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expensive yu gi oh trading cards

Top 10 Rare And Expensive Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards Ⅱ

In our previous article, we presented the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game‘s 10th to 6th most costly cards. In this article, we will proceed to unveil the top 5 expensive Yu-Gi-Oh! cards.

Top5 Rare And Expensive Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards

No.5 2004 Shonen Jump Championship Series Cyber-Stein #SJC-EN001

yu-gi-oh-card-cyber-stein

*Sold for $30,100 in October 2020

The Cyber-Stein card holds the distinction of being the first SJC prize card, awarded during the initial batch of championships from December 2004 to July 2005. 

These tournaments included nine events, starting with GenCon SoCal (held in Anaheim, California on December 4th, 2004), which was a short-lived regional version of the renowned North American tabletop game convention Gen Con.

Only two copies were given out per tournament, totaling 18 copies. However, two extra copies were handed out at the 2008 Costa Mesa SJC, which was the 50th edition of the SJCs. One of these copies was embedded in lucite for display purposes. 

Furthermore, approximately 126 more copies were released in February 2009 at a promotional event called Upper Deck Day. Consequently, only about 147 Cyber-Stein cards exist, making it one of the rarest Yu-Gi-Oh! cards ever.

Cyber-Stein, inspired by Frankenstein’s monster, is a level 2 effect monster that enables you to special summon any fusion monster from your extra deck at the cost of 5000 life points. 

This ability is highly valuable since it provides easy access to potent fusion monsters with multiple powerful effects. As a result, the card is currently limited, similar to Monster Reborn, meaning that you can only have one copy in your deck.

In October 2020, a PSA Gem Mint 10 copy of the 2004 Shonen Jump Championship Series Cyber-Stein #SJC-EN001 sold for over $30,000. Another copy sold the following month for a similar amount, indicating that this rare Yu-Gi-Oh! card is undoubtedly worth a significant amount.

No.4 2007 Shonen Jump Championship Series Crush Card Virus #EN004

yu-gi-oh-card-crush-card-virus

*Sold for $49,999 in June 2020

The fourth SJC prize card, Crush Card Virus, was distributed at ten championships between January and July 2007, with only 40 copies released. Similar to Cyber-Stein, two additional copies were created for the 2008 Costa Mesa SJC, and one was encased in lucite. 

Three copies were also mistakenly released at a sneak preview event, bringing the total number of copies of this version of Crush Card Virus to around 46.

The Crush Card Virus is a valuable trap card that has undergone four description revisions over the years, leading to some confusion about its use. 

It is one of Seto Kaiba’s most destructive weapons and works by allowing you to destroy your opponent’s high-attack monsters in their control and hands. Additionally, by viewing their hand, you can plan ahead for their future strategy.

This card was formerly on the forbidden section of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Banlist for several years, rendering it unusable in official duels. However, changes to its mechanics have reduced its overwhelming power, and it is now permitted to carry up to three copies in your deck.

Listings for this highly rare Yu-Gi-Oh! card are scarce, but in June 2020, a PSA Gem Mint 10 Crush Card Virus #EN004 sold for nearly $50,000, one of only two recorded sales on the PSA website.

No.3 2002 Legend of Blue Eyes Dark Magician (1st Edition)

yu-gi-oh-card-dark-magician-lob

*Sold for $85,000 in June 2021

The Dark Magician, known as “the ultimate wizard in terms of attack and defense,” is the signature card of Yugi Mutou. With its impressive 2500 attack and 2100 defense points, the level 7 Spellcaster was one of the original powerful cards in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. 

However, it may come as a surprise that Yugi’s Dark Magician is not among the most valuable Yu-Gi-Oh! cards.

The most valuable Dark Magician card is the red variant owned by Arkana, which first appeared in episode 60 during his duel with Yugi.

Both duelists had Dark Magicians sent to the graveyard and revived during the duel, but Yugi ultimately defeated Arkana’s Dark Magician using the effect of his Dark Magician Girl. This caused a 600-attack-point boost, overpowering Arkana’s Dark Magician and leading to Yugi’s victory.

The red Dark Magician card sold for an astonishing $85,000 in June 2021 and was also a PSA Gem Mint 10 first-edition. Like the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, it was an Ultra Rare card in the LOB set.

yu-gi-oh-card-dark-magician-dark-duel-stories

Joey and Yugi both share the classic purple Dark Magician as a common card from the readily available Starter Deck Yugi (SDY), which was released in March 2002. 

However, if you’re after a rare version of Yugi’s iconic monster, you’ll have to track down the Dark Duel Stories (DDS) promo edition.

DDS was the first Yu-Gi-Oh! game released outside of Japan, and accompanying its international release were six promotional cards, including the Dark Magician, all of which are now highly sought-after and valuable. 

These six cards were printed as Prismatic Secret Rares, a rarity reserved for promotional cards.

A PSA Gem Mint 10 Dark Magician from DDS was sold for almost $10,000 in November 2020, making it a pricey addition to any collector’s stash.

No.2 2002 LOB Blue-Eyes White Dragon (1st Edition)

yu-gi-oh-card-blue-eyes-white-dragon-lob

*Sold for $85,100 in October 2020

The Blue-Eyes White Dragon is Seto Kaiba’s iconic monster card and is considered one of the most powerful creatures in the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, if not the most powerful. 

With its impressive 3000 attack points and 2500 defense points, it lives up to its card description as “a powerful engine of destruction”.

Kaiba frequently uses this card to dominate his opponents, which has led to the creation of several supporting cards and different artwork over the years.

Originally released in the Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon (LOB) set as an Ultra Rare, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon gained a cult following among Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts. 

A first-edition 2002 LOB Blue-Eyes White Dragon with a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade sold for over $85,000 in October 2020.

This card was not the same one shown in the anime’s opening episode, where Kaiba tears Yugi’s grandfather’s Blue-Eyes White Dragon in half. Instead, that card was part of the Starter Deck Kaiba (SDK) released in March 2002, where it was the first card of the deck.

Like the classic Dark Magician, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon was also included as one of the six Prismatic Secret Rares in the Dark Duel Stories (DDS) Game Boy Color game released in March 2002.

The DDS promo version is considered extremely rare and valuable among collectors, with a PSA Gem Mint 10 copy selling for a substantial $25,100 in February 2021, making it one of the most expensive Yu-Gi-Oh! cards sold recently.

No.1 Tyler, the Great Warrior

yu-gi-oh-card-tyler-the-great-warrior

Tyler Gressle, a 14-year-old Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiast, was diagnosed with rare liver cancer in 2002. Upon learning about his battle, the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish to create his own Yu-Gi-Oh! card.

The charity connected him with 4Kids Entertainment, which handled the North American production of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime from 2000 to 2012. 

In August 2005, 4Kids gave Gressle and his father a tour of their Yu-Gi-Oh! facility in New York City, where they revealed the card that he created: Tyler, the Great Warrior.

Tyler, the Great Warrior, is a level 8 warrior-type card with an impressive 3000 attack and 1500 defense points. It has a unique effect that inflicts damage to the opponent’s life points each time it successfully destroys one of their monsters and sends it to the graveyard.

The card is an official TCG card, with Gressle receiving his own TYL set code. Its design is based on Future Trunks, a brave swordsman from the Dragon Ball franchise, and Tyler appears to be fighting with shuriken stars in a colosseum.

Despite little being known about adult Gressle, it was confirmed via Instagram in 2015 that he still owns the card. If Gressle ever decides to sell Tyler, the Great Warrior, its value could be limitless, making it the rarest and most valuable Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG card of all time. 

However, the most important thing is that Gressle overcame his battle with cancer, and we hope that the card serves as a cherished memento of his triumph.

expensive yu gi oh trading cards

Top 10 Expensive Yu Gi Oh Trading CardsⅠ

Yu-Gi-Oh!, a manga series that debuted in 1996, gained immense popularity soon after its release. The anime adaptation quickly followed suit, featuring Yugi and his friends engaging in a card game that employed illustrated cards showcasing various fictional monsters, spells, and traps.

The success of the anime spurred Konami to create real-life versions of the cards used in the show. Today, the Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards stand as one of the most profitable card games, generating nearly $10 billion in revenue since their inception.

While some Yu-Gi-Oh! cards hold more value than others, this article brings together some of the rarest and most expensive yu gi oh trading cards from the series, all of which were released to a Western audience and have been sold.

Top 10 Expensive Yu Gi Oh Trading Cards

No.10 2002 LOB Monster Reborn #118 (1st Edition)

yu-gi-oh-card-monster-reborn

*Sold for $6,600 in May 2021

In March 2002, Monster Reborn made its debut in the TCG’s inaugural set of booster packs, The Legend of Blue-Eyes White Dragon (LOB), as a highly sought-after Super Rare spell card in the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game.

