Organizing your Pokemon TCG Collection

Pokemon is a franchise built on one, singular, all-consuming goal: to catch them all. Back when the first generation of Game Boy games were released, this task was daunting, but manageable. 151 Pokemon, including the illusive Mew, had to be captured for players to complete their Pokedex. The first TCG booster set, Base Set, contained an even more manageable 102 cards (ignoring, for now, differences between the 1st edition, shadowless and unlimited variations of Base Set, among other distinctions). From these humble beginnings, Pokemon grew into a global multi-billion dollar empire. Today, there are an impressive 802 Pokemon in the latest generation of 3DS games. In the TCG, 74 booster expansions have been released in the United States. Once you factor in promotional cards, 1st edition and unlimited variants of most cards from the Wizards of the Coast sets, and standard and reverse foil versions of most of the cards from the last 62 sets, the sheer number of Pokemon cards available in English can be overwhelming to even veteran collectors. “Catching them all” is not as easy as it sounds. Given that there are literally tens of thousands of unique Pokemon cards in the English version of the TCG alone (to say nothing of the thousands of Japanese and Korean exclusive cards), it is perhaps unsurprising that one of the questions I am routinely asked by new and returning collectors is how to organize your collection.

            The importance of staying organized cannot be overstated, especially given the enormous size of the Sun and Moon era TCG sets. In my roughly twenty years of collecting collectible card games, I’ve developed a few tips and tricks to stay organized that new and returning collectors may find valuable.

1. Identify your Collection Goals

Different collectors have different objectives when it comes to collecting Pokemon cards. Some collectors, like myself, are trying to “catch them all”. Others prefer to focus on collecting individual sets or all of the cards of their favorite Pokemon. Just as there are many ways to collect Pokemon cards, there are many ways to organize your collection. If you are trying to catch them all, then you will probably organize your collection in a different manner than someone trying to collect all of the Charizard cards.

 Collect me like one of your French girls

The right method for organizing your collection will depend on your particular collecting goals. The first step in organizing your cards is to identify those goals, as it will inform the method you use to actually organize and track your collection. I personally organize my collection by set and card number because my collecting goals are to obtain one of each card. If your goal is to collect all of the Pikachu cards, you might find it easier to sort your cards by set and rarity. The right method for you will depend on your particular collection.

Two. Be Consistent

 Once you’ve identified your collection goals and the method you plan to use to sort your cards (e.g., set and card number), you will need to apply your method consistently. This is critical. You will save yourself a lot of time and effort by keeping your methodology consistent throughout your collection. This becomes especially important as your collection expands. A friend of mine collected Pokemon cards with me while we were growing up. He sorted his cards by Pokedex number because his collection goals at the time were to obtain one of every Pokemon in the Pokedex. At one point, his collection grew too large to fit in one binder so he bought a second one. Instead of incorporating the organization method used in his first binder, he chose to sort the cards in his second binder by rarity. This was a huge mistake on his part and led to hours of confusion trying to find cards across his two binders. Whatever method you choose, apply that method consistently.

2.5 Be Flexible

 While it is important to stay consistent in your organization methodology, it is also important to remember that your collection goals will likely change over time. Periodically revisit your collecting goals as your goals or your family and financial circumstances change. When I first started collecting Pokemon cards, my goal was to collect one of each Pokemon. After completing that goal, I realized I really wanted to have no money for the rest of my life and collect one of each card from each set. My binder was originally organized by Pokedex number but, once my collection goals changed, I realized I needed to change my organization methodology. This is a natural part of the hobby. Don’t be afraid to make changes as your collection and circumstances evolve. If you do make changes, try to make changes all at once to keep things consistent. You can run into problems if, for example, you switch your organization method from Pokedex number to set and card number, but only switch over half of your binder.

 Oh 10 year old me, the things I wish I could tell you.

3. Use Supplemental Materials

 As your collection grows, it will become increasingly difficult to remember what cards you have and which cards you are missing. It is absolutely essential to use supplemental materials to assist you with your organization. There are a number of quality supplemental materials available for collectors. These include: (1) the official checklists available at pokemon.com (note, however, that these checklists do not include secret rares), (2) collection Apps, like TCG Trader, Pokellector, Pokecardex, and others. Pokemon recently announced it is in the process of developing an official TCG app, so be on the lookout for that in the near future, (3) collection websites like tradecardsonline.com, and (4) maintaining your own checklist. If your collection is particularly nuanced, e.g., you collect only Growlithe cards, option (4) may be the best option available to you. I personally use an excel spreadsheet that I have been constantly updating over the last 10 years. Websites like bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net, pokebeach, pokegym, and the efour proboards are great resources to help you build your own checklist.

4. Plan Ahead

 Regardless of your method of organization, be sure to leave room for new card acquisitions. For example, if you sort by set and card number and store your cards in a binder, make sure you leave blank spaces in your binder for missing cards. This may not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but it will save you hours of aggravation and help better protect your cards in the long run.  

Collecting cards is more of an art than a science, but hopefully these tips will help keep your collection organized. Feel free to reach out to me at http://thecardpletionist.blogspot.com/ if you would like me to send you a copy of my excel spreadsheets for the Pokemon TCG or any other trading card game.