tcg-review

Pokémon Card Symbols List (2024 Update)

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:45:35 GMT

When it comes to collecting Pokémon cards, if you are like us, from time to time you may pick up a new collection or find some loose cards and think, "Wow, this card is amazing! I wonder what set it's from," especially if you are wanting to check the prices on your newfound cards. That's where Pokémon symbols come in.

Table of Contents

What are Pokémon Card Set Symbols?

Pokemon card set symbols are found in the bottom left-hand side of your card, and depending on the set, the symbol is always changing. With Pokémon just recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, you can imagine the number of sets that have been released since then.

The Pokémon Company releases between 5-6 sets each year, and with the list continuing to grow each year, the team at TCG Review got together and built out the entire list for every Pokémon card symbol that has been released since 1999, in order from the most recent set, Scarlet & Violet Twilight Masquerade, which will be releasing in May this year, to the Base Set from 1999. Let's get started!

Scarlet & Violet Series

Sword & Shield Series

Sun & Moon Series

XY Series

Black & White Series

Call of Legends Series

HeartGold & SoulSilver Series

Platinum Series

Diamond & Pearl Series

EX Series

e-Card Series

Legendary Collection Series

Neo Series

Original Series

Additional Sets

Basic Energy Cards

Black Star Promo Cards

McDonald's Collection

Pop Series

Other Random Sets

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Kamryn Kirwan is a passionate writer for TCG Review who loves gaming and collecting cards. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with the gaming community, and if you're looking to read something that's more than just generic tips, he's got your back.

What is a Pokémon God Pack & What Are The Chances of Pulling One?

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:16:26 GMT

If you have been collecting or playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game in any aspect over the recent years, you know that cracking open your favorite Pokémon packs and trying to hit those Ultra Rare cards is the best feeling ever. But what if we told you there was an elusive treasure most people don't even know about? We are talking about a Pokémon God Pack. Now the question becomes, what is a Pokémon God Pack?

What is a Pokémon God Pack?

A Pokémon God Pack is an extremely rare occurrence that can appear only in Japanese Pokémon products, where the entire pack of cards is fully or almost fully filled with ultra-rare cards.

There is, however, an English version of God Packs that seems to only occur in Scarlet & Violet 151, which most collectors refer to as " Demi-God Packs ." These packs feature full-art Pokémon cards for one entire evolution line. In the Japanese God Packs, you usually get two evolution lines.

The team at TCG Review was lucky enough to pull a Pokémon God Pack earlier this year, in our opinion, from one of the best Pokémon booster boxes , Scarlet & Violet 151. Let me tell you, it was amazing! We have attached an image above that showcases exactly what a Pokémon God pack could look like.

Opening a Pokémon God Pack

Unfortunately, we do not have footage of our personal God Pack opening, but a really awesome Pokémon YouTuber, Randolph Pokémon , was able to get insanely lucky as well and has the video recorded of opening a Pokémon God Pack. It's worth the watch!

How Rare are Pokémon God Packs?

Not much is known about how hard it is to actually obtain a Pokémon God Pack, but let us tell you, it is not easy at all, and I would not bet on getting one! The predictions range anywhere between 1 in 500, 1 in 700, 1 in 1000 packs, and with odds like that, it's very unlikely you will get to experience opening a Pokémon God Pack.

Can You Tell If You Have a Pokémon God Pack Without Opening it?

It is impossible to know if you have a Pokémon God Pack without opening it. Anyone who is selling God Packs online is most likely scamming you. Some collectors believe weighing Pokémon packs is a viable option for modern products, but let me tell you, it's always a hypothetical, so be careful even if you decide to go that route.

In my personal opinion, Pokémon God Packs are awesome. Being able to open a God Pack myself felt so special, and it really was an exciting experience. There is nothing like opening an entire pack of Pokémon cards and pulling the best Pokémon card rarities in the game over and over again. It's just a really neat experience that I wish everyone gets a chance to have. So let's hope The Pokémon Company keeps releasing God Packs, and if we are lucky, we might even eventually get Pokémon God Packs in English. Could you imagine?

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A Guide to Pokémon Card Dimensions (All Card Sizes Explained)

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:15:39 GMT

Beginning your collecting journey in the Pokémon Trading Card Game is always an exciting experience that never gets old. You may find yourself opening your favorite Pokémon card packs and suddenly hitting the lottery, pulling one of the most expensive alternative art Pokémon cards and saying to yourself, "I need to protect this card immediately." This begs the question: what exactly are Pokémon card dimensions? If you're going to protect and preserve your cards, you need to know their exact size. Sounds like a lot, but don't worry!

The team at TCG Review has broken down everything you need to know about Pokémon card dimensions, from standard-sized cards all the way to those awesome Jumbo Pokémon cards, and we will cover the best way to keep your cards protected. Let's get started!

What Size is The Standard Pokémon Card?

The standard size of a Pokémon card is approximately 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall (6.3cm x 8.8 cm) , and luckily for all of us, this size has been consistent since the first release of Pokémon cards. Having consistent Pokémon card dimensions allows for easy storage in almost all binders, deck boxes, and card sleeves, making it very convenient for collectors looking to keep their cards safe or organize their collections.

What Size Are Jumbo Pokémon Cards?

Not only did Pokémon release standard-sized cards, but they also produced Jumbo Cards that are significantly larger. There are two different sizes of Jumbo Cards that were released, each with different measurements.

Old Jumbo Card Sizes

Jumbo cards printed from 2000 to 2020 like the picture we displayed above of Blastoise EX measure about 5.7 inches by 7.87 inches (14.5 x 20 cm) .

New Jumbo Card Sizes

The newer Jumbo Cards, which include any Jumbo Card printed from 2020 to 2024, are slightly smaller. They measure about 5.37 inches by 7.37 inches (13.65 x 18.73 cm).

Jumbo Cards are often included in special promotional sets, starter decks, or as part of limited-edition collections. While they are not practical for gameplay or standard storage methods, jumbo cards are sought after by collectors for their novelty and unique display appeal.

Why Does the Size of a Pokémon Card Matter?

The reason it is useful to know the size of your Pokémon cards is because understanding Pokémon card dimensions plays a vital role in protecting and storing your cards. Having a standard size helps everyone know exactly what size their cards are, so you don't have to manually measure every single time. Imagine having to pull out a measuring tape each time you needed to determine the size of your Pokémon card.

Collecting, Displaying, and Protecting Pokémon Cards

If you collect Pokémon cards in any aspect, you know that displaying and protecting your cards is essential when it comes to organizing and showcasing your collection. Having consistent Pokémon card dimensions allows any kind of collector to fit their cards into binders, deck boxes, and the best card sleeves .

This importance extends even further when it comes to knowing how to grade Pokémon cards . When you send your Pokémon cards off for grading, there are specific guidelines on how to protect your cards and get them ready for transit, all based around the standard trading card sizes.

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The 10 Most Expensive Pokémon Full Art Trainer Cards on Amazon

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:14:52 GMT

If you are familiar with the Pokémon Trading Card Game , you might eventually hit a point in your collecting journey where you truly have collected them all! So now you sit and think, how can my collecting journey continue? The answer: start collecting everything else!

The Pokémon Trainer cards are an amazing place to start, more specifically, the Supporters. There are so many different Full Art Pokémon cards these days; collecting all the Full Art Trainer cards has been a recent community favorite and continues to keep growing! Trust us when we tell you, not only are these cards absolutely stunning with their high attention to detail, but they also can pack a punch when it comes to price! I mean, just look at the two examples above from my personal collection: Shauna and Lana. They look amazing, and they aren't even that pricey!

Now, let's get into why you are really here. Together as a team at TCG Review, we went through the top ten most expensive Pokémon Full Art Trainer cards on Amazon so you don't have to!

#10 Pokemon - Miriam 251/198 - Scarlet & Violet - Special Illustrator Rare - Holo Full Art

Starting us off in our number ten spot is Miriam from Scarlet & Violet Base Set. If you are a fan of Miriam, then you are in the right place because so are we! Not only have we personally pulled this card at TCG Review, but the card is absolutely beautiful and stands out with its own unique art style compared to the other cards on this list. It's also still affordable and a staple in some competitive decks. The current price point for Miriam on Amazon right now is $32.49, and at that price, you can't pass it up. She is absolutely a wonderful card to own!

Not only does this Miriam look amazing, but she also has quite a strong ability that allows you to shuffle up to 5 Pokémon from your discard pile into your deck. If you shuffled any cards into your deck this way, draw three cards.

#9 Pokemon - Teammates (160/160) - XY Primal Clash - Holo

Coming in at number nine is a card from a slightly older set, Teammates from XY Primal Clash. This Full Art Trainer card is not as well-known as others, but still features stunning artwork. The full art version of this card was done by the artist Hitoshi Ariga , who has created artwork over the years of some really fantastic stuff like Mega Beedrill and Alolan Muk , and that doesn't even touch the surface. When it comes to Full Art Trainer cards, though, Teammates is an awesome card to own and sits at the current price point of $49.98 on Amazon, which still, in my opinion, puts it in the range of being slightly affordable.

The Teammates card allows you to do some fun stuff! You can play this card only if one of your Pokémon was Knocked Out during your opponent's last turn. Search your deck for up to two cards and put them into your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward.

#8 Pokemon - Kahili 210/214 - Lost Thunder - Full Art Ultra Rare Card

We have reached number eight, and the card that takes the spot is Kahili from Lost Thunder. If you have played the Pokémon Sun & Moon games, you know who Kahili is, or should we say, a member of the Elite Four. Not only is Kahili strong in the game, but her presence in the trading card game is elite as well! With her current price point going for $60.00 on Amazon, Kahili is not someone you want to mess with unless you are a collector! This card is just awesome; the artwork of her swinging her golf club, knowing she was a professional golfer, is done perfectly, and it's a must-have for anyone collecting Pokémon Full Art Trainer cards.

Kahili doesn't have any of her Pokémon with her on the trading card, but that doesn't matter; she makes up for it with a unique ability. Kahili allows you to draw two cards. Then, flip a coin. If heads, if you played this Kahili from your hand, put this card into your hand instead of the discard pile. If you have no cards in your deck, you can't play this card.

#7 Pokemon - Lillie - 147/149 - Full Art Ultra Rare

The number seven spot goes to none other than Lillie from Scarlet & Violet Base set. If you love Lillie as much as we do, you'll know any version of this card is amazing to have in your personal collection. Lillie's price tends to jump all over the place, but this version currently goes for $61.70 on Amazon, making it only $1 more than Kahili, who took number eight on our list. Lillie has multiple different versions in full art, but for this price, how can you pass it up? In our opinion, this is a great budget option for Lillie, as her most expensive copy in PSA 10 just sold for $189.50 , which is why knowing how to grade Pokémon cards is an awesome advantage it can really boost your cards value.

Lillie has a really cool effect that lets you draw cards until you have six cards in your hand. If it's your first turn, draw cards until you have eight cards in your hand."

#6 Pokemon - Skyla (122/122) - XY Breakpoint - Holo

Now, the number six spot is well-deserved and goes to Skyla from XY Breakpoint. This is another card we have personally pulled at TCG Review, and just like Lillie, it has multiple different versions. Finding this card on Amazon was pretty awesome, and with a current price point of $63.45, the price is slowly creeping up on us, which makes it another wonderful card for any collection. If you want a Gym Leader that focuses on Flying-type Pokémon, then this is definitely the card for you!

Skyla's ability allows you to search your deck for a Trainer card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward.

#5 Pokemon Acerola - 142/147 - Full Art Ultra Rare - Sun & Moon: Burning Shadows

Reaching number five and right on time is Acerola from Burning Shadows. This is just another absolutely beautiful Full Art Trainer Pokémon card. If you love Ghost-type Pokémon and have an urge to collect another member of the Elite Four, the Acerola Full Art Trainer card is for you! This card currently sits at $69.94 on Amazon and is the last card in the $60 range that you can get.

Acerola allows you to put one of your Pokémon that has any damage counters on it and all cards attached to it into your hand.

#4 Pokemon - Lana - 150/156 - Full Art Ultra Rare - Sun & Moon: Ultra Prism

Wait a minute, haven't we seen this card before? Coming in at number four is Lana from Ultra Prism. You may be thinking to yourself, 'Did I see this card at the beginning of the article?' and you would be right. That was my personal Lana, and I could not be happier that it is on the list! I was an avid collector of Ultra Prism cards and was able to pick up a Lana, and let me tell you, the card is just perfect in person and really shines in my collection. When it comes to Pokémon Full Art Trainer cards, this is just a must, and yes, I am somewhat biased! Nonetheless, this card currently sits on Amazon for $79.95, which starts to get quite pricey, so as much as I like this card, make sure it's something you would enjoy just as much.

Lana's ability allows you to heal 50 damage from each of your Pokémon that has a Water Energy attached to it. Which is why understanding Pokémon energy cards is really important.

#3 Zinnia - 70/70 - Full Art Ultra Rare

Scrolling really fast, looking for the top three, well, you have found it. Coming in for our number three spot is Zinnia from Dragon Majesty. When talking about Pokémon Full Art Trainer cards, Zinnia not only holds value but also holds some pretty awesome lore. Zinnia specializes in Dragon-type Pokémon and uses a Salamence that she can Mega Evolve into a Mega Salamence, which is insanely cool. Having Zinnia as a Full Art Trainer card is just as awesome, but it comes with a price tag. She currently sits at $99.99 on Amazon.

Zinnia is a cool card but has some requirements before you can use her ability. First, you can play this card only if one of your Pokémon was Knocked Out during your opponent's last turn. Attach up to two basic Energy cards from your hand to one of your Dragon Pokémon.

#2 Pokemon - Iono 269/193 - Paldea Evolved - Special Illustration Rare - Alternate Art Card

The number two spot, and we know this is a personal favorite for many competitive players and collectors alike, is Iono from Paldea Evolved. If you didn't know, this is the most expensive card in the Paldea Evolved set list, and trust us when we say this: you really can't go wrong purchasing this card for your collection. I have always wanted to obtain one of these cards, but like many of us, I prefer opening the cards naturally from Pokémon booster boxes , and Iono is definitely the Full Art Trainer card you want to pull! The card features Iono in a mukbang situation, and the artwork is just breathtaking. You don't see Trainers like this that often, making it a grail when it comes to Pokémon Full Art Trainer Cards. This card currently sits on Amazon at $112.91 and most likely will continue to rise!

Like I said earlier, not only is the artwork phenomenal, but the card itself is very strong. Iono's card ability is very powerful: Each player shuffles their hand and puts it on the bottom of their deck. If either player puts any cards on the bottom of their deck in this way, each player draws a card for each of their remaining Prize Cards.

#1 Iris 101/101 Trainer Full Art Plasma Blast Pokemon Card

Searching far and wide and looking all across Amazon, we found the most expensive Full Art Trainer Pokémon card you can get. The number one spot on this list goes to Iris from Plasma Blast. When we saw this card, we were genuinely surprised. We knew Iris was a Gym Leader who specialized in Dragon-type Pokémon just like Zinnia, but we did not know this version of her existed as a Full Art Trainer Card, and that is always extremely exciting! This card currently goes for $149.95 on Amazon, taking the spot as number one. The artwork on this card is fabulous and really is refreshing to look at. She also is the most expensive card in the entire Plasma Blast card list, with the only thing coming close being one of the gold Pokémon cards , Rare Candy.

There are so many different cards to collect when it comes to Pokémon. As sets continue to release and more Full Art Trainer Cards continue to get added, I will be right there with all of you collecting them. I am excited for the future and excited to see which characters get a Full Art variant next!

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The 10 Most Expensive Alternative Art Pokémon Cards on Amazon (2024)

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:12:55 GMT

When it comes to collecting Pokémon cards, chasing those high rarity cards is what it's all about. Not only do alternative art Pokémon cards look amazing, especially when your favorite Pokémon is front and center behind a spectacular theme, but they are also some of the best cards you can pull in each set, which makes alternative art Pokémon cards sometimes extremely expensive!

What is an Alternative Art Pokémon Card?

Alternative art Pokémon cards, also referred to as "Alt Arts" in the Pokémon card community, are cards where you will see the art extending throughout the entire card, depicting the Pokémon in some kind of activity or environment interacting with other Pokémon. I have included two examples above from my personal collection: a Bulbasaur and Omanyte, which are both alternative art Pokémon cards, so you can see how they look.

Many collectors tend to get confused between full art Pokémon cards and alternative art Pokémon cards, and the difference is quite easy to navigate if you look at the rarity symbol in the bottom left of your card. All illustration rare cards contain one shiny gold star, and if it's a special illustration rare, it will show two shiny gold stars. Full art cards only show two shiny silver stars.

Now that you have an understanding of what an alternative art Pokémon card is, let's get into the ten most expensive alternative art Pokémon cards on Amazon in 2024!

#10 Rayquaza V - 194/203 - Ultra Rare (Full Art) - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

When browsing through Amazon trying to find what you could actually get when it came to alternate art Pokémon cards, we were happy when we found Rayquaza V from Evolving Skies. Coming in at our number ten spot with its current price point of $121.07! This card is just absolutely fabulous, even though I am more of a Groudon guy, the appeal for Rayquaza V still really holds its ground. Only a couple of modern Rayquaza cards hold real value, so the fact you can still pick up this Rayquaza V on Amazon is amazing.

We love how the artwork does a really great job at showing you the sheer size of how big Rayquaza actually is; no wonder he was able to defeat Kyogre and Groudon.

#9 Dragonite V - 192/203 - Ultra Rare (Full Art) - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

The number nine spot is going to Dragonite V from Evolving Skies. Yes, another V card and another card from Evolving Skies, but man, these cards don't get old! This card has a current price point of $139.93, solidifying its spot in the top 10. When it comes to Dragonite V, you can't really go wrong. Not only does this card look fantastic, but it also makes an awesome addition to any collection.

We love how Dragonite V is showcased resting in the air with Spearows and Fearow below him with not a single care in the world; it gives off a sleepy but extremely powerful vibe!

#8 Lugia V 186/195- Silver Tempest - Full Art - Pokemon Ultra Rare Card - Holo Foil

Coming in at number eight, we have Lugia V from Silver Tempest. This card is a favorite for the team at TCG Review. When Silver Tempest released, this card was a chase card for many, and you can easily see why. Not only does the artwork show Lugia almost creating a hurricane over a fellow trainer, but it also gives you a real glimpse into how strong Lugia really is! With a current price point of $161.72 on Amazon, this card is unbelievably cool.

If you are looking for a card to show off in your collection that showcases Lugia, this is one modern card that will surely do just that!

#7 Pokemon - Charizard ex 199/165 151 - Special Illustration Rare

We have reached the number seven spot, and it goes to Charizard EX from Pokémon 151! If you have been collecting Pokémon cards in the last couple of months, you definitely know this card. Scarlet & Violet 151 was a nostalgic set that really brought back some awesome new artworks, including Charizard EX. With its current price sitting at $185.00 on Amazon, this card is just a staple in most recent collectors' collections. The hype around this card never ceases to amaze me and is really just another Charizard card you need to get.

As an avid collector of Pokémon 151, I have multiple copies of this Charizard, and never have I once gotten bored of opening it up or adding another one to my collection. I love how Charizard majestically flies in the background next to an active volcano at sunset; like, how can you even beat that?

#6 Charzard EX 234/091 - Paldean Fates - Illustration Rare

Well, guys, it looks like we've reached the number six spot, and Charizard EX from Paldean Fates takes the spot. We know what you're thinking: another Charizard EX card, and the answer is, are you even really surprised? The Charizard EX from Paldean Fates was just released this month and is the most expensive card in the set. With every collector currently chasing this card to complete their Paldean Fates collection, this Charizard EX currently sits on Amazon at $209.99. This number might possibly decrease over time, but currently, it is exploding in the Pokémon trading card community!

I don't know about you guys, but when I looked at this shattered artwork, it really reminds me of stained glass, which is just so mesmerizing and beautiful at times. Definitely a card I am going to try to pick up in the future.

#5 Leafeon VMAX - 205/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Looks like we're at the halfway point, coming in at number five is Leafeon VMAX from Evolving Skies. When it comes to alternative art Pokémon cards, Evolving Skies really has it all, and this Leafeon VMAX is a perfect example. This card currently sits at $224.95 on Amazon, and for any Eevee collector, it's just perfect. Leafeon VMAX is just massive; look at how it completely towers over the farm field it's in!

If you like alternative art Pokémon cards and you like Eevee evolutions, this card is just a no-brainer. Having it in your collection, even as your best Grass-type Pokémon, will impress anyone.

#4 Gengar VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) - 271/264 - Secret Rare

Number four has arrived with Gengar VMAX from Fusion Strike. This is another card that is a fan favorite at TCG Review, and we know you will love it just as much as we do! Gengar VMAX is just a fantastic card to own and really beefs up your collection in general, especially if you love Gengar like we do! If you want a Gengar VMAX, it's going to cost you because not only does he swallow up everything in front of him, but will also swallow your wallet with its current price sitting at $259.07 on Amazon. This card is by no means cheap!

We personally recommend this Gengar VMAX to everyone. If you can afford it, the card looks amazing, tends to hold a high value, and really does scratch that Gengar itch you get sometimes. Oh wait, maybe that's only me (Please help, I'm addicted to buying Gengar cards).

#3 Rayquaza VMAX - 218/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Reaching the top 3 is not an easy feat for a normal Pokémon card. Taking the number three spot is Rayquaza VMAX. This card is the most expensive modern Rayquaza card you can currently buy, which is extremely impressive. We covered Rayquaza V earlier, but Rayquaza VMAX absolutely blows that card out of the water. The current price point of this card on Amazon sits at $419.97, which is almost triple the price of the previous version we talked about. If you are looking for modern Rayquaza grails, this is definitely the card for you, and you can't really go wrong with it being a highly desirable card.

This card is a staple in any high-end collector's binder. The way Rayquaza VMAX is shown gliding through the air over the trees with its full body in frame is something that really sticks in your head.

#2 Pokemon - Giratina V - 186/196 Lost Origin Full Alternate Art Card

We are almost done, coming in with our number two spot, which goes to Giratina V from Lost Origin. This card is just another grail when it comes to alternative art Pokémon cards in the modern scene. Just looking at the card, it has such unique artwork that you really can't forget it; it stands out and just feels special. Now, I was unfortunately not lucky enough to pull this card, but I have seen the card multiple times in card collections and have always been in awe. This card does not come cheap, being second on the list with its current price sitting at $495.82 on Amazon. It is extremely expensive.

If you love Giratina or need a card that holds real value that you want to use for trading/selling, Giratina V is the card for you. The artwork is amazing, and just like Rayquaza VMAX, it is highly desirable, so it's hard to go wrong.

#1 Umbreon VMAX - 215/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Bringing us to our number one spot is Umbreon VMAX from Evolving Skies. This card is not only the most expensive alternative art Pokémon card; it is also among the most expensive VMAX Pokémon cards. If you are in the Pokémon card scene in any aspect and are looking for the most desired Eevee evolution, congratulations, you have found it. Umbreon VMAX is a massive pick-up, and if you want this card, it comes with an extremely expensive price tag. The current price of this card on Amazon is $1000. This card is the only four-figure card on this list and continues to rise each day, so if you want it, we recommend not waiting!

This artwork is one of the coolest alt-arts you can buy, with Umbreon reaching towards the moon and almost touching it. You can feel the magic of the card and truly sense the essence of how majestic this card really is.

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About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

The 10 Most Expensive VMAX Pokémon Cards on Amazon (2024)

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:02:06 GMT

The Pokémon TCG is always undergoing constant changes and reinventing the wheel when it comes to obtaining stronger cards for your collection. First, we had GX in the Sun & Moon era with insanely powerful attacks, but after using the attack, you suffered from a massive drawback and could only use it once. The goal Pokémon wanted to accomplish when they released the new set Sword & Shield was to maintain GX-level powered attacks without creating additional evolutions, which gave birth to a brand new card type: Pokémon VMAX.

What Are Pokémon VMAX?

Pokémon VMAX in the Pokémon TCG is the equivalent of Dynamax and Gigantamaxing your Pokémon in the video game. The way The Pokémon Company represented this was through two new cards they created: Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX.

Pokémon V cards are stronger than your traditional Pokémon cards with an increased health pool and genuinely stronger attacks, but when knocked out, they would require you to give up two prize cards. They could also be evolved into Pokémon VMAX cards, which had even more HP (Hit Points) and a massive damage increase, but when knocked out, they would require you to give up three prize cards to your opponent.

Pokémon VMAX cards became so strong that the entire competitive meta of the Pokémon TCG revolved around having one in your deck that would basically knock out any Pokémon it came into combat with. You could even go further and say that it was highly unlikely you could face off against any VMAX Pokémon card without running one yourself; they were quite hard to defeat. Knowing how to build a Pokémon deck around VMAX Pokémon cards became essential.

With these VMAX Pokémon cards becoming so popular, it was the perfect timing for The Pokémon Company to release a new art style, considered alternate art, which made prices start to soar for their competitive aspect as well as their collector's value.