With Monster Reborn, players can perform a special summon of any monster available in either player’s graveyard, including the opponent’s most powerful monster, making it an extremely potent card. 

Due to its power, the card is now listed in the Limited section of the Forbidden and Limited Card List, meaning that players can only include one copy in their deck instead of the usual limit of three per card.

Interestingly, for the first three sets of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, spell cards were referred to as magic cards, which some speculate was to avoid legal issues with Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering. 

The English version of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime continued to use the term “magic cards” throughout its run, much longer than the TCG, with the name change only occurring after the release of the second anime series, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, to Western audiences in 2005.

In May 2021, a first edition PSA Gem Mint 10 2002 LOB Monster Reborn #118 sold on eBay for $6,600. The card’s code, located above the top right of the description box, identifies it as card number 115 from the LOB set, marking it as part of the first batch of cards printed in the set.

No.9 2002 LOB Exodia The Forbidden One #124 (1st Edition)

yu-gi-oh-card-exodia-the-forbidden-one

*Sold for $8,000 in November 2020

Exodia, a powerful creature in the lore of Yu-Gi-Oh!, was divided into five parts, and each part was magically sealed and chained to prevent its immense power from being unleashed upon the world. 

In the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, this concept is realized through five distinct Exodia cards: Exodia the Forbidden One, the Right Leg of the Forbidden One, the Left Leg of the Forbidden One, the Right Arm of the Forbidden One, and the Left Arm of the Forbidden One.

If a player successfully holds all five cards at once, they automatically win the duel, regardless of their current standing. This was famously demonstrated by Yugi in the anime’s opening episode when he defeated his rival, Seto Kaiba.

Just like the Monster Reborn card, all five pieces of Exodia are limited cards. Initially released as Ultra Rares in LOB, they were difficult to find, leading to well-maintained versions becoming extremely rare and expensive.

The Exodia, the Forbidden One #124 card, which is the only effect monster among the five and represents the head of the beast, is the most valuable, with a PSA Gem Mint 10 first-edition copy selling for $8,000 in November 2020.

Interestingly, among the other four normal monster cards, the Left Leg of the Forbidden One sells for the most, fetching a price significantly higher than the other limbs. It seems as though Exodia may have a Messi-esque talent for football, with his left leg being far superior to his right.

No.8 2003 Magician's Force (MFC) Dark Magician Girl #000 (1st Edition)

yu-gi-oh-card-dark-magician-girl

*Sold for $9,100 in November 2020

Dark Magician Girl is one of Yugi’s most beloved cards and is highly regarded by fans worldwide. As a level 6 card, it boasts an impressive 2000 attack and 1700 defense points, significantly aiding Yugi during her anime debut in episode 62. 

This episode marked the conclusion of a high-stakes, three-episode duel against the malevolent magician Arkana.

The Dark Magician Girl was initially released in the TCG as part of the North American set, Magician’s Force (MFC), in October 2003. MFC was a 108-card set designed to provide support to Spellcasters. 

The rest of the TCG community had to wait until October 2005, when Magician’s Force was one of the booster packs included in the compilation set Master Collection Volume 2, to get their hands on the rare Dark Magician Girl card.

The Dark Magician Girl also gained notoriety due to the various content edits it underwent during its transition from Japan to the West. These edits resulted in several variants of the card artwork. 

However, it is the original artwork, the one owned by Yugi in the anime, that is the most valuable. A PSA Gem Mint 10 first-edition 2003 MFC Dark Magician Girl #000 sold for $9,100 in November 2020.

No.7 2002 LOB Red-Eyes B. Dragon #070 (1st Edition)

yu-gi-oh-card-red-eyes-black-dragon

*Sold for $10,600 in January 2021

The Red-Eyes Black Dragon, with its fierce 2400 attack and 2000 defense points, is one of Yu-Gi-Oh!’s original powerhouses and a fan favorite due to its association with Joey Wheeler, Yugi’s best friend and primary aide in the anime. Known as Katsuya Jonouchi in Japan. 

Joey is a lovable rascal with a thick Brooklyn accent in the dub, whose storyline centers around winning the prize money at the Duelist Kingdom tournament to pay for an operation to repair his ill sister’s eyesight.

Joey’s popularity led to the release of the Starter Deck Joey (SDJ) in 2003, which made Red-Eyes Black Dragon widely available as the opening card of the deck. 

However, the first release of this card was in Legend of Blue-Eyes White Dragon, where fortunate pack owners could find it as one of the ten Ultra Rares in the set.

A flawless PSA Gem Mint 10 copy of the level 7 fire-breather sold for almost $10,000 in October 2020, with another first-edition copy of 2002 LOB Red-Eyes B. Dragon #070 fetching over that amount in January 2021. 

Therefore, the extremely rare Yu-Gi-Oh! card is currently worth around five digits.

No.6 2008 Shonen Jump Championship Series Doomcaliber Knight #EN006

yu-gi-oh-card-doomcaliber-knight

*Sold for $15,300 in March 2021

In response to the rapid growth of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, Shonen Jump, the English counterpart to Weekly Shonen Jump, established the Shonen Jump Championships. 

These were a series of North American tournaments held between 2004 and 2010, with coveted prize cards awarded to the deserving victors.

Over the course of 75 tournaments, seven different card types were distributed, making these particular Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, which can be identified with an SJC code, very rare and expensive. At most tournaments, only two or three cards were given out.

One of the rarest and most sought-after cards is Doomcaliber Knight #EN006, which was the sixth card to be distributed. Only 68 copies of this powerful monster were given away at tournaments held between March 2008 and January 2009. 

Doomcaliber Knight has impressive stats with 1900 attack and 1800 defense points, making it one of the best monsters that can be immediately summoned from your hand for levels 1 to 4. It also has a unique quick effect, which allows you to negate and destroy one of your opponent’s monsters.

In March 2021, a PSA Near-Mint 7 2008 Shonen Jump Championship Series Doomcaliber Knight #EN006 sold at auction for over $15,000. It is difficult to imagine what higher-grade versions of this incredibly valuable Yu-Gi-Oh! card could fetch.

digimon trading card game

How To Play Digimon Trading Card Game: 9 FAQs For Beginners

The Digimon trading card game was launched in 2020 and has quickly gained popularity due to its engaging metagame, avoidance of power creep, and appeal to collectors.

Additionally, the game holds a special place in the hearts of anime fans, which has contributed to its growing player base.

If you are a newcomer or a returning player looking to reignite your passion for the game, this article will provide you with all the necessary information.

We will cover the basics of learning the rules and where to do so, What are recommended starter decks, which set offers the best value, and unique options for collectors.

How To Play Digimon Trading Card Game?

Mastering the Rules

Despite the complexity of many games in the trading card genre, the Digimon trading card game boasts a refreshingly simple ruleset. 

Players accustomed to titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, or Magic: The Gathering will find the Digimon TCG’s regulations to be far more streamlined. 

The entire core rulebook spans just 17 pages, yet the game provides surprising depth, given its relatively short time on the market.

For those seeking alternative ways to learn how to play the Digimon TCG, a free online tutorial is available here. This tutorial is comprehensive and will equip you with the knowledge needed to get started.

Getting Started: What to Buy First?

For many new players of the Digimon TCG, the question of what to purchase to embark on their journey can be puzzling. 

While the value of Digimon trading cards is currently high, it is often more advantageous to acquire boxes and starter decks than selecting singles. 

Moreover, purchasing singles at the beginning stage of the game may cause confusion and result in obtaining cards that do not complement each other.

While boxes are declining in price, such as Battle for Omni, which used to cost over $100 but is now more affordable, starter decks remain an optimal choice for new players who want to learn the game quickly. 

In fact, purchasing two starter decks is the best way to familiarize yourself with the Digimon TCG and get started!

Starter Decks for New Players

Newcomers to the Digimon TCG should aim to obtain the two most recent starter decks, ST-9: Starter Deck Ultimate Ancient Dragon and ST-10: Starter Deck Parallel World Tactician, as they offer a strong foundation for building a formidable card collection.

Each starter deck consists of:

  • A set of 54 cards
  • 16 different cards
  • 5 Commons
  • 6 Uncommons
  • 3 Rares
  • 2 Super Rare
  • 2 Memory Gauges
  • The Japanese edition of the Digimon starter decks includes a Playsheet.

The two decks on offer feature a range of popular cards commonly used in the top-tier decks of today’s TCG scene. They are also ideal for learning the game as they are well-focused, which sets them apart from most other starter decks in the Digimon TCG.

