The set has 151 regular cards, 35 secret rares, and 30 “Trainer Gallery” cards.
The Trainer Gallery is mostly comprised of Character Rares, but also includes full art Trainers and secret rare gold Pokemon that would normally be part of our secret rares. This means future “Trainer Galleries” can be padded with other cards, further making them a “set within a set.”
#TG16 Mimikyu V (Acerola)
#TG17 Mimikyu VMAX (Acerola)
#TG24 Acerola’s Premonition
#TG30 Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX
The Character Rares are in the reverse holo slot of the booster pack, meaning you can still pull a rare card like normal (such as a holo, VSTAR, rainbow rare, and whatnot).
Half of the Character Rares from VMAX Climax have been cut from our set. This is because we expect TPCi to release around 30 of them in each English set from now on, meaning we’ll get them in the “Trainer Gallery” for May’s Astral Radiance. Then the Character Rares from Japan’s Battle Legion should be included in our August set. These staggered releases are likely because Character Rares will continue to release in Japan for the foreseeable future.
The other unique cards from VMAX Climax like Eiscue, Cherubi, Snorunt, and Mimikyu VMAX are included in our English set. But this doesn’t finish out VMAX Climax — the alternate arts of Rayquaza VMAX, Duraludon VMAX, and Hoopa have been cut from our set. We’re not sure if and when they’ll release.
All the unique cards from Start Deck 100 have been included in our set, such as Zarude V, Entei V, Kingler VMAX, and the secret rares like Pikachu V, Marnie’s Pride, and the gold Galarian Birds.
However, the alternate arts have also been left out. The only one releasing so far is the Boltund V in April’s Boltund V Box. We don’t yet know how they’ll release the Luxray line, Greedent V, and the rest. They’ll probably be tossed into Astral Radiance to promote Hisui, especially since Shinx is heavily mentioned in the game. There’s already a Luxray line in this set, so it makes sense to save the reprinted one for later. Greedent V could also get a promo box.The only extra addition to our set is a reprint of Mimikyu V from Battle Styles to make Mimikyu VMAX playable, but that was expected.
In Brilliant Stars booster packs, the basic Energy in your pack will be randomly replaced with a VSTAR marker card. It’s just a blank card with the VSTAR logo.
Brilliant Stars hits store shelves on February 25th. You can see all its products here. The prerelease promos can be found here.
[G] Illusion Spore: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokemon is now Asleep.
[G] Dust Uppercut: 130 damage. You can’t use this attack unless this Pokemon used Illusion Spore during your previous turn.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#005 Tropius – Grass – HP110
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Healing Shade
Each of your Pokemon that has any [G] Energy attached to it can’t be affected by Confusion. If those Pokemon are already Confused, remove that Special Condition.
Ability: Sun-Drenched Shell
Once during your turn, you may search your deck for a [G] Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
Ability: Lively Fruit
Prevent all effects of attacks from your opponent’s Pokemon done to this Pokemon. (Damage is not an effect.)
[G][C] Leafage: 20 damage.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 1
#013 Shaymin V – Grass – HP190
Basic Pokemon
[G] Wing Flap: 30 damage.
[G][C] Revenge Burst: 60+ damage. This attack does 40 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#014 Shaymin VSTAR – Grass – HP250
VSTAR – Evolves from Shaymin V
[G][C] Revenge Burst: 120+ damage. This attack does 40 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
Ability (VSTAR Power): Star Bloom
You may use this Ability during your turn. Heal 120 damage from each of your Benched [G] Pokemon. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#015 Karrablast – Grass – HP70
Basic Pokemon
[C] Peck: 10 damage.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#016 Zarude V – Grass – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[G] Jump: 30 damage. This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
[G][G][C] Jungle Rage: 120+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokemon is a Pokémon V, this attack does 120 more damage.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#017 Charizard V
#018 Charizard VSTAR
#019 Magmar – Fire – HP90
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] Low Kick: 20 damage.
[R][R][C] Fiery Punch: 70 damage.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 2
#020 Magmortar – Fire – HP140
Stage 1 – Evolves from Magmar
[C][C] Mega Punch: 50 damage.
[R][R][C] Bolt Projection: 120+ damage. If Electivire is on your Bench, this attack does 120 more damage.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 3
#021 Moltres
#022 Entei V – Fire – HP230
Basic Pokémon
Ability: Fleet-Footed
Once during your turn, if this Pokemon is in the Active Spot, you may draw a card.
[R][C] Burning Rondo: 20+ damage. This attack does 20 more damage for each Benched Pokemon (both yours and your opponent’s).
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 3
#023 Torkoal – Fire – HP120
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] Fire Breath: 30+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage.
[R][C][C] Guard Press: 90 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokemon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#024 Chimchar – Fire – HP50
Basic Pokemon
[R] Ember: 30 damage. Discard an Energy from this Pokemon.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#025 Monferno – Fire – HP80
Stage 1 – Evolves from Chimchar
[R] Flame: 30 damage.
[R][C] Flamethrower: 50 damage. Discard an Energy from this Pokemon.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#026 Infernape – Fire – HP150
Stage 2 – Evolves from Monferno
[R] Fire Vortex: 80x damage. Reveal the top 5 cards of your deck. This attack does 80 damage for each Energy card revealed in this way. Then discard those Energy cards and shuffle the other cards back into your deck.
[R][C] Burning Kick: 160 damage. Discard all Energy from this Pokemon.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#027 Simisear V – Fire – HP210
Basic Pokemon
[R] Bursting Power: 20 damage. You may attach up to 2 basic Energy cards from your hand to your Pokemon in any way you like.
[R][C][C] Flare Fumble: 90+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#028 Kingler V – Water – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[W] Bubble Fall: Flip a coin. If heads, search your deck for up to 5 [W] Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
[W][W][C] Wild Pincer: 200 damage. This Pokemon does 30 damage to itself.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
[W][W][C] Frost Rampage: 110 damage. If any of your Pokemon were Knocked Out by damage from an attack during your opponent’s last turn, your opponent’s Active Pokemon is now Paralyzed.
#037 Empoleon – Water – HP160
Stage 2 – Evolves from Prinplup
Ability: Emergency Ascent
Once during your turn, if this card is in your discard pile and you have no cards in your hand, you can play this card onto your Bench then draw 3 cards.
[W] Water Arrow: This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokemon (don’t apply Weakness and Resistance).
[W][C] Agility: 20 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to this Pokemon.
Ability: Luminous Sign
When you play this Pokemon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, you may search your deck for a Supporter card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
[W][C][C] Aqua Return: 120 damage. Shuffle this Pokemon and all cards attached into your deck.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
#043 Beartic – Water – HP
Stage 1 – Evolves from Cubchoo
[W][C] Sheer Cold: 40 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t attack.
[W][W][C] Frost Smash: 130 damage.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 3
#044 Eiscue – Water – HP110
Basic Pokemon (Fusion Strike)
[W][C] Block Slider: Choose 1 of your opponent’s Pokemon. This attack does 40 damage times the number of Fusion Energy attached to your Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness or Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
[W][W][C] Icicle Missile: 100 damage.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#045 Raichu V – Lightning – HP200
Basic Pokemon
[L] Fast Charge: If you go first, you can use this attack on your first turn. Search your deck for a [L] Energy and attach it to this Pokemon. Then, shuffle your deck.
