Beginner's Guide to Collecting Pokémon Cards
- Ozzy
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
So, you want to start collecting Pokémon cards? Awesome choice! Whether you're chasing your favorite Pokémon, looking to battle, or hoping to find that rare, shiny card, collecting Pokémon cards is a fun and exciting hobby. But where do you begin? Don’t worry—we're here to help!
Decide What Kind of Collector You Want to Be
Not all Pokémon card collectors have the same goal, but they all love Pokémon. Some focus on collecting for fun, while others aim for competitive play. Here are a few types of collectors:
Casual Collectors – Just looking to grab cool cards of your favorite Pokémon.
Set Collectors – Trying to complete full sets of cards, think full binders with every card set (master sets).
Competitive Players – Collecting cards to build strong decks for the Trading Card Game (TCG).
Investment Collectors – Hunting for rare and valuable cards that might increase in price.
Figuring out what type of collector you want to be will help you make smarter choices when buying packs and singles.
Learn About Different Types of Pokémon Cards
Not all Pokémon cards are created equal. Here are the main types you should know:
Pokémon Cards – These feature the Pokémon themselves, with their attacks, HP, and abilities.
Articuno, a Pokemon card Trainer Cards – These cards provide useful effects like drawing more cards or healing your Pokémon.
Grusha, a Trainer card Energy Cards – Essential for powering up attacks in the TCG.
A Fighting Energy card
There are also rarer card types like V, VMAX, EX, and Special Illustration Rares, which are often sought after by collectors and competitive players alike.
Buying Your First Pokémon Cards
Now for the fun part—getting your hands on some cards! Here are some good ways to start:
Starter Decks – These pre-built decks are great for learning how to play the game.
Charizard Starter Deck Booster Packs – Randomized packs that can contain common, rare, and even ultra-rare cards.
XY Evolutions Booster Packs Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) – Contain booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and other useful accessories.
Paldean Fates Elite Trainer Box (ETB) Buying Singles – If you’re looking for a specific card, buying individual cards can be more cost-effective than gambling on packs.
Articuno Single Card Special Collections – Like an ETB, you can sometimes find other boxes like Super Premium and Ultra Premium collections as well as EX boxes and collections like Blooming Waters boxes.
151 Ultra-Premium Collection (UPC)
You can find our selection of single Pokémon cards and sealed product in the Card Shop
Storing and Protecting Your Cards
Once you start collecting, you'll want to keep your cards safe. Here’s how:
Sleeves and Toploaders – These protect valuable cards from scratches and damage.
Binders – Great for organizing and displaying your collection.
Deck Boxes – Useful for storing and carrying your decks if you plan to play.
Learning How to Play the Game
If you’re collecting Pokémon cards for more than just looks, you’ll want to learn the rules of the Trading Card Game. You can:
Read the rulebook that comes with starter decks.
Watch tutorial videos on YouTube.
Play online with Pokémon TCG Live to practice before building a real deck.
Trading and Buying Cards Safely
Trading is a big part of the hobby, but it’s important to be careful. Here are some tips:
Know Your Card's Value – This can vary between sites, as market value is mainly determined by demand, check multiple sites and use them as a basis for your ballpark number.
Trade with Trusted People – Avoid scammers by trading with friends or at official events.
Be Wary of Fake Cards – If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. We will have more about spotting fake cards/products soon!
Have Fun and Enjoy the Journey!
Collecting Pokémon cards is all about having fun. Whether you’re in it for the battles, the artwork, or the thrill of finding rare cards, enjoy the process. There’s always something new to discover, so dive in and catch ‘em all!
Happy collecting!
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