While earlier starter decks are available, they may be less powerful and not as helpful in teaching newer game mechanics.

However, if you have a fondness for a specific Digimon from an earlier starter deck, they may still be a worthwhile option. These two decks are evenly matched, making them a great choice for playing with a friend on a budget. 

Additionally, each deck includes an exclusive card featuring its titular Digimon.

digimon trading cards

Booster Boxes Of Digimon Trading Card Game

If you’re a fan of Digimon trading card game, you know the importance of a booster box. And when it comes to Battle for Omni, there’s no doubt it’s one of the best sets out there. 

However, it’s important to note that some Amazon customers have reported receiving resealed boxes. Therefore, it’s recommended to purchase your booster boxes from a reputable retailer.

The Battle for Omni booster box contains some incredible cards that could greatly enhance your meta decks. Here are some of the best picks from the set:

  • HexeBlaumon: A versatile card that can be the centerpiece of your source control decks.
  • MetalGarurumon: An outstanding addition to your turbo Omnimon Zwart decks.
  • Shoutmon DX: A fantastic addition to any red deck, including the Gallantmon starter deck.
  • LordKnightmon: An excellent card for those who enjoy yellow decks and board-spam tactics.
  • ZeigGreymon: One of the reasons why red decks are still relevant in the meta.
  • Weedmon & Paimon: Support cards that work well with a new and fun green deck – Green Digi Burst.
  • BlackWarGrowlmon: A must-have card for any Purple Cresgarurumon decks.

In summary, Battle for Omni booster boxes are a great investment for any serious Digimon TCG player. Just make sure to purchase them from a trustworthy retailer to avoid getting a resealed box.

If you’re new to the game and don’t understand some of these terms, don’t worry. 

Keep an eye out for these cards in your booster boxes. The set features many new versions of Omnimon, which is not only the most popular LV 7 Digimon but also an iconic character. Pulling one of these cards can be incredibly valuable.

In addition, the set supports budget and less meta decks such as Blue Garurumon & AncientGarurumon decks, which became meta in BT-06. Since the set provides the building blocks for many archetypes, the cards within are expected to remain relevant for years to come.

Not only are the cards in the set fun, but they also feature stunning alternate art treatments. Some of these include ChaosGallantmon (BT5-081), Shoutmon DX (BT5-019), Omnimon Zwart (BT5-087), and Omnimon X-Anti-body (BT5-111).

Should You Invest in the Digimon Card Game?

Aside from the financial investment, joining a TCG requires a significant time commitment. To succeed in today’s market, a new TCG like the Digimon TCG must not only provide good financial value but also deliver a balanced gameplay experience.

This article will examine the key factors that determine whether a card game is worth playing for most players.

digimon trading card game 2020

Is There Diversity in the Meta of the Digimon Card Game?

While primarily important for competitive players, a diverse meta signifies that game developers have enough creativity to create a healthy competitive experience as well as an enjoyable casual one.

How does the Digimon TCG’s meta compare to its competitors in terms of variety? Typically, a TCG has 5-6 top-tier decks in a diverse meta, with off-meta decks often achieving good results.

Currently, some of the top-performing Digimon decks in high-level tournaments include Yellow Hybrid, Blue Hybrid, X-Antibody, BlackWarGreymon, Green OTK, and D-Reaper.

These 6 meta decks have all secured the top spot in a significant tournament within the last few months. This alone is a testament to a well-balanced meta, without even considering the top 8 of major tournaments.

Moreover, Digimon meta decks encompass almost every traditional TCG archetype. Yellow Hybrid is an archetypal midrange deck, Blue Hybrid is the game’s leading control deck, and D-Reaper with Omnimon Zwart Turbo represents combo.

Aside from these decks, off-the-cuff ideas can also secure a top spot or two, indicating that the meta is far from being solved. Bandai has done an excellent job maintaining a diverse meta with minimal bannings so far.

Is There Excessive Power Creep in the Digimon Card Game?

Power creep is a phenomenon that inevitably affects every TCG. It refers to the creation of new cards that are consistently better than previous versions. 

Magic: The Gathering is a game that has largely avoided power creep, as its most powerful cards come from the game’s early days.

One way to prevent power creep is by making cards situational, ensuring that there are situations in which older versions are better than newer ones. 

The Digimon TCG has done an excellent job with this, although there have been a few slip-ups. As a result, the Digimon TCG’s meta has remained stable and healthy.

The most significant area of the game where power creep has occurred is in the power level of LV 6 and LV 7 Digimon. 

However, the LV 6 and LV 7 Digimon from the early days were unremarkable and didn’t live up to the fantasy of bringing out Digimon like Omnimon. Although this could be considered power creep, it was a beneficial change according to the player base.

digimon trading card game 2022

Card Collection And Value

Collecting cards in the Digimon TCG has become more accessible in recent times. Initially, many were discouraged by the high card prices, but the game is now much cheaper to play on a semi-competitive level. 

Players can build a deck for around $50-70, and even competitive decks can be put together for just $100-150, depending on the deck of choice.

For those interested in collecting cards, the Digimon TCG offers highly sought-after alternate arts that have retained, and in some cases, increased in value over time. The one-year anniversary of the game saw the release of the most coveted collectible yet:

The “Ghost” rare Omnimon, which currently sells for around $2000 in mint condition and is expected to increase in value.

In addition to the “Ghost” rare, the Digimon TCG boasts a variety of other cool alternate arts that rival those of the Pokemon TCG. Fans of unique art treatments will appreciate the options available in the Digimon TCG.

Do I Need a Lot Of Money To Play Digimon Card Game?

Are you wondering if you can be competitive without spending a lot of money on a new Trading Card Game (TCG)? Look no further than the Digimon TCG, where you can play competitively on a budget of around $100. Check out this LordKnightmon deck list as an example.

If you’re not interested in building a deck from scratch, upgrading a starter deck is also a great way to enter the game without breaking the bank. For instance, you could upgrade your Gallantmon or UlForceVeedramon starter deck with these recommended changes.

However, don’t limit yourself to these lists. Deckbuilding is a fun and rewarding experience, especially for budget players. So, pick up a few packs and try your hand at creating something unique!

Overall, the Digimon TCG is an excellent choice for budget-conscious players. It is one of the best card games to play if you’re looking to be competitive without spending too much money, except for specific formats like Pauper in MTG.

Sports Cards Online

8 Best Place To Sell Sports Cards Online

Looking to sell your sports cards online but unsure where to start?

While it’s true that you can sell your football cards, baseball cards, and basketball cards almost anywhere, finding the right platform can make all the difference in maximizing their value.

To help you connect with fellow sports enthusiasts and get the most out of your collection, we’ve compiled a list of 8 best online platforms for buying, selling, and trading sports cards.

Read on for a summary of each platform’s pros and cons to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Where To Sell Your Sports Cards Online?

1. Sell sports cards on EBay

EBay sports cards

As a well-known online platform for sports card traders, eBay offers both auction-style and fixed-price listings, giving you the flexibility to set your own pricing strategy. It’s a popular choice for those looking to sell their sports cards, with thousands of potential buyers browsing the site regularly.

Benefits:

  • Have control over pricing
  • Can sell any grade of sports card
  • Access to a large buyer pool

Drawbacks:

  • Risk of encountering scammers
  • High seller fees
  • Highly competitive market

2. Sports cards online on Facebook

Facebook sports cards

Selling your sports cards through Facebook marketplaces and groups can be a great way to connect with local buyers. Listing your products on Facebook marketplace is straightforward, and groups like Buy Sell or Trade Sports Cards and Buy/ Sell/ Trade All Sports Cards make it easy to get your cards in front of interested parties.

Benefits:

  • Access to multiple groups of enthusiasts
  • Direct communication with potential buyers
  • Potential for more high-end card buyers

Drawbacks:

  • Need to be cautious of scammers and fraudulent buyers

3. Dave & Adam's Card World

Dave-Adams sports cards

Dave & Adam’s is a well-established player in the sports card industry, with over 30 years of experience buying and selling cards.

They accept a wide range of cards, including baseball, football, wrestling, hockey, and more. For those with sealed boxes and cases, they have a buy list to make it easy to see which sports cards they’re looking to purchase.

However, it’s important to note that if you’re looking to sell modern single sports cards, they must either be graded or have a minimum value of $50.

Benefits:

  • Quick payment process
  • Convenient way to sell sports cards

Drawbacks:

  • Lower prices offered for cards
  • Not ideal for lower-value sports cards

 

4. Beckett

beckett sports cards

Beckett Sports Cards is a well-known platform for buying, selling, and trading sports cards. While you can trade cards with registered members, you’ll need to become a registered dealer to sell cards.

