Guides

Guides to Pokémon binders and trading cards

Short guides to the decisions that come up when assembling and buying.

Giving Pokémon cards as a gift: how to get it rightA binder with someone's favourite cards is a personal gift. What matters for the choice, language, condition and binder, and how to get the cards.
Pokémon binders: which size and how many pockets?A binder sheet has two sides, and pockets are counted per page. How to work out how many cards fit in a binder and which size suits your collection.
Pokémon card condition: what Near Mint, Excellent and Played meanMarketplaces grade card condition in fixed steps. What they mean, how Cardmarket and TCGplayer name them, and which minimum condition suits a gift.
Cardmarket or TCGplayer: where should you buy your Pokémon cards?Cardmarket and TCGplayer are marketplaces for trading cards. What sets them apart, what to check for shipping and total price, and where Cardfolio hands over the list.
Pokémon cards: language, holo, reverse holo and edition explainedThe same card number exists in several languages and finishes. What holo, reverse holo, 1st Edition and Shadowless mean and why they matter when you buy.