[L][L] Dynamic Spark: 60x damage. You may discard any amount of [L] Energy from your Pokemon in play. This attack does 60 damage for each card you discarded in this way.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
[L] Explosive Bolt: 30+ damage. If any of your Benched Magmortar have any damage counters on them, this attack does 90 more damage.
[L][L][C] High-Voltage Current: This attack does 50 damage to each of your opponent’s Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
[C] Moonlit Vestiges: Flip 3 coins. For each heads, search your deck for a card that evolves from 1 of your Pokemon and put it onto that Pokemon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.
[P] Fluffy Obstruction: 20 damage. If the Defending Pokemon is a Basic Pokemon, it can’t attack during your opponent’s next turn.
[P][C][C] Cotton Guard: 90 Damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokemon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#065 Whimsicott VSTAR – Psychic – HP250
VSTAR – Evolves from Whimsicott V
[P][C][C] Tricky Wind: 160 damage. Your opponent can’t play Pokemon Tools or Special Energy from their hand during their next turn.
[P] Cotton Ball Star (VSTAR Power): This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokemon for each Energy attached to this Pokemon. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#066 Sigilyph – Psychic – HP110
Basic Pokemon
[P] Tri Recharge: Flip 3 coins. For each heads, attach a basic Energy card from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
[P][C] Psychic: This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-30)
Retreat: 1
#067 Dedenne – Psychic – HP70
Basic Pokemon
[P] Dedeflash: 20+ damage. If your opponent has exactly 1 Prize remaining, this attack does 60 more damage and your opponent’s Active Pokemon is now Confused.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#068 Mimikyu V
#069 Mimikyu VMAX – Psychic – HP300
VMAX Pokemon – Evolves from Mimikyu V
[C][C] Occult Number: Put 4 damage counters on your opponent’s Pokemon in any way you like. If you played Acerola’s Premonition from your hand during this turn, put 13 damage counters instead.
[P][P] Max Shadow: 120 damage. Discard a random card from your opponent’s hand.
When your Pokemon VMAX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 3 Prize cards.
Ability: Roaring Resolve
Once during your turn, you may put 2 damage counters on this Pokemon. If you do, search your deck for a [F] Energy and attach it to this Pokemon. Then, shuffle your deck.
[F][F] Continuous Aura Sphere: 10+ damage. Discard all [F] Energy from this Pokemon. This attack does 60 more damage for each card discarded in this way.
[D] Scratch ‘n Shuffle: Flip 2 coins. If you got at least 1 heads, your opponent reveals their hand. For each heads, put a card from their hand at the bottom of their deck (if you put 2 cards at the bottom of their deck, you choose the order).
[D][C][C] Slash: 100 damage.
Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 1
#088 Honchkrow V – Darkness – HP200
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Honcho’s Stash
This Pokemon can have up to 4 Pokemon Tools attached to it. If this Ability stops working, discard Tools from this Pokemon until there is 1 Tool attached.
[D][D][C] Shadow Fear: 130 damage. Your opponent reveals their hand.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
[D] Long Shot: For each [D] Energy attached to this Pokemon, this attack does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
[C][C] Bite and Run: 30 damage. You may switch this Pokemon with 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
[D][D][C] Hungry Spite: 120+ damage. If you played Marnie’s Pride from your hand during your turn, this attack does 120 more damage.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: None
Retreat: 1
#096 Aggron V – Metal – HP230
Basic Pokemon
[M][C][C] Rock Slide: 90 damage. This attack does 30 damage to 2 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon.
[M][C][C][C][C] Merciless Strike: 150+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokemon already has any damage counters on it, this attack does 150 more damage.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 4
#097 Aggron VMAX – Metal – HP330
VMAX Pokemon – Evolves from Aggron V
[M][C][C] Crack Stomp: 150 damage. Discard the top card from your opponent’s deck.
[M][M][C][C][C] Max Take-Down: 270 damage. This Pokemon does 30 damage to itself.
When your Pokemon VMAX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 3 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 4
#098 Wormadam – Metal – HP110
Stage 1 – Evolves from Burmy
[C][C] Madam’s Rage: 30+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each Pokémon in your discard pile.
[M][C][C] Scrap Iron Trap: 90 damage.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 2
#099 Probopass – Metal – HP140
Stage 1 – Evolves from Nosepass
[C][C] Magnetic Tension: Switch 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon. This attack does 40 damage to the new Active Pokémon.
[M][C][C] Iron Tackle: 120 damage. This Pokémon also does 20 damage to itself.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 4
#100 Heatran – Metal – HP140
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] Guard Claw: 30 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokemon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
[M][M][C] Iron Hammer: 80+ damage. If this Pokémon has any [R] Energy attached to it, this attack does 80 more damage.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 4
#101 Escavalier – Metal – HP120
Stage 1 – Evolves from Karrablast
Ability: Miracle Armor
This Pokemon takes 100 less damage from attacks of your opponent’s Pokémon V (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
[M][C][C] Pike: 90 damage. This attack does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 2
#102 Klink – Metal – HP50
Basic Pokemon
[M] Vise Grip: 10 damage.
[M][C] Spinning Attack: 20 damage.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 1
#103 Klang – Metal – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Klink
[M] Beam: 20 damage.
[M][C][C] Guard Press: 70 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 2
#104 Klinklang – Metal – HP150
Stage 2 – Evolves from Klang
Ability: Gear Wall
Your Basic Pokemon take 20 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
[M][C][C] Tumbling Attack: 90+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 90 more damage.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 3
#105 Zamazenta V – Metal – HP220
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Royal Stance
You can use this Ability once during your turn. If you do, your turn ends. Discard your hand and draw 5 cards.
[M][C][C] Revenge Burst: 120 damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 3
#106 Flygon V – Dragon – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[G][F] Sand Spray: 70 damage
[G][F][F][C] Dragon Impulse: 160+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokemon is a Pokemon VMAX, this attack does 160 more damage and discard 3 Energy from this Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Ability: Sound Slip
When you play this Pokémon from your hand to evolve 1 of your Pokémon during your turn, you may prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon during your opponent’s next turn.
[W][F] Dragonblade: 160 damage. Discard the top 2 cards of your deck.
Weakness: None
Resistance: None
Retreat: 1
#110 Axew – Dragon – HP60
Basic Pokemon
[C] Ultra Evolution: Flip a coin. If heads, search your deck for Haxorus and put it onto this Axew to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.
[F][M] Wild Axe: 160 damage. This Pokemon also does 30 damage to itself.
Weakness: None
Resistance: None
Retreat: 2
#113 Druddigon – Dragon – HP120
Basic Pokemon
[R][W] Revenge: If 1 of your Pokemon was Knocked Out by damage from an attack during your opponent’s last turn, this attack does 120 more damage.
[R][W][C] Dragon Claw: 120 damage.
Weakness: none
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#114 Dracovish V – Dragon – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[G][W] Bite Crash: 60+ damage. Before doing damage, discard all Pokemon Tool cards attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon. If you discarded a Pokemon Tool card in this way, this attack does 120 more damage.
[G][W][W] Dragon Strike: 210 damage. This Pokemon can’t use Dragon Strike during your next turn.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: none
Retreat: none
Retreat: 3
#115 Farfetch’d – Colorless – HP80
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] Leek Lash: 20+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each damage counter on your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
Ability: Sudden Cyclone
When you play this Pokemon from your hand onto your Bench, you may have your opponent switch their Active Pokemon with 1 of their Benched Pokemon (your opponent chooses the new Active Pokemon).
