Why Collect Pokémon Cards? How to Start?

Why do people collect Pokémon cards? What’s the point? Why should you invest your time, effort and money into shiny, plastic-coated pieces of cardboard? Or, more often than not, bland pieces of cardboard? When you think of it literally, it seems insane, really. It’s also a difficult question to answer. But, like many things, it’s not the objects themselves, it’s what they represent.

An honest explanation of why we like pieces of cardboard with pictures of Pokémon on them, and what they are:

Pokémon cards, by definition, are trading cards based off of Pokémon. It’s really that simple. But, if you are out of the loop (which is okay!), and you have no idea what either of these things are, then here’s the slightly longer version: trading cards are small cards – usually the size of playing cards – that serve as memorabilia to a larger franchise or product. Popularised by sports trading cards, which are based upon the major sports leagues and franchises, like baseball’s MLB, or basketball’s NBA, they then spread to other mediums, and eventually, Pokémon. The general idea is that you collect these cards because they depict something related to what they are based upon, which in most cases are people or characters. So, with this in mind, people started collecting cards with their favourite sports players, or whatever else, simply because they were fans of that particular thing. But, it wasn’t (and isn’t) that easy, as trading cards are rarely a product where you can choose what you want.

Similar to the modern-day mystery box craze, trading cards come in packaging that doesn’t let you see what you’ll get. This creates an element of randomness and mystery, as you’ll never know what’s inside, and in a way, it’s kind of like a birthday or Christmas present. This is where the ‘trading’ part comes in, as people from all walks of life began to find themselves trading their cards with an obsessive passion. Whether it was to simply get their hands on one particular card that they wanted, or if they had succumbed to collecting fever and needed to have them all, in one way or the other, they were trading, swapping or even buying them directly. Understandably, Pokémon fans, much to their delight, joined this trading card craze, and the slogan ‘Gotta catch em’ all’ had never been so relevant in real life, which is essentially it – as a fan, you are collecting the trading cards because they depict the Pokémon franchise, which you know and love. But, there’s more to it.

The collecting process is often complex, and really based on personal preference, too. A key part to trading cards are how rare or not they are. Since you’re pulling them at random out of packets, there must be some sort of system, right? Yes, there definitely is. Pokémon cards, in particular, have different rarities (which are conveniently printed on the card) that determine how likely you are to find them. We’ll save the explanation of each different rarity and how to identify them for another time, but for the most part, the most desirable cards in collectors’ eyes are usually the rarest. Why? Because they are often the coolest, and there is a certain prestige to being able to claim ownership over something nobody else has. This is why an awesome-looking Zoroark & Greninja GX card from the recent Unbroken Bonds set, with all its shine, rarity and glory is much more valuable to collectors than that generic Caterpie card from the same set. Chances are, you’ll find a whole lot more of those Caterpie’s before you’ll find that Zoroark & Greninja GX card.

With all this in mind, you’ll start to see why Pokémon cards are seen as more than just pieces of cardboard. Despite it sounding a little methodical in the above explanation, it can be really exciting to buy a pack of Pokémon cards, tear it open, and hastily flick through them to see whether you’ll get that one specific card you’re looking for. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself desperately tearing open pack after pack, scrutinizing the rare cards, and sizing up what you can do with the ones you don’t like. Most of us end up with trading card binders that are filled to the brim, and many like their collections to be like a library catalogue, where they can gaze at the first card all the way to the last card of each set they’ve collected.

What’s specifically different about Pokémon cards?

Admittedly, you may find yourself still asking ‘why Pokémon cards in particular?’ – and that’s a completely normal question. Truthfully, it’s not just because you might like Pokémon more than baseball or whatever other trading cards you may see. Pokémon is an immensely popular franchise, and it’s easy to get sucked into it, but beyond flashy cards, you might find it dull to simply look at them.

This is where Pokémon decides to take trading cards a step further, and make them a ‘trading card game’. What this means is that those sparkling rare cards that you think look amazing also have a practical usage; decimating other Pokémon cards in battle. Similar to the animated series and video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game allows you to take part in Pokémon battles, which are held between the Pokémon depicted on the cards. Once you’ve collected enough Pokémon cards, you can form a deck of them, which you’ll use like a lot like regular playing cards – drawing them, holding them so they face you secretively in your hand, and dealing them on the table to battle it out. In a way, it’s like a board game or a regular game of cards, as you’ll need another person to play with you, and an understanding of the rules, except its spruced up with a chaotic battle between Charizard’s ‘flamethrower’ and Dragonite’s ‘fly’. But, it’s still important to know that there’s nothing to be put off by in the idea of getting a friend to play with you or learning the rules, as both are relatively easy to come across.

Playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game – How and Where?