So the team at TCG Review got together and searched through Amazon to find the top 10 most expensive VMAX Pokémon cards in 2024 so you don't have to!

#10 Charizard VMAX Shining Fates - SV107/SV122

Starting off the list at number ten, we have Charizard VMAX from Shining Fates. When Pokémon first released this set, it was explosive, as it is with most shining sets. Charizard VMAX was the primary chase card in this set for a long time, and honestly, if you are still opening Shining Fates, it is still the most expensive, so it's definitely a good card to add to your collection. With a current price point of $119.92 on Amazon, this card is an awesome option to consider. With it being a Charizard card, you can't really go wrong!

#9 Sylveon VMAX - 212/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Coming in at number nine is Sylveon VMAX from Evolving Skies, which introduced a significant number of highly priced and rare VMAX Pokémon cards for the different Eevee variations. Although Sylveon is still the lowest-priced VMAX Pokémon card of the Eevee evolutions, with its current price sitting at $169.95, it's still not cheap. If you love Eevee and are trying to obtain all the different variants, this is definitely the card for you. Just look at how the artwork pops; it's a cuteness overload.

#8 Glaceon VMAX - 209/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

The number eight spot goes to Glaceon VMAX from Evolving Skies! Yet again, we have another Eevee evolution appearing in the list, and it's definitely not a mistake. Glaceon VMAX is the second cheapest Eevee evolution, coming in at its current price point of $185.88. This card has it all, with Glaceon front and center swimming with everyone's favorite Pokémon, Pikachu, in the water along with beautiful trees in the background. This card is absolutely gorgeous and really is just an awesome addition to your collection.

#7 Blaziken VMAX - 201/198 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Chilling Reign

We have reached number seven, and let's be honest, you thought it was going to be another Eevee evolution, but no, we broke the streak! The number seven spot actually goes to Blaziken VMAX from Chilling Reign. When we first went over all the alternate arts you could buy on Amazon, we were surprised that this was even listed and knew you needed to see it! This card is very unique, and really, there isn't anything like it; the artwork is just different, and the card feels special to own for any kind of player. However, if you want to own this card, it is not going to come cheap, with the current price point being $189.99; it definitely brings the heat!

#6 Espeon VMAX - 270/264 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Fusion Strike

Just like that, we are back, and coming in at number six is the Espeon VMAX from Fusion Strike. While we took a slight break from the Eevee evolutions, Espeon VMAX really does shine through here. The card itself is interesting; personally, I'm not a huge fan, but I should probably be careful saying that stuff around Espeon lovers. With this card's current price point sitting at $195.92 on Amazon, the demand is quite significant, and we highly doubt you will regret adding this card to your collection.

#5 Leafeon VMAX - 205/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Halfway done and it's starting to get fun! The number five spot goes to Leafeon VMAX from Evolving Skies. This alternative artwork is highly desired in the trading card community and could quite possibly be one of the best VMAX Pokémon cards for Grass Pokémon. Leafeon VMAX sits at a current price point of $224.24, which finally breaks us into another level of pricey; from this point on, it gets quite expensive. Nonetheless, if you enjoy beautiful artwork and want something that stands out in your collection in the Grass-type niche, this card is for you.

#4 Charizard VMAX - 074/073 - Secret Rare

Number four is a personal favorite of mine, the Charizard VMAX from Champion's Path. This card is just absolutely phenomenal. I own a couple of copies of this card, and it's the second time Charizard VMAX is appearing on this list. Not only is this card one of the more rare VMAX Pokémon cards, but it also looks fantastic, and we highly recommend this card to any avid collector; you will not be disappointed for a second. The current price of this card sits at about $245.74 on Amazon, so it's not very entry-level, but if you have the funds, definitely consider it.

#3 Gengar VMAX - 271/264 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Fusion Strike

Finally, the top 3 has arrived, and it's getting explosive with Gengar VMAX from Fusion Strike. Gengar VMAX is really just breathtaking; it's got a similar feel to the Blaziken we talked about earlier. With such unique artwork and its ability to be very strong in competitive play, this card's price keeps skyrocketing, with its current price point sitting at $260.85 on Amazon. This is definitely a card I would like to personally own one day, and when the team at TCG Review saw this, we instantly understood the appeal and why it was valued so high. If you love Gengar and want something that people will genuinely be impressed by, consider picking one up for your collection.

#2 Rayquaza VMAX - 218/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Our number two spot, and for a very good reason, is the Rayquaza VMAX from Evolving Skies. This is the only modern Rayquaza card that has ever really had a massive price increase, and when we say this card is worth quite a penny, we truly mean it. This card currently sits at $419.97, making it easily take the number two spot when it comes to VMAX Pokémon cards. This is considered one of the best VMAX Pokémon cards you can get and is desired by almost everyone collecting modern sets. You can't go wrong obtaining this card for the most part, as the card's price seems to be consistently increasing over time. If you love Rayquaza like we do, this is just a no-brainer and could even be considered a grail in your Pokémon card collection.

#1 Umbreon VMAX - 215/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

Finally, we have reached the end of our journey, and coming in at the number one spot is the Umbreon VMAX from Evolving Skies. This card is basically the grail of all VMAX Pokémon cards. Not only is this the most expensive VMAX Pokémon card, but it is definitely the rarest VMAX Pokémon card as well. Umbreon VMAX is highly desirable by everyone, and with that comes its incredible price. If you want to purchase this card on Amazon right now, it will cost you a whopping $1000. With this card reaching the four-figure range, it's a hard card to obtain, but if you want to flex on your friends or other collectors, this is definitely the one that has that effect. You would also not have any trouble selling or trading it, which makes it a great investment if you can afford it!

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

All Full Art Pokémon Cards in Scarlet and Violet (Complete List)

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 21:55:16 GMT

With the amount of new cards being released each year in the Pokémon Trading Card Game , keeping track of all the different full art Pokémon cards can get quite confusing. Full art Pokémon cards were first released in the Black & White era in 2011 and have appeared in every set since then, coming in all different forms. This really begs the question: what are full art Pokémon cards, and how many are currently in the Scarlet & Violet era of Pokémon?

Table of Contents

What Are Full Art Pokémon Cards?

What is the difference between a Full Alternative Art Pokémon Card and a Full Art Pokémon Card?

Most players tend to get confused when it comes to the main difference between a full art alternate card and a full art card, but it is actually very simple. When talking about full art Pokémon cards, it just means that the art extends the entire card. As you can see below, this Japanese Blastoise from Scarlet & Violet 151 is a perfect example of a full art card.

When it comes to full alternative art Pokémon cards, which are also commonly referred to as "Alt Art" in the Pokémon Company, the only difference is that you will see the art extending throughout the entire card, but also see the Pokémon in some kind of activity or environment interacting with other Pokémon or cards. A perfect example of an alternative art Pokémon card is this Japanese Snorlax from Scarlet & Violet 151. You can clearly see the difference between the two.

How Many Full Art Pokémon Cards Are There in Scarlet & Violet?

Between all the sets from Paldean Fates, Paradox Rift, 151, Obsidian Flames, Paldea Evolved, Scarlet & Violet, with the included Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards there are 119 full art pokemon cards overall the sets. With Temporal Forces and Twilight Masquerade being released this month this number is sure to increase and will be updated!

Now, its finally time to take a look at every single set in Scarlet & Violet and show you a complete breakdown of all the full art Pokémon cards!

Scarlet & Violet - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Scarlet & Violet Paldea Evolved - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Scarlet & Violet Obsidian Flames - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Scarlet & Violet 151 - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Scarlet & Violet Paradox Rift - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Scarlet & Violet Paldean Fates - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Scarlet & Violet Temporal Forces - Full Art Pokémon Card List

Are Full Art Pokémon Cards Going Away?

Most likely not anytime soon; they have been consistently printed since the Black & White Series, and there is no reason at this time that this rarity is going anywhere. The full art Pokémon rarity has changed over time, and the visual appearance slightly, but other than that, we are still going strong. In my own personal opinion, I hope full art Pokémon cards are here to stay; they really just feel awesome to pull and always look fantastic. Whether we can tell for sure if Pokémon full art cards are here to stay or not is uncertain, but looking at the consistent trend over time, it seems to be locked in as a permanent rarity because they are still being printed in 2024. So, let's hope these awesome cards keep coming out so we can all keep collecting these gems!

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

The 10 Most Expensive Rainbow Rare Pokémon Cards on Amazon in 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:22:43 GMT

Now, I know what you're thinking: Rainbow Pokémon cards in 2024? I didn't think that was possible, and you would be right. The Pokémon TCG actually completely removed the Rainbow Pokémon card rarity from the list of Pokémon card rarities following the end of the Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield eras (2017-2023). The Pokémon Company has not mentioned any new information regarding the re-release of rainbow Pokémon cards, and since Sword & Shield Silver Tempest, they have not printed a single rainbow rare Pokémon card.

As a collector, this gets me excited because when Pokémon cards stop getting printed, we all know that values can skyrocket. Let's be honest – who doesn't like to see the value of their collection increase? I sure do! So, my team and I at TCG Review have gone through every single rainbow Pokémon card on Amazon and compiled a list of the top 10 most expensive rainbow rare Pokémon cards you can get on Amazon in 2024, so you don't have to!

#10 Palkia GX - 132/131 - Secret Rare - Forbidden Light

Starting us off is none other than Palkia GX. If you are a fan of Diamond & Pearl, you already know who Palkia is! This Spatial Pokémon, said to live between parallel worlds and open portals anywhere at will, comes in at our number 10 spot, being the cheapest card on the list. Nonetheless, it is still a beautiful card, and we can easily see why. If you are a fan of Palkia and want it in your collection, the Palkia GX Rainbow Rare Pokémon card is definitely a steal with a current price point of $47.89.

#9 Pokemon - Raichu-GX - 75/73 - Secret Rare

The number nine spot goes to Raichu GX from Shining Legends, and we are not surprised at all. Shining Legends was one of my personal favorite sets to open, and I was lucky enough to get this card. Let me tell you, it looks even better in person! With a current price point of $49.75, if you are a fan of Raichu and love rainbow cards, this is a no-brainer. The card is absolutely fantastic for a personal collection or as a gift!

#8 Mew VMAX - 268/264 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Fusion Strike

Coming in at number eight is Mew VMAX from Fusion Strike, and we'll be honest, we weren't surprised. The sheer amount of Mew cards is always increasing, but man, the rainbow rare Mew VMAX really takes the cake when it comes to power. The fact that it's just an adorable Mew card to own adds to its appeal. It currently sits around $56.95 on Amazon, with other listings reaching as high as $68.00. We aren't psychic like Mew, but for that price, it seems like a steal!

#7 Mewtwo Vstar 079/078 - Pokemon Go - Secret Rare - Rainbow Card

From this point on, all the rainbow rare Pokémon cards we found that are still listed on Amazon dramatically start increasing in price, and you can probably see why! Ranking at number seven on the list is Mewtwo Vstar, while we just covered Mew VMAX. Mewtwo VStar really is just a phenomenal card, with only one current listing around $79.94. If you are interested, this would be something to pick up quite quickly as it seems it is in very high demand!

#6 Pokemon Card Japanese Eevee & Snorlax GX SM9-115/095 HR

We are almost halfway done, and let me tell you, when we saw this card on Amazon, it was honestly kind of surprising. Our number six spot goes to the Japanese Eevee & Snorlax GX from TAG TEAM SM9. While this is not the English version of the card, which goes for significantly more, the Japanese Eevee & Snorlax GX still goes for a good amount, with a current price point of $80.00 and only a couple left in stock. This is definitely a treasure I would add to my collection!

#5 Pokemon Sylveon-GX - 158/145 - Secret Rare - Sun & Moon: Guardians Rising

This is it, the halfway point, and the prices are only going to keep getting even higher! At number five, we have Sylveon GX from Sun & Moon: Guardians Rising. Now, this card is just awesome. If you are a fan of the different Eevee variations and want to add a special one to your personal collection, getting the Sylveon GX Rainbow Rare Pokémon card is a must! With a current price point of $95.00, this card is definitely on the higher end, but if you are a true Eevee collector we highly recommend getting a copy!

#4 Reshiram & Zekrom Tag Team GX - 259/236 - Secret Rare SM Cosmic Eclipse

We are finally at number four with Reshiram & Zekrom Tag Team GX taking the spot, and man, is this a special card and honestly quite unique. Most collectors and players haven't even seen this card, making it all the more reason to add it to your collection. With a current price point of $99.00, it is another card that seems to have limited stock, and as a personal collector, I didn't even know it existed. But I am probably going to pick one up quite soon because it really does just look spectacular; the artwork flows so smoothly!

#3 Pokemon Team Up Pikachu & Zekrom GX - 184/181 - Secret Rare

Top three has arrived, and with it comes Pikachu & Zekrom GX from Sun & Moon Team Up. The Team Up set has some of the coolest rainbow rare Pokémon cards in the game and really just sets the bar higher when it comes to rainbow Pokémon cards. Pikachu & Zekrom GX is unbelievably strong as well as just another solid staple in any collection. With a current price point of $103.00, we have finally broken into the triple digits. If you love Pikachu, this card is a solid pick-up, and we really don't think you can go wrong.

#2 Gengar & Mimikyu GX - 186/181 - Secret Rare - Team Up

Just like that, we have reached number two on our list! Time is flying! This, in my personal opinion, and for most of the team at TCG Review, is the best rainbow rare Pokémon in the entire card game! We might be biased, but when we found a listing on Amazon to be able to purchase this card, we immediately jumped in and knew you guys needed to see it! Gengar & Mimikyu GX from Team Up is an unbelievably cool card. If you collect Pokémon cards in any shape or form and have the funds, I highly recommend purchasing one of these cards for your collection. However, this card does have a steep price point, sitting at $279.99, and it is definitely one of the rarer rainbow Pokémon cards. If you love Gengar or just want a very rare card, this is the card for you without a doubt!

#1 Charizard-GX - 150/147 - Secret Rare

Number one is here, and yes, this is the biggest hitter. If you are in the Pokémon trading card scene in any capacity, you know what this card is. If you are new, this is basically the best rainbow Pokémon card you can get your hands on. The Charizard GX from Sun & Moon Burning Shadows is absolutely outstanding, although I personally prefer Gengar & Mimikyu. If you are looking for a collector's piece or just really want to own the most expensive rainbow Pokémon card in the game, Charizard GX is for you. This Charizard GX currently sits on Amazon for $798.25, making it without a doubt the most expensive rainbow rare Pokémon card you can buy!

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

How to Identify First Edition Pokémon Cards in 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 05:07:42 GMT

You have finally found yourself interested in first edition Pokémon cards, whether that be through hearing others talking about them in your local game store or seeing these cards sell for unbelievable amounts of money. With Pokémon exploding in 2024, understanding how to identify first edition Pokémon cards has become essential in any collector's journey! So sit back, open up your binder, and start looking through it because when it comes to the Wizards of the Coast Pokémon card era, there are quite a few different sets and symbols. Thankfully, the team at TCG Review has broken down what each symbol looks like, from those rare first edition shadowless Pokémon cards all the way to Base Set 2. By the time you have finished reading this article we are confident you will be able to easily identify first edition Pokémon cards.

1st (Limited) Edition and Unlimited Edition:

A note on pricing and condition

When assessing the value of Pokémon cards, several factors come into play, including rarity, condition, and demand. Mint condition cards, free from creases, scratches, or other defects, command premium prices in the collector's market. This makes card conditions extremely important if you need more clarification check out our Pokémon card condition guide . Additionally, the scarcity of 1st edition cards contributes significantly to their valuation, with certain cards fetching astronomical sums in pristine condition. For example, the last PSA 10 1st edition Shadowless Charizard sold for $347,600 . The examples that we will be showing throughout the rest of the text are all from my personal collection, and the Pokémon we will be using is Metapod. While not as expensive as the Charizard card, it will get the point across nonetheless.

Base Set

The Base Set stands as the cornerstone of Pokémon TCG, comprising the earliest and most iconic Pokémon cards. Base Set was the first set that was released in the United States and has three different printings. While the first two printings of Base Set are both considered shadowless, which means there is no shadow underneath the art on the right side, the second printing is usually referred to as shadowless because the first printing is easily identifiable by the first edition logo that you will see on the left side of the card. The third printing is the Base Set Unlimited Edition, which changed the cards quite significantly, so we will go into that printing in its own section.

First, we wanted to show you the difference between a shadowless and shadowed card side by side so you can easily understand the difference. The shadowless card is depicted on the left, and the card on the right is the shadowed card, which we have shown with arrows for easy reference.

Base Set: Limited Edition, 1st Printing (1st Edition, Shadowless)

The Limited Edition, 1st Printing, commonly known as 1st Edition or Shadowless cards, represents the first print run of the Base Set. These cards lack the drop shadow behind the Pokémon illustration and feature the "1st Edition" stamp. Due to their limited availability and historical significance, 1st Edition Shadowless cards are some of the most valuable Pokémon cards in the game. If you have a 1st edition shadowless card, knowing how to grade Pokémon cards will be a priority, and we recommend using reputable grading services such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). Whether you get your 1st edition shadowless Pokémon cards graded or not, they are still worth a decent amount in any condition, so make sure to keep them protected in the best card sleeves you can find.

Base Set: Limited Edition, 2nd Printing (Shadowless)

Following the initial release of 1st Edition Shadowless cards, Wizards of the Coast introduced a second print run of the Base Set. These cards retained the lack of shadow behind the Pokémon illustration but omitted the 1st Edition stamp. While still valuable, 2nd Printing Shadowless cards are typically less sought-after compared to their 1st Edition counterparts. However, this does not make them any less valuable; a PSA 10 shadowless Blastoise sold for $6,850 just last year!

Base Set: Unlimited Edition

The Unlimited Edition of the Base Set encompasses cards printed after the 1st Edition and 2nd Printing runs. The Unlimited Edition of the Base Set is where we started to see significant changes made to the cards. This is where "shadowed" Pokémon cards were first implemented, as discussed earlier, as well as certain text changes, most noticeably the HP (Hit Point) font, as well as the copyright dates on the bottom of the card, which for the Unlimited Edition cards only now display 1995,96,98. Although still desirable, Unlimited Edition cards are generally more accessible and affordable compared to their 1st Edition counterparts because they were printed in significantly larger quantities. Regardless, these first edition Pokémon cards still hold significant value, with a recent PSA 10 Base Set Charizard selling for $10,200 in January of this year!

Base Set 2

How to spot fake 1st edition Pokémon cards

Now, we know what you are thinking: "I thought these were all going to be Metapod examples!" When it comes to first edition Pokémon cards, and especially rare first edition Pokémon cards, as you have been reading, the prices of these cards increase dramatically. With that comes counterfeiters in full force, trying to rip off honest people. These are both from my personal collection: on the left is the real 1st edition Kangaskhan, and on the right is the fake 1st edition Kangaskhan. While this article is meant to just go over 1st edition Pokémon cards, knowing what to look out for is still just as important!

Easy fake Pokémon card identifiers

Washed out colors along the borders and throughout the main card.
Holographic foiling is completely different.

Fake Pokémon cards come in all shapes and sizes, and we aren't going to go completely in-depth in this article. But if you are curious and really want to explore how deep the rabbit hole goes, check out our fake Pokémon cards article that will tell you everything you would ever need to know!

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards (with Examples)

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 09:07:10 GMT

The Pokémon International Company raked in a staggering $11.6 billion in 2023, securing its spot at number 5 on the Top Ten list, as reported by License Global. With Pokémon's popularity soaring each year, it's no shock that as we enter 2024, enthusiasts on the hunt for rare and special Pokémon cards are encountering a major problem that needs to be addressed - just how do we spot fake Pokémon cards? These cards may look like the ones everyone desires, but they're not real. As more and more people dive into collecting these cards, the risk of acquiring fakes has become a major concern.

Just last year, Japanese police seized over 1000 counterfeit Pokémon cards. The crazy thing is, this is only one instance where the perpetrator was caught, and there is no way of truly telling how many fake Pokémon cards are out there!

Counterfeit Pokémon cards aren't going away anytime soon, but thankfully, the team at TCG Review has broken down everything you need to know about how to tell if Pokémon cards are fake. In this guide, we will cover everything from spotting fake Pokémon cards to different types of tests you can apply to identify a counterfeit. What's even better for new card collectors, we'll provide some helpful tips we've acquired from our own personal experience on where to buy genuine Pokémon products and how to spot fake resealed Pokémon products. By the end of this article, you will be more confident in knowing the difference between a real and a fake Pokémon card. Let's get started!

How to tell if Pokémon cards are fake

Trust your intuition

The initial line of defense against fake Pokémon cards is your intuition. If something feels off, take a closer look. Trusting your instincts can be a powerful tool in identifying potential counterfeits.

Now, if you have a card in your collection and you're wondering if there's anything more reliable than intuition to verify its authenticity, the answer is absolutely yes. Once your gut feeling tells you something might be wrong, there are a series of tests you can perform to get a better idea of whether your Pokémon card is real or fake.

It is important to understand that although we are going to recommend several tests, counterfeit cards come in all shapes and sizes, and scammers are aware of this. It's an ongoing battle to try and deceive the customer. A real Pokémon card could fail some of the tests due to printing errors, just as a fake Pokémon card might pass a test because scammers are getting smarter by the day.

This is why we have compiled multiple tests that you can use to give yourself the best chance possible at identifying a fake Pokémon card! Don't rely on just one test!

Test #1 : Read the card

Examining the details on the card is very important. Legitimate Pokémon cards include high-quality printing, clear text, and vibrant colors.

Things to look out for:

Printing quality : Inspect the card for high-resolution images and sharp details, common in authentic Pokémon cards. Fake Pokémon cards can feel low quality, have off-centered images, and dull foiling.

Text clarity : Examine the text closely, ensuring it is clear, well-defined, and lacks smudges or inconsistencies. Some Pokémon cards are known for having text that is the wrong font size and grammatical errors in Pokémon card names. We've even noticed on some fakes the wrong Pokémon card types being displayed on the card.

Accurate colors: Check for vibrant and accurate colors. Fake Pokémon cards typically have dull, more muted colors, similar to how cards would look if they weren't stored properly.

Font examination : Pay attention to the card's font; if you have cards from similar sets, do your best to identify any differences between the cards you've bought and the suspected fakes. When in doubt, the official Pokémon trading card database has any card you'd need to make informed comparisons.

Symbol Accuracy : Verify the precision of symbols, including the Pokémon logo and set symbols, which should be well-defined on genuine cards. Fake card symbols could be in the wrong place, slightly different in sizes, or even the wrong symbol entirely.

Fake Pokémon card example

As you can see, this Misty's Seadra is obviously fake. Simply reading the card allows easy identification, even with minimal Pokémon card knowledge. The scammer misspelled the Pokémon's name as Misty's Seadre, which is incorrect. Counterfeits are not always this easy to spot, so make sure to meticulously inspect your suspected card. It could be as subtle as the Pokémon name being spelled 'Pokemon' instead of 'Pokémon' with the accent over the 'e'.

Test #2 : Compare the Card Back

The back of a Pokémon card serves as a telltale sign of its authenticity. Counterfeit cards often exhibit subtle differences in color, texture, or pattern on the card back. Familiarize yourself with genuine card backs to identify irregularities.

Things to look out for:

Texture Examination : Run your fingers over the card back to detect any irregularities in texture, as counterfeit cards may have subtle differences or printing errors.

Pattern Consistency : Analyze the color and pattern on the back of the card, comparing it to authentic Pokémon cards to identify any variations or discrepancies. Ensure the Pokéball and text are centered on the back of the card properly. Fake Pokémon cards sometimes have "Pokémon" written on the back of the card in an odd font; double-check to make sure it's consistent with the image we've displayed of a real and fake Pokémon card.

Fake Pokemon card back example

Now, Test 2 is a bit harder because unless you have a tremendous amount of experience with Pokémon cards, you will need another copy of the card to compare it to. In the image above, you can see the real Pokémon card on the left with the correct coloring and centering. On the right is the EXACT same card, which is the counterfeit or fake Pokémon card. You can observe on the fake Pokémon card displayed on the right that the centering is not the same, and the colors appear to be washed out or darker in some places. If you didn't have a card to compare, you can see why it would be difficult to distinguish - it's a very convincing fake Pokémon card. Even if you don't have the exact copy, you can still compare it to other real cards to give yourself an idea of what to look out for.

Test #3: Compare the Card Online

This is also a great method for spotting fake Pokémon cards. The reason is, if you don't have a physical copy like in test 2, you can simply search up what the real card looks like using Pokémon's official Trading Card Database and compare it to the card you have.

Examine the card's artwork closely, comparing it pixel by pixel to online scans to identify any inconsistencies or variations. We've provided an example of a real Pokémon card being compared to an online scan from the Pokémon card database, so you can get a better understanding of how to use this method to authenticate your Pokémon cards.

The image above displays my Cynthia card from my personal collection, and I can confidently say it's 100% genuine—I personally pulled it from a booster box. To verify its authenticity, I compared it with the image on the right from the Pokémon Trading Card Database, and they match perfectly. I'd recommend this method if you don't have a lot of Pokémon cards on hand or if the card you're looking to authenticate is a rare Pokémon card that is hard to get duplicates of.

