If you truly just want to play the game, then buying random booster packs would be the suboptimal solution anyway. You have to buy the cards online.

>>59243317
I just want to play casually at first not look up meta decks and stuff like that. Maybe I'm just dumb

>>59243299
I'd check if any stores in the local area host events and contact them about their policy on using proxy cards.

Alternatively, you can try TCG Pocket.

Unfortunately, everyone is suffering due to scalpers.

>>59243330
When trying to get into ANY card game, it's best to look for a good entry-level deck, go to a site that sells cards, and then use that site's built-in store features to add those cards to your list and it'll typically find you the cheapest way to purchase all of those cards for that deck. Prices will naturally vary as it's a bunch of individual sellers, and you can end up buying from as low as 1-2 sellers or as many as a dozen depending on rarity and demand on what cards you get. Part of the reason you look for good entry-level decks is also because they're typically a little out of the meta and therefore cheaper and easier to get a hold of.
There's also often online simulators to try it out before buying. I don't know if there is one for the Pokemon TCG, I'm speaking mainly from experience with yugioh. I don't even play it any more lol

>>59243299
Go to your local game store. They'll have a loaner deck you can borrow to play with other people during event nights. Also, the store employee can hook you up with great deals in buying singles, and what they don't have in stock they'll order for you. They almost always know their shit, so they'll show you the ropes of whatever tcg you're trying to get into.
If possible, buy your first deck and staples/engines from them. Your business keeps your locals open, so you'll have a place to keep playing pokemon at however any times a week they host events.
But more than that, when they order singles for you they get them quick and in a single shipment. If you just buy then off tcgplayer, or wherever else, to save the most money, you'll be waiting upwards of six to eight weeks for each of the twenty different vendors to ship your shit and for it to arrive. With how bad mail service has been the past few years (in the US), you'll likely have to send out a refund request on several single purchases for non-delivery, where you'll then have to order again and wait another five weeks to see if it arrives this time around.

TL;DR get your ass to your local game store, dumbass

>>59243299
If only there were a thread dedicated to playing the tcg that could solve your problem.
>>59219338
If only.

>>59243299
if you truly only want to play, just find a circle that does not mind playing with printed card