Benefits:

  • Ideal for selling graded sports cards
  • Opportunity to trade with other members

Drawbacks:

  • Not suitable for mid or low-value cards
  • Requires membership to sell cards

5. Otia Sports

Otia sports cards

Otia Sports has over 20 years of experience in the sports card market and specializes in buying vintage cards. To sell your collection with Otia, you must have vintage sports cards from before 1975. The benefit of working with Otia is that they will purchase your entire collection, even if it includes lower-value cards.

Benefits:

  • Great option for selling pre-1975 vintage sports cards
  • Will buy entire sports card collection, regardless of lower-value cards

Drawbacks:

  • Pricing estimate is only provided after providing detailed information, making it difficult to gauge potential earnings

6. Blowout Forums

blowout sports cards

Blowout Sports Cards Forums provides a distinct virtual space dedicated to sports enthusiasts, particularly those keen on sports cards.

This platform does not function as a traditional marketplace but instead offers a forum where trustworthy sellers and traders can engage with potential buyers.

It is a premier destination for vending baseball, football, and other trading cards, with a specific emphasis on complete sets and unopened super-rare cards.

Benefits:

  • Perfect platform for vending high-end cards
  • Vibrant discussion forums centered around baseballcards, football cards, and basketball cards

Drawbacks:

  • Listings must be distinct to gain visibility and attract interest

7. StockX

StockX sports cards

Despite common assumptions, StockX isn’t only for sneakerheads. The platform also sells modern and vintage cards for baseball, football, hockey, soccer, and basketball players.

By selling on StockX sports cards, you can attract serious buyers who want to guarantee the authenticity of their sports cards, thanks to the platform’s rigorous verification process.

Benefits:

  • Can verifytrading cards, ensuring their legitimacy
  • Canhandle the listing process (photos, card details)
  • Fair market for sellers as their information is hidden

Drawbacks:

  • High processing fees

8. Check Out My Collectables (COMC)

COMC sports cards

If you’re looking to sell sports cards but don’t want to deal with the hassle of photographing, listing, and shipping them out to buyers, then COMC is a great marketplace to consider.

They offer a convenient service where you send your cards to them to handle all the evaluation, advertising, and shipping. Additionally, they will even list cards worth over $50 on their eBay store for you.

 

COMC charges fees for the services they provide, including a transaction fee of 5% of the sale price, cash-out fees of 10%, and storage fees of 1¢ per item for items with an asking price over $0.75 per month. However, cards with an asking price of 75¢ or less are stored for free. If you need to increase your free storage, you will have the option to upgrade your account.

 

COMC is a great option for sellers with large collections of sports cards, especially ungraded ones. When you make a sale, you’ll be able to cash out your COMC credits to PayPal, or use your credits to buy other cards and collectibles available on the platform.

 

One of the downsides of using COMC is that you’ll have to wait for them to list your cards, but this can be offset by the convenience they offer. Overall, if you’re looking to sell your sports cards without the hassle of listing and shipping, COMC is definitely a platform worth trying out.

Benefits:

  • Suitable for ungraded sports cards
  • Ideal for sellers with extensive card collections
  • Takes care of shipping and listing tasks

Drawbacks:

  • Charges fees for cashing out sales
  • Must wait for COMC to list your cards
Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game

How To Play Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game: A Beginner’s Guide

Yu-Gi-Oh!, a trading card game that originated in 2002, has remarkably retained its popularity even after all these years. Consequently, there’s no better moment than now to familiarize yourself with the game’s rules and start playing.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player returning to the game, this guide will assist you in comprehending the basics of the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. You’ll quickly acquire the knowledge you need to play like a pro.

How To Play The Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game?

In the Yu Gi Oh Trading Card Game, gameplay proceeds according to a structured sequence of actions performed by players during their turns. 

At the start of a duel, players shuffle their respective decks and draw five cards to form their opening hand. The following is an overview of the steps involved in a player’s turn.

Step 1. Draw cards in Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game

At the start of each turn, the initial action is to draw a card, except for the very first turn of the player who goes first, as no card is drawn then. Next is the Standby Phase, during which certain card effects are triggered as specified in their text.

Step 2. Take non-combat actions

During this stage, you have the opportunity to take a variety of non-combat actions. These actions may involve the conventional summoning or setting of a single monster in either face-up attack position or face-down defense position.

Additionally, you may perform any special summons that you are permitted to do, activate or set spells and traps, or modify the battle positions of your monsters. 

This may even include the act of flip-summoning any facedown defending monsters, causing them to appear in the face-up attack position.

Step 3. Start to attack

Welcome to the exciting part of the game – the Attack Phase. Here, every monster in your attack position has the chance to launch one attack.

During an attack, you’ll need to compare your monster’s Atk value to your opponent’s Atk or Def value, depending on which one is relevant. The battle can unfold in different ways, depending on the outcome of this comparison.

Step 4. Go to the end

After attacking, it’s time to prepare for your opponent’s turn, just like the step 3. This is also the phase when some card effects might activate, as indicated in the card’s text.

In case you have more than six cards in your hand, you’ll need to discard the excess cards until you have six cards left.

How Do You Attack In Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG?

yu gi oh game

1.When engaging in battle with a monster in attack position

If you attack a monster that is weaker than your own, you will destroy the opposing monster and inflict damage directly to your opponent equal to the difference between the two monsters’ attack strengths.

If you attack a monster with equal strength to your own, both monsters will be destroyed in the ensuing clash.

If you attack a monster that is stronger than your own, your monster will be destroyed and you will take damage equal to the difference between the two monsters’ attack strengths.

Thus, It’s important to carefully consider the strength of your own monster and that of your opponent before engaging in an attack, as the outcome can have significant consequences for the rest of the game.

2.When engaging in battle with a monster in defense position

If the defending monster is weaker than your attacking monster, it will be destroyed, giving you the advantage. However, if the monster is of equal strength, your attack will have no effect, and the defending monster will remain in play.

On the other hand, if the defending monster is stronger than your attacking monster, you will take damage equal to the difference between the two monsters’ strengths. 

This can put you at a disadvantage, so it’s important to consider the relative strengths of the monsters before attacking.

If your opponent does not have any monsters in play, your attacking monster will deal its full attack strength in damage to your opponent, which can be a powerful move to make.

How Many Cards Are In A Yu-Gi-Oh! Deck?

To play a card game, you will need a Main Deck consisting of 40 to 60 cards and an Extra Deck with up to 15 special monsters. You can identify a monster that belongs in the Extra Deck by checking whether it has the words “Fusion”, “Synchro”, “Xyz” or “Link” in bold on its card text.

During tournament play, which is typically decided by a best-two-out-of-three system, you may also use a Side Deck of up to 15 cards. This allows you to swap cards between duels, which can help you adapt to your opponent’s specific deck. 

However, you are limited to having no more than three copies of any card between your three decks.

If the thought of building a deck from scratch seems intimidating, you can purchase a pre-built Structure Deck for less than £10/$10. Once you become familiar with how the deck plays, you can experiment by obtaining two more of the same deck. 

This will allow you to swap out underperforming cards with additional copies of cards that you wish you saw more often in your hand.

Main Card Types Of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG

In this discussion of Yu-Gi-Oh! card types, let’s start with the central characters of the game: monsters. Understanding the various elements of a Yu-Gi-Oh! monster card can be complex, so allow us to guide you through it step by step.

1. Monster cards

yu gi oh characters

Let’s take a closer look at the primary card type in Yu-Gi-Oh!, the Monster card, and break down its key components:

  • Name: While the name of a monster may seem simple, it is essential to pay attention to its specific name when dealing with cards that have name-specific interactions.
  • Level: A monster’s Level indicates the difficulty in summoning it to the field. Monsters with a Level between 1 and 4 can be summoned without Tribute, while those with a Level of 5 or 6 require one Tribute and those with a Level of 7 or higher require two Tributes. It’s worth noting that certain cards may have specific summoning requirements that differ from the standard tribute system.
  • Attribute: There are seven Attributes that a monster can belong to, but their relevance is typically only important when specified in a card’s text.
  • Type: A monster can belong to one of twenty-five Types in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, but their relevance is typically only significant when specified in a card’s text.
  • Text: The text on a Normal Monster card is typically just flavor text, while on Effect Monsters it outlines the monster’s effects or summoning conditions.
  • Atk: A monster’s Attack value is relevant when it is in an attack position (vertical), even if it is not the monster doing the attacking.
  • Def: A monster’s Defense value is relevant when it is in a defense position (horizontal). Monsters in defense position cannot deal battle damage to your opponent.

2. Spell cards

yu gi oh deck

In Yu-Gi-Oh!, it’s not just about summoning monsters, but also supporting them with Spell and Trap cards. While these cards have a simpler design, they do come in different subsets.

You can choose to cast spells in two ways: face-up for immediate activation, or Set face-down for activation in a later turn. Let’s take a closer look at Spell cards:

  • Normal Spells: These spells have no icon and are played face-up. They activate immediately and can affect monsters, the game state, or both.
  • Equip Spells: These spells have a plus icon and target a specific monster when played. They typically enhance the monster’s abilities or change its properties.
  • Continuous Spells: These spells have an infinity icon and remain on the field indefinitely. They can provide a lasting effect to your side of the field, your monsters, or the game state.
  • Quick-Play Spells: These spells have a lightning icon and can be played face-down as a Set card. They can be activated during either player’s turn for an immediate effect, providing more versatility in their usage.
  • Field Spells: These spells have a compass rose icon and remain in the Field Spell Zone indefinitely. They provide a lasting effect that affects both players, and can also alter the properties of the playing field or provide a benefit to specific types of monsters.

3. Trap cards

Yu-Gi-Oh cards

The final core card type in Yu-Gi-Oh! is the Trap card. These cards are played face-down on your turn and are activated when their conditions are met on a later turn.

  • Normal Traps: These traps have no icon and can affect the game state or monsters. They typically activate in response to specific actions by the opponent or as a reactive measure to protect your side of the field.
  • Continuous Traps: These traps have an infinity icon and remain on the field indefinitely. They provide a lasting effect to your side of the field or monsters and can affect both players.
  • Counter Traps: These traps have an arrow icon and are unique in that only another Counter Trap can be activated in response to them. They are fast and provide a quick response to your opponent’s actions, usually negating their effects or cancelling their actions.

Field Layout In Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG

yu gi oh play mat

At last, let’s take a look at the battlefield in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, where card placement plays a significant role in strategy. A labeled play mat may come in handy until you get the hang of it.

  • The Deck Zone is where your Main Deck is placed, while your Side Deck remains off the board until the end of the duel. If your Main Deck is depleted, you’ll lose the duel.
  • The Graveyard (GY) is where cards are usually sent after leaving the field, but some cards can be activated from here.
  • The Extra Deck Zone houses your Extra Deck, which remains hidden from your opponent.
  • The Field Zone is where Field Spells are played. Unlike other cards on the field, only one Field Spell can be active at a time, and if you play a new one, the previous one is removed.
  • Main Monster Zones are used for summoning and setting most monsters. Monsters can be placed in the face-up attack position or face-down defense position.
  • The Extra Monster Zones are exclusive to monsters summoned from the Extra Deck. You can use these zones if you fulfill their specific summoning requirements.
  • Spell & Trap Zones are where you activate or set your spells and traps. The two zones on either end have a special interaction with Pendulum Monsters, which can act as Monsters or Spells.

There is no designated space for banished cards, but it is essentially a form of double removal. However, some cards can bring banished cards back into play.

How To Play Magic The Gathering

3 Steps To Find Out How To Play Magic The Gathering MTG

You’ve heard of the great game Magic The Gathering, which is filled with inspiring moments, endless excitement, and escalating challenges. So how to play magic the gathering MTG?

For those just starting out, you may find the rules and variants of MTG as numerous and complex as an astronomy textbook, and want to back off.

To ease your worries, this article will teach you the basics of everything you need to play Magic The Gathering for the first time, from the very beginning to the very end.

How To Play Magic The Gathering?

Step 1: Have Your First Magic The Gathering Starter Kit

magic the gathering cards

When you search for MTG decks, you’ll see hundreds of results – thanks to the manufacturer Wizards of the Coast, which has been releasing new products for years. But of all the choices so far, Magic The Gathering Starter Kit is the easiest series to recognize.

Buying an MTG game card for the first time is not difficult. First of all, there is the price: for only $15 you can fully start playing. This lower threshold allows you to try it without burden and decide whether to continue or not.

Secondly, there are already two balanced decks selected in this kit, which allows you and your friends to start playing straight away, without having to go into a challenging session about deck building. 

While organizing new decks is the most exciting part of MTG, if you’re a complete newbie, trying to build an MTG deck can be like trying to climb a huge mountain.

Finally, there are two popular MTG plays you can run with the decks in the starter kit. One deck is more cleverly played and can stall your opponent with spell attacks until you gain victory, while the other is more aggressive and will push you to keep throwing big monsters at your enemies.

So, having the Magic The Gathering Starter Kit will give you a great experience of the breadth that MTG can offer. It can be a starting point to help you find ways to play that really interest you.

Step 2: Began To Play Magic The Gathering

magic the gathering near me

Okay, now that you have two suitable decks of game cards, the next thing to do is to start playing the game. Generally, Magic The Gathering Starter Kit comes with an instruction booklet that tells you in detail how to play, but you can also easily find the basic rules online.

As you begin to learn how to play, always remember: MTG is far easier than it looks. While it has a lot of rules and jargon, only a small part of it relates to a specific game. So, with a few general rules, you’ll be able to get through your first game with ease.

In a nutshell, MTG is for both players to take turns sending out armies of creatures to attack each other and use mystical magic to make their armies stronger and stronger, until the total life value of the other player drops to 0.

When one player attacks with his creatures, the other player has the opportunity to block. In addition to creatures, there are a variety of cards that allow you to play tricks and traps.

For example, you can attack your opponent with the Lightning skill, or turn a puppy into a giant beast at the start of a battle. Then, the opponent can also counterattack with a shield skill, or a more powerful monster.

With that said, you will find that one of the biggest reasons why Magic: The Gathering is so much fun is unpredictability. You never know what your opponent will play, so you can only rely on using your cards effectively to interact with your opponent’s cards and overcome their strategies.

If you are unsure about something during the game, don’t worry because it’s normal. In fact, few players can fully master every rule in MTG, and those who succeed rely more on their own experience.

If you’re all ready to play on your own, but can’t find a friend to play with? Don’t worry, you can start by finding someone who is willing to participate in more casual games. 

You can also start by learning about MTG with someone you know, or find a local magic store or gaming group near you.

Step 3: Explore, practice and enjoy

magic the gathering cards value

Once you have mastered the introductory gameplay of MTG, the multiverse is your oyster. Next you can take many different paths depending on your interests.

For example, you may want to learn how to build an MTG Commander deck. It is a popular format, usually played in groups of four, and is one of the easiest ways to find playmates in MTG. However, it requires you to invest more money and effort.

You can keep trying different formats and practice a lot so that before long, you’ll have a towering stack of MTG decks and be comfortable in all game situations.

In the end, play Magic The Gathering with an enjoyable mindset. Everything about the game is for your pleasure and you don’t have to be as tense as a professional tournament player at all times. Just focus on the excitement and joy of the moment.

Sports Card Collectors

5 Tips For Being Sports Card Collectors

It’s no secret that being sports card collectors is a popular hobby. In retrospect, it was a method to demonstrate your loyalty to a certain player or team in the sport that you followed. To get a few miniature cards, you need to open a card pack, conceal them, and swap them with your buddies.

After reaching a point of stagnation, the hobby had a significant renaissance during the COVID-19 epidemic. With Kobe Bryant’s passing and the release of the Michael Jordan documentary, many fans were likely to stay indoors and reflect on their favorite players’ lives rather than watch a sporting event.

Here are five recommendations to keep in mind if you start a new hobby, such as sports card collecting.

5 Tips For Being Sports Card Collectors

1. Do Your Homework

There is a lot of background knowledge required for sports card collecting. Make sure you complete your homework.

For instance, there is no assurance that the title of the item listed on eBay is true. You can’t accept a card’s stated worth at current prices if it’s labeled as a “rookie.” 

You should ensure you are aware of when a player’s rookie card will be released since information of this kind can be found nowadays with a Google search in just 10 seconds.

sports card collection

On the other hand, if you are familiar with a player’s rookie card and know how to look for it, you do not need to include the term “rookie” in your search. This may help you locate an identical card for a much lower cost.

Doing your research on pricing is another good suggestion. If you are conscious of the most recent prices that have been on sale, you will be able to find the greatest discounts and ensure that you are not spending more than necessary. 

2. Check the Condition

It is of the utmost importance to examine the state of the collection cards you own, particularly if your goal is to profit from selling them.

It might be challenging to accurately assess the condition at first look, particularly if you are purchasing online or if the seller keeps them behind glass or is unwilling to send them for examination.