Test #4 : Compare the Card to an Authentic Pokémon Card

If possible, compare the suspected card with a known authentic card. Differences in print quality, color saturation, or holographic features become more apparent when you have a genuine card for reference. My personal favorite test, combining it with test 2, usually tells me all I need to know.

Fake Pokemon card example

Test 4 is a bit more challenging because, like Test 2, it requires you to have a physical copy of the card. Fortunately, these are from my personal collection, so I can demonstrate what an older card looks like. On the left, we have my personal Zapdos, which is a genuine Pokémon card. On the right, you have the counterfeit Zapdos, which exhibits numerous differences from the original card. As you inspect the fake Pokémon card on the right, notice the washed-out colors along the borders and throughout the card. Additionally, you can observe that the holographic effect is completely different from that of the original card.

Tests We Don't Recommend

The Light Test

While some collectors use the light test to identify fake holographic cards, this method is not foolproof. Advanced counterfeiters can mimic holographic patterns, rendering the light test unreliable.

The Bend Test

Bending cards can lead to damage, and experienced counterfeiters often produce flexible fake cards. Relying solely on the bend test may result in unnecessary harm to your cards without providing a reliable authenticity check.

The Rip Test

Tearing a card is a drastic measure and should be avoided. Counterfeiters can replicate the feel and appearance of genuine card stock, making the rip test an unreliable method for authentication. Moreover, if you're uncertain whether your card is real or fake, ripping it to find out defeats the purpose because the card will no longer be usable. We suggest using any of the more reliable tests we've previously mentioned or consulting someone who knows how to grade Pokémon cards as a last resort.

Fake Gold Pokémon Cards

Now, a lot of people think gold Pokémon cards are fake, and to a point, you would be correct. Scammers and counterfeiters do produce fake gold Pokémon cards, which you can identify using the tests we talked about before. However, they are a real thing. Gold Pokémon cards are a genuine Pokémon card type as well as a real Pokémon card rarity . People tend to think gold Pokémon cards are fake because it seems crazy to have a golden Pokémon card. So, while you may see fake gold Pokémon cards, those are mostly custom-made by artists.

If you want to know more about golden Pokémon cards, check out our article 'Gold Pokémon Cards - Are They Real & How Much Are They Worth?' It goes over everything you would ever need to know when wanting more information on gold Pokémon cards.

How to Spot Fake Sealed Pokémon Products

Unfortunately, scammers and malicious sellers create fake Pokémon-sealed products. Over the years, big influencers in the Pokémon community, such as PokeRev and Logan Paul, have been notable victims of buying fake Pokémon cards. PokeRev was scammed over $10,000 on a sealed booster box , and Logan Paul lost millions on a case of 1st edition Base Set booster boxes . So, even when you are fully prepared, you are still at risk. By the time you open up a resealed fake Pokémon product, it is probably too late. However, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Buy Smart

When purchasing sealed Pokémon products, opt for reputable sources. Legitimate businesses selling Pokémon cards are more likely to use Authorized retailers and established sellers are less likely to deal in counterfeit goods. However, If you want to ensure your purchase is 100% authentic, you can buy directly from The Pokémon Center Official Site .

Read Before You Buy

Thoroughly examine the packaging for any discrepancies, such as misspellings, inconsistent logos, or poor print quality. Official Pokémon products undergo rigorous quality control , so any deviations should raise suspicion.

Things to look for:

Packaging Discrepancies : Scrutinize the packaging for misspellings, inconsistent logos, or poor print quality, as these could be red flags for counterfeit Pokémon products. Additionally, analyze the seems of the packaging to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.

Quality Control Stamps : Look for quality control stamps or holographic seals on the packaging.

Barcodes and Serial Numbers : Check barcodes and serial numbers on the packaging, and compare with an original pack to verify they align with the expected format for genuine Pokémon products.

Manufacturer Information : Verify the manufacturer information on the packaging, ensuring it matches known authorized manufacturers of Pokémon products. Counterfeit items may have discrepancies in this information.

The team at TCG Review has never encountered any counterfeit sealed product yet, but we do have plenty of authentic vintage packs on hand to show you what a real pack looks like!

In the image above, we have displayed the backs of two 1st edition Fossil booster packs. You can easily tell these are real by the way they are sealed. They are not ribbed or wavy on the sides and have very minimal room in the pack. Some people think weighing Pokemon packs is a viable way to check if your sealed product is authentic, but that is not the case. Please don't use it when examining sealed products. While it could give you an indicator if the pack feels lighter or heavier, it is not accurate in identifying fake Pokémon cards.

How to Identify Fake Modern Sealed Products

YouTuber Poke Knowledge Cards created a comprehensive video covering visual details for each type of modern sealed product, from mini tins to sealed booster boxes. This ensures that, with whatever Pokémon product you purchase, you can be proactive in identifying a fake if you happen to encounter one. The video is somewhat dated but very accurate nonetheless.

Final Thoughts

As the Pokémon International Company grows and market values rise, more people want real Pokémon cards. We hope this guide has given you enough information and techniques, from trusting your gut to doing detailed tests, to make sure you get authentic cards.

Even though fake Pokémon cards are still around and scammers keep getting better, you have the power to tell real cards from fakes if you're well-informed. By using visual checks, comparing cards, and being careful where you buy, we hope you feel confident in dealing with Pokémon cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Best Disney Lorcana Starter Decks: Best Picks, Deck Lists, and Where to buy

Businessbradley.sanders@gmail.com (Bradley Sanders) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 04:37:53 GMT

Disney Lorcana is the latest collectible card game that has enchanted fans with its magical blend of Disney characters and exciting gameplay. If you love trading card games and are interested in exploring the world of Disney in a new light, the Lorcana Starter Decks are the best place to get started. This guide provides advice, tips, and comprehensive information to help you make the right choice when selecting which Disney Lorcana Starter Deck works best for you.

Table of Contents:

Best Disney Lorcana starter decks
Best Overall : Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amethyst & Steel
Most Competitive: Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amber & Sapphire
Best Artwork: The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Sapphire & Steel
Best Theme: The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Amber & Amethyst
Best for Beginners: The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Ruby & Emerald
Understanding Lorcana Starter Decks
Tips for upgrading your starter deck
Where to buy Disney Lorcana starter decks
Frequently asked questions

Best Disney Lorcana Starter Decks and Deck Lists

While all Lorcana Starter Decks are designed to offer a balanced and enjoyable experience, some may stand out due to their ease of use, competitiveness, or character appeal. here's an in-depth look at all the Disney Lorcana starter decks released so far, including deck lists to help you decide on the best one that fits your needs:

Best Overall: Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amethyst & Steel

The Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amethyst & Steel is our top pick for the best overall starter deck. It's a great choice for both new and experienced players because it offers a good mix of attack and defense strategies. This deck combines the strength of Steel cards with the magic of Amethyst cards, making it versatile and fun to play in different situations. It introduces players to the game's basic rules and strategies in a straightforward way, while also providing room to grow and try more complex tactics.

The starter deck features two central cards: " Merlin - Shapeshifter " and " Tiana - Celebrating Princess ." Merlin gains an advantage each time you return another character to your hand, enhancing his capabilities. Tiana provides a defensive edge with her ability to reduce incoming damage and restrict opponents' actions when certain conditions are met. Also, if you enjoy "The Princess and the Frog" as much as we do, this deck selection is a no-brainer.

Disney Lorcana Amethyst & Steel Deck List

Most Competitive: Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amber & Sapphire

The Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amber & Sapphire is our choice for the most competitive starter deck. This deck is especially suited for players who are looking to jump into competitive play from the start. It focuses on the aggressive energy of Amber cards combined with the strategic flexibility of Sapphire cards, creating a powerful mix for facing opponents. This deck is built for players who want to challenge others and enjoy a more dynamic style of play. It offers a solid foundation for those aiming to make an impact in tournaments and competitive settings right away.

Central to this deck are " The Queen - Commanding Presence " and " Gaston - Intellectual Powerhouse ." The Queen can shift the balance of power during quests, weakening an opponent while strengthening another character. Gaston allows you to filter through your deck and draw the cards you need by looking at the top three cards, putting one into your hand, and placing the rest at the bottom of the deck in any order. This card draw is necessary and enhances the competitive value of the starter deck. Also, if you're a big fan of Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy in "Snow White," they're all included, so you can "Heigh-Ho" your way to victory.

Disney Lorcana Amber & Sapphire Deck List

Best Artwork: The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Sapphire & Steel

The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Sapphire & Steel takes the spot for the best artwork among starter decks. This deck is particularly appealing for collectors and players who enjoy the "The Lion King" franchise and "Sleeping Beauty".

Although this starter deck is visually appealing, that doesn't mean it's not good for gameplay! The deck features " Aurora - Dreaming Guardian " and " Simba - Returned King ," two powerful cards in Disney Lorcana. Simba boasts strong combat abilities, allowing you to gain +4 strength when challenging another card. Meanwhile, Aurora can ward your cards, preventing them from being chosen except for challenges. This helps protect Simba and your other strong attackers, making this an exciting deck to play when you get the right combos.

Disney Lorcana Sapphire & Steel Deck List

Best Theme: The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Amber & Amethyst

The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Amber & Amethyst earns our recommendation for the best theme. This deck is perfect for those who value the narrative aspect of card games, as it weaves together the lore of its universe through each card, creating a cohesive and fun experience when playing. The best part you might ask? Well it has Mickey Mouse in sorcerer form! What's not to love about that?! Or you can make a splash with Moana, everyone's favorite Hawaiian princess!

This deck is a bit harder to play for a starter deck, but once you get the hang of the main theme, we promise it's tons of fun. Mickey Mouse - Wayward Sorcerer allows you to return any broom character cards to your hand when they're banished in a challenge. Additionally, his "animate broom" effect lets you pay 1 less to play broom characters, allowing for some crazy combos.

Disney Lorcana Amber & Amethyst Deck List

Best for Beginners: The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Ruby & Emerald

The First Chapter TCG Starter Deck Ruby & Emerald is our top selection for beginners. It's designed to introduce new players to the game's mechanics in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner. The Ruby & Emerald deck ensures that beginners can grasp the basics of gameplay without feeling overwhelmed by complex strategies, like in the Floodborn TCG Starter Deck Amber & Sapphire.

It features two key cards: " Aladdin - Heroic Outlaw " and " Cruella de Vil - Miserable as Usual ." Aladdin helps you by gaining extra points and reducing your opponent's points when he wins a challenge. Cruella can disrupt your opponent by sending one of their characters back to their hand if she's defeated. These cards make the deck simple to use while learning the game's basics.

Disney Lorcana Ruby & Emerald Deck List

Understanding Lorcana Starter Decks

What Are Lorcana Starter Decks?

Lorcana Starter Decks are pre-constructed decks designed to provide a complete gameplay experience out of the box. Each deck is themed around Disney characters, featuring a mix of cards that allow players to learn the game mechanics, develop strategies, and enjoy competitive play without the need to build the deck from scratch themselves.

Disney Lorcana starter decks contain:

1 60-card starter deck including 2 foil cards.
11 Tokens.
1 Rulebook.
1 Booster pack containing 12 randomized cards.

Release Date and Availability

The Disney Lorcana First Chapter Starter Decks were released on August 18, 2023, marking the game's official launch into the market. Available at major retailers, hobby stores, and online platforms like Amazon.com, these decks are accessible to players worldwide.

Pricing and MSRP

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each starter deck varies based on region and retailer. However, prices generally range from 15$ - 25$, making them an affordable option for players to begin their Disney Lorcana journey.

Tips for Upgrading Your Disney Lorcana Starter Deck

Here are a few tips to help you get started upgrading your Disney Lorcana starter decks:

Understand how to play Disney Lorcana. By getting a solid grasp of the basic rules and mechanics, you'll get a better feel for how your deck functions when challenging your friends or opponents.
Seek out cards that work well with the theme and rhythm of your deck. For example, if your deck is all about card draw, find cards like Friends On The Other Side that speed up your ability to search through your deck
Throw in a few cards that you're genuinely excited about. Maybe there's a card with artwork you love or a character you're a fan of—these personal touches make your deck more enjoyable to play.
Finally, don't just theorize—put your deck to the test! Play plenty of matches to see how your new additions work out in real battles. Think of it as field-testing a new invention to iron out the kinks.

Where to Buy Disney Lorcana Starter Decks

Lorcana Starter Decks are widely available through various channels, including:

Official Disney and Lorcana merchandise stores.
Online retailers like Amazon , eBay , TCG Player , and specialty card game shops.
Local game stores , offering the added benefit of community support and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Bradley Sanders

Gamer, Card Collector, TCG Review Contributor

Bradley Sanders loves writing, gaming, and is a technology nerd. His favorite gaming genres are trading card games and anything involving strategy. He frequently contributes detailed reviews and guides to help the TCG review community level up their game. Outside of gaming and writing, he enjoys watching anime and collecting tons of shoes.

Gold Pokémon Cards - Are They Real & How Much Are They Worth?

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 01:41:17 GMT

If you've ever played Pokémon trading card games, you may have overheard collectors discussing the new 'gold Pokémon cards.' Are gold Pokémon cards even real, you wonder? The answer is surprisingly yes! The first iteration of a gold Pokémon card came in the form of a 23-carat gold-plated card introduced by a fast-food chain. It might sound crazy, but it's absolutely true! Now that you know they are real, we are going to cover everything you need or would want to know about those elusive gold Pokémon cards!

Table of Contents

Gold Pokémon Card History

The initial real golden Pokémon cards made their debut in 2013 with the release of the Pokémon Black & White Legendary Treasures expansion. The goal was to fulfill players' desire for an official gold Pokémon card, and that's precisely what the Pokémon Company did by releasing the first two golden Pokémon cards, Reshiram and Zekrom.

Since then, gold Pokémon cards have been steadily released with each new set, and the list continues to grow. At this point, I assume you're curious about what that 23-carat gold-plated Pokémon card looks like, who sold it, and maybe even how to identify normal gold Pokémon cards. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Let's get right into it!

Pokémon Card Rarity

If you are looking to obtain a gold Pokémon card, understanding rarity is crucial. We will briefly cover all the Pokémon card rarities; for a detailed understanding, check out our Pokémon card rarities guide . Gold Pokémon cards fall under the hyper-rare category, marked with three gold stars in the bottom left corner.

The pull rates for these cards vary between sets, but generally, your chances of pulling one are about 1 in 53. If obtaining a gold Pokémon card is your goal, I recommend buying the specific one you want, instead of opening packs to save money in the long run. Below is an image of each rarity for reference.

Burger King Gold Pokémon Cards

Now that you have a basic idea of what to look for when you are hunting those rare golden Pokémon cards, let's get into that 23-carat gold-plated Pokémon card I was talking about! It's wild to think about, but Burger King was actually the first company to release a gold Pokémon card to the public, although it was not in traditional card form.

When Burger King first launched their gold-plated cards in 1999, they came in a little plastic fully interactive Pokéball that opened and closed, exactly like the image shown above, which is my personal Pikachu gold-plated card that I've kept all this time! In the initial launch, Burger King released 6 gold-plated Pokémon cards: Jigglypuff, Charizard (I wish I had this one), Pikachu, Poliwhirl, Mewtwo and Togepi.

Gold Pokémon Cards Value

Now you are probably wondering, what are these collectibles worth? Well, unfortunately, these were mass-produced and contained very little gold, so they aren't worth that much. Even the Pikachu one I own was last sold on eBay for only $30. However, don't let that deter you because when it comes to the gold Pokémon card value in the trading card world, the numbers can become quite impressive.

Most Expensive Golden Pokémon Cards

Discover the actual value of Gold Pokémon cards. A visually engaging table has been created to display the current most expensive Gold Pokémon cards, ranked by price. While prices can fluctuate, as of today, these are the top 10 priciest Gold Pokémon cards in the game.

What are Gold "Raised Foil Effect" Pokemon Cards and Are They Real?

Well, now that you know gold Pokémon cards can have real value, let's get into the recent sets and the new gold foil Pokémon cards. In the recent set that was just released, Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates , Pokémon introduced a new type of gold Pokémon card. It features a new raised foil effect that appears on several cards, including some of my personal favorites, Chien-Pao EX and Miraidon EX . This unique new foiling is really awesome and provides a fresh appearance for gold Pokémon cards being released in the future

Most Recent Gold Pokémon Cards

Here are the top 10 most recent golden Pokémon cards in order by price; these prices can change at any time:

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

The Best Card Sleeves of 2024: Protecting Your Collection

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 10:21:49 GMT

Trading card games (TCGs) have become more than just a hobby; they are a passion and when it comes to your passion and precious TCG collection whatever you are collecting its super important to keep your collection secure and safe! To ensure the longevity of your prized card collection, investing in top-quality card sleeves is essential. In this guide, we've compiled a list of the best TCG card sleeves of 2024 to help you make an informed decision.

There are so many different types of card sleeves; the list can be overwhelming, whether that's from penny sleeves, toploaders, sideloaders, perfect fits, the list goes on and on. So, we have narrowed down the six best sleeves that 2024 has to offer. Let's get right into it!

Best Card Sleeves Quicklist

The Best Sleeves To Protect Your Trading Cards

Coming in at our number one spot for card sleeves is Ultra Pro. The Ultra Pro card sleeves are my favorite penny sleeves by far, and honestly, the only ones I use! Ultra Pro has long been a trusted name in the world of trading card accessories, and their Clear Card Sleeves live up to the reputation. These sleeves offer a simple yet effective way to safeguard your cards. The clear material ensures that your card's artwork remains on full display, and the sturdy construction provides reliable protection against wear and tear.

A close second, but still the same brand, in the Ultra Pro toploaders. This is my favorite toploader by far and my primary one for day-to-day use. I cannot emphasize enough how well-protected my cards have remained over the years in these toploaders. I gave them the same rating as the penny sleeves because they honestly deserve the exact same rating—an amazing product overall, and I wouldn't really use anything else.

Coming in at third place are the Dragon Shield Matte Black 100 CT sleeves. Whether I'm playing Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering, these sleeves are a constant choice for all my decks. I also personally think these are the best Pokémon card sleeves and MTG card sleeves on the market. They are extremely durable, protective, and have a nice matte finish feel that, to me, is everything. The all-black color looks super slick, making them a personal favorite. But even if you don't choose the black ones, all Dragon Shield Matte sleeves are worth it!

Our fourth-place pick goes to Ultimate Guard Katana sleeves. Japanese cards are smaller than English cards in TCG games, so you need sleeves that fit. With Ultimate Guard Katana Sleeves, you cannot go wrong. As an avid Yugioh player, these are by far the best Yugioh card sleeves. This is the only company I have used for my Japanese cards in general. I've never been disappointed with the Ultimate Guard Katana sleeves; they are hands down just an amazing company with an excellent product for card protection.

We are almost done; coming in at fifth place is a sleeve that is super useful for any type of card collector, especially when it comes to getting your Pokemon cards graded. I am talking about the Semi-Rigid Sleeves from Card Saver. I enjoy using these as my baseball card sleeves. Primarily designed for sports cards—shoutout to all baseball and basketball card collectors—but suitable for any card you want extra protected. While I haven't used this product extensively, I've used it when sending cards for grading and have never been disappointed. It's the first company that comes to mind when I think about the best semi-rigid sleeve.

Last but not least, coming in at our sixth spot is the Vault X Exact Fit Trading Card Sleeves. I'm including Vault X in this list because honestly, I think the product is fabulous. I'll be honest and say I have never personally bought the product, but as an active member of the trading card scene for all sorts of cards, I have only heard amazing things. I really feel like Vault X is on the come up and becoming one of the best card sleeves in the business. The amount of third-party information I have heard from friends and peers I have met along my trading card journey, all vouched for this brand. So, I feel like it definitely deserves the last spot in the list and might even take a higher position in the future. Be on the lookout!

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Weighing Pokémon Packs: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Collection

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:08:34 GMT

With Pokémon gaining popularity every day, it's no surprise you've found yourself here, trying to understand the niche terminology surrounding booster pack weight and the classifications that sellers use such as Unweighed , Heavy , and Light . Whether you're purchasing vintage Pokémon booster packs for nostalgia or aiming to secure a holographic card, understanding the practice of weighing Pokémon packs becomes essential.

The purpose of this article is not for malicious intent but more to educate potential buyers on how to stay vigilant about the issue at hand. In this article, we will go over what weighing Pokémon packs entails, why it's problematic, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to scammers.

What is Weighing Pokémon packs?

Weighing Pokémon packs involves using a scale to determine the weight of a sealed pack before purchasing or opening it. The objective is to identify packs that potentially contain rare or holographic cards, leaving the lighter packs with less valuable cards for unsuspecting buyers.

Pokémon Card Pack Variations: Unweighed, Light, and Heavy Packs

Every Pokémon booster pack from the WOTC era (Base set to Skyridge) can be weighed. However, The Pokémon Company implemented measures to combat the practice of weighing packs starting with the release of the Expedition Base Set in 2002. When it comes to understanding the terminology of weighing Pokémon packs You will typically see sellers advertising their booster packs in three main categories: Unweighed, Light, and Heavy.

1. Unweighed Pokémon Packs:

Unweighed packs refer to those that have not undergone any deliberate attempt to assess their contents based on weight. These packs maintain their original factory-sealed condition, with no interference in the packaging. They are usually pulled straight from a booster box and sold individually for that authentic pack-opening experience!

2. Light Pokémon Packs:

Light packs, on the other hand, have been intentionally weighed to identify those with a lower overall weight, indicating a potential absence of high-value cards. The general rule of thumb most people use is that any WOTC (Wizards of The Coast) booster pack under the weight of 20.8 grams is usually considered light and goes for a cheaper price on the market. Keep in mind, these are always assumptions but, for the most part, tend to be fairly accurate.

3. Heavy Pokémon Packs:

Conversely, heavy packs are those identified as potentially containing rare or holographic cards based on their higher weight. The rule of thumb for any WOTC booster pack considered heavy is any pack weighing above 20.8 grams and typically goes for a higher price on the market. Again, just like light packs, these are assumptions but tend to be fairly accurate. When it comes to chasing expensive cards, knowing that you can obtain an almost guaranteed holographic card is very enticing to collectors because these packs are not cheap!

Understanding Pokémon Pack Weights

When it comes down to weighing Pokémon packs, it can get quite confusing trying to navigate whether you have a heavy or light pack. Like I said before, a typical light pack will be below 20.8 grams, and a heavy pack will be above 20.8 grams. I found a really good video made by Pokepern Master that is somewhat old but shows a perfect visualization of what weighing vintage packs looks like and how efficient it really is.

What is the Problem With Weighing Pokémon Packs?

Scammers

The primary issue with weighing Pokémon packs is the unethical behavior exhibited by scammers. These individuals exploit the trust of collectors by selling them packs with a higher likelihood of containing valuable cards. This undermines the integrity of the trading card community and leaves collectors feeling deceived and frustrated.

As discussed before, when purchasing these packs from a seller, you typically go by the weight shown to know what kind of pack you are purchasing. The problem is, because the packs fetch such high prices, it brings those scummy scammers out of the woodwork, preying on people who aren't knowledgeable.

How to Be Sure a Pokémon Pack is ‘Heavy’

To avoid falling prey to scammers who weigh packs, collectors should be aware of certain red flags:

Seal Integrity : Examine the seal of the Pokémon pack carefully. If it appears tampered with or resealed, there's a possibility it has been weighed.

Packaging Details : Authentic Pokémon packs maintain consistent packaging details. Deviations in font, color, or design may indicate tampering.

Purchase from Reputable Sources : Buy your Pokémon packs from reputable sellers, such as authorized retailers or established online platforms. Avoid purchasing from unknown individuals or unverified sources.

Ask Questions : Don't hesitate to ask the seller questions about the pack's origin, storage conditions, and any signs of tampering. Legitimate sellers will be transparent and willing to provide information.

You are also in luck! I have my own personal heavy 1st edition Fossil Pokémon pack that I have shown in the image below that will give you the exact idea of what the weight and pack should look like!

Pokemon heavy pack example

This is a 1st edition Pokémon Fossil booster pack. You can see by the weight at 22.08 grams means this pack would be considered heavy meaning it has an extremely high chance of having a 1st edition holographic card inside.

Front of heavy pack

Back of heavy pack

How to protect yourself

There are not many things you can do to protect yourself against scammers in this space, but there are still a few things you can do so don't worry!

Educate Yourself : Stay informed about the latest scams and deceptive practices in the Pokémon card community. Knowledge is a powerful tool in avoiding potential pitfalls.

Community Engagement : Engage with the Pokémon card collecting community. Share experiences, ask for advice, and learn from the insights of experienced collectors. This can be an effective way to stay ahead of emerging scams.

Does Weighing Pokémon Packs Still Work?

So, the answer to this question is bittersweet in my opinion. You can still weigh any Pokémon pack coming from the Wizard of the Coast sets, from the Base set all the way to Skyridge. These packs can be weighed quite accurately. So, when buying these packs, make sure you are doing your due diligence and buying from a reputable seller to ensure you are getting what you are paying for.

