What exactly is a “chase card”?
Think of it like this: you’re on a Pokémon safari, and while you’re happy to see plenty of Pidgeys and Rattatas (your common and uncommon cards), what you’re really hoping to spot is that elusive, shimmering Mew.
That’s your chase card.
It’s the rare, highly sought-after card in a set that everyone is, well, chasing. These are often the cards with the lowest print runs, making them the hardest to pull from a pack.
Where does the chase start
At its core, a chase card is the card everyone’s desperately trying to snag from a new Pokémon set. It’s like finding a shiny Gengar in the wild—rare, exciting, and instantly boosts your street cred among fellow trainers.
King (or Queen) of the Market
Ever wondered what makes an entire Pokémon expansion worth its salt? Usually, it’s the chase cards. Their value often sets the bar for the whole set. We’re talking big bucks, sometimes enough to make your jaw drop faster than a Quick Attack.
Rarity? Oh, It’s Real
These aren’t your grandma’s common Caterpies. Chase cards are notoriously scarce. We’re talking Secret Rares, Alternate Arts, Special Illustration Rares—the crème de la crème with pull rates so low you’d think they were hiding in the Distortion World.
Spotting a Star
Modern chase cards practically scream their rarity. Look for those snazzy two or three gold stars at the bottom for Special Illustration or Hyper Rares. And if the collector number is higher than the set’s official count (like 205/198), congratulations, you’ve probably got a Secret Rare on your hands! It’s like finding a secret passage in a Pokémon gym!
The “It” Factor
So, what transforms a regular card into a full-blown chase card? It’s not just luck; there’s a method to the madness!
Fan-Favorite Pokémon
Let’s be real, certain Pokémon are just destined for greatness. Charizard, Pikachu, the Eeveelutions, Mew, Mewtwo, Rayquaza—these guys are like the rock stars of the Pokémon world, and their cards are almost guaranteed to be hot commodities.
Artwork That Sings
This is a huge one. We’re talking Full Art cards where the art consumes the entire card, and especially Alternate Art cards. These aren’t just pretty pictures; they’re miniature masterpieces, often depicting Pokémon in totally unique, story-driven scenes. It’s like a tiny, frame-worthy painting in your hand!
Battling Prowess
While collecting is awesome, a card’s actual usefulness in the Pokémon TCG can seriously boost its appeal. A powerful Pokémon-EX, V, or VMAX that dominates the competitive scene will be on every player’s wishlist, driving up demand from both collectors and competitors.
A Blast from the Past
Nostalgia is a potent force, my friends. Cards that tap into our childhood memories—perhaps a classic scene from the games or anime, or featuring a beloved Pokémon from way back when—often become instant chase cards. The recent “Pokémon 151” set? A perfect example, pulling on all our original Kanto region heartstrings!
The Community’s Role: How We “Crown” a Chase Card
Here’s a fun secret: while The Pokémon Company prints the cards, it’s actually us, the fans, who decide which cards are truly “chase” worthy.
The Unofficial Vote
Hop onto Reddit, Twitter, or YouTube, and you’ll see the community in action. Online forums and content creators act like a massive, unofficial committee, highlighting certain cards and sending their popularity—and value—skyrocketing. It’s the ultimate democratic process for cardboard!
The Hype Train
Before a new set even drops, the hype machine is already in full swing. When card lists leak, the community immediately pounces on the most visually stunning or potentially powerful cards. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, really—we decide it’s a chase card, and then everyone chases it!
Beyond the Battlefield
The appeal of some chase cards stretches far beyond just TCG players. Fans of the video games, the anime, or even just admirers of specific artists get in on the action, further fueling the demand. It’s a broad church, this Pokémon collecting world!
Cards That Almost Always Become Chase Cards
If you’re hunting for chase cards, keep an eye out for these types, as they’re frequent flyers in the “most wanted” list:
Alternate Art (Alt Arts) / Special Illustration Rares
These are arguably the ultimate prize for modern collectors. Their unique, often narrative-driven artwork is just chef’s kiss.
Full Art Cards
These bad boys, with their edge-to-edge artwork, have been chase card staples for ages.
Secret Rares
The name says it all, doesn’t it? They’re not officially listed in the main set, making them inherently desirable. Think Rainbow Rares and Gold Rares. Pure bling!
Shiny Pokémon
Who doesn’t love a sparkly, different-colored Pokémon? Cards featuring these rare variants are consistently popular and valuable.
Trainer “Waifu” Cards
A quirky, but very real, phenomenon in the community. These are Full Art Supporter cards featuring popular female trainers. They have a dedicated fan base and can command surprisingly high prices. Don’t knock ’em till you see the bidding wars!