However, to the best of your abilities, I strongly advise that you spend at least a little time attempting to acquire a feel for the state of your cards so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Inspect the item for any indications of wear and tear. It is inevitable that older collections, such as originals from the 1930s, would show at least some symptoms of wear after a long time. Considering how old they are, it is to be anticipated.

sports card collecting

On the other hand, you can conduct some research to find out what circumstances are considered acceptable by other purchasers and then base your decision on that information. Since the value of an object decreases in direct proportion to the degree to which it has been damaged, you should not pay more than the usual price for it.

However, this does not imply that you should avoid purchasing a damaged card. Certainly, if you are purchasing items for the simple pleasure and fond memories associated with collecting, then you may not find this to be a problem for you. Evaluate the issue in light of the ideas you have laid out for the collection. 

3. Find and Buy from a Reputable Seller

Most of the buying and selling of sports cards now occurs on the internet. There can be situations when you won’t be able to identify the vendor. These days, everything is a part of the game, even this. On the other hand, you can do a few things to maximize your level of protection.

People might grumble about the costs associated with using eBay, yet the company provides excellent customer care for purchasers. Avoid making purchases using the “Friends and Family” feature of PayPal with persons you do not know. 

Many vendors recommend paying through PayPal’s Friends & Family option to minimize transaction costs. However, I wouldn’t recommend this since it effectively waives your consumer protections and leaves you with little recourse in case of a dispute.

Take precautions while dealing with open markets such as Facebook. The Facebook marketplace is a great location to buy cards. However, it may be risky sometimes, and almost no buyer assistance is available via the network. Despite this, I have made several purchases there in the past.

collectible sports cards

Purchase from hobby shop stores. Nowadays, almost all card shops have an internet presence, complete with websites. These are frequently feasible methods.

You can purchase and sell trading cards using online marketplaces such as StarStock and ComC without worrying about the items’ physical delivery. It’s almost like a one-stop shop for both purchasing and storing solutions. 

4. Consider How To Store Them

Consider the many options available for displaying your card collection, such as card boxes, plastic sleeves, top loaders, and one-touch cases.

Consider using a safety deposit container to store the collection if you don’t want to show it off and would rather keep it protected until it is right to sell. When storing the collection, you should ensure that the box offers enough protection from moisture, vermin, and dust.

To ensure that your valuable playing cards remain in pristine condition at all times, you may put a humidity gauge in your safe. 

5. Keep Collecting Fun

Because individual cards and sets can bring in significant sums of money, there is a large incentive to start a collection of sports trading cards.

On the other hand, if purchasing and collecting trading cards isn’t something you love doing in the first place, it’s quite doubtful that you’ll be able to maintain a regular approach to the hobby.

Be sure that collecting cards are something you love doing! The excitement of the hunt while searching for rare card sets from decades past on the internet can be a lot of fun.

Additionally, the hobby community is full of so many wonderful individuals. Social media, blogs, podcasts, and just about everything else out there now provide excellent opportunities to network with other collectors. Through participating in this activity, people from all around the globe have become some of my closest friends.

sport card collection

Even though I have sold cards for a significant profit over what I spent for them, it still makes me feel a little concerned when I talk to other individuals who are “spending” a lot of money on sports cards without even being sure that they like collecting them as a pastime in the first place.

This is not the financial industry, and the cards do not constitute assets that generate money. They have some value due to the opinions of those who participate in the hobby and believe they have some value.

There is no reliable method to determine whether your cards’ cost will go up in the years to come. Therefore, you can be paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars right now just to find out that they have significantly decreased in price or at the very most, remained the same.

The way I look at it, I shouldn’t spend any money I wouldn’t want to throw away, and I shouldn’t purchase something I wouldn’t want to have forever.

However, this is really one person’s view, and if you are interested in trading cards simply as a chance for financial gain, that is completely OK. On the other hand, there is no reason why a pastime can’t be made a little bit more enjoyable as it progresses. 

Summary

These days, looking through one’s card collection is more than just a trip back in time. There’s much more to it than just getting a rush from remembering the good old days when you could spend hours poring over trading cards of your childhood heroes.

Have fun with your purchases! 

History Of Tarot

The Complete Origin And History Of Tarot Cards

A Brief History Of Tarot Cards

Astrology, Tarot, and Cabala are the most important techniques in Western mysticism. Nowadays, those who want to study Western mysticism in depth, it is best to study these three techniques together and let them complement each other, so that can deeply enter the palace of Western mysticism.

tarot cards history

Among these three techniques, tarot cards have both artistic beauty and mystery. They can be used for divination and can be viewed and collected as works of art, so they are widely welcomed by all social classes. And their colorful and dazzling patterns are also attached to various magics, myths and legends.

How Many Tarot Cards Are There? What Tarot Cards Mean?

There are 78 traditional tarot cards, which are divided into two parts. The first part consists of 22 main cards called Major Arcana, which mean “big secret”. Each card has a unique name and full meaning (such as: the Fool, the Magician, the High Priestess). Their patterns are complex and profound, and can be matched with the astrological signs.

The second part is a deck of 56 cards called Minor Arcana, which means “little secret”. The cards are divided into four groups: Wand, Chalice, Sword, and Pentacle. 

Each group of cards is divided into 10 number cards (1 to 10) and 4 court cards (King, Queen, Knight, and Page), which are used to assist the in-depth details of the Major Arcana tarot cards and can be coordinated with the calendar. 

Minor Arcana is the predecessor of today’s playing cards. And all those 78 tarot cards have their numbers, which can be combined with Cabala.

brief history of tarot cards

What Is The Story Behind Tarot Cards?

Since the sound of the word “Tarot” has appeared in many cultures, and the patterns of tarot cards are mixed with different myths and legends, what religion do tarot cards come from is still controversial, but there is no actual evidence. 

Egypt, China, Hebrew, India, France, and Italy all have their local tarot cards history, among which the Egyptian tarot history is the most familiar, but there are also many strong supporters of origins in other regions such as Chinese tarot history and Hebrew tarot history.

1) Egyptian origin theory

Egyptian origin tarot supporters believe that the word “Tarot” is derived from the Egyptian words Tar (Tao or Dharma) and RO (King or Emperor), which means “royal” and also refers to the correct decision-making power required to be a king. 

They believe that the tarot deck and tarot reading is the ancient Egyptian wisdom and magic classic “The Book of Thoth”.

The Book of Thoth was originally patterns painted on the temple to convey the will of the gods and resolve the doubts of the pharaoh. Later, the Egyptian dynasty was destroyed, and the priests painted the pattern on the straw scrolls and escaped with them, and later spread to Europe by the Gypsies. 

This statement is represented by a series of books on tarot card theory published by French occultist Gebelin in 1781.

history of tarot card reading

2) Chinese origin theory

In the Tang Dynasty of China, there was a monk who was proficient in astronomical calculations, named Yi Hang. He invented a card game called “leaf play” in about AD 772. Each card is about the size of a leaf, and was deeply loved by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. 

Later, “leaf play” became widely popular among nobles, gentry and folks, and the card faces are painted with the patterns of various characters, and the production became more and more exquisite. In the Ming Dynasty, there was a total of 40 cards that could be divided into four suits.

Supporters of Chinese origin tarot believe that the earliest Western playing cards appeared in the 13th century, five or six hundred years later than the Chinese “leaf play”. During the period, there were two major cultural exchanges between China and the West, and “leaf play” may have flowed into Europe. 

Although the specific form of Yi Hang’s invention is currently unknown, since he is proficient in astronomical calculations, this deck of cards is likely to be related to almanac calculations and has something in common with Minor Arcana.

the history of tarot cards

3) Hebrew origin theory

In Jewish, “TARAH” means “law”. The nineteenth-century occultist Levi associated the Tarot cards with the ancient Jewish esoteric religion of Cabala. 

He found out the correspondence between the 22 letters of Hebrew and the tarot cards, as well as the correspondence between the 22 paths in the “Life of Tree” in the Cabala teachings and the tarot cards, which gave the Hebrew origin theory great support. 

Some people even think that the Tarot card is the seance of the ancient Jewish secret religion!

What is the story behind tarot cards

The Earliest Tarot Cards And Theoretical Systems

The oldest tarot deck in existence today is the 17 Major Arcana currently stored in the National Library in Paris, France. Some say it was made by the painter Gringonneur for Charles VI of France in 1392, and some say it was the playing cards of Venice in the 15th century. 

In addition, a French law in 1397 prohibited workers from playing cards outside of holidays, which is believed to be related to the tarot. In short, the earliest documents about tarot cards that can be tested are about the 14th century.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, the tarot card was regarded as a heresy by the church and was suppressed, and many churches forbade the faithful to touch the tarot card or do tarot card reading. 