The rules of the Pokémon trading card game are available in many different ways, but the simplest way to find out about them is by buying a starter deck, which is a product containing 60 Pokémon cards, a playmat (where you place the cards during battle), a metallic coin (used for the luck-based elements of the game) and a rulebook. These starter decks are a cheap way to get started (hence the name), as they are designed for beginners, and as an added bonus, they usually have some surprisingly good cards, too. Otherwise, you can find PDF files and webpages containing the rules online, video tutorials on YouTube, or maybe you know somebody who can teach you, and best of all – there’s no catch. The rules are simple, and you’ll probably pick them up quickly, since the Pokémon trading card game is aimed at all ages starting from the ‘6+’ that it says on the packaging.

As for getting someone to play with, it’s actually simpler than it may seem, even if you really struggle around people. Aside from the obvious option of knowing a friend who wants to play, there’s always local sanctioned tournaments. These may be in various locations, but they are generally held at specified retailers, like video games/tabletop gaming stores. A quick Google search about where to find them should lead to some quick results, or, if you’re outgoing, asking around at some stores can’t hurt either.

If you’re playing at a store, it can either be officially sanctioned by Pokémon, or run independently – and independence isn’t a bad thing! To clarify, Pokémon holds officially sanctioned regional, city, national, and world championships for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. These usually come around once a year, and are more like an actual sport, with champions, prizes and a claim to fame, so the rules and regulations are tighter, and the general atmosphere is a lot more competitive. Although, you likely won’t find yourself at them just yet, and they can be daunting, too! So, on the other hand, when you go to your local store, you may find it less official, but the atmosphere will be more relaxed, and there will always be referees and onlookers to help you. Also, you don’t just have to go to stores, as often places that are considered community areas will have Pokémon Trading Card Game gatherings as well. Among these places might be schools, community halls, clubs, or private meetups.

But, what if you don’t have access to any of this, or don’t want to? The answer: the internet.

Nowadays, there’s an electronic equivalent to meeting up with someone to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and it’s an official Pokémon product, too: the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online (usually referred to as the Pokémon TCGO). This game, which is a downloadable desktop and mobile app, is an immensely popular and extremely practical way to play the Pokémon TCG. Featuring a more narrative-based game where you can face virtual opponents, as well as face-to-face combat with real opponents, its almost no different to really playing in front of someone. What’s more, if you’re already collecting the cards, you’ll notice that almost every Pokémon card product comes with a Pokemon TCG Live Code. Using these will allow you to redeem cards in the game, so the long and short of it is, if you are playing the game with real cards, it’s not a sizable investment to play it online, either. The game also comes with a tutorial that walks you through the game step-by-step, and will remind you of the rules as you play, so it’s a great way to learn how to play as well.

Though a little obscure, there’s also Pokémon fan sites where players video call one another (through Skype or other, similar mediums) and play with their actual cards. This removes the virtual wall that separates them more, and can help connect fans who’ve met each other online and become friends.

As a little piece of history: another cool way people play the Pokémon TCG is through Game Boy Colour, which saw the release of the virtual ‘Pokémon Trading Card Game’. Even today, this game holds up, and it’s an easy way to play with some old decks that you’d never see now.

Okay, so that’s cool, but isn’t there anything else?

Yes.

The idea of a trading card game isn’t a completely unique idea to Pokémon, but it does play a huge part in its success. Why is it popular, and why do people enjoy it, aside from what has been mentioned? Without the long explanation, here’s what it can be boiled down to:

1. The Pokémon Trading Card Game is fun! It’s a real-world equivalent to Pokémon battles (pre-Pokémon Go), and features all the same things as the anime and games: trading, battling, training and collecting.
2. The cards are beautifully designed, and are suitable for fans of all ages.
3. There’s something in it for everyone. Whether you just like collecting, or you want to have an intense battle, the Pokémon Trading Card Game gives you the option to do it.
4. It’s practical: Pokémon isn’t obscure by any means, and you won’t have to struggle to collect the cards. They’re easy to find in store, and its easy to find somewhere to play.
5. It’s cheap! Yes, it may seem a little daunting to see a single rare card going for a lot of money, but the truth is, Pokémon is cheaper than most trading card games. Many other games feature cards that go into the hundreds of British pounds that players find themselves needing to get to even stand a chance in competitive play, but Pokémon hardly (if not, ever) does this. Also, Pokémon cards stay in circulation for a lot longer than other franchises, so you don’t have to update them as much, either.
6. Lastly, it’s Pokémon! The cards are based upon Pokémon, and as a fan, they’re a great addition to the franchise, and (hopefully) your collection!

Summary

In the end, we can talk about Pokémon cards all day. The topics that they include are endless, and there’s a community of fans for even the most miniscule aspects of them. Some fans are casual, some obsessive, but overall, there’s always a place for one more - there’s always a place for you. Pokémon cards are something that you enjoy because you want to, and there’s so much for you to want in them. It could be the joy of collecting, battling, or even the sense of community, but whatever it is, it’s supposed to be fun, and above all, Pokémon cards are fun. So, when you think to yourself whether you’ll want to collect Pokémon cards, the question that you should ask yourself is ‘is this fun?’. We are sure that it is, but if you’re unsure, there’s nothing stopping you from finding out.