Thankfully, recognizing the concerns of the community, modern Pokémon card packs have introduced measures to counteract weighing:

Randomization: Manufacturers now employ advanced randomization techniques during the packing process, ensuring that the distribution of rare cards is unpredictable.

Incorporation of Unused Cards: Some packs may include unused or non-playable cards to maintain weight consistency, making it difficult for scalpers to determine the value of the pack solely based on weight. What I mean by this is the code cards that are placed in all new modern packs make it almost impossible to accurately weigh and assume what packs contain a holo.

Final thoughts: Buying or Selling When Weighing Pokémon Packs be Responsible!

As an avid Pokémon card collector involved in buying and selling, it really helps to know everything when it comes to purchasing weighed packs or selling them. I have purchased many weighed Pokémon packs in my Pokémon card trading journey, and as a buyer, it's always important to be educated and make responsible purchases. Being on the lookout for any red flags is crucial because sadly, there are a ton of scammers when it comes to purchasing these types of packs. So, when buying a light or heavy pack, make sure you have done your research and know you are dealing with a reputable seller.

If you are a seller, knowing where to sell Pokémon cards is important, but make sure you are using integrity and have some class when it comes to selling weighed packs. Don't false advertise; it sucks when you are on that other side. At the end of the day, we are all in this space as a community, so let's keep collecting those awesome vintage packs and expanding our collections smartly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Pokémon Type Chart: All Strengths and Weaknesses of 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:17:05 GMT

As we step into the ever-evolving world of Pokémon in 2024, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your Pokémon in battles. With the ever-expanding roster of Pokémon and the introduction of new types and strategies, mastering the art of exploiting super-effective matchups and mitigating non-effective ones has become more essential than ever to maintain an edge over your opponent.

In this updated chart/guide for 2024, we will be going over our updated in-depth Pokémon type chart as well as exploring how damage multipliers work with clear-cut examples. Initially, when you look at the chart, it might be quite overwhelming, but don't worry; we have broken it down in a very simple way. Let's get started!

Pokémon Type Chart (Updated for 2024)

This is our updated Pokémon type chart for 2024. In it, you will see all 18 different Pokémon types, as well as all the different multipliers associated with the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon. When looking at the chart, all your attackers will be in the left-hand column, with all defending Pokémon listed across the top going from left to right. For easy reference, take your attacking Pokémon and then move across the top to see how effective it is against whatever type you are looking to counter! We have also included a chart key below for each Pokémon type and what each damage multiplier means.

Type Chart Key

In this key you will find each of the 18 different Pokémon types and corresponding damage multipliers.

Pokémon Type Chart

How do Damage Multipliers Work?

In the Pokémon games, the damage dealt during battles is intricately influenced by type matchups and damage multipliers, adding layers of strategic depth to the gameplay. The primary multipliers revolve around the effectiveness of a move against a Pokémon's type. A move can be "super effective," dealing double damage, "not very effective," dealing half damage, or "ineffective," dealing a mere quarter of the damage.

Damage Multiplier Example

To illustrate, consider a Fire-type move (e.g., Flamethrower) used against a Grass-type Pokémon (e.g., Bulbasaur). The Fire move is super effective against Grass, resulting in a 2x damage multiplier. If Flamethrower typically deals 80 base damage, against Bulbasaur, it would deal 160 damage due to the 2x multiplier. Conversely, if a Water-type move is used against the same Grass-type Pokémon, it would be not very effective, resulting in a 0.5x damage multiplier. If the Water move has a base damage of 60, it would only deal 30 damage to Bulbasaur.

Dual-Type Pokémon Damage Multiplier Example

Furthermore, certain Pokémon have dual types, introducing additional considerations. For instance, a Pokémon with both Water and Ground types would be doubly resistant to Electric-type moves, receiving a 0.25x damage multiplier, as both types individually resist Electric moves. On the other hand, a Pokémon with dual weaknesses, such as a Flying and Bug type facing a Rock-type move, would be doubly susceptible, taking four times the normal damage due to the 4x weakness.

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

All Pokémon Energy Cards in 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 20:03:27 GMT

Pokémon Energy cards have been a staple in the Pokémon Trading Card Game since its initial release in the United States in 1999. Given that it is now 2024, you may be curious about the current types of energy cards in the trading card game, especially considering Pokémon celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The list has expanded significantly over the years, with some Energy cards even leaving the game. In this article, we will explore the function of Energy cards, discuss the nine Basic Energy cards, and take an in-depth look at all the Special Energy cards (trust me, there is a bunch). So look no further – all your Pokémon Energy card questions are about to be answered!

Table of Contents

What are Pokémon Energy cards?

Energy cards are fundamental components that players use to power their Pokémon's attacks and abilities. These cards represent the energy required for Pokémon to perform various actions during a match. Without the required amount of Energy attached to your Pokémon, under normal circumstances, your Pokémon will not be able to attack or retreat.

There are two main classes of Energy cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Basic Energy cards and Special Energy cards. First, let's identify what each Basic Energy card symbol looks like and what it's for.

Energy Symbols

All Pokémon Energy cards have symbols to indicate the type of energy they provide. Pokémon cards, however, display symbols representing the required energy types for their attacks. Players must match these symbols with the appropriate Energy cards to use those attacks. Pokémon Energy symbols can be found in five places: attack cost, Weakness, Resistance, Retreat Cost, and Pokémon type. I have provided a list below that will show you what each Pokémon Energy symbol looks like.

Now that you know what each Pokémon symbol looks like, it's time to explore the ten different types of Basic Energy cards.

Basic Energy Cards : The Foundation

There are currently nine basic types of Energy cards corresponding to the Pokémon types: Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Dark, Metal, and Fairy. Now, if you want to be more critical, there is technically a tenth Energy card, which would be a Normal Energy card. However, because all Basic Energy cards can produce Normal Energy, Normal Energy cards now usually fall under the category of Special Energy cards. Nonetheless, we will still cover it.

A few points that are useful when it comes to Basic Energy cards before we dive into each of them:

Each Basic Energy card provides one unit of its associated energy type.
Players can include any combination of Basic Energy cards in their decks to meet the energy requirements of their Pokémon.
There is no strict limit on the number of Basic Energy cards you can include in your deck.

That being said, having a good balance of Basic Energy cards to Pokémon is extremely important when you are learning how to build a Pokémon deck . So, make sure you don't go overboard with your Basic Energy cards because, as important as they are, balance is essential for quality deck building.

1. Grass Energy

The first Basic Energy card we are going to cover is Grass Energy. I chose to start with Grass Energy because it is one of the three basic elemental types, along with Fire and Water, making it a great starting point. I mean, who doesn't like Bulbasaur? He is a little mean green fighting machine!

Grass Energy Breakdown:

Each Grass Energy card produces either one single unit of Grass Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Grass Energy card by the green leaf symbol.

Grass Energy cards enable Grass-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Many Grass-type Pokémon have powerful and strategic moves that require Grass energy, making these cards essential if you are considering using Grass-type Pokémon in your decks.

2. Fire Energy

Continuing with the starter types, you already know we gotta bring the heat and start talking about Fire Energy. Now, the Fire Energy card is one of my favorite Energy cards and my favorite Pokémon types because, you guessed it, Charizard. Stack some Fire Energy cards with some hard-hitting moves, and it really is a blast.

Fire Energy Breakdown:

Each Fire Energy card produces either one single unit of Fire Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Fire Energy card by the red fire symbol.

Fire Energy cards enable Fire-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Most Fire-type Pokémon have very strong abilities requiring multiple Fire Energy cards to be equipped, making it very important if you are set on creating a Fire-type Pokémon deck.

3. Water Energy

In order and exactly where we need to be, I'm talking about our third Basic Energy card: Water Energy. Now, Water Energy is always an awesome type and is home to some of the coolest Pokémon, including our final starter, Squirtle, or even that awesome Palkia you see above. Water Energy cards are essential in all Water-type Pokémon decks, so let's get into our breakdown.

Water Energy Breakdown:

Each Water Energy card produces either one single unit of Water Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Water Energy card by the teardrop or water droplet symbol.

Water Energy cards enable Water-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Just like Fire and Grass, Water-type Pokémon revolve around Water Energy cards. If you are going to make a Water-type deck, make sure your deck is well-equipped with Water Energy, or you might run into a waterfall of problems.

4. Lightning Energy

Now that we are out of starter territory, let's continue with our fourth Basic Energy card: Lightning Energy. Lightning Energy has some real potential when it comes to battling it out with your friends or even in competitive play.

Lightning Energy Breakdown:

Each Lightning Energy card produces either one single unit of Lightning Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Lightning Energy card by the lightning bolt symbol.

Lightning Energy cards enable Lightning-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Lightning Pokémon are also very strong, so when building your deck around the Lightning Energy card, make sure you are well-equipped because when you are attacking, trust me, sparks are going to be flying.

5. Psychic Energy

We have reached number five on the list, which can arguably be considered one of the best Basic Energy cards: Psychic Energy. If you are a competitive player or consider yourself someone who enjoys crazy combos, Psychic Energy is probably for you. Psychic Energy cards are extremely powerful, and there is always at least usually one Psychic-type Pokémon deck at the very top of Pokémon tournaments.

Psychic Energy Breakdown:

Each Psychic Energy card produces either one single unit of Psychic Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Psychic Energy card by the purple eye symbol.

Psychic Energy cards enable Psychic-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Psychic-type Pokémon are unbelievably strong and pack a huge punch in battle. If you are considering making a Psychic-type Pokémon deck, make sure you have the perfect amount of Psychic Energy cards, and you can create one of the strongest decks in the game!

6. Fighting Energy

Moving on to number six, we have Fighting Energy. Personally, Fighting Energy cards are not my favorite type of energy or type, but they do have their place. Fighting Energy cards are important in all Fighting decks, and they really do pack a punch.

Fighting Energy Breakdown:

Each Fighting Energy card produces either one single unit of Fighting Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Fighting Energy card by the fist symbol.

Fighting Energy cards enable Fighting-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Fighting-type Pokémon utilize Fighting Energy cards to land jabs, punches, and kicks. So when building your deck around Fighting-type Pokémon, be sure not to leave your opponent too many bruises.

7. Darkness Energy

Coming in at number seven is my personal favorite: Darkness Energy. If you like super combos and really strong Pokémon, then building a deck around Dark-type Pokémon and Darkness Energy cards is a must! I have had so much fun over the years messing around with the Dark archetype, and I must say it's definitely one I recommend trying out.

Darkness Energy Breakdown:

Each Darkness Energy card produces either one single unit of Darkness Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Darkness Energy card by the upside-down crescent moon.

Darkness Energy cards enable Dark-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Darkness Energy cards really put your mind to the test; they are usually found in combo decks and revolve around Dark-type Pokémon. Shoutout to my favorite legendary, Darkrai. When I used to play competitively, I only used Dark-type Pokémon and Energy cards.

8. Metal Energy

The number eight spot for Basic Energy cards is Metal Energy. Metal Energy is an interesting one; I personally don't see many people run Metal-type Pokémon, but nonetheless, it's still a basic energy and has its place in the Pokémon meta, so of course, we will cover it!

Metal Energy Breakdown:

Each Metal Energy card produces either one single unit of Metal Energy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Metal Energy Card by its gray and metallic color; it's also the only Basic Energy card with a triangle in the middle of it.

Metal Energy cards enable Metal-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Metal Energy cards are, I would say, for a defensive playstyle, seeing how they are weak against Fire Energy. It makes for a harder deck in the current climate, but for casual play and creating awesome theme decks, Metal has some truly awesome cards. Make sure to include plenty of Metal Energy cards.

9. Fairy Energy

Finally, last but not least, we have Fairy Energy. Fairy Energy has actually rotated out in the Sword & Shield Series, so it technically no longer exists. For casual play, however, Fairy Energy is still considered one of the Basic Energy cards, so I went ahead and covered it for anyone who likes staying charmed in the past.

Fairy Energy Breakdown:

Each Fairy Energy card produces either one single unit of Grass Fairy or one Colorless Energy.

You can identify a Fairy Energy card by looking for the pink, angel-like wing symbol.

Fairy Energy cards enable Fairy-type Pokémon to use their attacks. Now, because Fairy Energy cards have rotated out along with Fairy-type Pokémon, it might be hard to obtain some of these cards. Over time, Fairy Pokémon cards could become collectible. If you do plan on playing a Fairy-type Pokémon deck, make sure you have the correct amount of Fairy Energy cards, as they can tend to be resource-heavy.

Special Energy Cards : Consistency and Competitive

Special Energy cards introduce an extra layer of strategy to the Pokémon TCG. These cards often bring additional effects or conditions into play, allowing trainers to tailor their decks to specific tactics.

Remember when I said there were ten Basic Energy card types? That is only true to a certain extent. While there are Normal-type Pokémon, Normal Energy cards have never really been considered "Basic Energy" and would technically be considered the first Special Energy.

In the current year, there are almost over 90 Special Energy cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, with usually one to four Special Energy cards being released with each new set. Thankfully, as big as that number is, the Pokémon Company has a Standard Format Rotation they do, which rotates out cards every year. This means most of these Special Energy cards you will never see.

The variety of Special Energy cards is obviously massive, especially if you are playing casually or in a format where all cards are playable. Still, I do want to go over a couple of examples so you have an idea of what a Special Energy card can do.

Special Energy Example #1 : Warp Energy

In our first example, we are going to use the Special Energy card Warp Energy. I thought this would be a great example to showcase what Special Energy cards typically do, as you can see, not only does it provide Basic Normal Energy, but it also has an additional effect, which is essentially what Special Energy cards give you.

Provides: This card provides One Colorless Energy.

Description: When you attach this card from your hand to your Active Pokémon, switch that Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon.

Special Energy Example #2 : Cyclone Energy

In our second example, we are going to use the Special Energy card Cyclone Energy. Like example number one, this Special Energy card not only gives Energy but also provides an additional effect. This effect is a combination of the previous example but slightly different.

Provides: This card provides One Colorless Energy.

Description: When you attach this card from your hand to your Active Pokémon, switch one of the Defending Pokémon with one of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. Your opponent chooses the Benched Pokémon to switch.

Now that you have an idea of what Special Energy cards are, there is honestly a Special Energy for every kind of deck or any situation you might need it. You tend to see Special Energy cards in decks that are going for really awesome combinations in tournament play or decks that are synchronizing with other Pokémon card types . Special Energy cards tend to do what Basic Energy cards can't, and that is give you consistency and alternative playmaking potential when you are in a rough spot.

Like I said, there are over 90 Special Energy cards in the current Pokémon TCG, so I have prepared a table that will show you every Special Energy card that has been released in set order.

Wizards of the Coast : Special Energy Cards

Below is a table of all the Special Energy cards that Wizards of the Coast made before the Pokémon Company took control in 2003.

The Pokémon Company : Special Energy Cards

After 2003 is when The Pokémon Company started creating there own pokemon cards and along with those an ever expanding list of Special Energy cards because of the sheer length of the list I am going to break it up into multiple tables, but the tables will stay in chronological order from when each set was released.

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About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Best Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes of 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:15:59 GMT

Pokémon is on the rise, and it's no surprise that you're here! Curious about the best Elite Trainer Boxes of 2024? Don't worry; this article is a one-stop-shop that will tell you everything you need to know. Did you manage to find your old collection and get hooked back into the Pokémon frenzy? I sure did. 2023 was a crazy year for Pokémon, and it makes complete sense that you're trying to start off your 2024 with only the best Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes.

Upcoming sets and past sets are what we will be focusing on, from Pokémon 151, my personal favorite of the year, all the way to older sets like Pokémon GO. There is an Elite Trainer Box for everyone, whether you are jumping back into collecting, a competitive player trying to get your chase cards for a cheaper price, or even a brand new player looking to start up their collection. Sounds like a lot, right? Don't worry; we have broken down the best Elite Trainer Boxes. So sit down and get ready because this Top 10 list is ready to go!

Table of Contents

The best Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes of 2024 are:

1. Scarlet & Violet Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer Box

Coming in at our number one spot is my personal favorite, the new and improved Pokémon 151 set! If you are a collector, this is a must-have Elite Trainer Box. It features all of the original 151 Pokémon with new artworks. Keep an eye out for the new Charizard EX card ; it's absolutely fabulous. You really get thrown back into time with this set, making it a real blast from the past. Every time you open up this pack, that little hit of nostalgia is wonderful. But it's not just for collectors; even as a new player, hitting those special art illustrations, rares, and full art EX's is just as exciting. You won't be disappointed with this box at all!

On a side note, I am personally keeping one of my Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer Boxes sealed because I think it will hold good value in the future. This isn't investment advice, but I do tend to keep Elite Trainer Boxes sealed from time to time that I believe will go up in the future Pokémon 151 is absolutely one of those sets.

2. Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box

Our number two spot goes to Pokémon Crown Zenith because of its highly sought-after chase cards. Crown Zenith is still at a great price point and contains some really awesome cards. Giratina VSTAR and Arceus VSTAR are my personal favorites. When you combine these two cards with everything else the set has to offer, it's a no-brainer to want to pick up a Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box. The set does not come in a booster box, so the Elite Trainer Box gives you the best bang for your buck when it comes to trying to collect the Crown Zenith set. The set is still quite cheap compared to some of the other boxes, making it another box I would think about holding onto if you were in the mindset of keeping it as a sealed product.

3. Scarlet & Violet Obsidian Flames Elite Trainer Box

We have reached our number three spot, and man, we are on fire! No, literally, we are on fire with Obsidian Flames coming in, featuring everyone's favorite card, Charizard galore! There are so many different Charizard arts in this set that you probably aren't surprised it's coming in at our number three spot. This set is just awesome. You have to make sure you are on the lookout for the special illustration rare Charizard EX because, man, is it awesome! If you like Charizard and love some unique card artworks not really featured in the other Elite Trainer Boxes, then this set is the one for you. On top of that, not 100% sure, but keep it on the down low; I have heard it has higher pull rates than other sets, making it easier to complete the set.

4. Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box

Now, this might surprise you, but it is here for a good reason. Coming in at our number four spot is the latest generation and the first introduction into the Paldean region, Scarlet & Violet. The reason the Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box is so far up on the list is not only because it is the latest generation of Pokémon but also because it's a great introductory box into all the new Pokémon you may have never heard of. Many people are familiar with this set, and it's not as highly desired for collectors, making this a great Elite Trainer Box for newer or returning players trying to get into collecting.

From what I have seen (and prices obviously change frequently, so do your own research), this Elite Trainer Box tends to stay as the cheapest Elite Trainer Box on the market, so if you want to pick one up, it's an absolute steal. My favorite card in this set is Miriam for sure, but there are all sorts of beautiful cards, so be on the lookout!

5. Scarlet and Violet Paldean Fates Elite Trainer Box

Coming in at number five is the highly anticipated Scarlet & Violet Paldean Fates set. With an awesome theme and an array of powerful Pokémon, this booster box is set to be the first of many exciting sets coming in 2024! This set releases January 26, 2024 with Shiny Pikachu taking the lead, joined by Shiny Ditto, Shiny Snorlax, and Shiny Jigglypuff and over 100 other Shiny Pokémon. This set comes with more than 240 cards, brand-new Pokémon ex cards, a handful of new full-art Support cards and 6 new hyper rare cards including Charizard and Mew ex!

6. Sword & Shield Silver Tempest Elite Trainer Box

Now, we are stepping back into older sets. Coming in at number six is the Sword & Shield - Silver Tempest Elite Trainer Box. The reason this is coming in sixth is that, although older, it is still absolutely amazing, and you already know why! How about we talk about that Lugia V Full Art ? I know when you click this link, you will be hooked. This single card alone is enough to make you want to buy this set. If Lugia isn't really your thing, this set still comes with an assortment of really cool cards. Yeah, talking to you, all my Alolan Vulpix lovers, and with a ton of rainbow cards, how could you pass this up? Think twice!

7. Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box

Yes, I know in our seventh spot, we have the old but not forgotten Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box. Now, although this set is older, do not let this deter you from picking up a box! This set has some really awesome cards, and when I say really awesome, I am talking about Giratina V (Alternate Full Art) and Aerodactyl V (Alternate Full Art) . This Elite Trainer Box was built for people looking for insanely valued cards and is an awesome pickup for collectors. How can you pass that up? It's like, are you really going to deny the challenge of hunting down those gems? Probably not, and that's exactly why Lost Origins takes the number seven spot on the list!

8. Scarlet & Violet Paradox Rift Elite Trainer Box

The number eight spot has to go to the Scarlet & Violet Paradox Rift Elite Trainer Box. The reason I have this at number eight, even though it's one of the more recent sets, is that it focused on a ton of Pokémon that I personally wasn't the biggest fan of. But, man, do not let that make you not want to purchase this set. It still holds a spot on the top 10 list, and honestly, it could be higher. That Roaring Moon EX card is one of the coolest cards in the set by far and might be one of the strongest Ancient Pokémon. With Future Pokémon coming in this set as well, it's definitely a really nice pickup for any kind of player making this Elite Trainer Box something you should not ignore!

9. Scarlet & Violet Paldea Evolved Elite Trainer Box

The list is almost over, but don't fall asleep yet. Coming in at number nine is the Scarlet & Violet Paldean Evolved Elite Trainer Box. This Elite Trainer Box might be the most slept on because the chase cards and the number of different artworks in this box are unmatched. You are probably wanting to know what the chase card is, and if you are a competitive Pokémon player, you already know. Iono is my personal and the best card in this set by far. If you happen to pick up one of these boxes, have fun because the number of amazing cards you can pull will surprise you; there is hit after hit, and it really does not stop!

10. Pokemon GO Elite Trainer Box

Last but not least, we have reached the end of the top 10 list. Coming in at number ten, rightfully so, is the Pokémon GO Elite Trainer Box. This is a simple set and more niche, I would say when it comes to Elite Trainer Boxes; it's definitely on the higher end price-wise and has some cool hits. I would recommend this box mainly for collectors or people coming from the Pokémon GO phone game who are looking to get into collecting cards. It features some really cool rainbow rares, but nothing of crazy value, so I would say for sure this is for special circumstances. Nonetheless, you don't really see the cards for this set often, so be aware of it and pick up a box if you like staying away from the normal trends.

Final Thoughts

When putting together this top 10 list, we really focused on Elite Trainer Boxes for all sorts of players, ranging from collectors all the way to brand new players. There is an Elite Trainer Box for every kind of player, and we want to make sure that you know what you are getting into when it comes to buying Pokémon products in 2024. Elite Trainer Boxes tend to come with fewer packs, ranging from 8-9, but make up for that with cheaper prices. If you are trying to collect the entire set or just want to open up more packs, consider purchasing a Pokémon booster box, which comes with 36 packs per box. Though more expensive, if you are going to open up at least two Elite Trainer Boxes, a booster box would be better for you value-wise. We have an article on the best Pokémon booster boxes of 2024, which can lead you in the right direction if you choose to take that path. Have fun and remember to keep on collecting, whether you crack open those packs or keep the Elite Trainer Boxes sealed. They are all awesome products , and you won't regret buying any of the Elite Trainer Boxes we talked about!

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About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Where to Sell Pokémon Cards: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:32:29 GMT

If you've got a stack of Pokémon cards and you're wondering where and how to turn them into cash, you're in the right place. In this thorough guide, we'll explore the best places to sell Pokémon cards, both online and locally. From popular online platforms to nearby marketplaces, we've got you covered. Additionally, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of how to sell Pokémon cards effectively, covering everything from sorting and determining value to expert tips for a successful selling experience.

Table of Contents

Where to Sell Pokémon Cards: Top Picks

eBay : A Giant Marketplace

If you're thinking of selling your Pokémon cards, eBay is an excellent platform to consider. Here's why: Firstly, eBay is the world's number 2 online marketplace with over 1 billion visits per month. This massive global reach means your cards will be seen by a vast audience, potentially increasing the speed and value for which you sell your Pokémon cards. Secondly, eBay is well-organized with specialized categories for collectibles, including Pokémon cards. This makes it easier for buyers who are specifically looking for these items to find your listings. Additionally, eBay offers various selling formats, like auctions and fixed-price listings, giving you flexibility in how you want to sell your cards. Plus, the platform's user-friendly interface makes listing items a breeze, even for beginners. What's even better, eBay allows you to promote your listings , giving your Pokémon cards a top spot and making it easier for potential buyers to see your listing. And let's not forget about eBay's buyer and seller protection policies , which help ensure transactions are safe and fair.

Considering all these factors, I'd give eBay a 4.5 out of 5 rating for selling Pokémon cards. The reason it's not a perfect score? Well, despite its many advantages, eBay does charge seller fees, which can cut into your profits. Also, the vast marketplace means competition can be high, potentially affecting how quickly and at what price your cards sell. Nevertheless, for its extensive reach, ease of use, and strong protections, eBay is definitely the best overall platform for Pokémon card sellers in 2024.

Mercari : User-Friendly Selling

Mercari offers a compelling option for selling Pokémon cards, and here's why: Although not as high as eBay, Mercari averaged 143.3 million visitors in the month of December, making it our second favorite for selling Pokémon cards. It stands out for its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use Mercari app , perfect for newcomers to online selling. Listing your Pokémon cards on Mercari is quick and straightforward. Additionally, the platform's lower seller fees mean you keep more of your profits compared to some other online marketplaces. All listings on Mercari are free, and you are only charged a 10% fee after your item sells, compared to eBay's 13.25% fee for trading cards .

Another advantage of Mercari is its trust-building rating system between buyers and sellers. This system adds an extra layer of confidence and transparency to your transactions. The platform also offers an efficient shipping system, often with discounted rates, which is beneficial for both sellers and buyers. Moreover, Mercari's seller protection policies provide a safe transaction environment.

All things considered we give Mercari 4 stars. In rating Mercari 4 out of 5 for selling Pokémon cards, versus eBay's 4.5 out of 5, the distinction lies in audience size and market exposure. Mercari is great for its user-friendly interface and lower fees, but eBay has a wider reach, crucial for selling niche collectibles like Pokémon cards. However, this doesn't mean Mercari isn't a good choice. If you're looking to sell quickly with minimal fees, Mercari is an excellent option. But for high-value graded Pokémon cards, eBay might be better due to its superior seller protection and authenticity guarantee, making high-value items more appealing to buyers. Each platform has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific selling needs and the value of your cards.

TCGplayer : Direct to Enthusiasts

TCGplayer stands out as an exceptional platform for selling Pokémon cards, with a dedicated focus on trading card games and an impressive average of 18.7 million visitors in December which is why its definitely coming in as our third pick. The platform caters specifically to collectors and players, providing a streamlined listing process tailored for those familiar with the trading card game community.

Notably, TCGplayer offers competitive seller fees, lower than eBay's , maximizing profits for sellers. The Direct service , allowing sellers to send cards to TCGplayer's fulfillment center, simplifies the selling process, complemented by a trustworthy rating system that enhances the transaction environment. Buyers can leave reviews, and sellers with positive ratings gain credibility within the TCG community. These are some of the best features, and TCGplayer offers one of the best protection plans in the game for both sellers and buyers! TCGplayer provides 100% protection for sellers , covering everything from payment protection to lost packages, ensuring you bear no risk.

In comparison to Mercari and eBay, TCGplayer also secures a solid 4-star rating, putting it shoulder to shoulder with Mercari, and emphasizing its niche as a dedicated platform for trading card games. While eBay boasts broader market exposure, TCGplayer's specialized approach offers distinctive advantages. TCGplayer's commitment to the TCG community ensures a personalized experience with competitive fees and a user-friendly interface. Mercari, known for simplicity and lower fees, is an appealing choice for quick transactions, catering to those seeking convenience. The choice between TCGplayer and Mercari ultimately depends on personal preferences, with TCGplayer targeting the devoted TCG community and Mercari thriving on broad appeal and ease of use.

Pokémon Facebook Groups : Niche Communities

Coming in with our fourth pick is Pokémon Facebook groups, and here's why: Despite not reaching the same level as eBay, Mercari, or TCGplayer, Facebook groups attract a significant number of users providing a diverse audience for selling Pokémon cards. The platform stands out for its community-driven approach, fostering direct interactions between buyers and sellers. The user-friendly interface of Facebook Groups simplifies the listing process, making it accessible for both seasoned sellers and newcomers to online trading. Moreover, listing items is often free, and the absence of platform fees allows sellers to retain more of their profits.

An additional advantage of Facebook Groups lies in the trust-building dynamics within communities. Buyers and sellers can establish credibility through interactions and reviews, contributing to a transparent and trustworthy transaction environment. While lacking the formalized rating system of dedicated marketplaces, the community engagement on Facebook Groups adds a personal touch to transactions.

When it comes down to the rating we are giving Facebook Groups a 3.5 out of 5 for when it comes to selling Pokémon cards. While the platform excels in its community-driven approach, user-friendly interface, and absence of listing fees, it does pose certain risks. The lack of formalized seller protection policies and transactional infrastructure on Facebook Groups may expose sellers to potential disputes or fraudulent activities. Additionally, the absence of a standardized rating system can make it challenging to assess the credibility of buyers and sellers. While Facebook Groups provide a direct engagement experience, the platform's limitations in terms of security and formalized processes contribute to the slightly lower rating. Sellers should be cautious and proactive in managing transactions to mitigate potential risks associated with selling Pokémon cards on Facebook Groups.

Troll and Toad : Specialized Marketplace

Our final pick, Troll and Toad , secures the fifth place for selling Pokémon cards. While it may not outpace other competitors, Troll and Toad has amassed a notable user base, providing a diverse audience for Pokémon card sellers. The platform excels in its specialization in trading card games, resembling TCGplayer but on a slightly smaller scale. The streamlined interface simplifies the listing process, catering to both experienced sellers and newcomers to online trading. Although Troll and Toad is not entirely fee-free, its transparent fee structure allows sellers to retain a reasonable portion of their profits.

An additional advantage of Troll and Toad is its commitment to reliability and credibility. The platform employs a structured rating system and established seller protection policies, contributing to a secure and trustworthy transaction environment. In an enticing offer, sellers opting for web credit as payment receive a 25% bonus, adding an extra incentive for choosing this payment method. Despite lacking the community-driven interactions found in Facebook Groups, Troll and Toad's emphasis on professionalism and security positions it as a solid choice for those seeking a reputable marketplace to sell Pokémon cards. Considering its notable features and the added bonus, we rate Troll and Toad 3 out of 5 for selling Pokémon cards, recognizing its strengths while considering factors such as market exposure and specific selling needs.

Selling Through Consignment : Where Trust Meets Exposure

Maximized Exposure : Leverage the consignment service's established platform for increased visibility and a broader market reach.

Professional Handling : Benefit from expert pricing and marketing, ensuring your Pokemon cards are presented in the best light to potential buyers.

Retained Ownership : Maintain control over your cards until they are successfully sold, giving you peace of mind throughout the selling process.

Clear Agreements : Establish transparent consignment agreements, covering terms, commission rates, and expectations for a seamless selling experience.

I have personally sold over $50,000 worth of cards through consignments in the past. This included various items like 1st Edition Pokémon booster boxes, PSA cards, and sealed Pokémon packs. The consignment process becomes remarkably straightforward when dealing with highly-rated sellers offering this service. In my case, I opted for officialtcagaming , managed by Rusty, and the experience was a pleasure. The entire process, from mailing my collection to the final sale on eBay, was safe and smooth. It's crucial to conduct thorough research before choosing a consignment service, ensuring you engage with reputable sellers. In my experience, there was a flat commission rate applied when all the cards were sold, which is usually the case. You will go over all the details in your agreement if you decide this is the right path for you. Pricing may vary from seller to seller.

Selling Pokémon Cards Locally

When considering local options for selling Pokémon cards, platforms like Facebook Marketplace, local card stores, and pawn shops provide unique opportunities. Let's delve deeper into the specifics of each to help you make informed decisions and maximize your selling potential.

Facebook Marketplace : Tapping into the Local Market

Facebook Marketplace is a versatile platform connecting buyers and sellers within local communities. Here's how to navigate this space for selling Pokémon cards:

Create Attractive Listings : Craft visually appealing listings with clear images, concise descriptions, and competitive prices. Utilize keywords related to Pokémon cards to enhance visibility.

Set Fair Prices : Research similar listings on Facebook Marketplace to set fair and competitive prices. Consider offering bundled deals to attract potential buyers.

Local Meet-ups : Clearly communicate your willingness to meet up locally for transactions. Choose safe and public locations for both parties' convenience.

Prompt Communication : Respond promptly to inquiries and maintain clear communication throughout the selling process. Positive interactions can lead to successful transactions.

Local Card Store : Supporting Nearby Businesses

Selling to a local card store offers convenience and supports community businesses. Here's how to navigate this option:

Research Local Stores : Identify nearby card stores that buy Pokémon cards. Consider their reputation, policies, and customer reviews.

Visit the Store : Visit the store in person to inquire about their buying process, rates, and any specific requirements for selling Pokémon cards.

Bulk Selling : Some local stores may offer better rates for bulk submissions. Inquire about their policies regarding bulk sales and whether there are any quantity-based bonuses.

Store Credit or Cash : Clarify whether the store provides compensation in cash or store credit. Choose the option that best aligns with your preferences.

Pawn Shop : An Unconventional Avenue

Pawn shops offer an unconventional but potential avenue for selling Pokémon cards. Here's how to approach selling to a pawn shop:

Research Pawn Shops : Look for a local and reputable pawn shop that deal with collectibles and trading cards. Read reviews and gather information on their buying practices.

Card Valuation : Be prepared to negotiate and understand that pawn shops might offer lower prices compared to other platforms. Research the value of your cards beforehand to set realistic expectations.

Payment Terms : Inquire about the payment terms – whether they provide cash on the spot, a check, or another form of compensation. Ensure you are comfortable with the chosen method.

Understand the Terms : Be aware of any terms and conditions associated with selling to a pawn shop. Some may have specific policies on returns or disputes.

Where to sell Pokémon Bulk

Selling Pokémon card bulk is a convenient way to declutter and turn excess cards into cash. Platforms like CoolStuffInc and Sell2BBNovelties specialize in purchasing large quantities, providing a straightforward process for sellers to categorize and submit their cards. Streamlining your collection through bulk selling not only simplifies the process but can also lead to better rates for your cards. Consider this efficient option for turning your extra cards into a valuable asset.

Sell2BBNovelties : Bulk Selling Expertise

Overview : Sell2BBNovelties is another reputable option for bulk selling Pokémon cards. They specialize in handling large quantities and offer a straightforward process for sellers looking to liquidate a significant portion of their collection.

Submission Process : Sellers can follow the submission process outlined by Sell2BBNovelties, which usually involves categorizing and packaging the cards. The platform then evaluates the collection and provides a competitive offer.

Advantages :
Focus on bulk transactions.
Clear submission guidelines.
Efficient and reliable service.
Considerations :
Review their submission requirements thoroughly.
Check for any specific conditions or restrictions.

CoolStuffInc : Comprehensive Bulk Selling Service

Overview : CoolStuffInc is a well-established platform known for trading card games, including Pokémon. They offer a comprehensive bulk selling service, catering to individuals looking to sell large quantities of cards.

Submission Process : The platform typically provides a straightforward submission process. Sellers can follow guidelines for packaging and shipping their bulk collections to CoolStuffInc. Once received, the cards are assessed for valuation.

Advantages :
Long-standing reputation in the trading card community.
Acceptance of various trading card game collections, including Pokemon.
Transparent submission guidelines.
Considerations :
Check their specific guidelines for Pokemon card submissions.
Stay informed about any updates or changes to their bulk selling process.

How to Sell Pokemon Cards

Ready to turn your Pokémon cards into cash Selling your collection is easier than you think. Whether you're a collector looking to downsize or wanting to cash in on valuable cards, this guide will walk you through the simple steps of selling Pokémon cards.

Sort Your Cards by Set

Begin by organizing your Pokémon cards by set. This step not only makes your collection look better but also makes selling easier. A tidy collection is more attractive to buyers, making your cards more likely to sell. You can find what set your Pokémon card is from by looking at the bottom left or bottom right of your Pokémon card.

For example if you wanted to look up this Voltorb you would search "Voltorb 68/82" into google you would find that his Voltorb is from Pokémon Team Rocket Set.

Organizing your cards by set simplifies using price guides and online resources to estimate the value of your cards.

Sort Your Cards by Rarity

Understand the importance of card rarity in determining value by referring to our Pokémon Card rarities guide to identify the most valuable cards in your collection. Surprisingly, finding the rarity of your card is quite easy – just look in the bottom left or right corners, where you'll spot three symbols: a circle, a diamond, or a star. Although these symbols are small and sometimes challenging to see, I have attached a picture below along with a table that will help you understand what shape/symbol you are looking for.

The rarities are ordered from left to right, with Giovanni's Nidoran as the common card, Nidorina as the uncommon card, and Giovanni's Nidoqueen as the rare card.

Determine Card Value

Being able to assess Pokémon card conditions is a crucial process in determining your card's value and holds significant importance for both buyers and sellers. If there is a discrepancy between what a seller is offering and what a buyer thinks they are purchasing, it can lead to various dissatisfactions, such as refunds and negative feedback. This makes it harder for you to become a trusted seller among the various communities or platforms you choose to sell on.

You always need to have an rough and accurate idea of what kind of conditions your cards are in before selling. Intimidated don't worry the industry standard or common classifications that most people use are classified as followed.

Different types of card conditions

Use Third-Party Websites for Market Value

When determining the market value of your Pokemon cards, utilizing third-party websites becomes a pivotal aspect of your selling strategy. These platforms, such as TCGplayer, eBay, and card marketplaces, provide a dynamic marketplace where buyers and sellers converge.

Research Comparable Listings:

Navigate through similar listings on these platforms to understand the pricing trends for cards similar to yours. Analyze completed sales to gauge actual transaction values, helping you set realistic and competitive prices for your cards.

Consider Card Condition:

Most third-party websites categorize cards based on their condition, influencing their market value. Consider the condition of your cards and compare them to similar listings. Adjust your pricing accordingly, offering transparency and attracting buyers looking for specific conditions.

Leverage Sales Data:

Use sales data available on these platforms to your advantage. Evaluate which cards are currently in demand and selling well. This insight allows you to strategically position your cards in the market, ensuring they are visible to potential buyers seeking specific Pokemon cards.

Understand Market Trends:

Stay informed about market trends and fluctuations. Third-party websites often provide tools and charts showcasing the historical pricing trends for specific cards. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions on when to list your cards for optimal returns.

Evaluate Graded Card Prices:

If your Pokemon cards are professionally graded, these platforms provide a wealth of data on graded card sales. Explore the prices of graded cards with similar grades to assess the premium that graded cards command in the market.

Utilize Multiple Platforms:

Cross-reference the pricing information across multiple third-party websites. Different platforms may have varying user demographics and preferences, impacting the perceived value of your cards. Utilizing multiple sources ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the market.

Stay Responsive to Changes:

The market for Pokemon cards can be dynamic, influenced by new releases, popular formats, or trends within the Pokemon community. Regularly check and update your prices based on changes in demand and market conditions to maintain competitiveness.

When it comes to comparing prices and gauging the worth of Pokemon cards, my top choice is eBay's sold items listed page . This platform provides an excellent snapshot of actual transactions, giving me a median price based on recently sold listings. Additionally, TCGplayer's set-by-set price guide is another invaluable tool. Filtering prices from highest to lowest offers a comprehensive view of current selling rates, helping me understand the market better. However, when using eBay prices for comparison, it's essential to scrutinize the listed conditions, as some sellers may inaccurately describe their cards to fetch higher prices.

Getting Your Pokemon Cards Graded

Enhance card appeal and value by getting them professionally graded. Learn about the grading process, choosing the right company, and its impact on resale value.

We have a more in-depth article on how to get Pokémon cards graded , which you can check out for the complete process. However, we'll lightly cover this topic here because it's still a very useful process when trying to resell your Pokémon cards. In this section, we'll focus on the most important part narrowing down which grading service to use when grading your Pokémon cards. Some of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever existed are graded Pokémon cards. Achieving that level 10 grade is every buyer's and seller's dream because of the huge impact grades have on the prices of cards. Even a PSA 9 to a 10 has an enormous price difference, so let's dive into the three companies I recommend.

My three grading service recommendations are:

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company):

CGC employs a precise and rigorous grading process, evaluating cards based on criteria like corners, edges, centering, and surface quality.
The encapsulation of cards in a secure, tamper-evident holder ensures their protection and authenticity.
CGC provides a clear and detailed label with the card's grade and additional information, enhancing transparency for collectors and buyers.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator):

Known for its widely recognized and respected grading scale, PSA assigns numerical grades to cards, with 10 being the highest (Gem Mint).
PSA offers different service levels, including standard, express, and super express, catering to varying turnaround time requirements.
Graded cards from PSA often command a premium in the collector's market due to the company's longstanding reputation.

BGS ( Beckett Grading Services):

Beckett employs a dual grading system, providing both an overall grade and individual subgrades for key attributes like corners, edges, centering, and surface.
The company offers different service levels, such as Standard, Express, and Super Express, each with varying turnaround times and costs.
Beckett's distinctive slabs, with a color-coded label indicating the card's grade, make for an eye-catching presentation in a collector's showcase.

The reason I chose these services is that I have used all of them in the past and have been satisfied with the grading process every single time. If you are looking for my personal favorite recommendation, it has to be PSA. I use PSA for 90% of the cards I send in for grading and am always pleased with the grades I receive. Knowing that safety and security are of utmost importance, my PSA-graded cards tend to sell better than cards graded by other services. This is not to say that CGC or BGS aren't reputable; I use them in special circumstances.

Optimizing Sales Listings

When it comes to selling, I employ a few tactics to enhance my sales listings, aiming to get my cards sold faster and sometimes even above market value. A small amount of work before listing can create a significant impact, so I've broken it down into some simple points that will give you the best start to getting those Pokémon card sales quickly!

Clean and Showcase :

Ensure your Pokémon cards are spotless before photographing or describing them. Clean cards not only look better but also signal a well-maintained collection, appealing to potential buyers.

High-Quality Photography:

Capture clear and detailed images of each card using good lighting. Multiple angles can provide a comprehensive view, highlighting unique features. Quality photos significantly enhance the visual appeal of your listings.

Keyword-Rich Descriptions:

Craft titles and descriptions with relevant keywords, including card name, set, rarity, and condition. Optimizing for search engines increases the visibility of your listings, attracting more potential buyers.

Competitive Pricing:

Research market values on platforms like eBay or TCGplayer to set competitive prices. Consider factors such as card condition, rarity, and demand. Offering reasonable prices increases the likelihood of attracting buyers and making successful sales.

Top 6 Tips to Avoid Scams When Selling Pokemon Cards

When you sell things, you are bound to run into people trying to screw you over. Here are six ways that will keep you proactive when it comes to protecting yourself as a seller.

1.Secure Payment Methods: Use reputable payment methods like PayPal Goods and Services for added buyer protection.

2.Verify Buyer Identities: Confirm the identity of the buyer through online profiles, reviews, and communication.

3.Secure Shipping with Tracking: Opt for tracked shipping to prevent false claims and provide a record of delivery.

4.Communicate Clearly and Transparently: Maintain transparent communication about card conditions, shipping details, and other relevant information.

5.Beware of Fake Payment Confirmation: Double-check payment confirmation emails to avoid falling for fake notifications.

6.Use Reputable Selling Platforms: Choose established platforms with built-in buyer protection measures and clear dispute resolution processes.

Our Methodology

How we picked the best places to sell Pokémon cards

In formulating our recommendations for the best places to sell Pokémon cards, our methodology involved a thorough examination of various platforms based on a range of critical criteria. We assessed factors such as the size and diversity of the user base, market exposure, seller fees, user interface, seller protection policies, and unique platform features. Utilizing a rating scale from 1 to 5 stars, we assigned scores based on the performance of each platform in these key areas, with 5 stars denoting the highest rating. Our approach aimed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation, taking into consideration the specific needs and preferences of Pokémon card sellers. By thoroughly analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, our methodology sought to guide sellers toward the best-suited platforms for their individual circumstances, ensuring a well-informed decision-making process in choosing the optimal marketplace for selling Pokémon cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Pokémon Card Condition Guide: A Comprehensive Overview

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 07:58:38 GMT

Ever wondered about the condition of your Pokémon cards? Whether you're thinking of sending them for grading or just exploring where to sell Pokémon cards, knowing their condition is super important! You might be a collector sorting your cards or someone who rediscovered their old Pokémon collection, eager to find out what treasures it holds! Condition matters, and we're here to guide you, covering everything from Near Mint (those almost perfect or near-perfect cards, think PSA or CGC 10s!) to the less desirable damaged cards that nobody wants. We'll also touch on specialty cards like oversized cards, graded cards, lightly cover foils, and how to keep them safe when analyzing their condition. Let's get started!

Understanding Pokemon Card Conditions

There are five main conditions to consider when checking your Pokémon card's condition. We've listed each condition from best to worst. When inspecting each condition, be sure to read through each section and look at the pictures provided to get a better understanding of what these card conditions look like in person. This ensures that you can properly sort your cards and accurately determine their condition. Personally, I recommend starting with your rarest Pokémon cards if you're checking multiple card conditions, as they are usually the pricier ones! If you're unsure of your card's rarity, you can check out our Pokémon card rarities guide for more information!

Near Mint & Near Mint Foil (NM / NM Foil)

Near Mint (NM) cards are in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of wear. They may have slight imperfections, but they are barely noticeable. Near Mint Foil (NM Foil) cards have the same standards, with the added condition that the foil surface remains smooth and untarnished.

Example Near Mint card provided : Has sharp corners, vibrant colors, and no discernible wear. When analyzing the card for imperfections, its corners and edges, centering, surface, and color are near perfect without any noticeable imperfections.

Near Mint Card Example

How do i determine if my cards are Near Mint or not?

To determine if your cards are Near Mint (NM) or not, closely inspect them for any signs of wear or damage. Pay attention to the following aspects:

Corners and Edges: Check for sharpness and crispness. NM cards should have sharp, well-defined corners without any fraying or whitening.
Surface: Look for scratches, scuffs, or indentations. The surface should be smooth and clean, especially for NM Foil cards, where the foil should be untarnished and free from clouding or peeling.
Color and Print: Ensure the colors are vibrant and the print is clear. Faded colors or misprints can downgrade the condition.
Centering: Examine if the card is well-centered. While slight off-centering is acceptable in NM cards, it should not be significantly misaligned.
Overall Appearance: The card should generally look fresh and barely handled. Any noticeable imperfections, even if minor, can affect its classification as Near Mint.

Using a magnifying glass or good lighting can help in spotting subtle flaws. If you're unsure, comparing your card to our high-resolution image of a Near Mint card or consult with a professional grader to provide more clarity.

Lightly Played & Lightly Played Foil (LP / LP Foil)

Lightly Played (LP) cards show mild wear but are still in good overall condition. They may have slight edge wear, surface scratches, or minor corner dings. Lightly Played Foil (LP Foil) cards maintain a decent foil surface with only minor imperfections.

Example Lightly Played card provided: Features minor edge wear and small surface scratches, ideal for players prioritizing gameplay over absolute condition perfection.

Lightly Played Card Example

How do i determine if my cards are Lightly Played or not?

To determine if your cards are Lightly Played (LP), inspect them for these characteristics:

Corners and Edges: Look for slight fraying or whitening. The corners may not be as sharp as Near Mint cards, but they should not be heavily worn.
Surface: Minor scratches or scuffs can be present. For LP Foil cards, a few small scratches or a bit of clouding on the foil is acceptable.
Color and Print: Colors should still be fairly vibrant, but slight fading is permissible. Minor print errors are also acceptable.
Centering: Some off-centering is allowed, but it should not be extreme.
Overall Appearance: The card may show signs of light handling, such as minor surface wear or slight bends that don’t crease the card.

When assessing Lightly Played cards, focus on the subtle signs of wear. Lightly Played cards are a step down from Near Mint, so look for minor imperfections. The key is to identify wear that is present but not extensive. For example, the lightly played card we provided has slight whitening on the top right corner and the centering is slightly off, causing it to be classified as Lightly Played versus being considered Near Mint.

Moderately Played & Moderately Played Foil (MP / MP Foil)

Moderately Played (MP) cards show noticeable wear, including moderate edge wear, surface scratches, and potentially bent corners. Moderately Played Foil (MP Foil) cards have more pronounced imperfections on the foil surface.

Example Moderately Played Card provided:

Shows noticeable edge wear, a couple of bent corners, and some surface scuffs, fitting for budget-conscious players or those emphasizing gameplay.

Moderately Played Card Example

How do i determine if my cards are Moderately Played or not?

Moderately Played cards show more evident signs of wear:

Corners and Edges: More noticeable whitening or fraying. Corners may start to round slightly.
Surface: Visible scratches and scuffs. Foil cards might have moderate clouding or several scratches.
Color and Print: Colors can be less vibrant, and print imperfections are more tolerated.
Centering: Off-centering is more acceptable, but it shouldn't affect the overall look drastically.
Overall Appearance: Clear signs of handling and play, such as dirt marks or minor creases that don’t affect the structural integrity.

In determining Moderately Played cards, pay attention to more evident signs of wear. These cards have been used more frequently, so expect to see noticeable wear on corners, edges, and surfaces. Understanding the distinction between moderate and heavy wear is essential for correctly classifying cards in this condition.

Heavily Played & Heavily Played Foil (HP / HP Foil)

Heavily Played (HP) cards exhibit significant wear, with possible creases, bends, and substantial surface wear. Heavily Played Foil (HP Foil) cards have pronounced foil imperfections and may not display well

Example Heavily Played card provided: Displays creases, bent corners, and significant surface wear. These cards are extremely low in value compared to their Near Mint versions.

Heavily Played Card Example

How do i determine if my cards are Heavily Played or not?

