Whether you just grabbed your first deck or you’ve been hoarding bricks in your closet for years, diving into playing card collecting is a lot of fun. But it also comes with a ton of questions.
I was recently looking back at some advice from fellow magicians and collectors, and it turns out there are a few unwritten rules we all seem to figure out the hard way. Since I just launched Exo’s Cardboard Wunderkammer here on the site to showcase my personal collection, it felt like a good time to sit down and talk about the real do’s and don’ts of hunting down those beautiful decks.
DO figure out what “value” actually means to you The most common question new collectors ask is whether they should open their decks. The answer completely depends on your end game. If you plan on reselling your collection later, keep that cellophane intact. The moment a seal is broken, the financial value takes a massive hit. But if you value the experience more than the money, open them up. Feeling the card stock, checking out the lore hidden in the custom art, and actually handling the cards is why most of us love this hobby in the first place.
DON’T waste your time hoarding single cards There is a temptation early on to collect specific individual cards, like pulling the Ace of Spades or the Jokers out of different decks for a massive display. It sounds cool in theory, but it isn’t really worth the effort. Single cards hold almost zero resale value. They usually max out at a dollar or two on eBay, even if they are from rare vintage decks. You also can’t use them as replacements for lost cards because the back designs will never match. Save your energy and focus on collecting full decks instead.
DO figure out a solid storage plan Your collection will grow faster than you expect, and storage quickly becomes an issue. You definitely want to keep your cards away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and light damage. If you want to show them off, those cheap picture ledges from Ikea make amazing display shelves. If you are renting or just lack the wall space, local comic book stores are your best friend. You can buy plain white cardboard storage boxes meant for trading cards for just a couple of bucks. The two-row boxes are the perfect size because they fit plenty of decks but won’t break your back when you need to move them.
DO try the “two deck rule” if your budget allows A lot of veteran collectors swear by buying two of every deck. You crack one open to enjoy the artwork and keep the second one perfectly sealed for your shelf. It completely removes the stress of ruining a pristine deck. That being said, doing this gets expensive fast. It is perfectly fine to be selective. Buy duplicates for the decks you truly love and just grab one of everything else. And hey, if you just want to appreciate the intricate details of a deck without having to buy it at all, you can always browse through the new Cardboard Wunderkammer to see the art up close.
DON’T let the FOMO get to you Limited editions sell out in seconds. You are going to miss out on certain releases, and that is just part of the game. Don’t beat yourself up over the cards that got away. Collecting is supposed to be a fun and relaxing hobby. There will always be a brand new design dropping next week that makes you just as happy. Buy what you actually enjoy, take your time, and appreciate the collection you have built.