Starting a Pokémon card collection

Before buying your first cards, make a few simple decisions. They help avoid spending more than planned and getting scattered.

Choose a Goal

A collection with a theme is easier to follow. For example:

• a Pokémon: all the cards of Charizard, Pikachu, or your favourite;
• an expansion: all its cards, from common to the rarest;
• an era: the first series, or those from your childhood;
• an illustrator.

To find ideas, browse the cards by Pokémon.

Set a Budget

Choose an amount per month and stick to it. The most sought-after cards are expensive: it's better to proceed card by card.

Boosters or Single Cards

A booster contains randomly drawn cards. To obtain a specific card, buying it individually almost always costs less than opening boosters until you find it. Many collectors open a few boosters and buy the missing cards individually.

Track Your Collection

Keep a list of the cards you have and those you are missing. On BDPokéCards, you can create an alert on a card or a search: you receive a message as soon as a copy is put up for sale.

Protect Your Cards

Put your cards in a sleeve as soon as you open the booster. Useful accessories are described in the guide store and protect your cards.

Buy a Card

Look at the stated condition, photos, and buyer reviews of the seller. For an expensive card, also read the guide on how to recognise a fake card.