Why are chase card prices so wild right after a new set drops?
Ah, the release weekend frenzy! Think of it as a hype storm. In the first few days a set is out, demand is at its absolute peak while the actual supply of cards on the market is incredibly low. Everyone wants the hot new chase card right now, but very few have actually been pulled. This creates a volatile bubble where prices are based more on speculation and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) than on true rarity.
After a few weeks, thousands of collectors have ripped open their booster boxes and cases. This floods the market with copies of those once-seemingly-impossible-to-find cards. As supply goes way up, sellers have to compete with each other, which naturally causes prices to come down and stabilize.
The market gets a much better picture of the card’s actual pull rate, and the initial hype gives way to a more realistic, sustainable value. So, a little patience can often save your wallet a lot of damage!
That being side, an opposite effect can happen when a pokémon set is officially out of print, the chase cards from that set will start to accrue value as the only way to obtain them is open the now rare booster packs left in the wild or buy it raw or graded.
Chase Card FAQ
How do “reprint runs” affect the value of a chase card?
Reprint runs, where The Pokémon Company prints more of a specific set, can generally cause the value of chase cards from that set to decrease, as more supply enters the market. However, truly iconic or rare chase cards might see a dip but often recover or maintain strong value long-term due to continued demand.
How do I properly store my chase cards to protect them long-term?
Ah, the million-dollar question! For raw cards, double-sleeving (a snug “perfect fit” inner sleeve followed by a standard outer sleeve) and then placing them in a top-loader or a high-quality, side-loading binder is key. For graded cards, keep them in their sealed slabs and store them away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
Can a chase card lose value over time?
Absolutely. While some chase cards hold their value or appreciate, market trends can shift. Factors like new set releases, changes in competitive play, over-saturation of a card, or a general cooling of the collecting market can all impact a chase card’s price. It’s a dynamic hobby!
Are “misprints” or “error cards” valuable?
Sometimes! True, verified misprints or error cards (like a Pokémon having the wrong attack or a significant cutting error that shows part of another card) can be highly sought after by niche collectors and command a premium. However, minor printing imperfections are usually just that – imperfections.
Besides chase cards, what other types of Pokémon cards are valuable?
Vintage cards (especially from the Wizards of the Coast era), certain promo cards (like those from conventions or special events), sealed products (booster boxes, elite trainer boxes), and complete master sets can all hold significant value.
Should I crack open sealed products if I’m only after chase cards?
If your only goal is pulling specific chase cards, buying singles is almost always more cost-effective. Opening sealed product is for the thrill, the experience, and the chance of a big pull, but it’s essentially gambling!
Are chase cards good “investments”?
The Pokémon TCG market can be volatile. While some cards have seen incredible appreciation, it’s not a guaranteed investment like stocks or real estate. Treat it as a hobby first, and any financial gain as a bonus. Do your research and don’t spend what you can’t afford to lose!
How do I stay updated on new chase card releases and market trends?
Actively engage with the Pokémon TCG community! Watch pre-release and set-opening videos from popular YouTubers, follow discussions on Reddit threads dedicated to new set reveals, and check TCG news sites for early “top cards” lists. The collective buzz is a strong indicator of emerging chase cards.
Joining online communities (like Reddit’s r/PokemonTCG or r/PokeInvesting) can also provide real-time insights.
Is there a “best” era for chase cards?
This is subjective! Many collectors adore the modern Alternate Art cards for their beauty, while others are fiercely loyal to vintage chase cards for their nostalgia and historical significance. Each era offers unique treasures, so explore and find what excites you the most!
How does the Japanese market influence the English chase card market?
The Japanese market often sets trends! New Japanese sets are released first, and their chase cards quickly become apparent. Often time the price value of a japanese cards will give you a good indication of how that card might then perform in the english market. This can create hype and anticipation for the English release of those same cards. Sometimes, Japanese exclusive chase cards also become highly valuable collectibles on their own.
What is the “pull rate” for a typical chase card?
While exact official pull rates aren’t released, community data suggests that Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) often have pull rates in the range of 1 in 150 to 1 in 300 booster packs, or even higher for specific, very rare SIRs within a set. They are genuinely difficult to pull! Unless you are lucky enough to get a god pack in your booster boxes
What role does the artist play in a card becoming a chase card?
A huge role! Certain artists (like Mitsuhiro Arita, Yuu Nishida, or Akira Komayama, to name a few) have distinctive and highly beloved styles. Their artwork, especially on Alternate Art or Special Illustration Rare cards, can significantly increase a card’s desirability and make it an instant chase card among collectors who appreciate the artistic side of the hobby.