Heavily Played cards have significant wear:

Corners and Edges: Pronounced whitening, fraying, and rounding of corners.
Surface: Heavy scratches, scuffs, and possibly small creases. Foil cards may have significant clouding.
Color and Print: Noticeable fading and print defects.
Centering: Significant off-centering is more acceptable in this category.
Overall Appearance: Obvious signs of heavy use, such as dirt, creases, or slight tears.

For Heavily Played cards, it's important to recognize significant wear and tear. These cards will have clear and pronounced signs of use. For example, our card provided has a distinct bend line across the art of the card. Also, the color is slightly faded with heavy scratching from frequent play.

Damaged Pokémon Cards

Damaged cards exhibit noticeable wear and tear, including creases, bends, and substantial surface damage. These cards may not be suitable for display or competitive play.

Example damaged card provided: Displays prominent creases, bent corners, and significant surface damage, making it unsuitable for collectors or players seeking cards in optimal condition.

Damaged Card Example

How do i determine if my cards are damaged or not?

Damaged cards have severe imperfections:

Corners and Edges: Extremely worn, possibly with tears or major fraying.
Surface: Deep scratches, large creases, tears, or water damage. Foil cards may have major peeling.
Color and Print: Severe fading, discoloration, or major print errors.
Centering: Extreme off-centering or miscuts.
Overall Appearance: The card may have structural issues like tears, significant creases, or water damage that affect its playability.

Assessing Damaged cards involves identifying severe wear or damage that impacts the card's functionality or aesthetics significantly. This category requires understanding the threshold at which a card's condition affects its playability and collectability. These cards have typically lost the majority of their value and are typically either thrown away or kept only for nostalgia purposes.

10 Tips for Safely Analyzing Pokémon Card Condition Without Causing Damage

When analyzing a card for its condition, it's important to handle it with utmost care to avoid causing any damage. Here are some steps to follow:

Clean Hands: Always start with clean, dry hands to prevent oils or dirt from transferring to the card.
Pro tip : While not necessary, using white cotton gloves can help ensure that your cards stay in pristine condition when analyzing for signs of wear and tear.

Gentle Handling: Hold the card by its edges, using your fingertips rather than the flat of your fingers. This minimizes the contact area and reduces the risk of leaving fingerprints or causing bends. Be careful not to put the flats of your finger on the card art or foil because if your hands have any residual oil after washing it could leave blemishes on the card.

Good Lighting: Use a well-lit area, preferably with natural light or a bright, non-glare artificial source. Good lighting helps in spotting subtle imperfections like minor scratches and whitening of edges.

Magnification: Consider using a magnifying glass. This can be especially helpful for identifying small scratches, dents, or issues with the print.
Pro tip : If you don't have a magnifying glass don't worry. I'd recommend using your smartphone camera, zooming into the card, and then analyzing the image taken as an alternative!

Soft Surface: Place the card on a soft, clean surface while inspecting it. A playmat or a clean piece of cloth can provide a safe background.

Avoid Bending: Never bend the card to test its flexibility. Bending can cause creases or stress marks.

Use Sleeves and Toploaders: When not inspecting, keep the card in a protective sleeve and a rigid toploader. This protects it from dust, scratches, and accidental damage.

Rotate Gently: When checking the edges and corners, gently rotate the card. Avoid flipping it or handling it excessively.

No Rush: Take your time. Rushing through the process increases the risk of accidental damage.

Seek Professional Help: If you're unsure about a card's condition, consider consulting with a professional grader like PSA . They have the tools and expertise to assess the condition accurately without risking damage to the card.

Other Conditions Worth Noting

Foils and Foiling: Pokémon cards with a foil finish are known for their glossy, reflective surface. These cards require meticulous care to preserve their pristine condition. To maintain its condition, it's recommended to store it away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Oversized Cards: Oversized cards, often found in promotional or special sets, come with unique conditions. Consider the Pikachu EX Oversized Promo Card from a special event. To ensure its longevity, inspect its dimensions, corners, and edges for any signs of wear. Just like standard-sized cards, oversized cards demand careful inspection to maintain their overall quality and appeal.

Multi-Graded Items: Professional grading brings an added layer of impartial evaluation to a card's condition. Imagine a set of holographic starter Pokémon cards, each individually graded within a singular package. The Charmander may receive a PSA 9, the Squirtle a PSA 8, and the Bulbasaur a PSA 7. This emphasizes the significance of assessing a card's condition thoroughly before submitting it for professional grading. If you are curious about Pokémon card grading check out our detailed guide on how to get Pokémon cards graded for more information.

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Kamryn Kirwan , known for his love of gaming and card collecting is a passionate writer for TCG Review. Kamryn brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to their articles, offering readers a deeper look into the strategies and joys of the Pokémon universe. Kamryn has over 10 years of experience in gaming and Pokémon, making his TCG articles a must-read for Pokémon enthusiasts and gaming fans alike.

The Best Pokémon Booster Boxes of 2024

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 07:09:12 GMT

For Pokémon TCG enthusiasts and collectors alike, the quest for the best Pokémon booster boxes to purchase or open in 2024 can be quite tricky. The challenge lies in the fact that many of these boxes are either no longer accessible or incredibly rare, demanding a substantial investment. When creating our list of top Pokémon booster boxes, our emphasis is on options that remain readily available without having to spend a large amount of money. Our goal is to help you build up your collection without showing you cards that are crazy expensive or nearly impossible to get.

Naturally, this means our attention gravitates towards more recent Pokémon TCG expansions. However, it's important to note that this doesn't diminish the quality of these sets, as there have been remarkable releases this year featuring some awesome Pokémon cards. Each of these booster boxes is a fantastic chance for you to build up your collection, get some of the best Pokémon card rarities , and build a Pokémon deck .

Table of Contents

The best Pokémon booster boxes of 2024 are:

Scarlet & Violet Paldean Fates - The first Pokémon booster box of 2024

Starting off our list is the highly anticipated Scarlet & Violet Paldean Fates set. With an awesome theme and an array of powerful Pokémon, this booster box is set to be the first of many exciting sets coming in 2024! This set releases January 26, 2024 with Shiny Pikachu taking the lead, joined by Shiny Ditto, Shiny Snorlax, and Shiny Jigglypuff and over 100 other Shiny Pokémon. This set comes with more than 240 cards, brand-new Pokémon ex cards, a handful of new full-art Support cards and 6 new hyper rare cards including Charizard and Mew ex!

Scarlet & Violet Paradox Rift - A Pokémon booster box for obtaining the newest Pokémon card set

Featuring over 180 cards, including new Ancient and Future Pokémon, the set introduces Type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex with a crystalline appearance, including a Water-type Garchomp EX. With more than 15 brand-new Pokémon ex, over 20 Trainer cards, and dozens of Pokémon and Trainer cards boasting special illustrations, the Paradox Rift expansion promises an immersive adventure where past and future collide.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet-151 - A Pokémon booster box for the collector

We are going back in time and teaming up with Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle to explore a new and improved, updated set of the Kanto region! This set provides a fresh opportunity to track down and capture all of the original 151 Pokémon, unveiling extraordinary artworks such as the amazingly detailed full art Venusaur EX , Charizard EX , and Blastoise ex .

The English print of this set only offers an Elite Trainer Box and an Ultra Premium Collection Box, but a Japanese print for booster boxes is available if you are inclined to obtain more packs.

Scarlet & Violet Obsidian Flames - A Pokémon booster box for Charizard Pokémon cards

Burning embers cast a fiery glow across the dark night, igniting into a blazing inferno as Charizard EX emerges, now empowered with newfound darkness! The dazzling new phenomenon changes unique types of certain Pokémon EX, including Vespiquen and Tyranitar! And, oh boy, if you like Charizard, this is the set for you because along with the new Charizard EX comes not one, not two, not three, but four different Charizard art cards, including the super rare gold Charizard EX!

The set also comes with more than 20 brand-new Pokémon EX: a new take on a returning game mechanic, and more than 15 Trainer cards, with dozens of Pokémon and Trainer cards featuring spectacular illustrations.

Scarlet & Violet Paldea Evolved - A Pokémon booster box with awesome chase cards

Feel the surging energy as new powers awaken. Team up with Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly the original starters as they evolve and transform into some of the coolest cards we've seen yet featuring Meowscarada EX, Skeledirge EX, and Quaquaval EX along with Chie-Pao EX and Ting-Lu EX. Don't forget about the competitive chase card Iono which while hard to get is an amazing staple in most competitive decks and new Tera card Forretress.

This set also comes with 190 cards, more than 15 brand-new Pokémon EX cards, Tera Pokémon EX with crystalline appearance, more than 30 Trainer cards and dozens of Pokémon and Trainer cards with those beautiful looking illustrations.

Scarlet & Violet Base Set - The first Pokémon booster box of the Paldea Region

Set out on a journey in the Paldea region! This is where the first starters were introduced: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, along with an assortment of all kinds of different Pokémon card arts. My favorites, personally, were Arcanine EX and Gyarados EX holo full arts. If you're buying Pokémon cards specifically for monetary reasons, then I would not recommend this booster box.

Nonetheless, I do think if you are looking to open cards for a cheaper price or maybe to just spice up your collection and get some of the original Pokémon from the Paldea region, then this is the box for you. It comes with over 190 cards, more than 10 brand-new Pokémon EX cards, more than 30 Trainer cards, and obviously those nice illustrative cards we all love.

Crown Zenith - An Elite Trainer Box with plenty of added extras

This is another Elite Trainer Box, but don't worry—this set packs a punch featuring Zacian and Zamazenta with all-new VSTAR abilities and an amazing lineup of Pokémon and Trainer cards. Look out for key chase cards like Mewtwo VSTAR and Charizard VSTAR, along with the legendary Pokémon Arceus VSTAR and Giratina VSTAR gold card .

This set is a collector's dream with some really high-value cards! The entire set is over 160 cards, with 3 brand-new Radiant Pokémon, 5 colossal Pokémon VMAX, 8 shining Pokémon VSTAR, 17 powerful Pokémon V, and 70 cards with special artwork, all taking place in the Galarian region!

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

How to Build a Pokémon Deck: Essential Tips for Beginners

Businessbradley.sanders@gmail.com (Bradley Sanders) — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 01:37:05 GMT

Building your own Pokémon deck can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you are new to the game. In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about building a Pokémon deck. We'll cover the basics like the right mix of cards, what goes into a good deck, and the ideal deck size. We'll also explore the essential rules for deck construction, giving you the insights you need to assemble your deck correctly and effectively.

Table of contents

Basics of building a Pokémon deck

Building a successful Pokémon deck requires strategy, knowledge of the game, and careful consideration of card choices. Here are some simple steps to help you start building your own Pokémon deck:

Step 1: Choose a Theme or Strategy

Before selecting specific cards for your deck, it is important to decide on a theme or strategy. This could be based on a particular type of Pokémon or a specific game mechanic. here are some examples to help you get started:

Type-Based Theme: Focus on a specific Pokémon type, like Fire or Psychic. This theme leverages synergies between Pokémon abilities and Trainer cards that enhance the chosen type, such as Fire-type Pokémon that benefit from energy acceleration or Psychic-types that manipulate opponent's cards.

Energy Acceleration Strategy : Build a deck designed to quickly gather and utilize Energy. This often involves Pokémon and Trainer cards that allow for rapid energy attachment, enabling powerful attacks earlier in the game. It's effective for quickly overwhelming opponents with high-cost attacks.

Control Deck: Center your strategy around controlling the flow of the game. This involves using Pokémon and Trainer cards to disrupt your opponent's hand and deck, control their Energy resources, and limit their options. It's a more defensive and tactical approach, focusing on outmaneuvering the opponent rather than overwhelming them with force.

Step 2: Choose Your Pokémon Line-up

When building your Pokémon deck, selecting the right mix of Pokémon is crucial. This step involves choosing a combination of basic and evolved Pokémon, ensuring a well-rounded team that can handle various challenges during gameplay.

Basic Pokémon: These are your foundational Pokémon. Every deck needs them, as they are the starting point for all evolutions.

Evolved Pokémon: These include Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pokémon, which evolve from Basic Pokémon. They typically have stronger attacks and higher HP, making them valuable for sustaining longer battles.

Special Pokémon: This category includes powerful variants like V, VMAX, VSTAR, and GX Pokémon. They often have high HP and strong attacks, but give up more prize cards when knocked out.

Focusing on a Main Attacking Pokémon

Selecting a Primary Attacker: Your deck should be built around a main attacking Pokémon. This Pokémon will be your primary source of damage and often dictates the overall strategy of your deck.

VSTAR and VMAX Pokémon: These are excellent choices for a main attacker due to their high HP and potent attacks. They can often turn the tide of a battle but require a significant amount of energy, so your deck should support their needs effectively.

VSTAR Pokémon: Arceus VSTAR stands out as a main attacker with its powerful "Starbirth" ability, allowing you to search your deck for any two cards, providing a significant tactical advantage. Its attack, "Trinity Nova," is both powerful and versatile, solidifying Arceus VSTAR as a top choice for your deck's main attacker.

VMAX Pokémon: Mew VMAX is an excellent choice for its high HP and potent attacks like "Max Miracle," which can deal significant damage without being affected by any effects on your opponent's Active Pokémon. This ability, combined with its high HP, makes Mew VMAX a formidable main attacker to build around in your deck.

Deck Composition: Balancing Pokémon Types

1-2 Pokémon Types: It's generally advisable to limit your deck to one or two Pokémon card types . This focus allows for more consistent energy draws and a more streamlined strategy. Mono-type decks (single type) are easier to manage, especially for beginners.

Support Pokémon: In addition to your main attacker, include Pokémon that provide support. These can be Pokémon with abilities that help draw cards, heal damage, or provide energy acceleration. Their role is to facilitate your main attacker's effectiveness.

Tech Pokémon: These are included to counter specific threats you expect to face. For example, if a particular type is dominant in the meta, a tech Pokémon that counters it can be invaluable.

Evolution Lines

Balancing Evolutions: If your main attacker is an evolved Pokémon, ensure you have a balanced line-up of its Basic and Stage 1 forms. A common ratio is 3 Basic, 2 Stage 1, and 1-2 Stage 2 or VMAX forms.

Step 3: Pick Supporting Trainer Cards

Trainer cards are essential in any Pokémon deck, offering various forms of support to enhance your strategy, maintain momentum, and disrupt your opponent's plans. Understanding the different types of Trainer cards and how to effectively incorporate them into your deck is key to building a well-rounded and competitive deck.

Types of Trainer Cards

Supporter Cards: These cards often provide powerful effects like drawing cards, searching for specific cards, or disrupting your opponent. However, you can only play one Supporter card per turn, so choose them wisely. Examples include Professor's Research for drawing cards and Marnie for both drawing and disrupting your opponent's hand.

I tem Cards: Unlike Supporter cards, you can play as many Item cards as you want during your turn. They offer a range of effects from searching your deck for Pokémon (like Ultra Ball) to retrieving cards from your discard pile (such as Ordinary Rod). Item cards are important for maintaining the flow of your game.

Stadium Cards: These cards create ongoing effects that last until another Stadium card is played. They can provide advantages like healing your Pokémon each turn or disrupting your opponent's abilities. Choose Stadium cards that complement your deck's strategy or counter popular strategies in the meta.

Tool Cards: These are a subset of Item cards that you attach to your Pokémon to give them additional abilities or enhancements, such as extra HP or damage reduction. An example of this would be a card such as Lucky Helmet which when attached to your active Pokémon lets you draw two cards when your active Pokémon is attacked.

Why should you use Trainer Cards in Your Deck?

Draw Support: Include Supporter cards that allow you to draw more cards, ensuring you consistently have the resources you need.

Energy Acceleration: For decks that rely on Pokémon with high energy costs, include Trainer cards that help you get more energy into play quickly. Cards like Welder for Fire-type decks or Turbo Patch for basic energy acceleration are examples.

Search and Retrieval: Cards that search for Pokémon or retrieve cards from your discard pile are essential for maintaining momentum and recovering from setbacks.

Stadium Synergy: Choose Stadium cards that either enhance your strategy or hinder your opponent's. Be mindful of how these cards interact with both your deck and the current meta.

Balancing Your Trainer Cards: A typical competitive deck might have around 12-15 Supporter cards, 10-15 Item cards, and 1-4 Stadium cards. However, these numbers can vary greatly depending on your deck's specific strategy.

Step 4: Select Energy Cards

Energy cards are essential for allowing your Pokémon to attack and use their abilities. Be sure to include a sufficient amount of energy cards in your deck, depending on the type of strategy you have chosen.

Special energy cards, which offer unique and potent effects when attached to a Pokémon, can be a game-changer in your deck. Here are some notable examples, but keep in mind there's a wide array of special energies available that can greatly enhance and tailor your deck to its maximum capability.

Double Turbo Energy:

Provides two Colorless Energy.
Reduces damage output by 20.
Ideal for high-energy-cost Pokémon.

Reversal Energy:

Provides one Colorless Energy.
Offers additional effects if attached to a damaged Pokémon.
Suitable for comeback strategies.

Fusion Strike Energy:

Provides one energy of any type of energy.
Prevents effects of opponent’s Abilities on the attached Fusion Strike Pokémon.
Essential for Fusion Strike-focused decks.

Keep in mind when adding special Energy cards to your Pokémon TCG deck, remember that you can only include up to four copies of the same special Energy card, in line with the game's standard deck-building rules.

Step 5: Test and Refine Your Deck

Once you have selected all the necessary cards for your deck, it is important to playtest and make adjustments as needed. This will help you fine-tune your strategy and identify any weaknesses in your deck.

Understanding Pokémon Deck Rules: Deck Size, Ratio, and Card Limits

Building a Pokémon deck, whether for casual or competitive play, requires adherence to specific rules set by the Pokémon Trading Card Game. These rules ensure fair play and balance across all decks. Here's a breakdown of the essential deck-building rules you need to know.

Pokémon Deck Size

60-Card Rule: Every Pokémon deck must consist of exactly 60 cards. No more, no less. This rule is non-negotiable and applies to all formats of play.

Pokémon Deck Ratio

No Fixed Ratio: There is no fixed ratio for Pokémon, Energy, and Trainer cards in a deck. However, a balanced deck typically includes a mix of all three types. The exact distribution depends on your strategy and the deck archetype you're building.

Energy Cards: The number of Energy cards in a deck can vary widely. A standard range is between 8 to 18, depending on the deck's needs. Decks focusing on high-energy-cost Pokémon or aggressive strategies might lean toward the higher end, while control or combo decks might use fewer Energy cards.

Pokémon and Trainer Cards: The balance between Pokémon and Trainer cards is also flexible. A typical competitive deck might have around 15-20 Pokémon cards, with the rest being Trainer cards, which include Supporters, Items, and Stadiums. Again, the exact numbers can vary based on the deck's strategy.

Pokémon Deck Card Limits

Four-Card Limit: You can include up to four copies of any card with the same name in your deck. This rule applies to all card types except basic energy Pokémon cards.

Special and Basic Energy: While there's no limit to the number of Basic Energy cards you can include, Special Energy cards are subject to the four-card limit. This is important for decks that rely on Special Energy for specific strategies.

Identical Cards: The four-card limit is based on the card's name, not its artwork or edition. For example, you can have four copies of a card named "Pikachu," regardless of whether each card has different artwork or comes from a different set.

Pros and Cons of Building a Pokémon Deck vs Buying a Preconstructed Deck

Now that you know how to build a Pokémon deck, you may be wondering if it's better to build one yourself or just buy a preconstructed deck. Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you decide:

Buying a Preconstructed Deck

Ready to Play: Preconstructed decks come with all the necessary components, making them great for beginners or those who just want to start playing right away.

Variety: Preconstructed decks often have a specific theme or strategy, making them great for players who want to try out different playstyles without having to build their own deck.

Lack of Customization: Since preconstructed decks are already built, there is limited room for customization and personalization.

Cost: Buying a preconstructed deck may be cheaper in the short term, but constantly buying new decks can add up to be more expensive than building your own deck in the long run.

Building a Pokémon Deck

Customization: Building your own deck allows you to choose the specific cards that fit your strategy and play style.

Learning Experience: By building your own deck, you will gain a better understanding of the game mechanics and how different cards work together. This can improve your overall gameplay skills.

Cost: While building a deck may initially require an investment, in the long run it can be more cost-effective compared to continually buying preconstructed decks.

Time-consuming: Building a deck from scratch requires time and effort to research, acquire cards, and test it out. This may not be ideal for those who just want to start playing immediately.

Skill level: Building a deck requires knowledge and experience in the game, so it may not be suitable for beginners who are still learning the basics.

Beginner and Competitive Deck List Examples

Beginner Player Decklist: Pokémon TCG Battle Deck - Chien-Pao ex

Chien-Pao ex Battle Deck is a beginner-friendly deck designed for new players who are just getting started with the Pokémon TCG. It focuses on simplicity and ease of understanding, making it a great choice for learning the basic rules and strategies of the game.

Deck List:

Pokémon:

1× Chien-Pao ex

2× Baxcalibur

3× Arctibax

3× Frigibax

2× Floatzel

3× Buizel

2× Azumarill

3× Marill

2× Delibird

1× Bruxish

Trainers:

4× Nemona

2× Youngster

1× Jacq

4× Great Ball

2× Energy Retrieval

2× Nest Ball

2× Pokégear 3.0

2× Switch

1× Pal Pad

Energy:

18× Basic Water Energy

Competitive Player Deck list: Pokémon TCG: Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR League Battle Deck

Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR league battle deck list is tailored for experienced players who participate in tournaments and high-level play. It features a more complex strategy and a refined card selection, aiming to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in competitive scenarios.

Deck list:

Pokémon:

2× Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR

3× Origin Forme Palkia V

3× Bibarel

3× Bidoof

1× Radiant Greninja

1× Manaphy

2× Hisuian Basculin

Trainers:

4× Battle VIP Pass

3× Boss’s Orders (Cyrus)

3× Choice Belt

1× Echoing Horn

2× Energy Search

2× Hisuian Heavy Ball

4× Irida

1× Klara

2× Lake Acuity

3× Melony

1× Roxanne

2× Switch

4× Trekking Shoes

4× Ultra Ball

Energy:

9× Basic Energy

Each deck offers a distinct approach to the game. The beginner deck, with its straightforward strategy and simpler card interactions, is perfect for learning the basics. In contrast, the competitive deck requires a deeper understanding of the game's mechanics and offers more strategic depth, making it suitable for players looking to challenge themselves in the competitive arena.

Cost of Deck Building: Navigating Price Variations

When constructing a Pokémon TCG deck, it's important to recognize that the overall cost can differ greatly depending on the specific cards you plan to incorporate. The price of individual cards can range from just a few dollars to several hundred, depending on their rarity and demand in the competitive scene. Here's a closer look at how card rarity and type can impact your deck-building budget.

Rarity and Price

Pokémon TCG features cards of varying rarities, from common cards to ultra-rare and secret rare cards. The Pokémon card rarity of a card often directly influences its price.

Pokémon Card Conditions: Pokémon cards are available in various conditions, from heavily played to mint, providing a broad spectrum of pricing options. This variety allows you to choose cards that best suit your deck-building budget needs.

Common and Uncommon Cards: These are the basic building blocks of any deck. Common and uncommon cards, including many basic Pokémon and standard Trainer cards, are usually very affordable, often costing just a few dollars or less making them staples for everyday play.

Rare and Holo Rare Cards: These cards are less common and can be slightly more expensive.

Ultra-Rare and Secret Rare Cards: These cards are the most expensive, often due to their rarity and their power in the game. Ultra-rare cards, like GX or VMAX cards, and secret rare cards can cost significantly more, sometimes reaching high prices on the secondary market.

Deck Type and Cost

The kind of deck you're looking to build also plays a significant role in determining the overall cost.

Standard Decks: A standard deck that uses commonly available cards can be relatively inexpensive to assemble. These decks are great for casual play and for those just getting into competitive play.

Competitive Decks: If you're aiming for a deck that's viable in the competitive scene, be prepared for a higher cost. Competitive decks often require specific rare cards that typically garner higher prices due to their popularity and power.

Finding the Best Deals

Various marketplaces like TCGplayer , eBay , Amazon , and local card shops are excellent sources for finding cards at different price points. Remember to always:

Compare Prices: Look across different platforms to find the best deals.

Watch for Deals: Online marketplaces and local stores sometimes offer sales or discounts, especially on older or less popular card sets.

Consider Buying in Bulk

Buying cards in bulk can be a cost-effective strategy, especially if you're starting from scratch.

Booster Packs and Boxes: While there's an element of luck, buying booster packs or boxes can be a cheaper way to build a collection.

Bulk Lots: Look for bulk lots on eBay, Amazon , and local trading groups. These can sometimes include hidden gems at a lower cost.

Budgeting Wisely

Given the wide range of card prices, it's important to budget wisely for your deck.

Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend on your deck and try to stick to it.

Prioritize Your Needs: Focus on acquiring key cards first, especially if they are essential to your deck's strategy.

Consider Long-Term Value: Some expensive cards can be a good investment as they can retain or even increase in value over time.
Pro tip: Grading Pokémon cards is a great way to protect and increase the worth of your investments.

Your Pokémon Deck is Ready for Battle!

