A new Pokémon TCG set has just been announced, and the excitement is palpable! You see stunning new artwork, powerful new Pokémon, and everyone is buzzing about the possibilities. But if you’re new to the hobby, it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
Fear not, new trainer! This collecting guide is designed to walk you through the entire process, from pre-release hype to completing your collection. Let’s get you started on your journey to becoming a Pokémon TCG master.
Step 1: Research the Set
Before you spend a single dollar, the most important step is to do your homework. Every new release is different, and understanding what’s inside is key to a successful collection.
Check the Set List
The set list is a complete catalogue of every card available in the new expansion. This includes regular Pokémon, Trainer cards, and all the exciting rare cards. You can usually find the official set list on the Pokémon website a week or two after the set releases in Japan. Fan sites like Serebii or PokéBeach are also fantastic resources for up-to-the-minute reveals.
Identify Your Chase Cards
“Chase cards” are the ultra-rare, highly sought-after cards in a set. These are often full-art illustrations of popular Pokémon or trainers and tend to be the most valuable.
Ask yourself:
- Which cards feature my favorite Pokémon?
- Which artwork do I find the most beautiful?
- Are there any “Special Illustration Rares” that I absolutely must have?
Identifying your personal chase cards helps you define your collecting goal. You might not want every single card, but knowing which ones you want most will help you focus your efforts.
Step 2: Set a Goal and a Budget
The Pokémon TCG can be an expensive hobby if you’re not careful. It’s crucial to decide on your goal and budget before you start buying.
- Master Set Collector: Do you want one of every single card, including every reverse-holo variant? This is the most challenging and expensive goal.
- Favorite Pokémon Collector: Do you just want to collect all the cards featuring Pikachu or Charizard? This is a more focused and manageable approach.
- Casual Collector: Are you just in it for the fun of opening packs and seeing what you get? That’s a great goal, too!
Once you have a goal, set a realistic weekly or monthly budget. This will prevent you from getting carried away by the thrill of the hunt and ensure the hobby remains fun, not stressful.
Step 3: Choose Your Products
Pokémon TCG products come in many shapes and sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones and who they’re for.
Booster Packs
The classic entry point. A single pack contains 10 cards and a code card for the online game.
- Best for: A quick, fun taste of the set.
- Downside: The least cost-effective way to buy packs in bulk.
Elite Trainer Box (ETB)
ETBs are a fantastic starting point for any new set. They typically contain:
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8-9 Booster Packs
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Card sleeves featuring a set mascot
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Dice and condition markers
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A player’s guide with a visual set list
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Best for: Beginners who want packs and essential gameplay/collection accessories.
Booster Box
The workhorse for serious collectors. A booster box contains 36 sealed booster packs, usually at a much better price-per-pack than buying them individually.
- Best for: Collectors who want to open a lot of packs and have the best statistical chance of pulling rare cards. This is the most cost-effective way to get a large volume of cards from a new set.
Step 4: Understand Pull Rates
Pull rates refer to the statistical probability of finding a card of a certain rarity in a booster pack. These are never guaranteed, but they give you a general idea of how rare a card is.
For example, you might find an Illustration Rare every 7-8 packs on average, while a Special Illustration Rare might be closer to 1 in 60 packs.
These rates are not official—they’re figured out by the community opening thousands of packs. Watching a booster box opening on YouTube can give you a great feel for the typical distribution of rare cards in a given set. Remember, every pack is a roll of the dice, which is part of the fun!
Step 5: The Final Stretch - Singles or Trades?
You’ve opened a booster box and an ETB. Your binder is filling up, but you’re missing those last few chase cards. Now what? This is when smart collectors stop buying sealed packs and pivot their strategy.
- Trading: Have a stack of duplicates? Find a local card shop or an online community to trade them for cards you need. Trading is a fun, social, and budget-friendly way to complete your set.
- Buying Singles: The most direct and often cheapest way to get a specific card is to buy it directly. Websites like TCGPlayer (in North America) or Cardmarket (in Europe) allow you to buy individual cards from thousands of sellers. Instead of spending $100 on packs hoping for a card, you could buy it directly for a fraction of that cost.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new Pokémon TCG collection is an incredibly rewarding experience. By doing your research, setting a budget, and choosing your products wisely, you can enjoy the thrill of the hunt without breaking the bank.
This collecting guide gives you the strategy, but the most important rule is to have fun. Cherish the art, enjoy the community, and good luck with your pulls