Your opponent reveals their hand. Draw a card for each Trainer card you find there.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#130 Barry – Trainer
Supporter
Draw 3 cards.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#131 Blunder Policy – Trainer
Item
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to 1 of your Pokemon that doesn’t already have a Pokemon Tool attached.
If you use an attack on the Pokemon this card is attached to and get tails, draw 3 cards at the end of your turn.
You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn.
#132 Boss’s Orders (Cyrus) – Trainer
Supporter
Switch 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon with their Active Pokemon.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#133 Café Master – Trainer
Supporter
Choose up to 3 of your Benched Pokemon. Search your deck for that many basic Energy cards of different types and attach 1 to each Pokemon you chose. Then, shuffle your deck. Your turn ends.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#134 Cheren’s Care
#135 Choice Belt – Trainer
Item
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to 1 of your Pokemon that doesn’t already have a Pokemon Tool attached.
The attacks of the Pokemon this card is attached to do 30 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokemon V (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
#136 Cleansing Gloves – Trainer
Item
Attach a Pokemon Tool to 1 of your Pokemon that doesn’t already have a Pokemon Tool attached.
The attacks of the Pokemon this card is attached to do 30 more damage to your opponent’s Active [P] Pokemon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
#137 Collapsed Stadium – Trainer
Stadium
Each player can’t have more than 4 Benched Pokémon. If a player has 4 or more Benched Pokémon, they discard Benched Pokémon until they have 4 Pokémon on the bench. The player who played this card discards first. If more than one effect changes the number of Benched Pokémon, use the smaller number.
This Stadium stays in play when you play it. Discard it if another Stadium comes into play. If a Stadium with the same name is in play, you can’t play this card.
#138 Cynthia’s Ambition – Trainer
Supporter
Draw cards until you have 5 cards in your hand. If any of your Pokemon were Knocked Out during your opponent’s last turn, draw until you have 8 cards instead.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#139 Fresh Water Set – Trainer
Item
Heal 20 damage from each of your Pokemon.
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
#140 Friends in Galar – Trainer
Supporter
Draw 3 cards.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#141 Gloria – Trainer
Supporter
Search your deck for up to 3 Basic Pokemon that don’t have a Rule Box and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#142 Hunting Gloves – Trainer
Item
Attach a Pokemon Tool to 1 of your Pokemon that doesn’t already have a Pokemon Tool attached.
The attacks of the Pokemon this card is attached to do 30 more damage to your opponent’s Active [N] Pokemon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
#143 Kindler
#144 Magma Basin
#145 Marnie’s Pride – Trainer
Supporter
Attach a basic Energy card from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#146 Pot Helmet – Trainer
Item
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to 1 of your Pokemon that doesn’t already have a Pokemon Tool attached.
If the Pokemon this card is attached to doesn’t have a Rule Box, it takes 30 less damage from attacks from your opponent’s Pokemon (after applying Weakness and Resistance). (Pokemon V, Pokemon-GX, etc. have Rule Boxes.)
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
#147 Professor’s Research – Trainer
Supporter
Discard your hand and draw 7 cards.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#148 Roseanne’s Backup – Trainer
Supporter
Choose 1 or more:
– Shuffle a Pokemon from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle a Pokemon Tool card from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle a Stadium card from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle an Energy card from your discard pile into your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#149 Team Yell’s Cheer – Trainer
Supporter
Shuffle up to 3 in any combination Pokemon and Supporter cards (except Team Yell’s Cheer) from your discard pile into your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#150 Ultra Ball – Trainer
Item
Discard 2 cards from your hand. If you do, search your deck for a Pokemon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
#151 Double Turbo Energy
‘Brilliant Stars’ Secret Rares (#152-#186)
Update: The gold Galarian Birds are indeed in the set!
#152 Shaymin V – Grass – HP190
Basic Pokemon
[G] Wing Flap: 30 damage.
[G][C] Revenge Burst: 60+ damage. This attack does 40 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#153 Charizard V – Fire – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[R][R][C] Burn to Nothing: 90 damage. Before doing damage, discard any Pokemon Tools attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
[R][R][R][C] Heat Blast: 180 damage.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#154 Charizard V – Fire – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[R][R][C] Burn to Nothing: 90 damage. Before doing damage, discard any Pokemon Tools attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
[R][R][R][C] Heat Blast: 180 damage.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#155 Lumineon V – Water – HP170
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Luminous Sign
When you play this Pokemon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, you may search your deck for a Supporter card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
[W][C][C] Aqua Return: 120 damage. Shuffle this Pokemon and all cards attached into your deck.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Ability: Luminous Sign
When you play this Pokemon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, you may search your deck for a Supporter card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
[W][C][C] Aqua Return: 120 damage. Shuffle this Pokemon and all cards attached into your deck.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
[L] Fast Charge: If you go first, you can use this attack on your first turn. Search your deck for a [L] Energy and attach it to this Pokemon. Then, shuffle your deck.
[L][L] Dynamic Spark: 60x damage. You may discard any amount of [L] Energy from your Pokemon in play. This attack does 60 damage for each card you discarded in this way.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
[C][C] Enraged Fang: 30+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each damage counter on this Pokemon.
[P][P][C] Bull Dash: 190 damage. This Pokemon does 30 damage to itself.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#160 Whimsicott V – Psychic – HP190
Basic Pokemon
[P] Fluffy Obstruction: 20 damage. If the Defending Pokemon is a Basic Pokemon, it can’t attack during your opponent’s next turn.
[P][C][C] Cotton Guard: 90 Damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokemon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#161 Honchkrow V – Darkness – HP200
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Honcho’s Stash
This Pokemon can have up to 4 Pokemon Tools attached to it. If this Ability stops working, discard Tools from this Pokemon until there is 1 Tool attached.
[D][D][C] Shadow Fear: 130 damage. Your opponent reveals their hand.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Ability: Honcho’s Stash
This Pokemon can have up to 4 Pokemon Tools attached to it. If this Ability stops working, discard Tools from this Pokemon until there is 1 Tool attached.
[D][D][C] Shadow Fear: 130 damage. Your opponent reveals their hand.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Ability: Royal Stance
You can use this Ability once during your turn. If you do, your turn ends. Discard your hand and draw 5 cards.
[M][C][C] Revenge Burst: 120 damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 3
#164 Flygon V – Dragon – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[G][F] Sand Spray: 70 damage
[G][F][F][C] Dragon Impulse: 160+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokemon is a Pokemon VMAX, this attack does 160 more damage and discard 3 Energy from this Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: None
Resistance: None
Retreat: 2
#165 Arceus V – Colorless – HP220
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] Trinity Charge: Search your deck for up to 3 basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon V in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
[C][C][C] Power Edge: 130 damage.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#168 Cheren’s Care – Trainer
Supporter
Choose 1 of your [C] Pokemon with any damage counters on it. Put that Pokemon and all the attached cards to it into your hand.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#169 Cynthia’s Ambition – Trainer
Supporter
Draw cards until you have 5 cards in your hand. If any of your Pokemon were Knocked Out during your opponent’s last turn, draw until you have 8 cards instead.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#170 Kindler – Trainer
Supporter
You must discard 1 [R] Energy from your hand in order to play this card.
