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Depending on her playing level, a great competitive entry point would be the Keldeo vs. Rayquaza Battle Arena Decks. It has two decks, so she could play/learn with her parents or a friend. It has numerous trainer cards that are seen in competitive play (VS Seeker, Professor Sycamore, N, Lysandre, Ultra Ball), so once she "outgrows" the template decks, she could take those trainers and build a deck of her own.
At the moment Amazon already offers the set with $6 off -- it's a great deal. https://smile.amazon.com/Battle-Arena-Decks-Rayquaza-Keldeo/dp/B01GT1CY7K
These are the decks you guys are refering to correct?
Battle Arena Deck are good options, as they have strategies and actually some viable cards. Gives you a base to start with and can be upgraded from there. Unfortunately the newest iteration of them was just canceled, but you should still be able to find the Keldo vs Rayquaza or Black vs White Kyurem in stores and online.
Let's see, so boxes come in a variety of prices, because of how many packs come in it. They have "Elite trainer box" that usually go for around 40 dollars at all the normal stores (Walmart, target, etc). It comes with 8 booster packs, card sleeves, dices, and energy cards. If your kids like opening packs these are a good set to give, the box doubles as a card storage. If you want to get more expensive you can buy a "Booster box" and they go for around 100 dollars on Amazon. These comes with only booster packs, but 36 of them! The value is there since most booster packs cost around 4 dollars each, but people usually don't like these sets because after opening half the box you feel like you'll start to get the same cards over again. Maybe split this box with both kids? You mentioned your son really like Blastoise, well there is a box "https://www.amazon.com/Collection-Blastoise-Box-Red-Blue/dp/B01AAUS9C0/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1476493461&sr=8-9&keywords=pokemon+tcg+box". It comes with a Blastoise statue, 4 packs, and a Blastoise card. There's not much value in it, but it is a guarantee way to get a Blastoise. Hope I helped and good parenting giving your kids Pokémon cards. I know I would've loved it when I was a kid.
Pokémon is great for kids. But be prepared to spend a lot of money on any kind of trading card game if they want to maintain the hobby.
The online game is great because its free, teaches you how to play, and does not allow strangers to interact with your kids by default. You can only communicate with your opponent using pre-scripted phrases like, "You have a good deck".
If you do buy some cards, I recommend that you start with the "Let's Play Eevee" or "Let's Play Pikachu" decks. Perhaps buy both so that you two can play together. It comes with a paper play mat that helps you know where to put your cards and easy to understand rules.
Here's a link to it from Amazon, though I imagine you can get it cheaper at Walmart or Target:
www.amazon.com/Pikachu-Eevee-Theme-Decks-Trading/dp/B07R3D669B/
If you have around $50 bucks available, I’d suggest picking up these two products. They both come with good staples, and are a great way to get started competitively. I’m not sure what age division you are in, but the pikachu zekrom league battle deck is playable out of the box to an extent, and then if you add the dedenne gx and some of the other trainers from the toolkit, you good to go with a solid deck for very cheap compared to other deck currently!
Pokemon TCG Trainers Toolkit Box - 4 Booster Packs, 65 Sleeves, Trainers, GX's and More! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087MXZ6YT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_ddvSFbV3EKW44
Pokémon TCG: League Battle Deck Featuring Pikachu & Zekrom-GX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0876J4WDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_MdvSFbQ4Y7DH8
Here is a link to an amazon page for KMC Character Guards. These things are great when you want to use any sleeves that are damaged easily such as ETB sleeves. They go over the regular sleeves and have the same feel as KMC matte sleeves, so you get the best of both worlds. You can't use inner sleeves with this setup though, the deck is massive if you do and nearly impossible to shuffle.
But if 8$ is still more than you want to spend Ulta Pro has a line of super duper cheap deck boxes for like 3-4$. If the decks are never gonna like leave your house/gameroom they're probably fine but to be honest i dont know that id even trust them to just be in my backpack between home and the game store. They seem so easily crushable.
