Sorting Pokémon cards: how to bring order to your collection

Sorting Pokémon cards: why the right order matters so much

Like most collectors, you probably started your Pokémon journey with just a few cards and kept them in an old shoebox or something similar.

Over time, however, a few cards quickly turn into a few dozen and, before you know it, you realise that a well thought-out system would make a lot of sense for your collection.

One thing is clear: collectors who sort their Pokémon cards are ahead of collectors without any sorting system at all.

• The right structure gives you a much better overview of your collection. Cards are therefore found faster, which is a huge advantage when you want to trade or sell particular cards.
• A tidy structure also helps you to see quickly which cards you are missing for your favourite set. That way you can look for specific cards far more efficiently and in a more targeted way and avoid unnecessary duplicate purchases.
• You also avoid re-sorting and handling your cards unnecessarily often, which considerably reduces the risk of damage.

Together with the right storage method, you keep track of your card collection and preserve its value in the long term. In our article on “Storing Pokémon cards” you will find out everything about the best ways to protect your cards.

AMAZINGTOYS® offers you a large selection of accessories for sorting and safely storing your Pokémon cards. Discover the right solution now and protect your most valuable cards from damage in the long term.

Last but not least, the right structure makes sure that you keep the joy of collecting, no matter whether it is a small or a large collection. And joy is probably one of the biggest reasons why we made the world of Pokémon our hobby.

But how do you sort Pokémon cards properly? Let's take a closer look at the most popular ways.

Sorting Pokémon cards properly: use these sorting criteria

We now know why structure is essential for your own Pokémon collection. But how do you sort Pokémon cards and which system makes the most sense?

The answer is not quite that simple. Because which sorting system is the best depends on the size and on the purpose of the collection in question. Some collectors even combine different methods with one another in order to keep an overview.

So it comes down entirely to your individual collection and your goals. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at the various sorting methods. That will help you to choose the one that suits you.

Sorting method 1: by set and card number

A popular method for sorting Pokémon cards is sorting by set and card number. It is especially popular with collectors who prefer complete sets.

The method is practical because every Pokémon expansion contains a fixed number of cards and they are all numbered. That way collectors can see at a glance which cards they are missing for a complete set.

The advantages:

• Perfect for set collectors
• Missing cards easy to identify
• Clear structure

You will usually find the set symbol and the card number in the bottom left-hand corner of the card.

Sorting method 2: by rarity

Another popular option is sorting by rarity. This sorting method can be very helpful above all for collectors who build their collection by value.

Cards are divided into 3 basic rarity levels:

• Common (ordinary)
• Uncommon (unusual)
• Rare (scarce)

The Charizard V shown below is an Ultra Rare Full Art card. You can tell by the fact that the illustration takes up the entire card surface and that it belongs to the higher-ranked V cards of the set.

It is considerably rarer than ordinary, unusual or normal holographic cards and is particularly valued by many collectors.

With this sorting method, especially valuable or rare cards can be found quickly and protected better. For collectors with many duplicates this method offers advantages as well.

Sorting method 3: by Pokémon type

Sorting by Pokémon type is suitable above all for players who are currently building their deck and simply want to find the right cards.

Classic Pokémon types are:

• Fire
• Water
• Grass
• Lightning
• Psychic
• Fighting
• Darkness
• Metal
• Dragon

The Pokémon type is shown on the card at the top right next to the HP. On the Pikachu ex - 238/191 in the image below you can see, for example, that this is clearly a Lightning Pokémon.

Within the Pokémon type, some players sort once more by evolution stage, for example. That depends entirely on individual preferences.

Sorting method 4: by evolution stage

Alongside the Pokémon type, every card also shows the evolution stage of the respective Pokémon, and a collection can be sorted by that too.

The classic evolution stages:

• Basic Pokémon
• Stage 1
• Stage 2

Within the evolution stages you again have the option of sorting further, for example by card number or rarity, entirely to your own style.

Sorting method 5: alphabetically

The last method you can use to sort your Pokémon cards is alphabetical, in other words by the name of the Pokémon at the top of the card.

This method is also suitable if you want to find your cards quickly. Alongside sorting by card number, it is one of the simplest methods for bringing orientation and structure to your collection.

Storing Pokémon cards properly

Sorting your own Pokémon card collection is the first step towards creating order, but it does not stop there. Alongside structure, proper storage is always part of every real collection.

Because only in that way do you make sure that your collection keeps its value and is not damaged by unforeseeable factors.

Our extensive article on the topic of “storing Pokémon cards” gives you a complete overview of the most common storage methods and of the mistakes you should avoid.

Here is the short overview: anyone who wants to store their Pokémon collection safely should reach for the following accessories, depending on the value and the special character of the card:

• Sleeves: protect against scratches and fingerprints
• Toploader: additional protection for especially valuable cards
• Binder: for a well-organised collection

Beyond that, collectors should always make sure to protect their cards from direct sunlight and moisture.

Sorting Pokémon cards: avoid these mistakes

Collectors who are only just starting to sort their Pokémon cards in particular make common mistakes at the beginning that can lead to disorder and extra work and, in some cases, even to a loss in the value of cards.

No system: the most common mistake is collecting cards without a clear system. Collectors who have no structure when collecting and store their cards randomly in drawers, shoeboxes or anywhere else quickly lose track. This usually becomes clear as soon as particular cards are needed, whether for playing, trading or selling.

Mixing methods: another common mistake is unintentionally mixing different sorting methods. Above we presented 5 popular sorting methods that are guaranteed to keep you on top of your collection.

We also mentioned there that combining several methods can be worthwhile. The only important thing is that you do it deliberately, otherwise at the end of the day you end up with chaos instead of order.

Inaccuracy: attention is required especially with similar cards from different expansions. A small inaccuracy often results in sets or evolution stages being filed in the wrong place. So always check the set symbol and the card number.

Poor storage: alongside sorting, the right storage is essential for every collection. Inadequate storage and keeping can quickly lead to a loss in the value of cards, and you probably want to avoid that.

Conclusion: sorting Pokémon cards takes a strategy

Sorting your Pokémon cards properly not only gives you a better overview of your own collection, it also helps to preserve its value. Which sorting method is the best depends on your own goals and preferences.

Often, simply sorting by card number or by name is already enough. Set collectors like to sort by expansion, while collectors with a large number of especially rare cards often opt for sorting by rarity.

No matter how you want to sort your Pokémon cards, what matters is a clear strategy and the right storage, so that you can find your cards quickly at any time and preserve the value of your collection.

Frequently asked questions