Look at the top 7 cards of your deck, choose up to 2 of them, and put them into your hand. Shuffle the other cards into your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#171 Marnie’s Pride – Trainer
Supporter
Attach a basic Energy card from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#172 Roseanne’s Backup – Trainer
Supporter
Choose 1 or more:
– Shuffle a Pokemon from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle a Pokemon Tool card from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle a Stadium card from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle an Energy card from your discard pile into your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#173 Shaymin VSTAR – Grass – HP250
VSTAR – Evolves from Shaymin V
[G][C] Revenge Burst: 120+ damage. This attack does 40 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
Ability (VSTAR Power): Star Bloom
You may use this Ability during your turn. Heal 120 damage from each of your Benched [G] Pokemon. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#174 Charizard VSTAR – Fire – HP280
VSTAR – Evolves from Charizard V
[R][R][C] Exploding Fire: 130+ damage. If this Pokemon has any damage counters on it, this attack does 100 more damage.
[R][R][R][C] Star Blaze (VSTAR Power): 320 damage. Discard 2 Energy from this Pokemon. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#175 Whimsicott VSTAR – Psychic – HP250
VSTAR – Evolves from Whimsicott V
[P][C][C] Tricky Wind: 160 damage. Your opponent can’t play Pokemon Tools or Special Energy from their hand during their next turn.
[P] Cotton Ball Star (VSTAR Power): This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokemon for each Energy attached to this Pokemon. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Metal (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
#176 Arceus VSTAR – Colorless – HP280
VSTAR – Evolves from Arceus V
[C][C][C] Trinity Nova: 200 damage. Search your deck for up to 3 basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon V in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
Ability (VSTAR Power): Starbirth
During your turn, you may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Choose 1 of your [C] Pokemon with any damage counters on it. Put that Pokemon and all the attached cards to it into your hand.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#178 Cynthia’s Ambition – Trainer
Supporter
Draw cards until you have 5 cards in your hand. If any of your Pokemon were Knocked Out during your opponent’s last turn, draw until you have 8 cards instead.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#179 Kindler – Trainer
Supporter
You must discard 1 [R] Energy from your hand in order to play this card.
Look at the top 7 cards of your deck, choose up to 2 of them, and put them into your hand. Shuffle th other cards into your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#180 Roseanne’s Backup – Trainer
Supporter
Choose 1 or more:
– Shuffle a Pokemon from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle a Pokemon Tool card from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle a Stadium card from your discard pile into your deck.
– Shuffle an Energy card from your discard pile into your deck.
You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
#181 Galarian Articuno V – Psychic – HP210
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Reconstitute
Once during your turn, you may discard 2 cards from your hand. If you do, draw 1 card.
[P][C][C] Psyray: 110 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokemon is now Confused.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
#183 Galarian Moltres V – Darkness – HP220
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Direflame Wings
Once during your turn, you may attach a [D] Energy from your discard pile to this Pokemon. You can’t use more than 1 Bolstered Wings Ability per turn.
[D][D][C] Aura Burn: 190 damage. This Pokemon does 30 damage to itself.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
#184 Arceus VSTAR – Colorless – HP280
VSTAR – Evolves from Arceus V
[C][C][C] Trinity Nova: 200 damage. Search your deck for up to 3 basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon V in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
Ability (VSTAR Power): Starbirth
During your turn, you may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck. (You can’t use more than 1 VSTAR Power in a game.)
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Once during each player’s turn, that player may attach 1 [R] Energy from their discard pile to 1 of their Benched [R] Pokemon. If they do, they put 2 damage counters on that Pokemon.
This Stadium stays in play when you play it. Discard it if another Stadium comes into play. If a Stadium with the same name is in play, you can’t play this card.
#186 Ultra Ball – Trainer
Item
Discard 2 cards from your hand. If you do, search your deck for a Pokemon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
‘Brilliant Stars’ Trainer Gallery (#TG01-#TG30)
The Character Rares from VMAX Climax that were cut can be seen here.
Pokemon has revealed complete images of our Celebrations products! Previously, the promo cards were hidden.
We can see Dark Sylveon V, Lance’s Charizard V, Dragapult V (previously revealed), Zacian LV.X (previously revealed), Pikachu V-UNION, Pikachu V, and Pikachu VMAX.
Here’s a closer look at the cards. Dragapult Prime says “This card cannot be used at official tournaments,” confirming our speculation that the “remake” cards of old mechanics will not be legal for tournament play. And so this of course shouldn’t apply to Pokemon V like Dark Sylveon and Lance’s Charizard V.
Turns out the lost SWSH062 promo is Pikachu VMAX!
As posted before, Celebrations products will include promo cards that combine newer Pokemon with popular game mechanics from the past 25 years. This includes Dark and Light Pokemon, Delta Species (δ) Pokemon, and Pokemon Star. Some examples include Dark Sylveon V, Light Toxtricity, Greninja ☆, Mimikyu δ, Dragapult Prime, and Zacian LV.X.
The main set will contain over 45 cards, including four Pokemon V and two Pokemon VMAX. It will feature Legendary, Mythical, and other beloved Pokemon. This includes Mew, Ho-Oh, Zamazenta, Flying Pikachu, and Surfing Pikachu. Professor Oak will also make an appearance. The main set will be Standard legal according to Pokemon.com.
Even more exciting, Celebrations will feature a special subset of 25 cards containing close remakes of iconic cards from the past. It will be called “Classic Collections” and include Base Set Charizard, Umbreon ☆, Tapu Lele-GX, and more. Base Set Pikachu is also mentioned. Unlike Evolutions these cards will be exact reprints of the original cards but with a 25th anniversary stamp and modified copyright information.
Each booster pack will contain four holographic cards. Each card will feature a 25th anniversary stamp. These Celebrations booster packs can only be found within special Celebrations products, which will begin to release in October.
The set will be based on Japan’s 25th Anniversary Collection and its associated products.
Card Images
Official product images from Brazil revealed the promos of Dragapult Prime, Mimikyu δ, Light Toxtricity, Hydreigon C, and Zacian LV.X.
They use the same card templates and art style as their eras, as if the cards were created back then.
And then we can also see the holofoil paper the set will use on Zacian LV.X. Pokemon will probably print all the cards on the same holofoil paper.
These cards probably won’t be legal for tournament play. They don’t have legality markers. Below the copyrights there’s some kind of note that’s hard to read — it might say something like “Not legal for tournament play.” Zacian LV.X also has the old Poke-Body mechanic, which would be incompatible with today’s cards.
Of course Pokémon Prime are from the HeartGold & SoulSilver era. In terms of gameplay they were no different from other Pokémon of the time. It’s purely aesthetic , as they had spikes around their card image and all Pokémon Prime had “close-up” artwork of the Pokémon’s face.
Mimikyu δ – Water – HP70
Basic Pokémon (Delta Species)
[W] Steal: Draw 2 cards.
[W][C] Wet Claw: 40 damage. Return 1 Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon to their hand.
(Delta Species Pokemon are from late in Generation III. They featured each Pokemon as an unusual type due to a mutation. There were also cards that supported them, like with the current Single Strike and Rapid Strike Pokemon.)
(Light Pokemon were from the Neo Destiny. They’re obviously the reverse of Dark Pokemon. Their card templates are a bit different. In terms of gameplay they were known for healing and greater HP.)
Hydreigon C – Darkness – HP110
Basic Pokemon (Pokemon SP)
[C][C] Bite: 30 damage.