In addition, they continued to vilify and burn tarot cards, so that many people still hold a positive attitude to the question “are tarot cards evil?”, which is ironic.

Under this religious persecution, the tarot cards were turned underground and kept by some secret sects, which were considered heretical, to teach people as a path to spirituality and wisdom. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, through the research and promotion of Geblin, Levi and others, tarot cards appeared in front of the world with a new look.

At the end of the 19th century, Levi’s follower Papus (he is Gerard Encause) greatly improved the theory and system of tarot cards. He applied the teachings of Cabala esoteric to the interpretation of tarot cards, and find out the association of tarot cards with their corresponding magical rituals. 

Papus’ famous book “The Tarot of the Bohemians” is the first complete monograph on tarot cards, in which Numberlogy is added to enrich the connotation of tarot decks. Therefore, Papus is regarded as the founder of modern European tarot theory and system.

Where did tarot card reading come from

When Did Tarot Cards Become Popular?

In the history of modern tarot cards, there is one of the most important events: in 1888, Ross Cross, a wizard who inherited the medieval occult school, established the mysterious association in London called “The Hermetics Order of the Golden Dawn” .

They combined tarot cards, astrology, Cabala and alchemy again, making the theoretical system of tarot cards more complete.

A.E. Waite joined “The Hermetics Order of the Golden Dawn” in 1891 and published the Rider-Waite Tarot with Ms. Smith in 1910. Soon, it became the world’s most widely circulated card, and the “International Standard Edition” recognized by most tarot researchers & readers. 

Nowadays, this deck of cards is packaged in a yellow card box, and its traces can be seen wherever tarot cards are sold. Besides, Waite wrote a book “A Pictorial Key to Tarot” to explain this deck of cards, which is used as a “textbook” for tarot cards learners.

egyptian tarot history

Today, the development of tarot cards is more diverse. Many tarot cards are combined with local culture and art to print own tarot cards, such as: Russian tarot cards, British tarot cards, Swedish tarot cards, and Chinese I Ching tarot cards. 

Also, there are some independent modern tarot masters will make custom tarot cards. It can be said that in addition to divination, tarot cards also express different cultures and customs around the world.

It is worth noting that due to the promotion of New Age, apart from the practical aspects of life, tarot cards emphasize the motivation and inner reaction of the diviner – as a “mirror of the mind” and a tool to “speak directly to the heart”. 

The famous spiritual master Ouspensky (the disciple of the occult master Gurdjieff), Osho, etc. have all published books on tarot cards & tarot deck reading & spiritual practice, popularizing the spiritual level of tarot cards.

Types Of Poker

Types Of Poker: Different Playing Card Deck 2

You were given an overview of some distinct types of poker in the prior article. That doesn’t cover all the various kinds of playing card decks, so here are more that you should be familiar with to complete your knowledge.

Types of poker - Transformation card decks

Transformation card decks

Transformation playing cards began to emerge at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The renowned J.G. Cotta transformation decks were the first sets of transformation playing cards to be issued. This sparked a brief but intense interest in transformation decks.

Many beautiful decks were made in this vein between the end of the 19th and 20th centuries. The popularity of these playing cards has recently seen a revival in the age of online crowdsourcing and crowdfunding.

Some old transformation decks have been republished in high-quality replica versions. At the same time, brand-new transformation decks designed by the game’s original creators have been released into the market and met with a positive reaction.

The most important feature of transformation deck is the ability to imaginatively and artistically integrate individual dots into the background design of the cards.

For instance, pips on the Six of Clubs may be reinvented as tree leaves, while the pips on the Two of Hearts could become two swans; these images could be subsets of bigger compositions that take up most of the card faces.

A traditional transformation deck of playing cards keeps the pip symbols in their original positions and shapes. However, a semi-transformation deck provides the artist with more creative freedom since the pip symbols can be moved and reshaped in any way the artist sees fit.

It is not difficult to understand that the artist is forced to work within certain constraints while creating this kind of artwork; these constraints are inherent in the medium itself.

On the other hand, this opens the door to an incredible amount of creative potential because it poses the challenge of producing something that is both original and appealing while still adhering to the parameters of the genre.

It is precisely this creative potential that contributes to the genre’s widespread appeal and success.

Souvenir card decks

Souvenir card decks

This is a deck of playing cards designed specifically to be sold as a memory or souvenir to tourists or other visitors is known as a souvenir deck. They often include images taken in various locations, portraying well-known landmarks, architecture, fauna, flora, or other aspects unique to the region.

In many cases, the backs of the cards will have either a picture or some writing that conveys some aspect of the general location. After that, each card will have a unique picture or image that takes up most of the space on the card in the region.

And, it is often reserved for the primary images of the court cards and pips. These primary images would ordinarily be seen on the card.

The presence of indices on the opposing corners of the card’s case that specify the suit and value of each card ensures that the deck may still be used for its intended purpose, namely, that of a game.

Because such a deck of playing cards effectively functions as a tiny picture book by recording essential photographs of a location, it is a perfect product for visitors to buy at a souvenir store because it captures key images of the location.

Souvenir decks are not required to be based on a specific nation or location; instead, they might be designed for a place of interest, such as a zoo or theme park, or even for a significant event.

They are produced largely for the visual graphics printed on the cards rather than for extensive usage in the games played using playing cards. As a consequence of this, they are often manufactured using thin card paper, which has poor performance when it comes to handling and shuffling.

However, they are fantastic for use as novelty things, and they accomplish the objective for which they were developed, which was to serve as a piece of memorabilia.

In addition, they serve a useful purpose in that they make it possible for you to engage in card games even when you are away from home on vacation, should you so want.

Advertising card decks

Advertising card decks

The potential for using playing cards as a medium for advertising was quickly recognized by the companies that make playing cards.

Playing cards, somewhat unlike souvenir trading cards, are an excellent medium for businesses to use to advertise their enterprise or the items they sell. The history of advertising decks dates back to the nineteenth century, with some stunning surviving examples.

Due to their primary use as promotional tools, advertising playing cards are often made on the cheap rather than high quality in terms of durability or aesthetics.

However, there are a lot of well-known companies that have devoted followers. Because of this, advertising decks that include these firms or goods automatically appeal to collectors who collect memorabilia linked with those companies or items.

For instance, a deck of playing cards that pays tribute to Coca-Cola will not only appeal to those who are passionate about playing cards, but it will also have a crossover appeal to anybody interested in collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. 

The popularity of decks that depict prominent beer and liquor labels may be attributed to the same factors.

As a consequence, you will come across playing cards promoting well-known brands of alcoholic beverages, such as Jack Daniels, as well as well-known brands of motorbikes and automobiles, such as Harley Davidson and Ford.

Tarot card decks

Acelion Rider Waite Tarot 4

The playing cards used in tarot readings should be included in their own category since they are often misunderstood. To start, a Tarot deck is not like a regular deck of playing cards because it contains an additional 26 cards. This is the primary distinction between the two types of decks.

In addition to the standard 22 playing cards, there are additionally 22 more cards that are referred to as the Major Arcana. Each suit contains four court cards rather than three.

The addition of these trump cards was likely what led to the development of the Tarot deck in the first place; after all, the purpose of the Tarot deck was to make playing card games more difficult, and adding these additional cards was the easiest way to do so.

Some believe that Tarot cards originated in the occult and were tied to ancient secret organizations that spread esoteric information. Some people hold this perspective, but it is not universally held.

The origin of the Tarot deck is sometimes the topic of discussion. In some theories, Tarot decks were the foundation of the modern standard playing card deck. 

However, with the release of Michael Dummett’s The Game of Tarot: From Ferrara to Salt Lake City (1980), there has been a growing agreement that Tarot decks were not employed for fortune-telling and the occult until the 18th century.

Before it was ever used for occult objectives, the “Major Arcana” was included in the standard deck of playing cards in the 15th century. At that time, it was used for trick-taking games and was always considered the strongest suit.

Tarot decks were utilized in this manner for centuries until cartomancers became enamored with them around the 18th century. This led to the Tarot decks developing a life of their own for fortune telling, as well as the artists shifting the focus of their work in a new direction.

Regardless of when or why it was decided, the number of cards in a Tarot deck is fixed. This is one of the primary ways it may be differentiated from a standard deck.

It often comes with very beautiful and visually appealing artwork, and the subject matter of the artwork frequently reflects occultic themes associated with fortune-telling.

It’s easy to understand why Tarot cards are so popular among collectors, given their unique design and aesthetic. This is true regardless of your thoughts on the cards’ origins, purpose, or historical importance.

