# Pokémon Wiki Glossary

#### **1st Edition**

A special variant of a card that features different artwork than the original version. Often highly sought after by collectors due to unique designs.

***

#### **Attacks** <a href="#attacks" id="attacks"></a>

The moves a Pokémon can use in battle, with corresponding energy costs and damage.

***

#### **Baby Pokemon**

Baby Pokémon are first-stage evolutionary Pokémon that are small, cannot breed and are pre-evolutions that were introduced in a generation later than the evolutions before them.

***

#### **Base Set**

The very first set of Pokémon cards, released in 1999. Base Set cards are considered highly collectible due to their historical significance, with the 1st Edition Base Set Charizard being one of the most iconic cards in the world.

***

#### **Booster Box**

A sealed box containing multiple booster packs (usually 36 packs). It’s the standard method of buying a large quantity of cards from a particular set.

***

#### **Booster Pack**

A small pack of Pokémon cards (usually 10-11 cards) purchased individually. Each booster pack contains a mix of common, uncommon, rare, and possibly holo or special cards.

***

#### **Break Evolution**

A mechanic introduced in the XY Series, allowing certain Pokémon to evolve into stronger versions with more powerful attacks while keeping their original abilities.

***

#### **Card Anatomy**

Refers to the structure of a Pokémon card, including elements like Name,HP (Hit Points),Type,Rarity,Attacks,Weakness/Resistance, and Retreat Cost.

***

#### **Card Number**

Located at the bottom of the card, this number tells collectors where the card is placed within the set (e.g.,4/102). It is essential for collectors trying to complete sets.

***

#### **Centering**

A key factor in grading cards, referring to how well the borders around the card's artwork are balanced. Off-center cards can affect a card's overall grade and value.

***

#### **Chase Card**

A highly sought-after card from a particular set, often rare or valuable, that collectors go after. Examples include Charizard cards or Full-Art Trainer cards.

***

#### **Common**

A card that is easy to find and typically indicated by a circle **(●)** symbol in the bottom corner. These are the most basic cards in terms of rarity.

***

#### **Complete Set**

When a collector owns every card from a specific set, including commons, uncommons, rares, and often reverse holos.&#x20;

***

#### **Condition Grading**

A system used to determine the physical condition of a card. Common conditions include:

* **Near Mint (NM)**: Almost perfect condition with very minimal wear.
* **Lightly Played (LP)**: Some slight wear, but overall in good condition.
* **Moderately Played (MP)**: More noticeable wear, but still playable or displayable.
* **Heavily Played (HP)**: Significant wear, affecting appearance or usability.
* **Damaged**: Major defects, usually considered unsuitable for serious collection.

***

#### **Delta Species**

A unique subset of Pokémon cards where Pokémon have unusual types (e.g., a Fire-type Pikachu). Part of the EX Delta Species set.

***

#### **Error Card**

A card with a printing mistake or misprint, such as incorrect text or coloration. Error cards are sometimes more valuable due to their rarity.

***

#### **EX / GX / V / VMAX / VSTAR**

These terms refer to **powerful Pokémon cards** introduced in different eras. Each series of cards has its own mechanics and significance:

* **EX Cards**: Introduced in the EX Series, giving players stronger attacks but giving opponents 2 prize cards if knocked out.
* **GX Cards**: Introduced in the Sun & Moon Era, featuring powerful GX attacks that can only be used once per game.
* **V Cards**: Introduced in Sword & Shield Era, representing Pokémon with high HP and strong attacks.
* **VMAX Cards**: Gigantamax or Dynamax forms of V Cards, providing even more HP and stronger attacks.
* **VSTAR Cards**: Cards featuring a unique VSTAR Power, usable only once per game.

***

#### **Full-Art**

A card where the artwork extends over the entire face of the card, often featuring more detailed designs. These cards are typically more valuable and rare than standard cards.

