Blog
Guides, tips and explainers about Pokémon cards, accessories and collecting - written by TCGVault from Belgium.
What you'll find
- Beginner guides for new Pokémon collectors and players.
- Practical explainers on sleeves, deck boxes and protection.
- Collector and player tips, written from Belgium.
All articles
The most expensive Pokémon card in the world and other rare cards
The most expensive Pokémon card in the world is the Pikachu Illustrator. We explain why, which other cards are rare and what a gold card is.
New Pokémon TCG set: Delta Reign and what comes next
The new Pokémon TCG set is Delta Reign, out on 6 November 2026. What is inside, how does pre-order work and what do we know about later sets?
Pokémon tin, collection box or Elite Trainer Box: which should you pick?
Tin, collection box or ETB: all three contain boosters, but they are made for different things. Here is how to choose.
Pokémon TCG Live codes: what to do with the code card
Is there a Pokémon TCG Live code in your booster? This is the code card, how to redeem it and what you get for it.
Pokémon gifts for adult collectors: what to give
A Pokémon gift for adults depends on what the person does: open, store or play. Here is how to find something that fits.
Pokémon 30th anniversary: what is the 30th Celebration?
What is the Pokémon 30th Celebration? A plain guide to the anniversary set, the 30 Pikachu cards and the products you can buy.
Is there a Pokémon Center in Belgium?
Short answer: no. There is no permanent Pokémon Center store in Belgium.
How much is my Pokémon card worth? Check it in 5 steps
You find an old binder full of cards, or you pull a shiny card from a booster. Then you want to know: is it worth anything?
Standard vs Expanded: which Pokémon format fits you?
Standard and Expanded are two formats, each with its own pool of cards. Here is how rotation works and how to pick the right one.
What are Pokémon promo cards?
Promo cards are special Pokémon cards that reach you in other ways than a regular booster pack. Here is how to spot and protect them.
Japanese vs English Pokémon cards: what is the difference?
Japanese and English Pokémon cards look alike, but differ in language, size, sets and play rules. Here is how to choose what suits you.
How to read a Pokémon card
A Pokémon card is packed with info. Learn what HP, attacks, weakness, retreat cost and the card number mean, so you can read any card at a glance.
Reverse holo cards explained
A reverse holo shines on the background instead of the artwork. Here is how to spot one, how it differs from a regular holo, and what to know if you want to collect them.
Pokémon TCG Glossary for Beginners
Confused by words like booster, sleeve or chase card? This glossary breaks down the Pokémon TCG terms you'll run into most, so you can start with confidence.
How to keep your Pokémon cards valuable
A card doesn't lose value just by getting older, often it's the opposite. This guide explains what really determines your Pokémon cards' value and which mistakes quietly cost you.
Building your first Pokémon deck: how to get started
Building your first Pokémon deck sounds complicated, but a few fixed rules get you playing fast. This guide covers what to watch for and the quickest way to start.
What is a chase card?
Every new Pokémon set has one card everyone is hunting for: the chase card. We explain what the term means, how to spot it, and what to do the moment you pull it.
Pokémon gifts under €10: what to buy
A Pokémon gift doesn't have to be expensive. This guide shows which accessories and boosters under €10 always land well with fans.
Which binder works best for a big collection?
Your collection is growing, and one day it won't fit in a single binder. We work out how many cards fit in a 9-pocket and 12-pocket binder, and how to organize multiple binders smartly.
Double sleeving, step by step
What is double sleeving, and how do you do it right? Step by step, we explain how to protect a card twice over, and which sleeve combo works best.
Pokémon TCG sets explained: how the release order works
What exactly is a Pokémon TCG set, and in what order were they released? We explain the Mega Evolution timeline and how to spot which set a card is from.
How to ship Pokémon cards safely
From penny sleeve to toploader to the right envelope. A practical guide to shipping Pokémon cards safely, with tips for bpost and for cards worth real money.
How to Start Collecting Pokémon Cards
A complete beginner guide for new collectors and parents, with everything you need to start today.
Booster box or buying singles: which is smarter?
A booster box looks cheaper per pack, but that is not always true. Here is when a box makes sense, and when loose packs or singles are the better buy.
Which Pokémon accessories do you need as a beginner?
Sleeves, toploaders, a deck box or a binder? Here is what a beginner really needs, the order to buy it in, and what can safely wait.
What sleeve size do you need for Pokémon cards?
Standard size, Japanese size, penny sleeve or deck protector. The size you need depends on your cards, not your budget. Here are the millimetres.
What comes in a Pokémon battle deck?
Everything inside a Pokémon battle deck, from the 60-card deck to the coin and the code card. Plus how Deluxe and League Battle Decks compare.
How to store Pokémon cards safely
Sunlight, moisture, heat and loose storage are your cards' worst enemies. Here is how to store your collection safely, from sleeves to the right spot in your home.
How to spot fake Pokémon cards
Fake cards keep getting better, but a few simple checks catch most of them. Here is what to look for, from print quality to price.
Card grading basics: how does it work?
Grading gives your card an official score and a sealed protective holder. Here is when it pays off, how the process works and how to prepare your card safely.
Do you need a playmat?
A playmat is not required, but it protects your cards and makes playing more comfortable. Here is when a playmat is worth it.
How to start a master set
A master set is one of the most rewarding long-term projects in the Pokémon TCG. Here is how to pick your set and start smart.
Pokémon gift for a kid: what should you buy?
No idea what to buy for a Pokémon fan? This guide walks you through the options, from battle decks to plush, so your gift lands every time.
Booster pack vs bundle vs ETB: which one should you buy?
Single packs, a six-pack bundle or a full ETB? Here is the difference and how to pick the right format for your budget and goal.
What is an Elite Trainer Box?
What's inside an Elite Trainer Box, who is it worth it for, and when are loose boosters the better pick? The simple version.
When to use toploaders
A toploader is overkill for every card but essential for your best pulls. Learn when to use toploaders and how.
How to choose a binder for your Pokémon cards
Buying a binder looks simple, until you see how many kinds there are. Learn what to look for, and why PVC-free matters.
How to choose a deck box
Capacity, types and sleeve fit: how to pick the deck box that suits your deck or collection.
Pokémon beginner's guide: play or collect?
Play or collect? This guide helps you choose and explains which products you need as a beginner, without overspending.
What card sleeves fit your Pokémon cards?
Choosing sleeves doesn't have to be hard. Learn which size fits, the difference between types, and what to look for.
How to protect your Pokémon cards
From sleeve to storage: practical ways to protect your cards from scratches, moisture and light.