Oracle card decks

Inner Wisdom Oracle Card Deck Custom Oracle Card Printing 1

Unlike regular decks like Tarot, there is no standard format or quantity of cards in an Oracle deck. For instance, the number of cards contained in Oracle cards’ deck might range from 12 to 100.

Other than the fact that the cards have a religious or spiritual meaning, there are no hard and fast rules regarding the composition of a deck of cards. In addition, there are no hard and fast rules about the number of cards or types of symbols that should be included in an oracle deck.

On the other hand, Oracle cards are only used for interpreting people’s destinies, in contrast to the Tarot deck, which may be used for other card games.

Cartomancy refers to divination via playing cards; the Tarot deck is now the most often utilized for this purpose. Even the most common deck of playing cards, which consists of 52 individual cards, may be used for divination and reading fortunes in certain situations.

Decks of regular playing cards have also been produced specifically for cartomancy. Some examples of these decks are the Ye Witches Fortune Cards (1896), the Kadar Fortune Playing Cards, and the Cartomancer Fortune deck.

use language flashcards

7 Suggestions For Using Language Flashcards

Do you wish to study a language using flashcards but require some guidance? If so, this article is for you! Learn the most efficient way to review language flashcards.

Flashcards may be a fantastic tool for learning a language, but you have to use them wisely. I’ll go over some tips for making the most of your flashcards in this post. Let’s make sure you’re making the best use of your time and energy possible.

The following advice is applicable to both paper and digital flashcards.

1. Make sure you study both sides of your language flashcards

It is crucial to complete both sides of your flashcards. What am I referring to here? Each flashcard will have your target language on one side and English (or your native language) on the other.

Make sure that when you review, you:

 a) occasionally look at the English word or phrase first and then offer the equivalent in the target language. 

b) Every once in a while, you should check the target language before providing the English translation. In other words, alternate between going backward and forwards.

Why is this such a big deal? We frequently discuss active vs. passive vocabulary when discussing language learning. Your active vocabulary consists of terms that are easy for you to recall and utilize. 

On the other hand, your passive vocabulary comprises words that you are unable to form on your own but can comprehend in context when they are used by others.

Even in our mother tongues, we all have a greater passive vocabulary. It’s inevitable and normal. However, we normally want our newly learned words to be fully engaged while learning a new language. 

And in order to achieve that, we must be able to a) define a foreign term and b) generate the foreign word when asked to do so in our own language.

Simply turn the stack of paper flashcards over and study the other orientation if you’re using them. In Anki, Quizlet, and other flashcard software, you may specify which side of a digital card you want to view first.

Printing Spanish Flash Cards

2. Recite the vocabulary in your chosen language aloud

Read your answers from your language learning flashcards aloud as you go through them. This makes studying more sensory-engaged. Not only are you hearing and saying the material, but you are also picturing it. Additionally, you will sound better thanks to the increased sensory input for memory.

No matter which method I study my cards, I always speak the words in the target language aloud. You should practice speaking that language, after all.

You should still speak the words aloud when studying a “dead” language, such as Latin. I assure you that it improves reading comprehension and boosts your general confidence in your linguistic abilities.

In addition to the above-mentioned practical advantages, I think that reading the contents of flashcards aloud makes them more entertaining overall. 

When people overhear me talking to myself in malls or on public transport, I most definitely get some strange stares. However, they can handle it.

(If speaking aloud to oneself in front of others makes you feel uncomfortable, merely moving your lips might encourage deeper memorizing.)

sign language flashcards

3. Every time you review, shuffle your flashcards

When studying, it’s best to reorganize your flashcards every so often. Why? Because, you know, your brain shouldn’t automatically link each card’s meaning to the one that came before it.

Believe me, it occurs more frequently than you may imagine. Even irrelevant patterns can be found by our brains in an efficient manner. In any case, this is the reason it’s preferable to only use one word per flashcard.

Therefore, you should switch up the order of your flashcards. If you’re going to utilize paper flashcards, make it a practice to shuffle the deck every time you sit down to review. 

A randomization feature is included in flashcard software like Quizlet and StudyBlue. Keep in mind that this is how the spaced repetition program Anki operates by default.

4. Always carry your flashcards with you

You should always travel with your flashcards, which I highly advise. Using an app on your smartphone makes it especially simple to study language flashcards while you’re on the go. 

However, I also have paper flashcards with me. Simply gather a few dozen before you go and place them in your pocket or bag. These convenient flashcard organizers are perfect for transporting paper flashcards, even the bulkier ones.

When you begin to carry your flashcards around, you become aware of how much leisure you have. It takes only a minute to learn a few words or phrases. You don’t need to evaluate everything at once, and it doesn’t have to be a huge effort.

In fact, using flashcards while traveling might help you split the content up into more digestible chunks. Additionally, you will use flashcards more consistently if you don’t view them as some sort of weird experience.

sign language cards

5. Repeated daily flashcard reviews will help you master the material

For flashcards to be effective, a frequent review is required. Although it should go without saying, I’ll nonetheless emphasize it here because it’s crucial. When a test is approaching, resist the urge to immediately start pulling out your cards. The key is consistency.

If you keep up with your cards, you won’t need to prepare for exams since you’ll know your target language’s vocabulary inside and out. Not to add that learning words gradually increases the rate of long-term memory. Although it could help you pass an exam, rushing won’t help you learn a language.

Please take note that I did not mention completing each card every day. In fact, I strongly advise against doing this since it is not a wise or effective use of your time and effort, and I’m all for wise language learning.

Keep in mind that this article is about the EFFECTIVE language flashcard review. Additionally, as your collection of cards grows, examining them all daily quickly becomes impractical or impossible.

What cards should you practice with each day, then? This brings up the next tip.

6. Use a pattern of spaced repetitions

All that this implies is that you should have a strategy in place that evenly spreads out your flashcard evaluations. According to studies, breaking up knowledge into smaller chunks over time helps you recall it (that is, spaced repetition).

Which begs the question, how do you use this in your language studies? The goal is to prioritize the study of more recent and/or more challenging cards above those that are older and/or less challenging.

If you consider it, this makes sense. Some words will stick in your memory faster than others, so don’t spend as much time on them. Remember that you should avoid over-studying in order to complete your flashcards as successfully and swiftly as possible.

Paper flashcards with spaced repetition

What you should do if you use paper flashcards is as follows. Have four stacks: one for cards that are entirely new or challenging, one for cards that are somewhat familiar or new, one for cards that you feel comfortable with, and one for extremely simple cards. (You are free to add as many more stacks as you like.)

The newest cards should be reviewed daily, the next newest every other day, the most comfortable cards once a week, and the most straightforward cards once every two weeks. (Vary as necessary.)

After reviewing each card individually each day, choose a future viewing time and place the card in the corresponding stack. Put any cards you miss or have difficulties with on a temporary “trouble” pile. 

Once you have finished your other cards for the day, review all of these “problem” cards once again. To review the next day, place all of the “problem” cards in your “new” stack.

Despite appearances, I assure you that this is fairly easy and straightforward once you get the feel of it. It’s important to keep in mind that reviewing EASY cards less frequently than reviewing HARD ones will lead to better overall performance.

How often you should study difficult vs easy flashcards is a matter of debate. If you’re interested in learning more about spaced repetition methods, the Leitner technique is one option.

figurative language flashcards

7. Adjust flashcards that you miss too frequently

Flashcards are frequently created with the idea that their content is fixed in stone. Avoid doing this! For starters, it’s a good idea to revisit older cards and update them as your linguistic proficiency increases. 

Beyond this, though, there are instances when a certain flashcard simply does not stick in your mind for whatever reason.

 

It’s time to adjust a flashcard if you see that it constantly appears in your “trouble” pile and does so more frequently than other cards. After all, if you keep making mistakes, there must be a problem, and the card is sapping your time and energy.

This indicates that you need to change or just make the information on the card more accessible. Put your “trouble” cards aside for further consideration.

How are “trouble” cards modified? Frequently, all it takes is a format change, some word rearrangement, or the addition of a few vibrant colors. (I strongly support the use of vibrant colors on flashcards!)

Occasionally you have to make cuts because you loaded the card with too much information. Try adding mnemonics or other memory aids if you believe the word is the issue.

Do something different with the card, even if it’s only writing all the words in your target language in bright pink. Inject some new information into your mind.

Finally

The discussion ends here. These are seven strategies I’ve found helpful for memorizing flashcards (and efficiently). Having read this, you should now put all of these suggestions for reviewing language flashcards into practice. 

Launch immediately! The world of language study is a fascinating one, waiting to be discovered.

And here’s an additional piece of advice: if you can, go over your flashcards with a friend as this only really works if you are both taking the same course in the same language. It’s a lot of fun when my spouse and I play Spanish flashcards together!