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I have a habit of collecting things since I’ve been young. It started with stamps, coins, and baseball cards and then Magic the Gathering came out in the mid-90’s and changed junior high and high school for me.
Card Games / Trading Card Games (TCG)
Magic The Gathering
LorcanaEveryday Carry (EDC)
I have to also devote a section to something I’ve got into when I became a father. The everyday carry of tools and knick-knacks.
Here are some essentials for any trading card game (TCG) collectors:
I usually double-sleeve my cards for play as well as storage just to protect the cards from the elements, finger prints, and time. My go-to is the KMC 100 Card Barrier Perfect Size for Magic the Gathering and Lorcana card inner sleeves
As for the outer sleeve, I’m old school with Dragon Shield and I typically choose the clear matte version if I can’t decide what color to pick. There’s an Anniversary Special edition that is now just called “Cobalt & Silver” but are the same thing. It’s a nice bluish silver that add some color and feels great.
For short-time storage and on-the-go carrying, I choose Quiver Time bolt (smaller brother of the full size quiver) if you want something sturdy enough to throw into a backpack and have it get jostled around. I typically put one or two Dragon Shield box inside to add some buffer to being crushed.
For long term storage case, I use CardKing Pro case that can stack on top of each other and have enough protection to the elements. I usually throw in a silica gel pack or painter’s tape one to the lid to ensure no moisture gets to the cards. This case survived moving a few times and being in storage. Also, being able to store about 2,000 sleeved and double-sleeved cards is great.
If you’re looking for organizing your commander or 60-card deck format, I would suggest this combo of carry case and deck boxes. It’s just easier to me to see inside by putting your commander or label card (e.g., representative card) at the top of the stack. I also bought these extra clear deck boxes that fit in the carrying case so I can swap them in and out.
Ok, hear me out. I used to use a jeweler’s loupe to check my cards from buying singles, but technology has been kind to us. This “microscope” can be used to easily illuminate and check Magic and Lorcana cards with a small screen or just hook up directly to your computer. I’ll probably create a page to give tips on how to check for authentic cards.