Trading Cards for Beginners: Where Do You Start?
Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic and many more: here is an honest overview of which card game suits you and how to start without bad buys.
In short
If you want to collect, Pokémon cards are the easiest way in: beautiful artwork, a huge choice and many price ranges. If you want to play strategically, Yu-Gi-Oh! is a good choice with a great variety of cards. Start small and buy individual cards on purpose rather than lots of boosters.
Pokémon
Colourful artwork, well-known characters and easy-to-understand basic rules. Pokémon cards are the most popular collectible among trading cards, they exist in many languages, and there are cards for every budget. Here is our Pokémon guide.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
A tactical card game with deep rules and many card combinations. Also popular as a collectible, for example because of rare variants and 1st Editions. To the Yu-Gi-Oh! guide.
Magic and other games
Besides the two big names there are many other trading card games, such as Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball or Final Fantasy. Each has its own rules, rarities and collector communities. The best way to try them is with a few inexpensive single cards.
How to start on a small budget
- Buy single cards instead of boosters if you are looking for specific artwork.
- Choose Near Mint cards so you enjoy them for a long time. What that means.
- Get sleeves and a binder or a small box. Tips for protection.
- Set yourself a goal: a favourite Pokémon, a set or a deck.
- Compare prices before you buy a card.
Play or collect?
Players need working cards and pay attention to card text and rules. Collectors look at condition, rarity and edition. Many do both: they play with inexpensive cards and keep the beautiful ones in a binder.
Cards to get you started
Inexpensive and popular cards from the shop – take your time to look around.
Frequently asked questions
Which trading card game is best for beginners?
For collecting, Pokémon is the easiest way in; for strategic play, Yu-Gi-Oh! is a good fit. Both work on a small budget, too.
Are boosters or single cards better?
Single cards for specific wishes, boosters for the fun of opening them.
How much money do I need to start?
A few single cards, sleeves and a binder are enough to begin. Set a fixed budget before you start.
Is collecting worthwhile as an investment?
Prices can rise or fall. It is best to collect for the joy of the cards and treat any gain in value as a bonus.
Your start into collecting
Browse cards with original scans and find your first favourites.