Once you’ve opened a few packs you end up with loads of cards: commons, uncommons, doubles, energy and all the Trainers you need for building decks. They don’t need to go in a binder, but you still want to find them quickly. This is how I store mine.
Use ETB boxes
Every Elite Trainer Box (ETB) has a long box inside for storing cards, and it comes with dividers. Once you’ve used up the packs and sleeves, it’s perfect for organising your playing cards.
- The cards stand up in a row, so you can flick through them fast.
- The dividers let you split them into sections.
- The boxes stack neatly on a shelf, and the lid keeps the dust off.
How I sort them
Sorting an ETB box
- Pokémon by type
Put the Pokémon in groups by type, like Fire, Water and Grass, and keep each evolution line together.
- Trainers by kind
Split Trainers into Supporters, Items, Pokémon Tools and Stadiums. The ones you use in lots of decks go at the front.
- Energy at the back
Basic Energy goes at the back, with Special Energy just in front.
- Label the dividers
Write on the dividers (or stick labels on them) so you know what is in each section.
My boxes
Don’t pack the box too tight, and never use elastic bands round a stack of cards. They dent the edges.
Anything special, like full arts and rare pulls, should go in a binder. See Looking after your cards.
