: Not listed in the provided data
  • Evolution: Evolves into Sharpedo (the natural progression in the Carvanha line)
  • Variants: Normal and Reverse-Holo prints; First Edition: False
  • Market indicators: Cardmarket data shows a low average price for non-holo around EUR 0.03, with holo variants fetching around EUR 0.10 on average

Gameplay perspective: how Carvanha fits into a build

Carvanha’s modest 50 HP and a single attack, Sharp Fang, make it an opening-foot soldier rather than a finisher. In a typical Water-themed deck, Carvanha can serve as a tempo setter—placing early pressure while you set up the bench for a stronger evolution. The attack deals 20 damage, which is not devastating by itself, but it’s a useful stepping stone on turns 1–2 to buy time for drawing into more impactful Water-type options.

From a strategic standpoint, the path from Carvanha to Sharpedo (its evolutionary successor) is where the deck really comes alive. Players often favor a small Carvanha line to accelerate energy attachment on the bench and accelerate the evolution tempo. The goal is to push a Sharpedo onto the field quickly, since the evolved form typically delivers more substantial offense and better HP resilience. Carvanha’s print as common makes it a cost-effective “practice card” for newer players learning the rhythm of energy curves, evolution timing, and bench management. The subtle joy of watching a simple common become a game-changing threat is quintessential Pokémon TCG storytelling—rooted in a long-standing cycle of evolving your board state.

“Common cards aren’t just filler; they’re the glue of early-game tempo. A well-timed Carvanha swing can set up the turn where Sharpedo breaks loose.”

Collectors and players alike appreciate Jerky’s art on this card—its clean, energetic representation of Carvanha’s water-swirl menace captures the ecosystem vibe of Obsidian Flames. The normal and reverse-foil options provide a nice bridge between casual play and collectability, offering a visually satisfying target for binder pages and trade chats alike.

Market signals: value, supply, and the pull-rate reality

The relationship between rarity and pull rate is nuanced. Commons are designed to appear frequently in booster packs, which translates to a steadier supply on the market. Yet, that abundance doesn’t erase value entirely. In a set as large as Obsidian Flames, even a humble common can hold sentimental and practical value for a builder chasing a complete Water-type project, or for a collector chasing a reverse holo showcase of the set’s core prints. Cardmarket data reinforces this nuance: the non-holo Carvanha averages around EUR 0.03, with holo variants hovering around EUR 0.10. It’s a reminder that “commons” aren’t automatically worthless; they’re a steady staple whose value is amplified by playability, nostalgia, and the thrill of the chase.

From a pricing and accessibility perspective, Carvanha’s line is a good indicator of a healthy, beginner-friendly entry point into the Obsidian Flames era. The combination of common rarity and the potential for evolution into a stronger attacker makes it a practical inclusion for new decks, while reverse holos offer a collectible upgrade path for seasoned players and investors who enjoy the tactile joy of pulling rarer finishes from a familiar card in a familiar form.

Chasing tempo and the evolution arc

In practice, a deck built around Carvanha will hinge on maximizing early-game tempo and transition into Sharpedo as quickly as possible. The key is to balance energy attachment and trainer support so that you’re not just cycling Carvanha but actively accelerating toward a more robust attacker. By the time you’re ready to flip the board with Sharpedo, your early Carvanha field has paid its dividends in momentum and pressure—exactly the dynamic that makes rarity interesting beyond the number on the card. And because Obsidian Flames includes a broad spread of prints, even a common Carvanha can become a beloved centerpiece in a fan’s collection, especially for those who grew up with the emerald-blue fervor of Water-type staples.

In the end, Carvanha demonstrates a fundamental truth about the Pokémon TCG economy: pull rate is a factor, but playability, evolution pathways, and the emotional resonance of a card powerfully shape its staying power. The lure of a humble common—paired with a reverse variant and the possibility of upgrading into a stronger threat—captures why players keep chasing the next card, the next binder page, and the next story that unfolds across a booster box.

Want to explore more about related topics and market trends? Check out these articles for broader insight into scarcity, pricing dynamics, and deck-building psychology that harmonize with the Carvanha story:

Clear Silicone Phone Case Slim Profile Durable Flexible

More from our network