Have a Fun Game Night With the Best Pokémon Trading Cards

Buyer’s Guide: Pokémon Trading Cards

Different Types of Pokémon Trading Cards

Besides the common and uncommon Pokémon cards, there are several valuable cards that can be found in different sets. Some cards are rare because they were only released in limited quantities, while others are valuable because they have a low print run or are part of the original Base Set. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the different types of Pokémon trading cards and their values.

Holo 

The holo card has a shiny holographic border around its image that shines and gleams. Depending on the card, they can be extremely difficult to get and, therefore, are very valuable!

Reverse holo

This type of card features a special metallic foil design all over the card except the actual illustration. Reverse holo cards are extremely rare and difficult to find in stores or online auctions, which makes them highly sought after by collectors 

Energy cards

Known for their brightly colored border and image, these cards feature a special energy symbol on the front of the card. They’re designed to be used in battle and can be attached to a Pokémon card to let them use their moves!

Factors To Consider Before Buying Pokémon Trading Cards

Number of cards

The number of cards in a set can vary between about 50 to over 250. The more cards there are, the more variety there is to collect and trade with other players. If you want to save money on your purchase, then you may want to opt for something that includes multiple booster packs. 

Booster packs contain around 10 different cards, which will vary depending on the set it is from. So, if you buy more booster packs (or get a pack with multiple), you’ll have a higher chance of finding rare and valuable cards. This is particularly important if you’re looking to trade with other players or sell your collection at some point.

Authenticity

The authenticity of a Pokémon trading card is very important, as it determines whether or not you can use it in official tournaments. While there are many different ways to check the authenticity of your cards, the most common method is to look at the bottom right-hand corner of each card. There should be a number there that matches the one on your Pokémon Trading Card Game Online account. 

You can also use the rip test to detect counterfeit cards. Pokémon cards often feature two pieces of cardboard that are glued together with a thin black layer inside. If you take a Pokémon card and try to rip it in half, the black layer should be visible.

Card condition

The condition of a card affects its value, so it’s important to know how to determine if a card is in good condition. Ideally, it should be in mint or near-mint condition. This means, it’s never been used or played with and it has no creases, folds, or tears. The corners should be sharp and not rounded off, and there shouldn’t be any fading on the images themselves.

Language

From Japanese and German to Spanish and English, Pokémon trading cards are available in different languages. And, while some people may be fluent in more than one, many only speak one language well. If you plan on using your cards in a tournament, then you should consider getting cards in a language both you and your opponent understand. This will make it easier for both of you to understand the cards and strategize accordingly.

Protective case

The Pokémon trading card game is a fairly expensive hobby, so it’s important to protect your cards as much as possible. To do so well, you should invest in a sturdy case. Cases and deck boxes will keep your cards from getting dirty or damaged, while also helping you organize your collection so that you can find specific cards when needed.