What is a Pokemon Card Master Set?
Every Pokémon collector has heard of the elusive master set. It’s the ultimate prize for completionists but what does it take to claim one? The idea has evolved over the years, growing in complexity as the Trading Card Game expanded.
So, today, we’re going to explore exactly what constitutes a master set, how it’s changed over the years and why it remains one of the most rewarding challenges in Pokemon collecting.
Enjoy!
Base Set simplicity
Let’s take the 1999 Base Set as an example with it being so straightforward. There are 102 cards, from Alakazam (#1) to Water Energy (#102). Collect every single one, and congratulations, you’ve got yourself a master set! No extras, no hidden surprises. Back then, it was just about gathering the cards that made up the set. Easy, right?
The Secret Rare era
Then came Team Rocket in 2000, and with it, the first-ever secret rare: Dark Raichu. Its number (83/82) broke the standard numbering system, which was revolutionary at the time. Fast-forward to today, and secret rares are everywhere. Recent sets like Stellar Crown have over 30, while Paldea Evolved boasts a staggering 154 secret rares. If you want a true master set, you’ll need every one of these, no exceptions.
Team Rocket
Reverse Holos
Reverse holos added another layer of complexity when they debuted in the Legendary Collection in 2002. These cards feature a shiny foil background, making them instantly collectable. Modern sets typically include reverse holo versions for most commons, uncommons, and rares. So now, completing a master set often means collecting every standard card and its reverse holo counterpart.
Promo Cards
Promo cards are where things start to blur. Sets like Black Star Promos are technically their own collections. That nostalgic Dragonite card from the first Pokémon movie? It belongs to this set. But many collectors include promo cards like these in their master sets, especially if they’re tied to a specific expansion. For example, Pokémon 151 features promo Mew and Mewtwo cards that, while part of the Black Star Promos, are often tucked into 151 collections.
Unnumbered Promos
If Promo Cards made things a little murky, unnumbered promos make things downright messy. These are standard cards with special stamps, like pre-release or retailer-specific logos. For instance, a Charmander with a GameStop stamp looks identical to the regular one but is technically a promo. Some collectors add these to their master sets, while others reserve them for a separate category.
The holy grail ‘Grandmaster Set’
For those chasing perfection, there’s the grandmaster set. This includes everything in the master set, plus unnumbered promos, box toppers, holo variants, metal cards, and even jumbo cards. This requires some serious dedication, along with a hefty wallet. Base set Grandmaster Sets are not only ludicrisly expensive, but some cards are near impossible to find.
At the end of the day, a master set is about how you define it. Maybe you stick to the basics, or maybe you’re aiming for grandmaster status. Either way, this hobby is all about finding joy in the journey, so try your best to not turn it into a stress!