[D][D][C] Possessed Blade: 100 damage. This attack does 20 damage to 2 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
(Pokemon SP were another “label mechanic” like Delta Species Pokemon, Rapid Strike Pokemon, Plasma Pokemon, etc. They were each owned by someone. In this case the “C” stands for Champion, which is why Champion Iris is depicted on this card. Of course neither Iris or Hydriegon existed back then, but these cards are pretending as if they were made then!)
Zacian LV.X – Metal – HP160
Level-Up – Put onto Zacian
Poke-Body: Bladed Armament
Damage from this Pokemon’s attacks isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
[M][M][C] Brave Blade: 240 damage. During your next turn, this Pokemon can’t attack.
Put this card onto your Active Zacian. Zacian LV.X can use any attack, Poke-Power, or Poke-Body from its previous Level.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 2
(Pokemon LV.X are from Generation IV. You play them on top of an existing Pokemon to upgrade them with additional attacks as well as Poke-Powers and Poke-Bodies, which were the precursor to Abilities.)
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Collection—Dragapult Prime
Product Contents: One foil promo card and one foil oversize card featuring Dragapult Prime, two Celebrations four–card booster packs, one additional Pokemon TCG booster pack, a four–pocket binder to hold your cards, and one anniversary–themed coin
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Collections—Lance’s Charizard V and Dark Sylveon V
Product Contents: One foil promo card and one foil oversize card featuring Lance’s Charizard V or Dark Sylveon V, four Celebrations four–card booster packs, and two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs.
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Deluxe Pin Collection
Product Contents: One foil promo card featuring Zacian LV.X, an enamel pin featuring Flying and Surfing Pikachu, four Celebrations four–card booster packs, and two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs.
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Elite Trainer Box
Product Contents: 10 Celebrations four–card booster packs, five additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, one special foil card featuring Greninja ☆, 65 anniversary–themed card sleeves, 45 Energy cards, a player’s guide to the Celebrations expansion, a Pokémon TCG rulebook, six damage–counter dice, one competition–legal coin–flip die, and two acrylic condition markers.
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Mini Tins
Product Contents: Two Celebrations four–card booster packs, one additional Pokémon TCG booster pack, one anniversary–themed coin, and one Pokémon art card showing the art from the Mini Tin (collect and combine all eight versions)
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Special Collection—Pikachu V–UNION
Product Contents: Four foil promo cards that make up a single Pikachu V–UNION, one oversize card featuring Pikachu V–UNION, one Supporter card featuring Professor Burnet, four Celebrations four–card boosters, and two additional Pokémon TCG boosters.
Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Premium Figure Collection—Pikachu VMAX
Product Contents: One etched foil promo card featuring Pikachu VMAX, one foil promo card featuring Pikachu V, a supersize figure of Gigantamax Pikachu, eight Celebrations four–card booster packs, and three additional Pokémon TCG booster packs.
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Ultra–Premium Collection
Product Contents: Two commemorative metal cards featuring Base Set Pikachu and Base Set Charizard, one special gold version of Pikachu V, one special gold version of Poké Ball, a Charizard and Pikachu enamel pin, one anniversary–themed metal coin, 17 Celebrations four–card booster packs, eight additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, and player’s guide.
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2021
Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Collector Chest
Product Contents: Six Celebrations four–card booster packs, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, three foil promo cards featuring Mimikyu δ (Delta Species), Light Toxtricity, and Hydreigon C; four colorful sticker sheets, a mini portfolio to store cards, a Pokémon coin, and a Pokémon notepad.
Every year, the top trainers across the globe gather to compete in-person at the Pokemon World Championships. The 2021 Play! Pokemon World Championships, however, were suspended last year because of safety concerns related to Covid-19. Yet, thanks to the successful launch of Pokemon TCG Online, various forms of competitive play continued throughout 2021 via events like Play! Pokemon Team Challenge and Pokemon Players Cup.
In-Person Play
Pokémon’s current plan is a return to in-person competitive play towards the end of 2021 in anticipation of the Play! Pokemon 2022 Championship Series season, but dates and locations remain speculative. For example, in a recent announcement, Pokemon stated that “the timing for the next live Play! Pokémon events will be determined by the health mandates, guidelines, and recommendations provided by appropriate government agencies.”
Furthermore, Pokemon stated it assume “most play will be able to resume in some form over the next 12 months” and that current plans are to host the next Pokemon World Championships in London in August 2022 and for it to last four (4) days, begging on a Thursday.
Changes to Age Divisions
Age Changes
Additionally, the most significant change to the Live! Pokemon 2022 Championship series is the age divisions. Competitive Pokemon play consists of three (3) age divisions: June Division, Senior Division and Masters Division. Previously, the Junior Division consisted of players born in 2009 or later; while the Senior Division consisted of players born in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, and the Masters Division was for players born in 2004 or earlier.
Starting in the 2022 Championship Series, the age divisions will increase by one year from the 2020 season. Accordingly, the new age divisions are as follows:
– Junior Division: Born in 2010 or later;
– Senior Division: Born in 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2009,
– Masters Division: Born in 2005 or earlier.
Qualifying Thresholds
Furthermore, Pokémon’s recent announcement established two (2) separate qualification thresholds for players to qualify. First, players with adequate Championship Points to satisfy the 2020 qualification bar are qualified for the 2022 World Championships and will play on Thursday (Day 1). Second, player’s that reach the new Champions Point qualification bar for 2022, which will be released at a later date, will qualify for the event and start play on Friday, skipping the first day of play.
Standard Rotation Change
Starting September 10, 2021, the new 2022 Pokemon Standard Rotation will formally go into effect meaning only Pokemon cards from the Sword & Shield series are eligible for competitive play. For the 2022 season, cards with regulation marks “D” and “E” are legal for use. All Sun & Moon series cards, including fair energy, will rotate out of the Standard format and may only be used in expanded.
Pokemon TCG VMAX: V Battle Deck Bundle with Venusaur & Blastoise
On February 5, 2020, Pokemon releases Venusaur & Blastoise V Battle Decks and V Battle Deck Bundle. The V Battle Decks may be a hidden gem for collectors placed among titans such as Champion’s Path, Hidden Fates, and Shining Fates because the product includes a “Play Level” gauge on the top left corner of each deck. In this case, the Venusaur & Blastoise V Battle Decks state “Level 1” of three levels. Previously, during the Wizards of the Coast Era, Pokemon TCG included a Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert level gauge on products. In more recent times, however, Pokemon has excluded the mark from packaging.
The Venusaur & Blastoise V Battle Decks come with sixty (60) cards each end feature either Blastoise V or Venusaur V. For collectors, we strongly recommend purchasing these by the Display Case. Players, however, may elect the Venusaur & Blastoise Battle Deck bundle that includes both sixty (60) card deck in one bundle. This bundle is a great buy and helpful move by Pokemon because customers are often frustrated and confused when multiple theme decks are released simultaneously.
We are currently selling both single decks and the bundle individually and by the case. Release date is scheduled for February 5, 2020, but we encourage securing preorders now as this will be in high demand with collectors.
Of the many grading options available, PSA, BGS, and CGC are three of the best and most reputable, but which is better, and what are the differences between the three?
The modern card market is dominated by marvels like online auctions and virtual collections, but the process of getting an item graded is the same as ever.
You’ll need to send over the cards you want to be appraised, and wait for a period of time while they certify the authenticity and quality of your items. Especially now, their has been a massive influx in demand as well as complications due to Covid-19. So with all that, many options are 4 to 6 times the typical time requirement.