***

#### **Gold Star Pokémon**

Ultra-rare cards introduced in the EX Series featuring shiny versions of Pokémon. The rarity and visual appeal of these cards make them highly collectible.

***

#### **Graded Card**

A card that has been evaluated by a third-party grading company (e.g.,PSA,Beckett,CGC) and given a score based on condition. Graded cards are often encased in a protective plastic slab and are sought after by serious collectors.

***

#### **HP (Hit Points)**

The amount of damage a Pokémon can take before being knocked out.

***

#### **Holo (Holographic)**

A card that has a shiny, reflective background in the illustration box. **Holo cards** are more valuable than non-holo cards, and there are several types:

* **Standard Holo**: Shiny background behind the Pokémon.
* **Reverse Holo**: Shiny background over the entire card except the image.

***

#### **Legendary Pokémon**

A rare and powerful Pokémon often featured in movie promos or special sets. Legendary Pokémon are typically more difficult to find in packs and are more valuable to collectors.

***

#### **Master Set**

A Master Set includes every variation of every card from a specific Pokémon TCG expansion. This means collecting all holofoil, reverse holofoil, and non-holo versions (if applicable) of each card in the set. For example, in sets like **Legendary Collection**, a Master Set requires all available card variations to be complete.

***

#### **Mint Condition**

Refers to a card that is in perfect, pristine condition with no visible wear or defects.

Mint or Gem Mint cards are highly valuable.

***

#### **Non-Holo**

A regular card with no shiny or holographic effects, typically considered less valuable than their holo counterparts.

***

#### **Playability**

A term referring to how useful a card is in the Pokémon TCG competitive play. Playability influences a card’s market value, especially if it becomes popular in competitive decks.

***

#### **Population Report**

A report issued by grading companies that shows how many copies of a particular card exist in each grade (e.g., how many **PSA 10** Charizards are out there). This can help determine rarity and value.

***

#### **Prerelease Cards**

Cards distributed at official events before a set is officially released. They often feature a

"Prerelease" stamp and can become collectible depending on the set.

***

#### **Promo Card**

A card that is not part of a regular set but is given out during special events, included in merchandise, or part of movie promotions. Promo cards often feature a black star and are highly sought after depending on rarity.

***

#### **Pull Rate**

The statistical likelihood of pulling a specific card from a booster pack. Rare cards like Secret Rares and Full-Arts tend to have much lower pull rates than Common or Uncommon cards.

***

#### **Rare**

A card that is harder to find than a common or uncommon card, typically indicated by a

star (★) symbol. Rare Holo or Ultra Rare cards are even more difficult to obtain.

***

#### **Reprint**

A card that is re-released in a later set, often with updated artwork but retaining the same game mechanics. Reprints can be valuable if they feature iconic Pokémon or cards.

***

#### **Secret Rare**

A card whose number in the set is higher than the stated number of cards in that set (e.g., a card numbered 123/122). Secret Rares are usually extremely hard to find and highly desirable for collectors.

***

#### **Shiny Pokémon**

A variant of a Pokémon card featuring a different-colored version of the Pokémon (shiny form). Shiny cards are typically rarer and more valuable.

***

#### **Slab**

A card that has been graded and encased in a hard, plastic protective case. Collectors often refer to their graded cards as **slabs**.

***

#### **Tag Team Pokémon-GX**

Cards that feature two Pokémon together on the same card. These were introduced in the

Sun & Moon Era and tend to have high HP and strong attacks.

***

#### **Ultra Rare**

A rarity designation that applies to certain valuable cards, such as Full-Arts, Secret Rares, and EX/GX/V cards. Ultra Rare cards are difficult to pull from packs and highly sought after.

***

#### **Unlimited Edition**

The subsequent print run of a set after the 1st Edition. **Unlimited** cards are generally less valuable but more accessible for collectors.

***

#### **Vaulting**

A process where cards (often high-value) are securely stored by a third party, such as Phygitals. Vaulting helps protect cards from damage and can be linked to digital tokenization.

***
