How to Start Collecting Pokémon Cards - BGCP Comic Con: Family Comic Con

Confused by “ETBs”? Don’t know a “Holo” from a “Reverse Holo”? You aren’t alone.

Whether you are a parent in Glasgow trying to decipher a Christmas list, or a 90s kid in Edinburgh looking to recapture the nostalgia, the world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) can be overwhelming.

With thousands of cards released every year, where do you actually start? And more importantly, where can you buy them in Scotland without getting ripped off?

We’ve put together the ultimate crash course to help you start your collection the right way—saving you money and helping you avoid the fakes.

Step 1: Decide Your Goal

Before you spend a penny, ask yourself: What kind of collector are you?

The Player: You want to actually play the game at a local league or tournament. You need “Battle Decks” and Energy cards.
The Master Set Collector: You want one of every card in a specific set (e.g., Scarlet & Violet: 151).
The “Hunter”: You just want the thrill of opening packs to find rare, shiny cards (like the elusive Charizard).

Step 2: What Should I Buy First?

If you walk into a shop like Forbidden Planet (Glasgow) or Wonderland Models (Edinburgh), you will see shelves of confusing boxes. Here is what they actually are:

1. The Elite Trainer Box (ETB) – The Best Starter Item

If you are new, buy this first. An ETB is the best value-for-money entry point. It usually contains:

9 Booster Packs (90+ cards).
65 Card Sleeves (essential for protection).
Dice and markers (for playing the game).
A sturdy storage box to keep everything in. 👉 [Check Price: Pokémon Elite Trainer Box on Amazon]

2. Booster Bundles

If you don’t need the dice or the box and just want to rip open packs, buy a Booster Bundle. It usually contains 6 packs and is cheaper than an ETB.

3. Tins and Collection Boxes

These come with a specific “Promo Card” (a guaranteed shiny card displayed in the window). These are great gifts for kids because they can see exactly what cool card they are getting upfront.

Step 3: Where to Buy Pokémon Cards in Scotland

Don’t rely on supermarkets. Support local Scottish geek shops to get the best advice and genuine products.

Glasgow: Geekaboo (Queen St) or The Last Outpost (Forge Shopping Centre).
Edinburgh: Forbidden Planet (South Bridge) or Black Lion Games.
Fife: Little Shop of Heroes (Dunfermline) is fantastic for helping kids get started.
Online/General: Amazon is great for sealed boxes (ETBs), but always check the seller reviews.

Step 4: Protecting Your Cards (Crucial!)

The biggest mistake beginners make is throwing expensive cards into a drawer. Paper damages easily. If you pull a rare card, you need to protect it immediately to maintain its value.

Penny Sleeves: Clear, soft plastic slips. Every shiny/rare card should go in one of these immediately. 👉 [Get a 100-Pack of Ultra Pro Sleeves]
A Side-Loading Binder: Avoid cheap binders with fixed pages. Buy a high-quality “Side-Loading” binder (where pockets open from the side) to stop cards falling out. Vault X is a great UK brand for this. 👉 [Get a Vault X Binder on Amazon]

Step 5: How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards

If you are buying from a market stall or eBay, be careful. Fakes are flooding the UK market.

The “Gold” Plastic Cards: If you see gold-coloured plastic cards sold in cheap bundles online—these are 100% fake. Kids love them, but they are worthless to collectors.
The Rip Test: (Only do this on a trash card!) Real Pokémon cards have a layer of black ink inside the card stock. If you rip a real card, you will see a dark line in the torn edge. Fakes are usually just white cardboard.
The Texture: Modern rare cards have ridges and texture on the artwork (like a fingerprint). If a card is smooth and glossy like a photograph, it might be fake.

Ready to Trade? Come to BGCP Comic Con!

Once you have started your collection, you will end up with “doubles” (cards you have more than one of). Don’t throw them away!

Bring your binder to the next BGCP Comic Con. We host events across Scotland (from Ayr to Inverness) featuring designated trading zones and vetted vendors. It is the safest place for you or your child to trade cards without worrying about fakes or scams.

[Find Your Nearest Scottish Event Here]

FAQ: Pokémon Collecting in Scotland

Where can I grade Pokémon cards in the UK? You don’t need to send cards to America anymore. UK-based companies like Ace Grading or Majesty Grading are popular options for British collectors.

What is the best Pokémon set for nostalgia? Look for the set named “Scarlet & Violet: 151”. It features only the original 151 Pokémon (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pikachu, etc.) but with modern artwork. It is the perfect set for 90s kids jumping back in.

Are gold Pokémon cards real? Real gold-coloured cards exist (as “Hyper Rares”), but they are made of paper/card. If the card is made of plastic, it is a fake/novelty item.

The Rip Test: (Only do this on a trash card!) Real Pokémon cards have a layer of black ink inside the card stock. If you rip a real card, you will see a dark line in the torn edge. Fakes are usually just white cardboard.
The Texture: Modern rare cards have ridges and texture on the artwork (like a fingerprint). If a card is smooth and glossy like a photograph, it might be fake.