Services like Beckett, PSA, and CGC grew to be popular as cards became more and more valuable. CGC has a reputation for being used on Comic Books, the first C in CBC, but in recent years has begun making the transition over to playing and collectable cards.
Buying a graded card is a great way to avoid being stung by a counterfeit card, and it’s increasingly important online where many collectibles are traded sight unseen.
It might not be worth it if the card isn’t especially rare, but its almost always worth the price on older, expensive cards. When grading cards you can send in newer cards though of course! It can bear great fruit later on. With it being pack fresh you greatly increase your chances of getting higher grades as well as getting a better price with the card still being low in value, as that is apart of the price calculation.
Another important reason for getting cards graded is to avoid potential counterfeits.
PSA, BGS, and CGC check everything from the size to the coloring to ensure the legitimacy of an item, so you won’t have to sweat if you’re thinking about adding an expensive card to your collection. Especially within the Pokémon market and baseball cards of the 80’s and 90’s, counterfeiting has run rampant, so getting a graded and authenticated card will make a collector and buyer very confident!
Here’s an in-depth guide with everything you could possibly want to know about CGC, PSA, and BGS, including pros and cons, which should help you to decide which is better for your collection when grading cards.
Who is PSA?
Arguably the best known of the two, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is a US-based third-party grading and authentication company.
Since 1991, they’ve processed over 30m cards and collectibles with a cumulative value of over a billion dollars, including some of the most expensive cards ever sold at auction.
For example, the famous T206 Honus Wagner card owned by Wayne Gretzky went for $2.8m at auction in 2007, just six months after it was bought for $2.35m. It was graded by PSA, earning an 8.
It’s easy to understand why they’re seen as the premier option for vintage cards considering the prices they’ve sold for in the past, and they’ve positioned themselves as the clear choice for grading cards.
PSA uses a simple rating system, grading cards from anywhere between 1 and 10 depending on a variety of factors.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many collectors seek PSA for their collections as they do have the lion’s share of cards on the market. As well as being known for being slightly easier to obtain a PSA 10 vs. a Beckett 10. Something you will now often see is ” Beckett 9.5, PSA 10?” this alludes to the well known fact that PSA has a slightly easier scale than Beckett. CGC is also known for grading a bit easier.
PSA’s Scale
PR 1 (Poor)
FR 1.5 (Fair)
Good 2 (Good)
VG 3 (Very Good)
VG-EX 4 (Very Good-Excellent)
EX 5 (Excellent)
EX-MT 6 (Excellent-Mint)
NM 7 (Near Mint)
NM-MT 8 (Near Mint-Mint)
Mint 9 (Mint)
GEM-MT 10 (Gem Mint)
PSA used to exclusively grade using whole numbers but changed to allow for half grades for more precision in February 2008. It’s especially important for high-end cards. They clarified that; “In order for a card to be considered for the half-point increase, it must exhibit qualities that separate it from the average card within the particular grade.
In general, the centering may be the most important factor in achieving the half-point increase with eye appeal being so crucial in the grader evaluation. Since centering is so important and clearly visible to most collectors, the strength or weakness of the centering will have a significant impact on the final outcome.”
It’s a welcome decision, especially considering the potential difference in price between a 7 and an 8 grade. However, they only issue half-point grades for anything between PSA Good 2 and PSA Mint 9.
It’s annoying if you think a Mint 9 should be good enough to get a 10, if not for the slightest imperceptible flaw. The lack of a 9.5 rating can cause some disparity in pricing between 9 and 10 grades, but high-rated PSA cards are always sought after.
PSA also has a range of qualifiers to give the buyer a better idea of the general look and feel of the card. This is especially important if you’re bidding online or you’re unable to see the card in person.
After all, nobody wants a nasty surprise if they’ve spent a wad of cash on a sub-par item. The PSA qualifiers are as follows:
Off Center (OC) – They give some leeway depending on “eye appeal”, but an OC card always lowers the asking price. Centering is a driving factor in a 9 or 10, it is in regards to Pokemon cards specifically almost the only factor not in the openers control. This is because most other print defects are considered error cards and can still pull a 10. But the Centering being off is never considered an error, only an imperfection!
Staining (ST) – Staining will also diminish value, and it’s more prevalent with vintage cards.
Print Defect (PD) – Generally this comes in the form of a small white dot, which is often known as “fish-eye” or “snow”.
As you might expect, the slightest defect will stop cards from getting the highest grades.
Out of Focus (OF) – Thankfully OF cards are rarely seen in new packs, as you’ll get a headache if you stare at one for too long.
This will vastly lower the price.
Marks (MK) – This could take the form of a signature which was added at a later date, but any card with “writing, ink marks, pencil marks, or evidence of the impression left from the act of writing” will ensure a card gets the MK designation.
Miscut (MC) – A miscut focuses on the card itself rather than the image. If a portion is missing, or the card is oversized, it’s designated MC. Often though you will see MC’s labeled as errors and still able to get a 10.
The same is true if portions of more than one card are visible. They’re seen as the best choice for many older cards, in part because of the work they’ve done in the past.
After all, if it’s good enough for a T206 Wagner card, it’s probably good enough for the vintage cards in your collection. PSA is a great choice, with an extensive list of criteria for grading so you know exactly what you’re getting.
However, that doesn’t mean that BGS/SGC isn’t worth looking in to for grading cards!
Who is BGS?
The Beckett Grading Service (BGS) has been around since 1999. Carving out a niche as a solid choice for getting cards appraised.
It was formed by the founder of Beckett Publications, which has been at the forefront of collectible news since 1984. In the here and now, the Beckett Grading Service (BGS) is a leading name when it comes to card business.
It’s less subjective than heading into your local hobby store, and the BGS grade will give you a better idea of how much your prized cards are worth. BGS focus on four main subgrades when grading cards, which are: Centering, Surface, Edges & Corners.
Centering – The centering considers how the image fits the card, and how it aligns with the border. Many older cards are poorly centered, so it’s one to look out for! This is judged by measuring the angle, and 50/50 centering is when the image is directly in the middle of the card.
Surface – The quality of the surface. Wear and tear can cause creases and flaws, which are noted here.
Edging – How well the edges of the cards align. White borders can blend more easily, making it slightly harder to detect any flaws. While edging is often seen as the least important factor, it still has a major impact on the overall rating.
Corners – Some cards can be trimmed in an attempt to artificially boost the value, and it’s a common method of alteration. Sharper corners are more desirable, as they’re the most susceptible to wear and tear over the years.
*Bill Maestro confessed to trimming the famous T206 card formerly owned by Wayne Gretzky as part of a plea deal, using a paper trimmer to give the card a better rating. These subgrades are always considered when giving the card an overall rating, which is the Final Grade. A card that receives an overall grade of 9.5 or higher can receive a Gem MT 10 evaluation, which is the very best grade available via BGS. Gen mint cards get a special Black Label tag, this is widely considered the most valuable you can get a card to, superior to PSA or CGS 10’s by a decent ammount!
**It is important to note that for an extra fee you can now get sub-grades on PSA as well**
You’d expect the overall rating to match the average score, but BGS has explained that: “The overall numerical grade is not a simple average of the four subgrades.
BGS uses an algorithm that determines the final grade using the four subgrades on the front label of the cardholder. The lowest overall grade is the first category to observe because it is the most obvious defect, and the lowest grade is the most heavily weighted in determining the overall grade.”