Standard Ultra Pro Deck Boxes like these are probably your best best. There are other colors than the ones listed here, but this is what to look for.
Not to rain on your parade, but check eBay prices. For example:
I'm not trying to sound cool.
Right now, Barnes and Noble has 30% off one item with the code BNBFRIDAY16. They have the Evolutions Elite Trainer Box up, and with the use of the code, I could get one for around $28, without the risk of it being tampered or anything like that.
Here's the listing to the ETB, if anyone's interested: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toys-games-pokemon-tcg-xy-evolutions-elite-trainer-box/30197806?ean=0820650801655
Barnes and Noble and a 15% discount code (BNSEPT15) is probably better. Or a 20% discount code (F7V8H7U) for 1 item.
Here's the best proof I can find: http://camelcamelcamel.com/Pokemon-Mewtwo-EX-Next-Destinies-Holo/product/B0077E45DK
Look at the prices back in Feb 2012 (when the card was released) and remember this is just the RA version. I tried looking for the FA as well but the sales dont go back that far
XY Ancient Origins has the reprints of the shiny Primal Kyogre Ex/Groudon Ex/M Rayquaza Ex. Last I checked it was ~$100 on Amazon, which is somewhat of a retail price. They're not any good without their Basic counterparts though, so if you got just an Ancient Origins box, it would be more for collecting.
XY Primal Clash featured the Kyogre Ex/Groudon Ex/Ray Ex first I think, but the boxes cost more than $100. Out of my price range.
If you like Blaziken consider getting the Blaziken tin: https://smile.amazon.com/Pokemon-Blaziken-Summer-Collector-Sealed/dp/B00VSAUTI4/
or the Primal Clash Elite Trainer Box: https://smile.amazon.com/Pokémon-Trading-Card-Game-Trainer/dp/B00RW36O3U
Don't expect to get AMAZING pulls, but you will get an EX now and then. If you do get a large amount of boosters, ie from a booster box, you can expect to get a whole lot of commons/uncommons and an EX every now and then.
B Kyurem v W Kyurem has been $16.87 on amazon for a while.
The Alolan Raichu & Lycanroc set is exactly this! It uses half size (30 card) decks and goes step by step through the first game... we used that with my 5 yo and apart from helping with the reading, he understood it.
https://www.amazon.com/Pokémon-TCG-Trainer-Lycanroc-Alolan/dp/B01N6TC9MD/
She helped me complete my Rocket collection and almost done with my Jungle collection!
You can see my current progress here, click the sheets at the bottom left
EDIT: Will ask my other question in a new thread.
I couldn't find any of this bundle at my local Walmarts, but I did successfully find it at Barnes & Noble. If you need to you can try that as an alternative:
China has some SUPER fake sealed pokemon cards. Here, I did an Alibaba search for you. Looks like they are selling a booster box for $3.
I just hope this is a prank, because trying to pull off using these in a tournament won't work.
Proof: I lived there for a year and a half.
This is the best place to download an APK for android from. Just make sure you download the newest version.
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/the-pokemon-company-international/pokemon-trading-card-game-online/
I use one of the BCW towers for 200 cards. It comes with two drawers for your cards and a smaller one for dice and tokens and what not. They’re really nice.
Edit: this is what I use for that deck, but I have it in green. https://www.amazon.com/BCW-64511-Deck-Vault-LX-200/dp/B07RSCVTKJ
He will love this and it has the core to making a great battle deck. As an uncle myself your story resonated with me. My nephews are the same age and I used to be a gym leader back in the day when I was a kid and Circuit City existed. I had the EXACT same idea for them this Christmas and already bought them each one of these- they will always remember building the deck with their cool uncle!
An alternate place to buy is Amazon.
Its $34.32, and if you have Prime, you get free shipping and it gets there in 2 days
Ultra Pro 6 x 9 25 pack top loaders on Amazon for $15.94 with prime shipping. They fit the cards well enough and look good on the wall. The cards actual measurements are 5 3/4" by 8" so these are the closest I could find. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S37198/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_wZz3xbCKD3TJ7
Nice! So the best deal I've gotten so far is still ongoing on Amazon. The price for the Zygarde Pin Box is at 8.99 (https://www.amazon.com/TCG-Zygarde-Complete-Forme-Collection/dp/B01N07HOZ7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502424086&sr=8-1&keywords=zygarde+pin+collection) as of right now (8/11/17 12:02 AM).
I bought it yesterday at 9.59, but nonetheless its been often around the $12 range so its still pretty good.
Budget alert for Shining Genesect:
Trevenant-EX from Primal Clash has the same attack, and it’s currently just under $3 on Amazon.
Pokemon - Trevenant-EX (19/160) - XY Primal Clash - Holo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S5LM18U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QCM2zbBFJPAPJ
Super excited to try this out with Lurantis-GX and SHL Venusaur.
Was at ToysRus looking for pokemon cards since i just got a bunch of gift cards. Of course I was looking on amazon for something to price match since we all know TRU is super over priced. Found this in store, 6 packs for $15 seems like a good deal to me. Picked up a few without issue. Can also order from amazon.
Its been about the same cost on Amazon for a while as well. < $28 for a month or so, and free shipping with prime. Its $26.43 right now for anyone interested, and with prime.
Sadly not really though you could check out the official battle decks, like this one https://www.amazon.com/Pok%C3%A9mon-TCG-Featuring-Reshiram-Charizard-GX/dp/B0876HFY42/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=pokemon+battle+deck&qid=1598406808&sr=8-4
They also have one for pikachu zekrom and some older versions as well, theme decks are also a decent option
yes there are this one is my favorite, but it can get very pricey if you are doing one of each Pokemon or for all cards printed for that Pokemon.
No worries, I'm doing the same thing with my 5 and 4 yr olds. What I ended up doing was buying these.
Then I let them build decks out of the bulk cards we have. All those premade decks have 22 pokemon (so we did 1 main V pokemon, 3-5 strong basic pokemon and a few evolution lines) and 18 energy. Then we just take the remaining 20 trainer cards and transfer those to whatever deck we are playing. I will eventually buy the trainers to fill out all the decks but it works for now and we have like 15 decks to choose from.
Card rating: Just ebay one
They're pricey, but they're an investment as there aren't many: bulbasaur.
PSA 10 Charizards have gone up to like 2500 dollars now and were at 1200 a few years ago, so it's like buying just something that you know is special and almost perfect condition.
~~You can check on Barnes and Noble's website by doing a search for Pokemon Elite Trainer Box then click on the 20th anniversary one and on the page that gives the details for it there should be a link(right hand side) called " Want it today? Check Store Availability" click on that and then it will ask for your zip code and will search for any nearby store that have it in stock.~~
Here's the link to the 20th anniversary ETB, just click on Check Store Availability on the right hand side and enter your zip code: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toys-games-pokemon-tcg-20th-anniversary-generations-elite-trainer-box/30102047?ean=0820650801488
EDIT: Made it easier to check for store stock :)
I second the Ice Rider and/or Shadow Rider Calyrex VMax "League Battle Deck". These can hold their own and, against one another, are pretty balanced. I'm normally avoid ordering cards off Amazon, but these are pre-made decks that come in a nice secure box. About $24 on Amazon.
I bought these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SS52JFK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Do not recommend. Ultra Pro looks like a good deal, I see 1000 for $12.47, that's even cheaper than what I bought. Should I get those? I also see they have a "premium" version at 100 for $4.50...
I use this camera bag. It's got a slide-out lense compartment which works perfectly to store my deck boxes. It's also got a tripod holder on the bottom where I put my playmat and a compartment in the top for either more deck boxes or bigger stuff like ETBS or a small binder. I've even been able to fit a legion binder in the laptop slot along with everything else, but at that point it's a tough fit and a bit annoying to pull in and out but it works. The bag also comes with a rain cover that's come in handy before.
It looks like this exact one is sold out, but I'm sure you can find similar ones
Does anyone know of a cheaper version of this Booster Box Display Case?
It doesn't need to be as thick and it doesn't need to be magnets, but the general size is perfect and I need it to be top-open like this one / completely transparent.
They have super flimsy ones with flaps but not interested in those.
My wife, child and I just got into the actual card game and we bought.,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTHGR21?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
It is 100% amazing. It's exactly what you are looking for! Probably 1/4in thick, and its the same kind of material that the oversized mouse pads you have for a desktop are made out of. On top of that it made it really easy to teach my 7 year old placement for cards and after about 5-10 games she already knows exactly where everything goes!
Ok, I just finished doing my own homework. I went through TnT/eBay and looked up the prices for everything(usually marking down the played price and rounding it down from there.) Does the $240 I came up with seem like a fair estimate? Some of the non-English cards were hard to come up with a value for.
I use this camera bag: CADeN Camera Backpack, Water-Repellent Camera Bag, Dual Use DSLR Bag, Theft Photo Backpack, Compatible with SLR Camera, Canon, Nikon, Sony, 14 Inch Laptop Tripod https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R3NG39B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_SHBY25PCP5WANMAR1BAP
With this I don't have to fumble around in my bag to find my deck box when I get to the table, I can just slide out the bottom compartment to grab my deck box and dice bag, 9 pocket playmat fits in the laptop space and an ultimate guard matpod strapped to the bottom in the tripod straps.
I got this Pirate Labs Backpack off of Craigslist for $40
It is phenomenal. I would definitely pay the $125 for it after owning it a few years
Here's what I use. Not a traditional 'game mat' but works perfect for $20.
TOWWI PU Leather Desk Pad with Suede Base, Multi-Color Non-Slip Mouse Pad, 36” x 17” Waterproof Desk Writing Mat, Large Desk Blotter Protector(Brown) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08GXFP7KJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_BV1E57CPRG1S4DGCGDFY?psc=1
Somebody on Virbank uploaded the APK. I assume this means that people in other regions can load it but I haven't tried it it yet.
/u/davecole knows TCG Collection has some flaws, and has tried to fix them. Eventually driving him to create a new app, currently in alpha testing https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&nomobile=true#!forum/tcg-collection , to resolve logic issues and allow room for expansion.
Edit: that was supposed to link the user davecole. Could someone help with my syntax?
I think that there is an os cut off, so you might not be able to use the app on your tablet, if it is too old. The build is stable, so it shouldn't wreck your device, just needs a more friendly user interface. Dave set up a Google group, https://groups.google.com/forum/?nomobile=true#!forum/tcg-collection (I'm on mobile, sorry if the link doesn't work), to act as a nexus for the testers. Link download the app is on the group.
I saw BA2 but don't want to wait. Maybe it will be worth adding it next year if he hasn't moved beyond and it has enough new content.(?)
Just to confirm ..this box here would be a good addition after we have mastered the fundamentals in BA?
https://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-TCG-2021-Trainers-Toolkit/dp/B09BBGTY2X
Here's the link, for everyone who wants one. No need to keep it secret or in PMs. https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/the-pokemon-company-international/pokemon-trading-card-game-online/
Note that playing on a phone isn't officially supported, but will probably work. Tap targets will just be small.
My impression is that they are concerned with online games that there is no way to prevent adults from playing for kids, so it could end badly. With an international trip as the prize, the incentive to have an adult play for the child could exist. Blah blah blah, the pod we just recorded on the Players Cup II: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1261064
My impression is that they are concerned with online games that there is no way to prevent adults from playing for kids, so it could end badly. With an international trip as the prize, the incentive to have an adult play for the child could exist. Blah blah blah, the pod we just recorded on the Players Cup II: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1261064
FWIW, if you want to hear people discuss this outside of a 140 character limitations of Twitter, we expounded on this at length and came out anti-ban on our podcast this week: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1261064
From the black and white cards mentioned, no. Sorry, I'll edit the post to make the links more clear.
I'm still interested in the DCE, the rare candy, the vulpix, and the chinchou, though, if there's something you would want for them. A legend half, card sleeves, anything from this list?
Well currently the codes come as an extra card in the RL booster packs, meaning they technically cost nothing. If you only wanted the codes you could potentially buy a booster box, redeem all the codes, and sell off all the cards at a profit or at least breaking even. You can also purchase the codes from online sites like Troll and Toad or Ebay. T&T sells them for about $.50 each and Ebay ranges from $.75 to $1.50. On the actual game there is a button after you open a pack to "purchase more," but this button does not work currently.
Gen 1 original...that will be a very hard find in retail stores. Big Box stores like Target usually rotate stock quickly and specialty retail stores (comic/tcg/etc.) would almost never be able to hold onto them and afford to restock with the prices they could potentially cost. You could try looking online through major retailers though. I found this from Walmart
No they dont, there's like one seller on Amazon that has it listed at that price (which will probably never sell). At most those boxes sealed cost around $600-700, if you dont believe me look here: that box has been listed on Amazon since June of last year
Very good looking website, but there seems to be an issue of speed. If you don't know, there's a brilliant tool that google have that benchmarks websites. Might be worth having a run through. Link.
Any updates on this? How did it go? Pokemon Sun/Moon on sale at GrandMango: https://slickdeals.net/f/9550776-pokemon-sun-or-moon-for-nintendo-3ds-29-99-free-s-h?sdxt07=0&p=93833024&utm_source=dealalerts&utm_medium=em-i&utm_term=25512&utm_content=u2935058&utm_campaign=tu4&src=da_si_v2_25949144
I've been playing Solgaleo GX since its release, and I'm content of playing it until it rotates (probably next rotation).
I would like some feedback on how to improve my deck, this is what I currently have and use: http://collabedit.com/xpat4
Okay here is a small plan I might recommend. Get an Mturk account. MTurk is a service run through amazon. It is simple croud-sourcing work that makes you money on your amazon account (you can also transfer to a paypal). It's fairly easy to make the money to buy a starter deck or some cheap singles on amazon and ship using their free shipping. Just work on it in your down time and you will be getting dirt cheap cards for completing mindless computer work in no time.
https://www.mturk.com/mturk/welcome
If you decide to build your own deck, I can help you pick singles that are cheap, effective and will still be playable in a few months after the next set rotation.
Not a backpack but I am using a GameGenic deck box. Big enough to hold two decks, dice and other small items. Comes with a small strap to carry on but I really like it.
I've been using this camera bag:
​
Having my deck, dice bag, spare sleeves etc in the bottom compartment makes them easily accessible instead of having to dig through the bag, it has a laptop pocket for a binder, water bottle pocket on the side, the inside top compartment is a nice small storage area sitting on top of the bottom compartment.
As for playmat I use an Ultimate Guard Matpod and strap it to the bottom of the bag where a tripod is supposed to go, it does prevent the bottom of the bag being flat but when I sit down to play a game I'm taking it off anyway.
I agree 100%. Pass on the perfect fit sleeves, and even deck protector sleeves for card storage. These are for protection if you're playing the actual TCG including shuffling. They are tight and more firm while inserting the card in and pulling the card out which can lead to damage.
Perfect fit sleeves have no cushion on any side of the sleeve in case you hit any of the edges on something, while penny sleeves have space around the card that acts like a small bubble of protection. Ideally go with penny sleeve and insert carefully into a toploader for best protection at home if you're not planning on playing the game and shuffling. Use card savers if sending in the mail or to a grading service like PSA since the card doesn't slide out.
Ultra pro sleeves: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074BPTDKK/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_image\_o01\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It sucks that it's necessary but dragon shield does make a smoked inner sleeve for this purpose.
​
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRLXXB7/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_TQFSN40C0NH5QZWQ6G4N
I use a 36 pack of little chessex d6 dice, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Black-White-Dice-Block-12mm/dp/B008C0KWWG/
I like having all my dice be uniform, and 36 is more than you’ll ever need at once for one player’s side of the board.
But VMAXs can now need up to 5-6 dice on them to track damage so if having so many individual dice all over the board is your concern, then you should go with d20s.
Here's how I send cards:
- Plain white envelope. #6 envelope if sending cards that will fit into a single toploader (1-2 cards), and a #10 if they'll fit into 2 toploaders (3-4 cards). I've done up to 4 toploaders before in a #10 envelope, and it works...but I think it's definitely pushing a limit.
- A piece of cardboard cut roughly to the shape of the envelope. I use the cardboard from the sealed boxes of Pokémon product that I open.
- Cards go in KMZ perfect-fit penny sleeves, and then into BCW 20pt toploaders. The side of the toploader is taped to the cardboard.
- Extra postage. I think the USPS will still accept a normal Forever stamp, but technically anything this rigid needs to have an "extra ounce" stamp as well.
- I do this a lot, so I've invested in a "non-machinable" rubber stamp. This keeps the envelope out of the sorting machines. I stamp three times on the front, and once on the back.
- Once sealed, I use scotch tape along the top and bottom edges of the envelope. This reinforces the envelope from any side-to-side bending.
It's a bit much... but I've shipped several hundred packages this way, and I've only had a single issue (which I suspect may actually have just been fraud). So I think the effort is worth it 😊
PS: If you're selling by eBay, then definitely use their new eBay standard envelope shipping option. It gives you tracking for 15¢ more than the postage listed above.
Theme decks are worthless. If you want something that will be potentially be good in the future and actually have decent cards you need to get a league battle deck.
Your best bet for something that will last past rotation is going to be the Zacian ADP Battle deck:
The ADP will rotate in August but the Zacian core is solid and can be made into a pure turbo Zacian build with a couple extra Zacian V.
There is also an Intelleon VMAX battle deck coming out in May that will probably be a decent deck core for a water deck in the future.
https://www.pokebeach.com/2021/03/inteleon-vmax-league-battle-deck-coming-in-march
The Pikarom League battle deck is also really good and you can put your Boltund in it but most cards in it besides some trainers will most likely rotate in August.
I'd advise against just throwing in some random V's into a theme deck to make it better though. You need a specific strategy that makes sense and you want to avoid things like mixing types when possible to make a consistent deck.
For example: adding Boltund to Pikarom makes sense because it can accelerate lightning energy to your other attackers and is good on its own as an attacker.
However, adding something like Boltund to a metal deck creates an issue, you now have to play Metal and Lightning energy so you wont always have the right energy on the right turns and accelerating lightning energy might not even work with something that uses only metal etc.
They use tools to measure it you fuckwit. We've said this over and over. There is a margin of error with the centering tool. You can buy it on Amazon. It is within that margin of error for the score. Crying about a card being off center by two pixels. Imagine being such a baby.
In case others are wondering, I found these. They're clear, hold 62 cards, don't bend corners, and don't require sleeves. Seems almost perfect. I've ordered them and I'll update with a review after getting them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YNV4KBX/
UPDATE: Another family member has revealed that the thing they bought him (a few months ago for his birthday) was something like this special collection. This was probably one of the gifts that substantially increased his collection towards what it is today. It wasn't necessarily this particular set I linked, but something like it.
Talking to his parents and it sounds like no one has ever purchased a 'Trainer's Toolkit' for him, which may end up forming a portion of the deck I build, especially if I go down the Zacian / ADP route that many of you have mentioned as a great competitive deck.
Its expanded but a nuzzle deck can be good and is easy to use. Cheap too.
https://forums.pokemontcg.com/topic/74573-expanded-nuzzle-raichu/
Otherwise pikarom.
