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Category: Booster Packs

  • What’s Inside a Pokémon Booster Pack? Pull Rates & Card Types Explained

    What’s Inside a Pokémon Booster Pack? Pull Rates & Card Types

    Introduction

    Curious about what’s inside a Pokémon booster pack? Whether you’re a new collector or returning to the Trading Card Game (TCG) after years away, understanding the contents and pull rates of booster packs is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect to find in each pack, the types of cards included, and your odds of pulling rare or ultra-rare cards.

    Common, Uncommon and Rare Pulls from Booster Pack

    What Is a Pokémon Booster Pack?

    A Pokémon booster pack is a sealed set of cards designed to expand your collection and offer the thrill of surprise. Each booster pack contains a randomized selection of cards from a specific set.

    Standard English booster pack includes:

    • 10 cards total
    • 1 rare or better
    • 3 uncommons
    • 5 commons
    • 1 energy card

    Japanese packs typically contain fewer cards (e.g., 5 or 7), but are printed with higher quality and have different pull dynamics.

    How often do rare cards get pulled?

    Types of Cards You Can Pull

    Pokémon booster packs contain a variety of card types:

    1. Common Cards

    These are the most frequently pulled cards, usually featuring basic Pokémon.

    2. Uncommon Cards

    Slightly more powerful and rarer than common cards.

    3. Rare Cards

    Denoted by a ★ symbol; these include holo rares, non-holos, and sometimes legendary Pokémon.

    4. Reverse Holo Cards

    A version of any rarity that has a shiny, reflective background.

    5. Ultra Rares & Secret Rares

    This includes V, VMAX, EX, Full Art, Gold, and Rainbow cards. These are the most sought-after and hardest to pull.

    “Every booster pack is a gamble—you might find a common Pidgey or a stunning Gold Rare Charizard. That’s the magic!”

    Understand how likely you are to pull a rare Pokémon or other TCG cards.

    Understanding Pull Rates

    What Are Pull Rates?

    Pull rates refer to the odds of finding certain rarities in a booster pack.

    Average Pull Rates (English Sets)

    Card RarityApproximate Pull Rate
    Holo Rare1 in 3 packs
    Ultra Rare (V)1 in 6 packs
    VMAX / EX1 in 12 packs
    Full Art Trainer1 in 24 packs
    Secret Rare1 in 36 packs

    Note: Japanese packs often have higher consistency, but fewer rare hits per box.

    Cards

    • Japanese packs: Usually 5 cards (some high-class packs contain 10+)
    • Korean packs: Similar to Japanese, often cheaper for collectors

    Some packs are part of special sets like Pokémon 151, Battle Partners SV9, or Shrouded Fable, each with its own chase cards.

    Tips for Collectors and Buyers

    • Buy sealed packs from trusted stores to avoid tampering
    • Consider Japanese sets if you prefer better print quality
    • Track your pulls to know which cards you still need
    • Store your cards in sleeves or binders to preserve value

    Shop Sealed Packs

    Ready to test your luck? Shop sealed Pokémon booster packs now and start your hunt for ultra-rare treasures today. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for drop alerts and exclusive discounts!

    Related Reads

    External Source

    For an in-depth breakdown of card rarity and symbols, visit Bulbapedia’s Card Rarity Guide.

    FAQ

    Are Japanese Pokémon cards legal in tournaments?

    No. Official tournaments outside Japan usually only allow English cards.

    Can I mix Japanese and English cards in a collection?

    Absolutely. Many collectors display both, but mixing in play decks may be restricted.

    Are Japanese cards fake if they look different?

    No. They are just printed differently. Always buy from trusted shops.