As for the grading system, it’s similar to the PSA scale in terms of descriptors and numbers, but they have a number of extra grades for each of the half-points…
Beckett’s Scale
1 – Poor 1.5 Fair
2 – G (Good)
2.5 –G+
3 – VG (Very Good)
3.5 – VG+
4 – VG-EX (Very Good-Excellent)
4.5 VG-EX+
5 – EX (Excellent)
5.5 – EX +
6 – EX-NM (Excellent-Near Mint)
6.5 – EX-NM+
7 – Near Mint
7.5 – Near Mint +
8 – Near Mint-Mint
8.5 – Near Mint-Mint +
9 – Mint
9.5 – Gem Mint
10 – Pristine It’s reasonably extensive, and you’ll arguably have a better idea of the overall quality of the card compared to a PSA graded version
They’re not seen as the best option for older cards with PSA often being preferred, but they do have a vintage service (BVS) for older cards. A recent example would be a rare Babe Ruth rookie card which was found in a $25 dollar piano. It was given a 2.5 grade and went on to sell for just over $130,000 at auction.
The point is, Beckett is a viable option if you’re thinking about selling pre-war cards, and the same goes for investing. Beckett’s top-graded cards are identifiable at a glance thanks to premium-colored labels.
A gold/black label on the front of the cardholder signifies the highest graded cards (9.5-10), while a silver label can be found on cards graded from 8.5 to 9.
Research into Beckett’s Black Box algorithm suggests that;
“In summary: Corners are punished hardest, Centering next, Surface/Edges the least. How much the overall grade is higher than the worst subgrade depends on which subgrade is the worst, and also depends on how much the other three subgrades are better than the worst subgrade, measured by (the differential in subgrades).”
Lastly, Beckett is seen as a great option for newer cards, likely due to their methodological approach to grading.
Beckett Raw Card Review
“Beckett on-site review services allow our customers to find out what grades their cards deserve before they submit them to BGS or BVG.”
These cards won’t be slabbed, but it’s a good way to get a sense of what grade your items could get if they were sent off to BVG or BGS for a proper look over.
Raw card reviews are useful if you’re not sure whether you can be bothered to go through with the process of getting your cards graded, but there’s no real point if you’re planning to use BVG or BGS anyway as you’ll be charged twice. On-site reviews are a decent option, especially if Beckett is paying a visit to a city near you.
Who is CGC
Popular: Comic Books
CGC – The biggest player in the Comic Book grading business has been in the grading game for an extremely long period of time
They also seem to be more simplistic than the other 2 shops… one of our Facebook followers described the holder as a “beautiful black tuxedo slab”… we tend to agree.
CGC Grading Scale
10 PR: A “virtually flawless” card. 50/50 centering, crisp focus, four sharp corners*, free of stains, no breaks in surface gloss, no print or refractor lines, and no visible wear under magnification.
10 MT
9.5
9
8.5
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
5.5
5: 80/20 or better centering, minor rounding or fuzzing of corners, roughness or chipping along the edge (no layering), one VERY slight surface or “spider” crease may exist on one side of the card, the gloss may be lost from the surface with some scratching that does not detract from the aesthetics of the card.
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1: This card usually exhibits many of these characteristics: heavy print spots, heavy crease(s), pinhole(s), color or focus imperfections or discoloration, surface scuffing or tears, rounded and/or fraying corners, ink or pencil marking(s), and lack of all or some original gloss, small portions of the card may be missing.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of PSA
We’ve come up with a list of some of the common pros and cons you’ll find with PSA when grading cards.
Pros:
PSA is seen as the experts when it comes to older cards, especially for anything pre-1970’s. This has caused the price of older PSA cards to exceed their BGS counterparts, even if they have a similar overall rating.
PSA can be trusted with the handling of high ticket items, and they’re often faster in terms of appraising cards.
They’re tougher on corners, especially for Gem Mint cards.
They offer the PSA Set Registry, which enables you to track your inventory, costs, and populations, build and update sets, enjoy competition with others, meet collectors who share common interests, create a photo album of your collection, and share your sets with others. In addition, you can perform “What If?” scenarios to see how the addition of new items will change your set ratings. It’s great if you want a little recognition for your hard work. Or if you want to keep track of your progress while collecting a set.
PSA has processed over 30 million cards and collectibles with a cumulative declared value of over a billion dollars, so they know what they’re doing.
Joining the PSA collectors club will give you access to bulk rates when selling cards.
Cons:
A lack of a PSA 9.5 rating isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it’s painful if you think it should be a 10. However, it does raise the price of PSA 10 rated cards, and they’re highly sought after.
The slab isn’t really eye-catching as they’ve opted for a plain sticker listing the relevant information. It doesn’t compare to Beckett’s options, especially if it’s a 10 grade.
In some cases, the card isn’t secure inside the case and can move around if dropped or damaged. However, it’s unlikely to damage the card itself, which is good news.
You won’t be able to add non-PSA rated cards to the PSA Set Registry.
In the past, they were seen as leaders in authenticating, although their grading system has vastly improved in the last decade.
Pros and Cons of BGS (i.e. Beckett)
There are a number of reasons why BGS could be a better option than PSA for grading cards.
Of course, Beckett card grading has a range of cons that are also worth considering, so here’s everything you need to know.
Pros:
Beckett’s labeling is generally preferred, and it’s easy to see why when you compare their offerings to the PSA equivalents.
They’ve seen a great option for newer cards, and they’re often
BGS is tougher on centering, especially for Gem Mint cards.
They decided to release the Beckett Graded Registry in 2013, hoping to match up to PSA’s service with many similar features. You can compare cards with others, sort through your collection. And there’s also the chance to win prizes by competing against others in upload and set completion contests.
Extensive subgrades allow the buyer and seller to have a better idea of the item. Detailing everything from the value to any flaws clearly and concisely.
The BVG service is ideal if you’d like to get a vintage collection valued.
The Beckett grading population report is pretty easy to navigate and use
Cons:
Beckett cardholders are larger than the PSA equivalent. This isn’t ideal if space is an issue, and it gets worse if you have a large collection.
Some feel the grading system is too complex. While it’s great to have a lot of info about a card. There are so many variables that go into the BGS grading system. If you have a duo of 9.5s with slightly different grading stats. It’s not surprising if the price differs depending on what collectors value more.
The special labels are a great touch. But they do have an unintended consequence. They make the silver tabs look second-rate in comparison. And you don’t want people making that connection while they’re looking at your cards.
They grade autographs on a sliding scale. Many feel the player’s autograph should have only two options; real or fake.
Collectors seek out PSA more than Beckett, so this should be a factor in your decision on grading cards.
Pros and Cons of CGC
Despite being the smallest of the trio, CGC runs a tight ship and were seen as the go-to service during the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak. There have been a few growing pains along the way, but the pros easily outweigh the cons now that they appear to have ironed things out.
Pros:
Typically the cheapest service for grading cards
Simple design with great slabs
Good customer service, offering quick responses and no-nonsense
Speedy card grading thanks to new changes to their pricing system
Cons:
They’ve recently changed their pricing system to a two-tier package, which ups the price significantly for grading cards
Some users were left waiting for significant periods after they were overwhelmed midway through 2020
As you can see there are a lot of pros and not a lot of cons when it comes to CGC Grading.
