Pokémon for beginners – should you start playing or collecting?

Estimated reading time: 7–8 minutes

Pokémon is a hobby many discover in different ways. Perhaps you remember the games from Game Boy, have watched the Pokémon series, or became curious after seeing friends open booster packs and show off their favorite cards.

No matter how you found your way here, one of the first questions worth considering is: do you want to play Pokémon, collect Pokémon, or perhaps a bit of both?

The great thing is that there's no right or wrong answer. Some get hooked on the game and the camaraderie around the table. Others love building collections and searching for their favorite Pokémon. Many start with one and then discover they enjoy both aspects.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're getting started.

If you want to start playing Pokémon

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is easy to learn but also offers a lot of depth for those who want to develop as players.

It's also a very social hobby. Many of the best memories are made not when opening a rare card, but when sitting around a table, playing matches, and meeting people who share the same interest.

Choose English cards

If you want to play, we recommend English cards.

This is the language version used in tournaments, leagues, and most organized play events. Almost all online material, from guides to strategy videos, also assumes English cards.

It makes it easier to learn the game and to play with others, both locally and internationally.

Start simple

Many new players think they need to buy large quantities of boosters immediately to build a strong deck.

In reality, it's often better to start with products designed for play. This way, you get a functional deck from the start and can focus on learning the rules and understanding how the game works.

Once you've played a few matches, it becomes much easier to build your own decks and understand which cards you personally enjoy playing.

Accessories that make playing easier

A few simple accessories can make a big difference:

• Sleeves to protect your cards
• A deck box or card box
• A playmat
• Dice and markers

It doesn't have to be complicated. The most important thing is that your cards stay in good condition and that you can easily bring your deck to play events and tournaments.

Meet other players

One of the best ways to learn Pokémon is to play with others.

At play events, you can get help with the rules, learn new strategies, and find players at roughly the same level as yourself. It's also where many discover how large and welcoming the Pokémon community truly is.

At Dragon's Lair, we regularly organize play events, Pokémon League, and our popular Pokémon School for new players. There's always someone here who is happy to help you get started, answer questions, or show you how the game works.

Many of our Pokémon leaders started as beginners themselves and know exactly what it feels like to open their first packs or play their first match.

If you want to start collecting Pokémon

Not everyone who buys Pokémon cards does so to play.

For many, the hobby is about the illustrations, their favorite Pokémon, nostalgia, or the joy of building a personal collection over time.

There are several different paths to take as a collector, and the most important thing is to find the one that feels most fun for you.

English, Japanese, or Chinese cards?

One of the most common questions from new collectors is about language versions.

English cards

English cards are the most common choice among collectors in Europe. They are easy to find, easy to trade with others, and also suitable if you ever want to try playing.

Japanese cards

Japanese Pokémon cards are known for their high print quality and fine finish. Many collectors also appreciate that some products are released in Japan before the rest of the world.

If you like the illustrations and want to build a collection that feels a little different, Japanese cards are a popular option.

Chinese cards

Chinese Pokémon cards have become increasingly popular in recent years. Modern releases maintain high quality and sometimes include products that differ from the English and Japanese markets.

For many collectors, they are an exciting way to discover another side of the Pokémon hobby.

Collect what you enjoy yourself

It's easy to get caught up in discussions about value, rarity, and which cards are most sought after.

But most long-term Pokémon collectors tend to give the same advice: collect what makes you happy.

Maybe you want to collect all cards featuring Pikachu. Maybe you love Eevee and its evolutions. Or perhaps you enjoy a particular artist or expansion.

A personal collection is often much more enjoyable to build than one driven by fleeting trends.

Accessories that protect your collection

Good storage helps you keep your collection in fine condition for a long time.

Many collectors use:

• Sleeves
• Toploaders
• Binder albums
• Storage boxes
• Sorting boxes

It also becomes much easier to display and organize your collection when everything has its place.

Visit trade events

A big part of the collecting hobby is meeting others with the same interest.

At trade events, you can find cards missing from your collection, trade away duplicates, and talk Pokémon with other enthusiasts. It's also an excellent way to get inspiration for what you want to collect in the future.

If you're unsure how you want to develop your collection, you can bring your favorite cards and show them to one of our Pokémon leaders. They'll be happy to provide tips on different language versions, collecting focuses, and how to take the next step based on what you find most enjoyable.

For many, trade events also serve as the first encounter with the Pokémon community. Our Pokémon leaders and experienced players always look forward to meeting new enthusiasts. It doesn't matter if you've just opened your first booster pack or already have hundreds of cards at home. Meeting new players and collectors who share the interest is one of the most enjoyable parts of the hobby.

Everything you need to get started

At Dragon's Lair, you'll find everything you need to get started with Pokémon.

We have English, Japanese, and Chinese Pokémon cards, accessories for both players and collectors, binder albums, sleeves, playmats, and much more.

But what makes the biggest difference is often the people behind the hobby. That's why we organize play events, Pokémon League, trade events, and Pokémon School where you can get to know other players, get help from our Pokémon leaders, and develop at your own pace.

The most important thing is to have fun

Whether you choose to play, collect, or combine both, there's no perfect way into Pokémon.

Start with what feels most exciting to you. Open some boosters, build your first deck, visit a trade event, or try a game night.

Pokémon is a hobby that grows over time. The more you explore it, the more parts of it you will discover. And when you want to take the next step, we at Dragon's Lair are here to help you along the way.