In short, creating a winning Pokémon deck is a mix of strategy, knowing the game, and adding your own creative flair. It's a fun and rewarding process, whether you're an experienced player or just starting out with Pokémon TCG. You get to think about how cards work together, stay up-to-date with gaming trends, and really understand your own way of playing. It's all about finding that perfect balance!

Remember, the key to a great deck is not just in choosing the strongest Pokémon or the most powerful moves, but in how well your cards work together to create a cohesive and effective strategy. As you continue to experiment and learn, your skills in deck building will grow, leading to more enjoyable and competitive gameplay. So, gather your cards, embrace the challenge, and let your journey into the world of Pokémon deck building begin!

About the author: Bradley Sanders

Pokémon fan, gamer, and tech enthusiast

Bradley sanders is a Pokémon enthusiast, seasoned gamer, and tech lover with over 10 years of experience in the gaming realm. Known for his insightful articles that aid beginners and veterans alike in leveling up their gaming knowledge, Bradley Sanders is a valuable contributor to the TCG Review community, often found crafting compelling reviews and sharing expert strategies. When not diving into the latest gaming trends, you can find him kicking back and watching the latest Anime with friends and family.

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Pokémon TCG: Understanding Status Conditions

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 04:58:14 GMT

So you're curious about how Pokémon status conditions work. Don't panic! We've got you covered so you can learn how to play Pokémon cards without worry! This In-depth guide dives deep into status conditions, breaking down their effects with examples and strategies for countering and curing them. Enhance your TCG skills as we navigate the fascinating world of status conditions and discover new ways to outsmart your opponents!

Pokémon TCG Status Conditions: Rules, Examples, and Status Effects

Burn Status Condition

Description: A Burned Pokémon suffers damage between turns, representing the lingering effects of a scorching attack.

Cure Strategies:

Trainer Cards: "Full Heal," "Super Potion"
Abilities: Pokémon with abilities like "Natural Cure" automatically recover from Burn upon switching out.
Examples: Using "Full Heal" to remove Burn from your active Pokémon allows it to continue battling without ongoing damage.

Pokémon Burn Rules

If a Pokémon is Burned , put a burn counter and two damage counters (20 damage) on your Pokémon then flip a coin. If you flip heads, then the Pokémon is burned. Burn can not be stacked you can not be burned again.

Confusion status condition

Description: Confusion represents a state where a Pokémon is disoriented, mirroring the effects of certain attacks.

Cure Strategies:

Trainer Cards: "Clarity," "Revitalizing Potion"
Abilities: Certain Pokémon may have abilities like "Clear Mind," automatically ending their confusion at the end of their turn.
Examples: Using the "Clarity" card on your confused Pokémon immediately clears its confusion, allowing it to act normally in the next turn.

Pokémon Confusion Rules

Before attacking flip a coin, If the coin lands on heads the attack goes off normally, if tails the attack does not work and put three damage counters ( 30 damage) on your Confused Pokémon.

Paralysis status condition

Description: Paralysis impedes a Pokémon's ability to attack, symbolizing the temporary loss of motor function.

Cure Strategies:

Trainer Cards: "Full Heal," "Revive"
Abilities: Pokémon with abilities like "Limber" are immune to paralysis.
Examples: Utilizing a "Full Heal" on a paralyzed Pokémon allows it to act freely in subsequent turns.

Pokémon Paralyzed Rules

Flip a coin if heads, your opponent's active Pokémon is now paralyzed. If your Pokémon is Paralyzed , it can't attack or retreat by paying its retreat cost. The paralyzed condition is removed between turns if your Pokémon was paralyzed since the beginning of your last turn. No damage counters are applied with the paralyzed effect.

Poison status condition

Description: Poison inflicts damage over time, mirroring the effects of a toxic attack.

Cure Strategies:

Trainer Cards: "Antidote," "Full Restore"
Abilities: Pokémon with "Poison Heal" naturally recover health instead of taking damage from regular Poison.
Examples: Administering "Antidote" to a Poisoned Pokémon mitigates the damage and ensures its sustained participation in the battle.

Pokémon Poison Rules

If your Pokémon is Poisoned, place a poison counter on it and one damage counter on it (10 damage). Similar to burn your poisoned Pokémon can not be poisoned twice. Poison does not stack.

Sleep status condition

Description: Sleep renders a Pokémon temporarily inactive, representing a period of rest and recovery.

Cure Strategies:

Trainer Cards: "Awakening," "Switch"
Abilities: Pokémon with "Insomnia" or "Vital Spirit" are immune to sleep.
Examples: Using "Switch" to swap out your sleeping Pokémon for a fresh one can be a strategic way to avoid losing turns.

Pokémon Sleep Rules

If your Pokémon is Asleep, it can't attack or retreat back to the bench by paying its retreat cost. End of turn flip a coin if heads, the Pokémon wakes up. If tails it stays Asleep . Similar to paralyzed Asleep Pokémon take no additional damage counters for being Asleep.

Healing Special Conditions

Although we went over some cure strategies earlier. Here are the main ways to heal Pokémon status conditions in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, taking into account the various Pokémon card types :

Trainer Cards:

Many Trainer cards are specifically designed to cure or remove status conditions. Look for cards with effects like "Full Heal" or "Awakening."

Pokémon Abilities:

Some Pokémon have abilities that allow them to cure themselves or other Pokémon of certain status conditions. Check the text on the Pokémon card for any relevant abilities.

Evolution:

Evolving a Pokémon often removes status conditions. When you evolve a Pokémon, it becomes a new card with a clean slate, and any existing status conditions are usually removed.

Retreat and Re-Entry:

If a Pokémon retreats or is switched out and then re-enters the active position, it is often cured of status conditions. Check the specific effects of the retreat cost and switching Pokémon in play.

Coin Flips:

Some Trainer cards or Pokémon abilities may involve coin flips to determine whether a Pokémon is cured of a particular status condition.

Specific Card Effects:

Certain Pokémon cards or Trainer cards have unique effects that explicitly state they can remove specific status conditions. Always read the text on the card to understand its full effect.

Special Conditions-Removing Moves:

Some Pokémon have attacks or moves that explicitly state they remove specific status conditions. Check the text on the Pokémon card for details on any moves that may have this effect.

Always check the wording on the cards involved, as effects can vary. Understanding how to cure status conditions is crucial for developing effective strategies in the Pokémon TCG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

How to play Pokémon cards: A comprehensive guide for beginners

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:07:01 GMT

If you are a fan of the popular Pokémon franchise and have always wanted to dive into the exciting world of the trading card game, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide is here to provide you with all the necessary information and step-by-step instructions on how to play Pokémon cards.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this guide will cover everything from deck-building strategies to the rules of the game, ensuring that you have all the knowledge you need to become a master Pokémon card player!

Table of contents

What is Pokemon TCG?

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a renowned collectible card game that finds its roots in the beloved Pokémon video game series. It was initially released in Japan in 1996 and has since cultivated a massive global following. This game offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy opening booster packs to collect rare Pokémon cards , have fun playing with friends, and participate in tournaments to win prizes.

In the Pokémon TCG, players compete by using a customized deck consisting of Pokémon card types , including Pokémon cards, Trainer cards, and Energy cards. The objective is to outmaneuver the opponent, using your deck of choice to knock out their Pokémon cards or collect their prize cards. Gameplay is a balanced blend of strategic planning and the element of chance, as players draw and play cards to attack and use special abilities to gain a strategic advantage.

Each card represents a unique creature from the Pokémon universe, complete with its own set of powers and characteristics. This diversity adds depth and variety to the game, making each match unique.

Pokémon TCG is so popular its become a worldwide e-sport where players around the world compete.

The game's popularity has led to the establishment of a vibrant competitive scene. Tournaments and events are held at various levels, from local to international stages. These tournaments often feature different formats, such as 'Standard', 'Expanded', and 'Limited', each with its own set of rules and deck restrictions. Players can compete in these events for prizes, recognition, and the chance to qualify for larger, more prestigious tournaments like the Pokémon World Championships .

Pokémon TCG has stood the test of time and shows no signs of fading away. If you're keen on learning how to play the game and honing your skills to potentially become a worldwide Pokémon TCG champion, stay tuned. Reading this comprehensive guide for beginners in the Pokémon trading card game will make a significant difference and help level up your gameplay by equipping you with all the knowledge necessary to succeed, and most importantly have fun while doing it!

How to play the Pokémon card game

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a strategic, collectible card game involving two players battling to "be the very best" as Ash Ketchum would say. These decks include Pokémon cards (the main characters in battles), Trainer cards (providing various support functions), and Energy cards (necessary to power Pokémon's attacks). The goal is to either defeat your opponent's Pokémon by reducing their hit points to zero, thereby knocking them out, or to draw all of your Prize cards, which are initially set aside at the beginning of the match.

During a turn, a player will draw a card from their deck, and can then take several actions: they can play new Pokémon to the field, attach Energy cards to their Pokémon, use Trainer cards, and attack with their Active Pokémon. The key to winning is understanding how different cards interact, choosing the right moment to attack or use a card's special ability, and effectively managing the resources in your hand and on your playing field.

This guide will provide essential knowledge needed to play the Pokémon trading card game, such as how to build a balanced Pokémon deck , the significance of each type of card, and tactical approaches players can utilize to best their opponents. These insights are crucial for anyone looking to grasp the fundamentals of the Pokémon TCG and succeed in both casual and competitive play.

For you visual learners, check out the official Pokémon TCG tutorial on YouTube to learn more about how to play Pokémon cards:

How many cards do you need to play Pokémon TCG?

To play a standard game of Pokémon TCG here's a breakdown of everything you'll need to get started:

60-Card Deck: Each player's deck must contain exactly 60 cards.
Card Limit considerations: You can include up to four copies of any card with the same name, except Basic Energy cards, which have no limit.
Basic Pokémon Requirement : Your deck must have at least one Basic Pokémon to play.

Starter Deck Recommendations for Pokémon TCG Beginners

For beginners just getting started playing the game building a constructed deck can be somewhat confusing. I'd recommend getting a battle deck, which there are plenty to choose from. You can choose from a variety of preconstructed battle decks to start from, but for beginners looking to take their game to the next level, some excellent choices for starter decks include the Palkia VSTAR league battle deck and the Mew VMAX league battle deck. Here's why I'd recommend these:

Palkia VSTAR League Battle Deck

Focus on Water-Type Pokémon: This deck typically centers around Palkia, a powerful Water-type Pokémon. It's a great introduction to the strategies and strengths of Water-type Pokémon.
Balanced Gameplay: The Palkia deck is known for its balance between attack power and defensive capabilities, making it a solid choice for beginners who are still learning the ropes.
Easy to Learn: The mechanics of this deck are straightforward, allowing new players to quickly grasp the basic concepts of the game.

Buy the Palkia VSTAR League Battle deck

Amazon

Mew VMAX League Battle Deck

Psychic-Type Strategy: The Mew deck often focuses on Psychic-type Pokémon, offering a different style of play compared to the Palkia deck. It's ideal for players who prefer a more strategic, thought-provoking approach.
Versatile and Powerful: Mew, as a central Pokémon in this deck, is known for its versatility and ability to use attacks from other Pokémon. This introduces new players to more complex strategies in the game.
Room for Growth: While accessible for beginners, the Mew deck also has depth, allowing players to explore more advanced tactics as they become more comfortable with the game.

Why do I suggest league battle decks for beginners?

Complete Setup: Both decks come with everything needed to start playing right away, including a fully constructed 60-card deck that adheres to the game's rules.
High-Quality Cards: These decks often include powerful and competitive cards that can be used even in more advanced play.
Learning Tools: They typically come with guides or booklets that help new players understand the basic rules and strategies.
Customization Potential: As you grow more familiar with the game, these decks can be modified and enhanced with additional cards, making them a good long-term investment.

Buy the Mew VMAX League Battle deck

Amazon

Setting up the Pokémon trading card game

To get things started, flip a coin or roll a dice to decide on who goes first.
Each player starts with 7 cards in their hand.
If you don't draw a Basic Pokémon at the start, you need to mulligan. For each mulligan, your opponent gets to draw one additional card.
Place your Basic Pokémon cards on your bench (up to five) and choose one as your Active Pokémon.
Shuffle your deck and place it face-down in front of you.
Place 6 prize cards face down.
You can also attach one Energy card to your Active Pokémon per turn.
The first player cannot attack or evolve on their first turn.

How do you battle in the Pokémon card game?

Time for what we've all been waiting for, how do you battle in the Pokémon card game! Here's a detailed guide on how to battle in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, including pro tips to help you get the most out of your gameplay:

Draw Phase

Start of Turn: Every turn in Pokémon TCG begins with the draw phase. Here, you draw one card from your deck and add it to your hand. This is a crucial phase as it provides new options and strategies for your turn.

Main Phase

During your main phase, you can perform several actions, in any order you choose:

Play Pokémon:
Evolve Pokémon: If you have a Pokémon in play that can evolve (i.e., you have its next evolutionary stage in your hand, and it has been in play for at least one turn), you can evolve it. Keep in mind you can only do this once per turn and the player starting the game on the first turn cannot evolve their Pokémon on that turn. Evolving a Pokémon typically increases its HP (Hit Points) and gives it stronger attacks or abilities.
Pro tip: You can also play Basic Pokémon from your hand onto your bench. Remember, you can have up to 5 Pokémon on your bench at any time.
Attach Energy:
One Energy Per Turn: You are allowed to attach one Energy card from your hand to one of your Pokémon per turn. This is a fundamental action, as Pokémon need Energy to perform their attacks.
Pro tip: Be mindful of the Energy type requirements for each Pokémon's attacks.
Play Trainer Cards:
Types of Trainer Cards: Trainer cards come in various forms, including Items, Supporters, and Stadiums, each with different rules for use.
Pro tip: Trainer cards can provide a wide range of benefits, from drawing more cards, healing your Pokémon, to disrupting your opponent's strategy.
Retreat:
Switching Pokémon: You can retreat your Active Pokémon and switch it with one of your Pokémon on the bench. This often requires discarding Energy attached to the retreating Pokémon, known as a "retreat cost."
Pro tip: Retreating can be used strategically to save a Pokémon from being knocked out or to bring a more advantageous Pokémon into battle.
Use Abilities:
Pokémon Abilities: Some Pokémon have abilities that provide various effects. These can be used at different times, depending on the ability's text.
Pro tip: Abilities can offer significant advantages in the game, from drawing extra cards to affecting the opponent's Pokémon.

Attack Phase

Engaging in Battle: Once you're ready, you can use your Active Pokémon to attack your opponent's Active Pokémon.
Attack Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary Energy attached to perform the attack. Each attack has specific Energy requirements.
Damage and Effects: Attacks can deal damage to the opponent's Pokémon and may have additional effects, like causing status conditions.

End Turn

Concluding Your Turn: After you attack, your turn ends. It's now your opponent's turn to draw a card and proceed with their actions.

Additional Considerations

Strategy and Planning: Pokémon TCG is not just about attacking; it's about strategizing, planning your moves, and anticipating your opponent's actions.
Managing Resources: Balancing your resources, such as your hand, your bench, and your Energy, is crucial for success.
Adapting to Situations: Each game is dynamic, and being able to adapt to the evolving situation is key. This might mean changing your strategy based on the cards you draw or the moves your opponent makes.

Pokémon Card Game Status Conditions

Understanding Pokémon trading card status conditions can be a significant strategic advantage. These conditions – Asleep, Burned, Confused, Paralyzed, and Poisoned – add a layer of complexity and depth to the game, offering players opportunities to turn the tide of battle in their favor. Knowing how and when to apply these conditions, as well as how to effectively respond to them, can be the difference between victory and defeat.

For instance, if you're aware that your opponent's deck relies heavily on a few powerful Pokémon, using Status Conditions like Paralysis or Sleep can disrupt their strategy, giving you an upper hand. Similarly, understanding how to counter these conditions, perhaps with cards that heal or remove them, can save your crucial Pokémon from being knocked out at a critical moment.

Asleep: The Pokémon cannot attack or retreat. Flip a coin between turns; heads mean it wakes up.
Burned: The Pokémon takes damage between turns due to a burn marker.
Confused: Flip a coin before attacking; tails result in the attack failing and self-damage.
Paralyzed: The Pokémon can't attack or retreat for one turn.
Poisoned: The Pokémon suffers damage between turns.

Winning the Pokémon Card Game

After absorbing all these helpful tips, it's time to address the crucial question: How do you win the game in Pokémon TCG? Victory in the game is achieved through one of three main objectives:

Taking All Your Prize Cards: Win the game by claiming all of your prize cards, which are taken each time you knock out an opponent's Pokémon.
Basic Pokémon: When you knock out a Basic Pokémon, you typically take one prize card. This is the standard rule for most Basic Pokémon.
VSTAR Pokémon: Knocking out a VSTAR Pokémon is more rewarding. When you defeat one of these, you get to take two prize cards, reflecting their higher value and power in the game.
VMAX Pokémon: The stakes are even higher with VMAX Pokémon. Defeating a VMAX Pokémon allows you to take a significant three prize cards. Given their formidable strength and role in a player's strategy, knocking out a VMAX Pokémon can swing the momentum of the game considerably in your favor.
Knocking Out All of Your Opponent's Pokémon: Achieve victory if your opponent has no Pokémon left in play, either in the active spot or on the bench.
Your Opponent Unable to Draw a Card: You win if your opponent cannot draw a card at the beginning of their turn because their deck is empty.

That's it! You're ready to play the Pokémon TCG

The rules for playing Pokémon TCG may seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's a fun and strategic game to play with friends. With practice, you'll become a master trainer in no time, and if you ever have any questions don't forget to bookmark this page and use it as your one-stop shop on how to play Pokémon cards! So grab your deck, find some opponents, and let the battles begin! Happy playing!

Frequently Asked Questions

About the author: Bradley Sanders

Pokémon fan, gamer, and tech enthusiast

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How to Play Pokémon TCG Online

jeremytcgreview@gmail.com (Jeremy To) — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 07:49:08 GMT

How To Get Started Playing Pokémon TCG Online

Download Pokémon TCG Online

On PC: Visit the official Pokémon TCG Online website, download the game client, and follow the straightforward installation instructions, immersing yourself in the vibrant Pokémon world on your computer.
On Mobile: For mobile devices, navigate to your app store (Google Play or the App Store), search for "Pokémon TCG Online," and install the app with a simple tap, bringing your Pokémon journey to your fingertips.

Create Your Pokémon Trainer Account

Launch the game, choosing to log in with existing Pokémon Trainer Club credentials or create a new account. Customize your trainer avatar by selecting appearance, clothing, and accessories to make a lasting impression in the Pokémon TCG Online world.

How does the currency system work in Pokémon TCG Online?

Pokémon TCG Online introduces various in-game currencies critical for optimizing your gaming experience:

Trainer Tokens: Earned through diverse activities, these versatile tokens are used in the in-game shop to purchase booster packs, decks, and customization items.
Event Tickets: Granting access to special events and tournaments, these tickets provide opportunities to win exclusive rewards.
PokéCoins: Acquired through gameplay or real-world purchases, these premium coins are used to buy cosmetic items and premium in-game content.

How to get cards in Pokémon TCG online

Unlock Cards With Codes

Look for codes in physical Pokémon TCG products or special promotions. Redeem these codes within the game to receive booster packs, decks, or individual cards, expanding your collection effortlessly.

In game rewards

Earn cards by participating in various in-game activities and challenges.
Achieve certain milestones or complete specific quests to receive card rewards.
Regularly engage in battles, tournaments, and special events to accumulate cards and improve your collection.

Pokémon TCG Online Battle Pass

Battle Pass System: Stay ahead in the game with the Battle Pass. Engage in daily and seasonal challenges to earn rewards such as booster packs, cosmetic items, and unique card sleeves. The Battle Pass adds an extra layer of excitement, rewarding your dedication and skill.

How to Build a Pokémon TCG Online deck

Building a formidable deck is the key to success in Pokémon TCG Online. Navigate to the deck builder within the game interface, carefully selecting your favorite Pokémon cards, Trainer cards, and Energy cards. Experiment with combinations to craft a deck that aligns with your playstyle, enhancing your chances of victory.

How to play Pokemon TCG Online

Battle Basics: Understanding the Fundamentals

Draw Phase: Each turn begins with the draw phase. Draw a card from your deck to increase your hand size and access new resources.
Attach Energy: Strategically attach Energy cards to your Pokémon during your turn, ensuring your Pokémon are well-energized for powerful attacks.
Evolve Your Pokémon: Seize the opportunity to evolve your Pokémon, unlocking new abilities and increased power.
Perform Actions: Different Pokémon card types can perform different actions in game. For example utilize Trainer cards abilities to gain an advantage over your opponent.
End Your Turn: Confirm the completion of all actions, paving the way for your opponent to take their turn.

Additional Game Mechanics

Status Conditions: Status conditions like Poison, Burn, and Paralysis play a pivotal role. Poison steadily damages a Pokémon between turns, Burn inflicts damage and can weaken attacks, and Paralysis may prevent a Pokémon from attacking or retreating.

Other conditions include Sleep, which can prevent a Pokémon from attacking, and Confusion, which risks self-inflicted damage when attempting an attack. Understanding and tactically using these conditions can significantly impact the flow and outcome of a game.

Winning Strategies: For winning strategies, balance is essential. A mix of offensive attacks and defensive strategies can be crucial. Utilizing card synergies, such as effective combinations of Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards, enhances gameplay. Additionally, anticipating your opponent’s moves and preparing counter-strategies can give players a significant advantage.

Explore Different Game Modes

Dive into the varied game modes Pokémon TCG Online offers:

Trainer Challenge: Embark on your training journey by facing AI opponents. Complete challenges, earn rewards, and refine your skills before venturing into more competitive modes.
Versus Mode: Challenge real players globally. Test your deck against diverse strategies, earn rewards, and climb the ranks to establish yourself as a top Pokémon Trainer.
Tournaments: Participate in online tournaments to compete with players worldwide. Aim for exclusive rewards, test your strategies, and showcase your skills on a grand stage.

Explore Your Pokémon TCG Online Collection

Collection Interface: View and manage your Pokémon card collection digitally.
Card Sorting: Organize cards by type, rarity, or set for better management.
Card Details: Access detailed information about each card's strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
Deck-Building Tool: Build and refine decks for gameplay within the platform.
Progress Tracking: Track achievements, complete sets, and earn in-game badges and milestones.

Connect, Battle, and Trade: Playing with Friends

Enhance your Pokémon TCG Online experience by connecting with friends:

Friend Battles: Challenge your friends to battles within the game. Explore the interface to uncover this feature, allowing you to engage in friendly duels with your fellow trainers.
Trading: Bring a social element to your Pokémon journey by trading cards with friends. Strengthen your deck and foster camaraderie within the Pokémon TCG Online community through strategic card exchanges.

By following these steps, you will unlock the full potential of Pokémon TCG Online. Embrace the strategic depth, social interactions, and the joy of collecting as you become a true Pokémon Master in the digital realm.

Article Topics:

About the author: Jeremy To

Competitive Gamer, Music enthusiast, Pickleball fanatic

Jeremy To is passionate about video games, which led to his interest in writing about gaming and trading card games. Among PC gaming and writing, he loves all kinds of electronic music and would consider himself an audiophile. In his free time, he enjoys cycling and playing pickleball with friends.

Author Jeremy To | TCG Review

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 04:45:14 GMT

About the author: Jeremy To

Gaming enthusiast, card collector, and storyteller

Jeremy To, a gaming enthusiast and storyteller with 15 years of gaming wisdom under his belt. His in-depth knowledge and insights into the gaming industry make his articles a valuable resource for enthusiasts and fans seeking to stay informed, and is your go-to source for all things gaming.

Author Kamryn Kirwan | TCG Review

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 04:35:56 GMT

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Kamryn Kirwan, known for his love of gaming and card collecting is a passionate writer for TCG Review. Kamryn brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to their articles, offering readers a deeper look into the strategies and joys of the Pokémon universe. Kamryn has over 10 years of experience in gaming and Pokémon, making his TCG articles a must-read for Pokémon enthusiasts and gaming fans alike

A Guide To Pokémon Card Rarities

jeremytcgreview@gmail.com (Jeremy To) — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:32:43 GMT

Understanding Pokémon TCG Card Rarities

The Pokémon Trading Card Game features a wide array of Pokémon card types , each with its own level of rarity that signifies the card's uniqueness and value. Here's an overview of the different rarities the Pokémon TCG:

Basic Rarities

Common Cards :

Common cards in the Pokémon TCG, identifiable by the black circle symbol located at the bottom right corner of the card, are crucial for gameplay and collecting. They are abundant in booster packs, essential for deck building, and form the foundation of any Pokémon TCG collection. Despite their abundance, they are valued for their role in the game and the completeness they bring to a collector's set.

Uncommon Cards:

Uncommon cards, marked by a black diamond symbol at the bottom right corner, play a vital role in the Pokémon TCG. They offer a greater variety of gameplay options and are an essential component of a well-rounded deck.