The only problems are one of the cons is a big one. No one likes to get less money for their cards when they are around the same grade vs the other shops. BUT we are monitoring this closely as we expect CGC to narrow the gap over the upcoming year as they gain more popularity with collectors.
PSA Grading Reviews
“PSA can take a lot longer than Beckett does and other options, CGC for example but can quite often be worth the wait as PSA 10 consistently sells for more than BGS 9.5 or CGC 10’s. Sometimes I use PSA, sometimes I use BGS, sometimes I use CGC, it just depends on the card” – Mike L. Miami, FL
“I have a signed baseball with the likes of Mickey Cochrane, Rogers Hornsby, Bill McGowan, dizzy dean, and others. It’s PSA authenticated but my problem with it is they rushed the authentication. They stated the ball is mid 40’s and it was actually 10 years older. On the card, they didn’t even list all of the Hall of Fame autographs on it. How can you not list Goose Goslin, Schoolboy Rowe, and Tommy bridges? Other than that I haven’t had any other problems with either of the two.” Rolland W.
“PSA cards grade higher than BGS which we like BUT they take FOREVER (especially if the card is a patch/autograph. Just depends on the cards that we are getting graded” Miles H. Boston, MA
“I prefer to use PSA. I just received my latest package back in late February. Many like the eye appeal over the other companies. So, I like they are a trusted name once someone like me wants to resale. Not the cheapest or quickest turn around times. But I know that going into it. Just look at the Lucky 7’s T206 owner. People use PSA because it’s a trusted source with the highest return on investment.” – Joe K. Norwalk, IA
“I prefer BGS due to subgrades. Plus as was mentioned in another comment, PSA will give a 10 to a card that’s really not a 10. You get truer grading with BGS although there’s definite objectivity in the grading which leads to some inconsistency.” – Sean R. Julian, PA
“I was big on BGS, but the more I’ve gotten back into the hobby, I prefer PSA. The smaller slabs make the cards easier to store. And I like that a 10 is a 10. You don’t have a 10 with different subgrades that make it a more or less valuable 10.” – Drake M. Ft. Smith, AR
Beckett Grading Reviews
“Becket Authentication offers a great combination of speed and reasonable prices. We have received a few Black Labels! We love the look of the Black Label 10s!” – Miles K. Miami, FL
“The Beckett grading in-person option was available at an event I attended… the line was long but went quick. The in-person grading process only took a few minutes from the time they got my card. Pretty cool option… Beckett should look into having this option at local card shows in major cities.” Mike S. – Kansas City, MO
“I would rate Beckett grading services a solid 9 out of 10. We use Beckett on the majority of our cards we get graded. Cheers!” Steve C. New Orleans, LA
“The only thing I dislike about BGS grading is if your card grades a 9.5 auto, 9 people look at the card like it’s a crappy auto. But really it’s not. Now PSA 10 equal to BGS there isn’t an auto-grade.” Chris G. – Westfield, Massachusetts
SGC Grading Reviews
“I actually prefer CGC to both the big boys. They’re cheaper and turn-times are quicker. They have really stepped up their game too.” – Mark Y. Clearwater, FL
“Quick and cost less vs PSA/BGS… what’s not to like here?” – Chris G. Denver, CO
PSA Grading Cost vs BGS Grading Cost vs CGC Grading Cost
Below are images from the PSACard and Beckett websites showing their basic cost of the service of grading cards (as you can see this is not a cheap hobby!).
PSA Grading Prices
Beckett Grading Prices
CGC Grading Pricing
SGC has updated their grading service as of July 2020, ‘simplifying’ it with two separate payment tiers.
The basic level of service is called, “I Can Wait.” There’s no guaranteed turnaround time for graded cards, and the service offers no specific time frame. Priced at a minimum of $10 per card, it matches the amount SGC has charged most customers for years.
The new premium tier is called; “Need Them Now.” This tier is priced at a minimum of $100 per card, which is a significant outlay if you were hoping to get your collection graded as quickly as possible. However, neither tier offers a flat fee for grading per card, and it’ll also depend on the value of your items.
As such, pricing begins at $10 for cards valued under $250, but that goes up to $85 if the declared value is $3,500 or over. SGC is still the most affordable of the three grading companies, although not as much as it once was. You can find out more about their pricing here.
Wait Times
Quick flips require low wait times, although every service has suffered in recent months due to Covid-19.
CGC saw more submissions after PSA and Beckett Grading were forced to briefly shut down operations early in 2020 due to government orders. However, CGC ended up backlogged, unable to deal with the combined customer base of Beckett and PSA.
No one likes to wait! Especially if you have a $25,000 Michael Jordan rookie card you’re waiting to get back! Here are the estimated wait times for the three stores in question.
Current PSA Grading Wait Time
PSA tends to take ages at the best of times. While they recently released the following statement on their website: “PSA is experiencing a high volume of submissions, and as a result, submission processing times have been impacted. PSA is currently experiencing extensive delays, from the time of delivery to the time of order processing entry.”
Current Beckett Grading Wait Time
BGS does not offer an updated turn around time for grading card services. Other than what is listed on the BGS grading form of course. Plus Their drop-off service! which at the time of writing this is still operating offers roughly a 1 week turn around for grading cards!
2-day service level
5-day service level
10-day service level
30-day service level
Current CGC Wait Times
Wait times will differ depending on which grading tier you choose. I Can Wait has no set deadline.
According to CGC, the Need Them Now service will take approximately three to five business days. They admit that this is an estimate, but they say that “customers should not expect to wait far past the five business day mark. At least to see that their orders have been marked shipped and are on their way back to them.”
Final Review (who is best?)
Card grading is far from an exact science, despite what SGC, BGS, and PSA would like you to believe.
After all, you could send the same 8 grade over multiple times if you’re hoping for an extra half-point, and it does work. (of course, this could also lead to lower grades, and they get their fees regardless.) The point is, different collectors will have a variety of experiences and preferences. So the honest answer to the question ‘who is the best grading service’ is that it depends.
Education: Best Time to Buy and Sell Baseball Cards
It’s worth remembering that some collectors prefer ungraded cards, while others view the practice as a bit of a scam. Considering the massive market for forgeries and doctored cards, we think that it’s better to be sure if you’re looking at rare options. Or attempting to sell one yourself grading cards is the way to go.
For example, in 2019, the PWCC auction house was subpoenaed by the FBI, causing their attorney Jeffrey Lichtman to release the following statement: “There has been some evidence that cards sold at PWCC auctions have been altered. While there are questions of what constitutes an improper alteration. I can say that PWCC is among those who have sold altered cards. PWCC has sold hundreds of thousands of cards and the problematic ones are in the hundreds — or less than 1%.”
Less than 1% is still a significant amount if you happen to find an altered card in your collection. The story highlights exactly why it’s best to go for a graded option when possible.
Overall, a PSA 10 is going to be better and sold for more than a BGS 9.5 or CGC 10. Although it becomes more subjective when you get to lower grades when grading cards.
You don’t have to stick with one over the other when grading cards. But they do attempt to force you to via loyalty schemes and the respective Registry services. It’s a big deal for some collectors, but the majority are more concerned with turnaround times and pricing. It’s little wonder that SGC continues to grow in popularity.
You’ll have to decide for yourself, and in many cases, there’s no right or wrong answer. Everything from the era of the cards you collect to your preferred slab should have an impact on your personal preference. Some people use one, and others use a combination of all three grading services.
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