Pokémon TCG: League Battle Deck Featuring Pikachu & Zekrom-GX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0876J4WDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_jrjUFbJ4ZQFKC
Comes in 80+ 100+ sizes
I got this ultimate guard 3 ring binder and have been very happy with it. I used ultra pros side loading black pages with it
I like the versatility with it
I apologize ahead of time, I'm on mobile so can't easily link things.
First, I made a thread about a week ago with an Empoleon deck I've been using. Works well in the microcosm of my locals and playing vs my daughter. Take out the 2x Splash energy and 1x Water for 3x Counter Energy and give it a shot. Best of all, no Lele. It's fun!
Secondly, in the Budget Deck list on this sub is a great Sylveon GX/Gardevoir deck. I've only had the chance to use it once, and it was a lot if fun. It's a stall/control deck though. Nothing wrong with that though. Also, no Lele and works great.
Lastly, Tapu Lele. If you're just playing casual and/or your local doesn't mind proxies, grab 1 or 2 of the 2017 World Championship deck called Infinite Force. It has 3x Lele (per box) and is a fairy Gardevoir GX deck itself. It also has a ton of staples. They are $12 a set on Amazon. The backs are different, and they have silver borders, so opaque sleeves are a given. I think most of the trainers in my Empoleon deck are from these boxes. Good luck, and have fun.
Edit: Empoleon deck
I managed to find it on Amazon. I searched Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for a few weeks looking for something like this, and this was the only one I found that looked okay
I looked at scrapbooking binders but they're still not big enough. The 24-pocket pages are over 12" in both dimensions.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guard-24-Pocket-Side-Loading-Raccoglitori/dp/B079TJVJJQ
The portrait binders are about the only generic binders that the pages would fit in, but they're even $30 a pop and they look flimsy.
There is a seller in Italy with the Four XL's. Shipping is $60 to the US but if I buy four it comes to about $35 each which isn't bad. I think that's what I'll end up doing.
There's a handful of people selling the Quadrow Collectors on eBay but they're super expensive. I've only found two in stock online that are in the US but they're still more expensive than the Codex.
To get you into the new meta I suggest buying one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0876J4WDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zG8oFbQ3TQKWZ
Trainer toolkit will also give you solid trainers for the meta and current standard.
It's still available for $32 on Amazon, which isn't too bad of a markup. I got a couple for that price or a bit more, one as a preorder before they came out and the second because I waited a few too many hours to get it for $25 when it did launch.
It's called the Pikachu and Zekrom League Battle Deck. There appear to be two different listings on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pok%C3%A9mon-TCG-Featuring-Pikachu-Zekrom-GX/dp/B0876J4WDR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A1I2AX3L5KR0&dchild=1&keywords=pikachu+and+zekrom+league+battle+deck&qid=1590139472&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=pikachu+and+zekrom+... and https://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-TCG-Pikachu-Pokemon-GX-Genuine/dp/B088SCKTZ5/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2A1I2AX3L5KR0&dchild=1&keywords=pikachu+and+zekrom+league+battle+deck&qid=1590139472&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=pikachu+and+zekrom+le%2Ct.... They seem to be the exact same product, just listed with slightly different details, so choose whichever is cheaper or in stock (or see if you can find "Pikachu and Zekrom League Battle Deck" in stock elsewhere). There's a MSRP of $25, but it sold out very quickly at that price; now you can get it for closer to $35. A few days ago I looked everywhere, eventually was lucky to find a listing for $35 but a lot of listings had risen to $60 or were sold out entirely. The deck has a lot of really valuable cards that will remain playable for the next year-plus so it's a great pickup; before the deck came out, getting the cards as singles would probably cost a bit over $100. Your son will really appreciate it, I'm sure!
These are rated very well on amazon. I use them. In well over 6 months of use at multiple tournaments and playing in league once or twice a month, I have only ever had to replace one.
I don't think there's anything like this for Pokemon. I remember having this Player's Guide when I was a kid, but it was published 20 years ago and the game has changed a lot since then.
Here you go.
