How to Properly Open Pokémon Cards

PDF download Download Article
Open and rearrange any pack to save the rarest card for last
PDF download Download Article

Part of the excitement of opening a new Pokémon card booster pack is seeing which rare Pokémon card is included! The Pokémon card pack trick lets you save the best for last—just open the pack, remove the code card from the back, and move the last 3 or 4 cards (depending on your set) to the front to rearrange your pack. In this article, we’ll walk you through the card pack trick so you nail it every time.

Things You Should Know

  • Open the foil packaging so the seam in the back faces you. Remove the code card from the back of the pack.
  • Turn over the pack so the reverse side of the back card faces you. Move 1, 3, or 4 cards from the back to the front (depending on the set you have).
  • Flip the pack over again to see your new cards. An energy card will be in front and your reverse, rare, and/or holographic cards will be last.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Reorder Your Pokemon Card Packs

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/14123744-1.jpg\/v4-460px-14123744-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/14123744-1.jpg\/v4-728px-14123744-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t worry about seeing this card ahead of time—it’s not one of the reverse, rare, or holographic cards in your pack.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/14123744-2-Version-2.jpg\/460px-14123744-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/14123744-2-Version-2.jpg\/728px-14123744-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t look at the colored (green or white) side of the card since this can “spoil” the rarest card for you. For example, a white code card indicates the rare card will be holographic or better. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/14123744-3.jpg\/v4-460px-14123744-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/14123744-3.jpg\/v4-728px-14123744-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The number of cards you should move depends on the pack you have:
    • If your pack is Scarlet & Violet (2023) or newer, move 1 card. [2]
    • If your pack is Sun & Moon (2017) through Crown Zenith (2023) move 4 cards. [3]
    • If your pack is Evolutions (2016) or older, move 3 cards. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/14123744-4.jpg\/v4-460px-14123744-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/14123744-4.jpg\/v4-728px-14123744-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Turn your pack back over so the face side of the top card is toward you. If your booster pack contains an energy card, this will be on top, followed by common and uncommon Pokémon. At the back, you’ll find reverse cards and rare and/or holographic Pokémon cards.
    • It’s not “required” to do the Pokémon card trick to show the rarest card last. It’s just a fun way to build anticipation and make each new booster pack exciting!
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Number of Cards to Move by Set

PDF download Download Article
Set Name # Cards to Move
Scarlet & Violet, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, 151

1 [5]

Sun & Moon, Guardians Rising, Burning Shadows, Shining Legends, Crimson Invasion, Ultra Prism, Forbidden Light, Celestial Storm, Dragon Majesty, Lost Thunder, Team Up, Detective Pikachu, Unbroken Bonds, Unified Minds, Shiny Vault (2019), Hidden Fates, Cosmic Eclipse, Sword & Shield, Rebel Clash, Darkness Ablaze, Champion’s Path, Vivid Voltage, Shiny Vault (2021), Shining Fates, Battle Styles, Chilling Reign, Evolving Skies, Celebrations, Fusion Strike, Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance, Pokémon GO, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest, Crown Zenith

4

Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Base Set 2, Team Rocket, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge, Neo Genesis, Neo Discovery, Neo Revelation, Neo Destiny, Expedition Base Set, Skyridge, Ruby & Sapphire, Dragon, Sandstorm, Team Magma vs Team Aqua, Hidden Legends, FireRed & LeafGreen, Team Rocket Returns, Deoxys, Emerald, Unseen Forces, Delta Species, Legend Maker, Holon Phantoms, Crystal Guardians, Dragon Frontiers, Power Keepers, Diamond & Pearl, Mysterious Treasures, Secret Wonders, Great Encounters, Majestic Dawn, Legends Awakened, Stormfront, Platinum, Rising Rivals, Supreme Victors, Arceus, HeartGold & SoulSilver, HeartGold & SoulSilver Unleashed, HeartGold & SoulSilver Undaunted, HeartGold & SoulSilver Triumphant, Call of Legends, Black & White, Emerging Powers, Noble Victories, Next Destinies, Dark Explorers, Dragons Exalted, Dragon Vault, Boundaries Crossed, Plasma Storm, Plasma Freeze, Plasma Blast, Legendary Treasures, XY, Flashfire, Furious Fists, Phantom Forces, Primal Clash, Double Crisis, Roaring Skies, Ancient Origins, BREAKthrough, BREAKpoint, Generations, Fates Collide, Steam Siege, Evolutions

3

Pokémon Legendary Collection (2002)

0 (no trick)

Aquapolis (2003)

2

Section 3 of 3:

How to Open Pokemon Cards without Damaging Them

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/14123744-6-Version-2.jpg\/460px-14123744-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/14123744-6-Version-2.jpg\/728px-14123744-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the package slowly and carefully if you plan on saving the foil as a collectible (and to avoid bending or tearing one of the cards inside):
    • Step 1: Hold the pack by the sides in one hand. Loosen the back flap from top to bottom by sliding your finger up and down underneath it.
    • Step 2: Hold the back flap with your pointer finger and thumb in one hand. With your other thumb, push the top seam of the foil away from the flap (or, pinch the other side of the foil with your other hand and pull the seam open).
    • Step 3: Push or pull until the top seam opens enough to slide one finger inside. Slide a finger inside the seam to fully open the pack from the top.
    • Step 4: Slide the cards out of the top. Make sure the back side of the packaging is facing you to reveal the face of the first card (the front side showing a Pokémon). This way, the color on the back of the code card won’t spoil the rare card for you. [6]
    • If you don’t plan on saving the foil, feel free to tear into it however you like! Just make sure not to damage the cards inside.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Do not wear gloves when opening your new pack. Some collectors suggest them to avoid getting prints or dirt on your cards, but gloves may also leave marks and debris. Just make sure to wash your hands before handling new cards.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If possible, avoid using scissors to open your pack since you may accidentally cut a card.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Create Your Own Pokémon
      How to
      Evolve Applin in Pokémon Generations 8 and 9: Tips & Tricks
      How to
      Evolve Your Togetic into a Togekiss in Generation 4-8
      Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to Evolve Your Bisharp into Kingambit
      How to
      Get Walking Wake: Trades & Limited-Time Event Tera Raid Battles
      How to
      Hack Pokemon Go on Android and iPhone
      How to
      Get Gimmighoul Coins in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Easily
      Pokémon: Demonic or Not? What the Facts Say
      How to
      Evolve Misdreavus: Tips for Pokémon Scarlet, Violet, and More
      How to
      Beat Team GO Rocket Leader Sierra in Pokémon GO
      How to
      Make a Pokémon Sprite
      How to
      Evolve Girafarig Into Farigiraf: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Tips
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about playing board and card games, check out our in-depth interview with Ashton Wu .

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/9hNK5SkJfy0?t=10
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/t9ZZCnAp1F0?t=24
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/t9ZZCnAp1F0?t=8
      4. ↑ https://cardcollector.co.uk/pokemon-card-trick-pack-opening/
      5. ↑ https://cardcollector.co.uk/pokemon-card-trick-pack-opening/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/9hNK5SkJfy0?t=10

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 94,630 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement