Let’s Start Collecting!!

The Pokémon TCG or Trading Card Game can be fun and addicting in many ways than one. You have the super competitive side of the TCG and you have the collecting part of it. While collecting cards you can start to learn to play the game and enjoy both sides of the TCG. The little helper really only goes over the collecting part but if you want to learn how to play the game the best thing is to download the TCGO or Trading Card Game Online its free to start and you can learn the ins and outs of the game.

But on to the collecting part….

So, you’re thinking about collecting Pokémon Cards. Either you are just starting out or coming back from a very long break. We're here to help you out with getting started or getting back into things.

If you not sure where and what you need to start collecting, don’t worry keep reading..

As of the time of writing this there are 130 English sets that have been

released since 1999. This could look overwhelming but don’t worry, we'll get through this together. I was overwhelmed at first too. My last set was Team Rock from the 90's before I started up again.

Aside from the cards themselves, you’ll want to organize and store your Pokémon cards in a manageable way.

Here are a few things I recommend you get:

Supplies

1. Penny Sleeves

These are soft, plastic sleeves that fit perfectly over your cards. They protect from dust, scratches, and edge-wear. I like to use Premium Ultra Clear, Perfect for Double sleeves, fits Standard Size Trading Cards Magic the Gathering, Pokémon, Dragon Ball Super by Pro Support. The link to this is below you can find them on amazon along with any other supplies you might want. I like using these sleeves because they fit the card perfectly and they are super clear to the look. Just click on the image below and it will take you the amazon where you can grab some for your self.

2. Semi Rigid Card Savers

If you plan to submit your cards for grading, you’ll need Card Savers. These are semi-rigid plastic covers that protect your cards but offer enough flexibility to remove the card without damaging it. You can also use top loaders due to the lack in supply of card savers.

**Tip – Send your cards to be graded in a penny sleeve AND a card saver.**

I have also linked the image below to the amazon page. ( I do not get anything from you using the links I just though it would help)

3. Binders

Ahh Binders, If you like the idea of collecting sets, binders are a great way to be able to appreciate your cards. They come with cool Pokémon designs on the front, and either 4 or 9 cards per page. I prefer 9 cards per page, it’s more visually impressive! Along with the 9 card per page I really prefer the side loading binders. This way your cards can’t fall out if you flip you’re bind by mistake.

**Tip – Continue to use penny sleeves, even in binders, to help protect from edge-wear.**

If you wish to get one of these type you can click on the image and it will take you to the amazon page. Both hold 9 cards per page and both types are side loaded.

4. Top Loaders

If you don’t plan on grading your cards, and want to keep them lose, Top Loaders are the way to go. These are rigid plastic cases that prevent bending. They’re also good if you’re selling single cards on eBay and want to protect them when shipping.

Here are really good top loaders I like BCW. BCW Top load Card Holder for Standard Trading Cards

5. Display Cabinets

You can get one if you really want but its not nessacery. I have most of my collection in binders in a 4 cube from target. So you can display your cards how you want. Being able to appreciate your collection is often overlooked. We aspire for these wonderful cards, then keep them locked away because they’re too valuable! If you can safely display your cards somewhere.

Collecting

OK now that we have that part out of the way your almost ready to start collecting.

But what set should you start with? This could be a difficult question to answer. But the way I start back up after a never long time off was….

1. You could by what you can find. With times right now (2020-2021) some store may or may not have cards even in the store. This can make collecting hard. But don’t get discouraged, the hunt is another part of the fun. If you are not really looking to hunt around in stores there are plenty of online stores that sell all types of card packs, boxes, etc. Warning make sure you check prices on all the site before just jumping into a buy.

** Note** Make sure you set a budget Pokémon cards can become addicting, and you could easily get out of hand with buying packs, boxes, etc.

I like to buy enough packs within a set to get a good number of cards filled in my binders. Once I start collecting to many repeats, I will search for the cards I’m missing in singles. In the long run it will save money if you’re trying to complete a set.

2. Another way you can start collecting is what is or was your favorite Pokémon. I know plenty of people who will have the same card 20 times. Because they like that Pokémon. Nothing says you must collect sets. You could just go after your favorite Pokémon.

** Remember** its your collection. You do what you want to do. Don’t let anyone tell you that collecting all the bird type Pokémon is dumb. If you like all the birds collect all the birds its your collection no one else’s.