Ultra Pro 3" x 4" Toploaders and Clear Sleeves
edit: I should also note. We put the card in the sleeve upside down and then in the toploader right side up. That way it's fully "sealed"
There are some side-loading inner sleeves. It makes it so the sleeve won't come off while putting on the outer sleeve, and also helps prevent air from being trapped in the sleeves.
These are what I use for decks and then I have a ton of the normal perfect-fit sleeves that I use a larger second sleeve for collection purposes.
I saw someone posted about the pokemon portfolios that are released with each set.these does anyone have experience with these? And are the clear pages as nice as the black sideloaders that ultra pro also sells?
I seal my cards with this:. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QK5AEBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tf0fBb0PYN6HG
I use KMC hard perfec fits but the normal perfect fits work too. Once sealed they are pretty much indestructible.
commented this in another post:
I seal my cards with this Impulse Sealer. I use KMC hard perfect fits but the normal perfect fits work too. Once sealed they are pretty much indestructible.
I like these binders for my personal collection
You can fit several sets in one (I have base 1st ed/shadowless/1st ed jungle/1st ed fossil and 1st ed rocket with room for jungle errors still).
Buy and read 'A Random Walk Down Wall Street'. Then find an index tracker, open up a direct debit, pay a fixed amount every month.
But there's a hierarchy for saving - first pay off debts, then get a rainy day fund with enough money for 2-3 months of living costs, then stocks!
Thx for your answer but i was looking this item Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon Trainer Kit Lycanroc & Alolan Raichu Card Game $7 usd.
Will it be fine? As i stated before i don't need extra card packs as i will print the one we like. But i would like to have all the accesories to play like the coin, etc.
It states that it comes with:
Two 30-card decks, each with a specially selected foil card
Two guided game booklets to teach you how to play—card by card, step by step!
2-player playmat with great game tips and rules on the reverse side
Damage counters and Special Condition markers
A game coin with a cool Pokémon design
An illustrated deck box to keep your new cards in
A code card for the Pokémon TCG Online!
Yes Guardians Rising is a Sun and Moon Expansion, same with Burning Shadows
Here's the amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pokemon-161-80226-Guardians-Rising-Trainer/dp/B06X9DCWR5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510013017&sr=8-3&keywords=guardians+rising
This is exactly what I was trying to indicate. If a LGS is weighing packs, it becomes obvious or known. Sure they're profitable for a bit of extra time, but it will run them short soon. It's harder to pick up in online buying loose packs.
Weighing packs with the typical handheld scale that most people try with handheld amazon scales doesn't work. Numbers don't match pulls. They can buy the 10 highest weighing packs in the box, pull 2 GX/ex/full art etc and still have some left in the box. If you look at charts that people have done when opening boxes it shows that it does not work.
My girlfriend double sleeves her cards and we both use these deck boxes. It's got a nice top tray for your dice and coins, and fits a double sleeved deck at the bottom well.
If you want I can get you pictures to show how the deck fits. It's not the most snug (there is some wiggle), but these deck boxes are wonderful and can take a beating too. I've also never had one accidentally pop open.
Tins are a great option. You get a really cool 'flashy' card, and 4 packs to open up, PLUS an awesome looking tin to store the cards in. This one and this one have very popular, cool-looking Pokemon included. If it were my kid, and they weren't sure who their favorite Pokemon was yet, this would probably be where I'd start.
Kids love cool looking 'flashy' cards (heck, adults do too) and the tin just adds to the appeal.
I'm going to second this, and add that if you guys are interested in going to tournaments (especially expanded) then I'd recommend each of you pick up 2 of the Keldeo vs. Rayquaza Battle Arena decks (https://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-TCG-Battle-Rayquaza-Keldeo/dp/B01GT1CY7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503662978&sr=8-1&keywords=keldeo+vs+rayquaza+battle+decks) you get full playsets of the most commonly needed trainers and have enough to build a nice little Archie's Blastoise deck or a Rayquaza/Eels deck.