For collectors, they add depth to a set and can be more desirable due to specific features or popular Pokémon characters. While not as rare as higher-tier cards, Uncommon cards hold their own unique place in the Pokémon TCG universe.

Rare Cards:

Rare cards stand out with their distinctive black star symbol, usually found at the lower right corner of the card. These cards are not just central to the game's strategy but also highly coveted by collectors due to their relative scarcity in booster packs. The allure of discovering a Rare card adds a thrilling aspect to opening new packs.

Special Rarities

Holofoil Rare Cards

Holofoil cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game are renowned for their shiny, reflective surfaces that create a striking visual effect. These rare cards are highly sought after by collectors, as they add an element of excitement when discovered in booster packs.

Reverse Holofoil Cards:

Reverse Holofoil cards offer a unique twist on the traditional Holofoil design. These cards are special because the holographic effect is applied to the background and frame of the card, rather than the main image. This creates an eye-catching reverse shimmer that sets them apart from regular Holofoil cards. They're not as common as standard cards, which makes pulling one from a booster pack a pleasant surprise.

Ultra Rare Cards

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), Ultra Rare cards are highly sought after for their unique features and powerful gameplay capabilities. Here's a list of different types of Ultra Rare cards:

Pokémon V: Relatively new to the game, these cards are less common than standard cards but more frequently found than some of the higher-tier Ultra Rares. They're a balance between rarity and accessibility.
Pokémon VMAX: Rarer than Pokémon V cards, VMAX cards are a special find in booster packs. Their rarity is heightened due to their powerful gameplay impact and dynamic artwork.
EX Cards: These are powerful Pokémon with enhanced abilities. EX cards often have higher HP and stronger attacks but give up more Prize cards when knocked out.
GX Cards: Similar to EX cards, GX cards have powerful attacks and abilities. Each GX card has a unique GX attack, which can only be used once per game, adding a strategic element.
Mega Evolution Pokémon (M-EX): These are special versions of EX cards, representing the Mega Evolutions of certain Pokémon. They have more powerful attacks but require a specific EX Pokémon to evolve.
Pokémon BREAK: These cards represent an evolved form of a Pokémon and are played horizontally over the Pokémon card. They add extra abilities or attacks but retain the attacks and abilities of the base Pokémon.
Full Art Cards: These are visually distinct with artwork extending across the entire card. Full Art cards can be found in various rarities, including EX and GX.
Secret Rare Cards: These cards have unique designs and are numbered higher than the total number of cards in the set, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Rainbow Rare Cards: These are special versions of GX or VMAX cards with a rainbow-colored holographic finish. They are among the rarest cards to find in packs.
Gold Star Cards: Known for their gold star symbol and unique artwork, these cards are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors.

Additional Pokémon Card Rarity Variants

Alternative Art Cards

Alternative Art cards in the Pokémon TCG feature distinct artwork that covers the entire surface, offering a fresh take on familiar Pokémon. These cards stand out for their artistic variations, often depicting Pokémon in dynamic poses or unique settings. Collectors particularly seek them for these artistic differences and their relative scarcity in the TCG world.

Promo Cards

Promo cards in the Pokémon TCG are special editions released through events, promotions, or as part of exclusive products. Each card is marked with "Promo" and has a unique set number, distinguishing it from regular set cards. These cards often feature unique artwork or special game mechanics, making them desirable for both their collectible and playable value. Their limited release nature adds to their rarity and appeal among collectors and players.

Rarity Identification

The rarity of a Pokémon card can be determined by the symbol next to the card number, usually found in the bottom left or right portion of the card.

The symbol indicates whether a card is Common (circle) , Uncommon (diamond) , or Rare (star) .

Special rarities like Ultra Rare or Secret Rare have additional markings or numbers

Collecting and Value

The value of Pokémon cards is shaped not only by their rarity, in-game power, and popularity among fans but also significantly by their condition, as determined through professional grading.

Pokémon card grading assesses the card's condition, focusing on aspects like centering, corners, edges, and surface, and assigns a grade typically on a scale from 1 to 10. A higher grade often means a higher value, especially for iconic cards like Charizard. For instance, a Charizard card with a near-perfect grade can be worth much more than the same card with a lower grade. Therefore, collectors should be mindful of both the rarity and the condition of their cards, particularly when considering trading or selling, as a well-graded card can substantially increase in value

Article Topics:

About the author: Jeremy To

Competitive Gamer, Music enthusiast, Pickleball fanatic

How to Grade Pokémon Cards in 2024: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

kamryntcgreview@gmail.com (Kamryn Kirwan) — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 10:07:38 GMT

Welcome to Pokémon card grading! Whether you've got some Pokémon cards that you believe are in excellent condition and want them preserved for personal enjoyment, or you're eyeing that perfect 10 grade for resale, we've got you covered with all the information you need on the entire Pokémon grading process. We'll also guide you on which companies offer the best grading services and how to ship out your cards to keep them in pristine condition!

Table of Contents

Simple steps for grading your Pokémon cards
Step 1: Card Grading Process
Step 2: Choose a Grading Company
Estimated Pricing for Card Grading
Step 3: How to Secure Your Cards for Grading
Step 4: Submission Form
Step 5: Packaging and Shipping

Simple steps for grading your Pokémon cards

Understanding card grading is super useful if you're a collector or trader. Start by carefully examining your cards for any wear and tear – think scratches, bends, or anything else that might knock down their value. Once you've got a good sense of their condition, you might want to send them over to professional grading services like PSA or Beckett. These pros are experts at assessing card quality and can give your cards an official grade. Every step in this process is important for determining the true worth of your cards, and honestly, it's pretty exciting to see how your collection measures up!

This guide breaks down the process, helping you get the best grades for your Pokémon cards. Let's explore the basics and dive into four simple steps to get your Pokémon card grading journey started.

Things You Should Know

Card Grading Companies

There are numerous grading card companies out there, but for top-notch quality, we recommend focusing on well-known ones like PSA , Beckett , and CGC . We've had our own Pokémon cards graded by each of these companies, so we know the drill. We'll share our experiences and knowledge about their standards with you,

helping you get familiarized with what all these companies have to offer so you can choose the most suitable company to grade your Pokémon card collection.

Why Should You Get Pokémon Cards Graded?

Authentication : Shield your cards from counterfeits with the authenticity that grading provides.
Preservation: Safeguard cards against wear and environmental damage through encapsulation .
Market Value: Potentially increase the value of your Pokémon cards by having them professionally graded, as graded cards usually sell for higher prices.

Step 1 : Card Grading Process

I have attached a picture from my personal collection of PSA and CGC 10 cards (front/back) to show you what a perfect condition Pokémon card looks like for reference.

Preparation

Card Condition: Examine cards meticulously, looking for any signs of imperfections.

If you're aiming for a PSA 10 grade, your card needs to be in excellent condition, ideally near mint or better. We've prepared a straightforward table using eBay's guidelines for card conditions to help you assess your cards before grading. This quick check can significantly improve your chances of achieving that top grade

Step 2 : Choose a Grading Company:

Choosing the perfect grading company is like finding the VIP pass for your collectibles' success story! Imagine a service that not only grades your treasured Pokémon cards but also significantly enhances their monetary value. With the vast selection of grading companies available today, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. That's why we've narrowed it down to the three main contenders for those chasing perfectly graded cards.

PSA is my personal recommendation for most grading needs. Their consistent reliability and broad service range make them a top choice for a variety of collectibles. However, this doesn't diminish the unique strengths and use cases of CGC and Beckett. CGC is excellent for quick turnarounds and special cases like error or misprint cards, while Beckett shines when it comes to increasing the value of near-perfect condition cards, especially when aiming for that elusive black label. Each of these companies brings its own advantages to the table, ensuring that your prized collectibles get the grading they deserve.

Estimated Pricing for Card Grading

PSA Regular Grading Services

Our Recommended Choice

For the majority of my card grading needs – about 90% of the time – PSA is my top pick. Their reliability and the breadth of services they offer make them a versatile choice for a wide range of cards. Whether it's a common collectible or something more unique, PSA's grading services are comprehensive. The PSA pricing table is particularly useful for getting a clear picture of costs for various grading services, making it my go-to resource for most of my grading requirements

PSA Premium Grading Services

CGC Cards Grading Services and Fees

Great for affordability and speed

I turn to CGC mainly for two reasons. Firstly, when I need my cards back really fast, CGC's quick turnaround time is unbeatable. Secondly, for those unique error cards or misprints that I want slabbed, CGC's expertise in this area is top-notch. CGC's pricing table is straightforward, catering to these particular needs, and is ideal for when you're dealing with special cases or in a rush.

Beckett Card Grading Services and Pricing

Awesome Black labels

Beckett is my choice for two specific scenarios. First, when I have a collection of $5-10 cards in great condition – getting them black labeled by Beckett can significantly increase their value, sometimes by 100 times. Second, for those rare, flawless vintage cards that are near perfect, aiming for a black label is a worthwhile gamble. While these occasions are extremely rare, the Beckett pricing table will help you understand the potential costs for these specific grading purposes.

Step 3 : Secure Your Cards for Grading

When it comes to protecting and grading your precious Pokémon cards, the choice of sleeves and holders is just as important. You wouldn't want those super rare cards you are shipping off to be damaged, so having solid protection is key. Dragon Shield, Vault X, and Ultra Pro are three renowned brands in the world of collectible card protection. In my opinion, they offer the best protection for keeping your cards in fantastic condition. In this section, we will be covering only Ultra Pro, but feel free to explore other brands such as Dragon Shield or Vault X if Ultra Pro is not the right fit for you.

Things you'll need & how to secure your Pokémon cards:

There are several companies you can use when it comes to purchasing sleeves for grading Pokémon cards. My personal recommendation is using the company Ultra Pro for your penny and rigid sleeves; they offer the best bang for your buck and the best protection. I have used them on multiple occasions and have always been completely satisfied with the protection they offer. This is a big deal when shipping, and I always have peace of mind using this brand.

Penny Sleeves
Penny sleeves, also known as soft sleeves, are thin, flexible plastic sleeves typically made from polyethylene. They are also the first step when packaging your Pokémon cards and they are excellent for basic protection against scratches, dust, and minor wear when sending your Pokémon cards off to be graded .

Rigid Sleeves
Rigid card sleeves are stiff protective enclosures made from materials like PET or acrylic. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different card dimensions.

These sleeves are suitable for shipping your Pokémon cards. They offer enhanced protection against physical damage and allow easy access for the card grader to remove your Pokémon card without damaging it.

Bubble Wrap
Bubble Wrap is a protective packaging material made of plastic with air-filled bubbles. It's commonly used to shield fragile items during shipping, providing cushioning to prevent breakage. The bubbles come in various sizes, offering effective shock absorption.

I have attached a picture below, using my Ultra Pro penny and rigid sleeves, to illustrate the difference between each type of sleeve. First, place your Pokémon cards in the penny sleeve, and then insert the penny-sleeved card into the rigid sleeve. The penny sleeve is depicted on the left, and the combination of the penny sleeve and rigid sleeve is displayed on the right. This is the recommended method for keeping all your graded cards safe. Once this step is complete, wrap all your sleeved cards in bubble wrap and place them in a small box to be shipped for grading.

Step 4 : Submission Form

Once you have chosen your preferred grading company and sleeved your cards with an additional layer of bubble wrap, it's time to complete a submission form.

In this example, we will be using PSA's submission form . Simply log-in to PSA and follow the provided steps to complete and print out the necessary documents based on the cards you are sending in.

Keep in mind each of the companies will have a different variations of a submission form, but for the most part are all the same.

Step 5 : Packaging and Shipping

Congratulations, you have made it to the final step in the grading card process. In the section we are going to cover what your final packaging should look like as well as where to put your submission form. We will also cover estimated shipping times and choosing the best shipping service.

If you have made it this far your cards should already be sleeved and wrapped in bubble wrap, but if you decided to skip some of the steps I will break down all the material you will need for proper shipping.

Materials :
Penny Sleeve
Rigid sleeve
Bubble Wrap
Small Cardboard Box

This is an important step so we are going to go over some of the material stated earlier for clarification

Step 1 : Put your Pokémon cards in the Penny Sleeve
Step 2 : Put your Penny Sleeve in the Rigid Sleeve
Step 3 : Bubble wrap your sleeved cards( You don't need to wrap it like an expensive gift just keep it secure)
Step 4 : Place the bubble-wrapped sleeves in a small cardboard box using either packing peanuts, or more bubble wrap placed at the bottom of the box.
Step 5 : Place your submission form papers inside the cardboard box on top of the sleeves
Step 6 : Seal up your cardboard box and put the submission barcode on the outside of the box. ( Do not let the shipping company cover that label )

Now that you have completed the packaging, let's go over the different shipping companies you can use. When selecting a shipping company to send your Pokémon cards for grading, it's essential to choose a reliable and secure service. Trusted carriers such as UPS , FedEx , and USPS are popular choices for safely transporting valuable items. Ensure that the shipping method you choose provides tracking, insurance, and a secure packaging option to safeguard your graded cards during transit. Additionally, check for any specific guidelines or requirements set by the grading company and the chosen shipping service to ensure a smooth and secure submission process for your Pokémon cards.

Once you have shipped your cards with your chosen carrier there will be different estimated wait times depending on the value of your cards and chosen plan. If you skipped that step, please refer back to our pricing guide section which goes over when you should expect your graded cards to be returned. Keep in mind those are all estimated dates and although they tend to be quite accurate, make sure to keep in mind weather, and other outside factors as those can cause delays.

Final Thoughts: Grade your Pokémon cards with confidence!

Getting your Pokémon cards graded is all about finding the right balance. Our simple, step-by-step process ensures that you don't get lost and have everything you need for successful grading. By protecting your cards, staying organized, and closely following our guide and the submission guidelines, you won't run into any problems. Each step you take helps maintain the value and integrity of your Pokémon card collection, ensuring trouble-free grading. So get out there and get your Pokémon cards graded with your newfound Pokémon card grading knowledge!

Frequently Asked Questions?

Article Topics:

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

Pokemon Card Types Guide

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:18:15 GMT

New to Pokémon? Maybe you're just looking for a detailed list explaining the rundown of all 11 Pokémon card types, or the simple difference between a Trainer card and a Energy card. Don't worry we have got you covered with a detailed guide going into depth on each of the Pokémon card types along with what each Pokémon's types individuals strengths and weaknesses are.

Since you happened to stumble upon this page, if you are a beginning player you may benefit from checking out our how to play Pokémon cards guide. However, if you are a seasoned veteran or daily player and just want a fast check on all the Pokémon card types you are still in the right place. For players looking for information on status conditions check out our Pokémon status conditions article for information on how those are applied as they will not be covered in this guide.

One last important note is that there is a distinction between the Pokémon trading card game and the Pokémon TCG Online Game regarding types. The Pokémon trading card game has a condensed version of the wider array of types and specific matchups found in the video games. For information on Pokémon's online game check out our how to play Pokémon TCG online guide.

Let's dive in.

The Three Overall Types of Pokémon TCG Cards

There are three different types of Pokémon cards used within the Pokémon trading card game. The three main types are as follow:

Pokémon cards
Trainer cards
Energy cards

Pokémon cards are the crowd favorite they are the little monsters that come in all shapes and sizes that help you win the game. The different type of Pokémon all use specific Energy cards that they use to power up their moves so they are able to go in for the knockout and claim those juicy prize cards!

Trainer cards, however, tend to be a bit more complicated as they are often used in all sorts of ways because of their supportive nature, making them used differently depending on the type of deck you are building. You can learn more about this in our " How to Build a Pokémon Deck " guide.

Pokémon Card Types

Now, for what you have been waiting for! The 11 different Pokémon card types, each sharing traits that indicate the type of energy cards needed to unleash their powerful attacks, and specifying which Pokémon they will be weak or strong against.

As we near the end of 2023, there are currently 18 overall types. However, for the Pokémon TCG card game, there are only 11 types, excluding the Fairy type, which is no longer printed. Nonetheless, these are

The 11 Pokémon card types of 2024:

Grass type
Fire type
Fighting type
Dragon type
Fairy type
Darkness type
Colorless type
Psychic type
Electric type
Water type

Grass Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Grass type Pokémon cards are known for their connection to nature and the environment. Pokémon of this type often possess abilities related to plant life and can harness the power of the natural world in battles.

Strengths

Grass type Pokémon cards excel in defensive strategies, often boasting healing and status-inflicting moves. They can also be effective against Water and Ground type Pokémon.

Weaknesses

Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug type Pokémon are particularly effective against Grass type Pokémon.

Fire Type Pokémon Card

Description

Fire type Pokémon cards bring the heat to battles, embodying the fierce power of flames. These cards often excel in aggressive playstyles, delivering powerful attacks and overwhelming opponents with their fiery prowess.

Strengths

Fire type Pokémon cards are potent in dealing damage and can be particularly effective against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel type Pokémon.

Weaknesses

Water, Rock, and Ground type Pokémon pose significant threats to Fire type Pokémon.

Fighting Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Fighting type Pokémon cards focus on physical strength and combat prowess. These cards are well-suited for trainers who prefer direct and forceful strategies in battles.

Strengths

Fighting type Pokémon cards excel in close combat, often boasting powerful punches and kicks. They are effective against Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, and Steel type Pokémon.

Weaknesses

Psychic and Flying type Pokémon can pose challenges for Fighting type Pokémon.

Dragon Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Dragon type Pokémon cards are legendary and majestic, representing mythical creatures of great power. These cards often boast formidable stats and unique abilities, making them a prized asset for collectors and competitive players alike.

Strengths

Dragon type Pokémon cards are powerful and versatile, often with high attack and defense stats. They are effective against Dragon and can cause significant damage to many types.

Weaknesses

Ice and Fairy type moves are particularly effective against Dragon type Pokémon.

Fairy Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Fairy type Pokémon cards enchant battles with their magical and whimsical qualities. These cards often feature abilities that disrupt opponents' strategies and provide support for the trainer's team.

Strengths

Fairy type Pokémon cards are effective against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting type Pokémon. They often have moves that disrupt opponents' strategies.

Weaknesses

Poison and Steel type Pokémon can be challenging for Fairy type Pokémon.

Darkness Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Darkness type Pokémon cards embrace the shadows, featuring mysterious and stealthy creatures. These cards excel in disrupting the opponent's plans and controlling the pace of the game.

Strengths

Darkness type Pokémon cards are often agile and strategic, with moves that can disrupt opponents. They are effective against Psychic and Ghost type Pokémon.

Weaknesses

Fighting and Bug type Pokémon can pose challenges for Darkness type Pokémon.

Normal Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Normal type Pokémon cards defy elemental classification, offering versatility and adaptability. These cards can be included in a variety of decks, making them a valuable addition for trainers seeking flexibility in their strategies.

Strengths

Normal type Pokémon cards are versatile and can adapt to various situations. They don't have specific weaknesses against types, providing a strategic advantage.

Weaknesses

Normal type Pokémon may lack the specific advantages that other types have against each other.

Psychic Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Psychic type Pokémon cards tap into the mysteries of the mind, featuring creatures with psychic abilities. These cards often excel in manipulating energy and disrupting the opponent's plans through mental prowess.

Strengths

Psychic type Pokémon cards are effective against Fighting and Poison type Pokémon. They often have powerful psychic moves and can disrupt opponents' strategies.

Weaknesses

Dark and Bug type Pokémon can be challenging for Psychic type Pokémon.

Electric Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Electric type Pokémon cards harness the power of electricity, delivering swift and shocking attacks. These cards are known for their speed and agility, making them a popular choice for trainers who favor aggressive and fast-paced gameplay.

Strengths

Electric type Pokémon cards are effective against Water and Flying type Pokémon. They often have fast and powerful moves.

Weaknesses

Ground type Pokémon are immune to Electric moves and can pose a significant threat.

Water Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Water type Pokémon cards are associated with the fluid and adaptable nature of water. These cards often excel in defensive strategies and provide support for the trainer's team.

Strengths

Water type Pokémon cards are effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock type Pokémon. They often have moves that provide healing and support.

Weaknesses

Grass and Electric type Pokémon can be challenging for Water type Pokémon.

Steel Type Pokémon Cards

Description

Steel type Pokémon cards embody the durability and strength of metallic elements. These cards often feature robust defenses and powerful attacks, making them a formidable choice for trainers who prefer a more defensive and strategic approach.

Strengths

Steel type Pokémon cards are effective against Fairy, Ice, and Rock type Pokémon. They often have high defense stats.

Weaknesses

Fire and Fighting type Pokémon can pose significant threats to Metal type Pokémon.

Additional Card Types

In addition to Pokémon cards, the Pokémon TCG includes various support cards that play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of battles. These support cards can be further classified into three categories: Trainer cards, Stadium cards, and Item cards.

Trainer Cards

Trainer cards encompass a wide range of effects, from drawing additional cards to healing Pokémon in play. These cards are an essential part of deck-building, providing strategic options for players. There are three subcategories of Trainer cards.

Item Cards

Item cards are versatile and can be played in multiples during a turn. They often provide immediate benefits such as drawing cards, healing Pokémon, or searching for specific cards in your deck.

Supporter Cards

Supporter cards offer more potent effects but are limited to one played per turn. These cards can have game-changing impacts, such as drawing a significant number of cards or executing powerful attacks.

Stadium Cards

Stadium cards represent the battlefield and can influence the game for an extended period. These cards often provide ongoing effects that benefit the player who played them, such as boosting certain types of Pokémon or altering the game's mechanics.

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Pokémon Card Symbols List (2024 Update)

What are Pokémon Card Set Symbols?

Scarlet & Violet Series

Sword & Shield Series

Sun & Moon Series

XY Series

Black & White Series

Call of Legends Series

HeartGold & SoulSilver Series

Platinum Series

Diamond & Pearl Series

EX Series

e-Card Series

Legendary Collection Series

Neo Series

Original Series

Additional Sets

Basic Energy Cards

Black Star Promo Cards

McDonald's Collection

Pop Series

Other Random Sets

More articles written by Kamryn Kirwan

What is a Pokémon God Pack & What Are The Chances of Pulling One?

What is a Pokémon God Pack?

Opening a Pokémon God Pack

How Rare are Pokémon God Packs?

Can You Tell If You Have a Pokémon God Pack Without Opening it?

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A Guide to Pokémon Card Dimensions (All Card Sizes Explained)

What Size is The Standard Pokémon Card?

What Size Are Jumbo Pokémon Cards?

Old Jumbo Card Sizes

New Jumbo Card Sizes

Why Does the Size of a Pokémon Card Matter?

Collecting, Displaying, and Protecting Pokémon Cards

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The 10 Most Expensive Pokémon Full Art Trainer Cards on Amazon

#10 Pokemon - Miriam 251/198 - Scarlet & Violet - Special Illustrator Rare - Holo Full Art

#9 Pokemon - Teammates (160/160) - XY Primal Clash - Holo

#8 Pokemon - Kahili 210/214 - Lost Thunder - Full Art Ultra Rare Card

#7 Pokemon - Lillie - 147/149 - Full Art Ultra Rare

#6 Pokemon - Skyla (122/122) - XY Breakpoint - Holo

#5 Pokemon Acerola - 142/147 - Full Art Ultra Rare - Sun & Moon: Burning Shadows

#4 Pokemon - Lana - 150/156 - Full Art Ultra Rare - Sun & Moon: Ultra Prism

#3 Zinnia - 70/70 - Full Art Ultra Rare

#2 Pokemon - Iono 269/193 - Paldea Evolved - Special Illustration Rare - Alternate Art Card

#1 Iris 101/101 Trainer Full Art Plasma Blast Pokemon Card

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The 10 Most Expensive Alternative Art Pokémon Cards on Amazon (2024)

What is an Alternative Art Pokémon Card?

#10 Rayquaza V - 194/203 - Ultra Rare (Full Art) - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#9 Dragonite V - 192/203 - Ultra Rare (Full Art) - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#8 Lugia V 186/195- Silver Tempest - Full Art - Pokemon Ultra Rare Card - Holo Foil

#7 Pokemon - Charizard ex 199/165 151 - Special Illustration Rare

#6 Charzard EX 234/091 - Paldean Fates - Illustration Rare

#5 Leafeon VMAX - 205/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#4 Gengar VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) - 271/264 - Secret Rare

#3 Rayquaza VMAX - 218/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#2 Pokemon - Giratina V - 186/196 Lost Origin Full Alternate Art Card

#1 Umbreon VMAX - 215/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

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The 10 Most Expensive VMAX Pokémon Cards on Amazon (2024)

What Are Pokémon VMAX?

#10 Charizard VMAX Shining Fates - SV107/SV122

#9 Sylveon VMAX - 212/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#8 Glaceon VMAX - 209/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#7 Blaziken VMAX - 201/198 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Chilling Reign

#6 Espeon VMAX - 270/264 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Fusion Strike

#5 Leafeon VMAX - 205/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#4 Charizard VMAX - 074/073 - Secret Rare

#3 Gengar VMAX - 271/264 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Fusion Strike

#2 Rayquaza VMAX - 218/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

#1 Umbreon VMAX - 215/203 - Secret Rare - Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies

About the author: Kamryn Kirwan

Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast

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