How to Properly Open Pokémon Cards

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Open and rearrange any pack to save the rarest card for last

Co-authored by Emchompite and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: November 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Reordering the Pack
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• Card Trick Reference Chart
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• Avoiding Damage
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• Video
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• Expert Interview

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Part of the excitement of opening a new Pokémon card booster pack is seeing which rare Pokémon card is included! The Pokémon card pack trick lets you save the best for last—just open the pack, remove the code card from the back, and move the last 3 or 4 cards (depending on your set) to the front to rearrange your pack. In this article, we’ll walk you through the card pack trick so you nail it every time.

Things You Should Know

• Open the foil packaging so the seam in the back faces you. Remove the code card from the back of the pack.
• Turn over the pack so the reverse side of the back card faces you. Move 1, 3, or 4 cards from the back to the front (depending on the set you have).
• Flip the pack over again to see your new cards. An energy card will be in front and your reverse, rare, and/or holographic cards will be last.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

How to Reorder Your Pokemon Card Packs

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1. 
   1
   Hold the pack so the face of the first card is toward you. Don’t worry about seeing this card ahead of time—it’s not one of the reverse, rare, or holographic cards in your pack.
2. 
   2
   Remove the QR code card from the back of the pack. Don’t look at the colored (green or white) side of the card since this can “spoil” the rarest card for you. For example, a white code card indicates the rare card will be holographic or better.
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3. 
   3
   Turn over the pack and move the back 1, 3, or 4 cards to the front. The number of cards you should move depends on the pack you have:

   • If your pack is Scarlet & Violet (2023) or newer, move 1 card.
   • If your pack is Sun & Moon (2017) through Crown Zenith (2023) move 4 cards.
   • If your pack is Evolutions (2016) or older, move 3 cards.
4. 
   4
   Examine your cards—the rarest card is now the last in the pack. Turn your pack back over so the face side of the top card is toward you. If your booster pack contains an energy card, this will be on top, followed by common and uncommon Pokémon. At the back, you’ll find reverse cards and rare and/or holographic Pokémon cards.

   • It’s not “required” to do the Pokémon card trick to show the rarest card last. It’s just a fun way to build anticipation and make each new booster pack exciting!
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Section 2 of 3:

Number of Cards to Move by Set

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Set Name	# Cards to Move
Scarlet & Violet, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, 151	1
Sun & Moon, Guardians Rising, Burning Shadows, Shining Legends, Crimson Invasion, Ultra Prism, Forbidden Light, Celestial Storm, Dragon Majesty, Lost Thunder, Team Up, Detective Pikachu, Unbroken Bonds, Unified Minds, Shiny Vault (2019), Hidden Fates, Cosmic Eclipse, Sword & Shield, Rebel Clash, Darkness Ablaze, Champion’s Path, Vivid Voltage, Shiny Vault (2021), Shining Fates, Battle Styles, Chilling Reign, Evolving Skies, Celebrations, Fusion Strike, Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance, Pokémon GO, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest, Crown Zenith	4
Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Base Set 2, Team Rocket, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge, Neo Genesis, Neo Discovery, Neo Revelation, Neo Destiny, Expedition Base Set, Skyridge, Ruby & Sapphire, Dragon, Sandstorm, Team Magma vs Team Aqua, Hidden Legends, FireRed & LeafGreen, Team Rocket Returns, Deoxys, Emerald, Unseen Forces, Delta Species, Legend Maker, Holon Phantoms, Crystal Guardians, Dragon Frontiers, Power Keepers, Diamond & Pearl, Mysterious Treasures, Secret Wonders, Great Encounters, Majestic Dawn, Legends Awakened, Stormfront, Platinum, Rising Rivals, Supreme Victors, Arceus, HeartGold & SoulSilver, HeartGold & SoulSilver Unleashed, HeartGold & SoulSilver Undaunted, HeartGold & SoulSilver Triumphant, Call of Legends, Black & White, Emerging Powers, Noble Victories, Next Destinies, Dark Explorers, Dragons Exalted, Dragon Vault, Boundaries Crossed, Plasma Storm, Plasma Freeze, Plasma Blast, Legendary Treasures, XY, Flashfire, Furious Fists, Phantom Forces, Primal Clash, Double Crisis, Roaring Skies, Ancient Origins, BREAKthrough, BREAKpoint, Generations, Fates Collide, Steam Siege, Evolutions	3
Pokémon Legendary Collection (2002)	0 (no trick)
Aquapolis (2003)	2

Section 3 of 3:

How to Open Pokemon Cards without Damaging Them

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1. 
   Open the package slowly and carefully if you plan on saving the foil as a collectible (and to avoid bending or tearing one of the cards inside):

   • Step 1: Hold the pack by the sides in one hand. Loosen the back flap from top to bottom by sliding your finger up and down underneath it.
   • Step 2: Hold the back flap with your pointer finger and thumb in one hand. With your other thumb, push the top seam of the foil away from the flap (or, pinch the other side of the foil with your other hand and pull the seam open).
   • Step 3: Push or pull until the top seam opens enough to slide one finger inside. Slide a finger inside the seam to fully open the pack from the top.
   • Step 4: Slide the cards out of the top. Make sure the back side of the packaging is facing you to reveal the face of the first card (the front side showing a Pokémon). This way, the color on the back of the code card won’t spoil the rare card for you.
   • If you don’t plan on saving the foil, feel free to tear into it however you like! Just make sure not to damage the cards inside.

Expert Q&A

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Tips

• Do not wear gloves when opening your new pack. Some collectors suggest them to avoid getting prints or dirt on your cards, but gloves may also leave marks and debris. Just make sure to wash your hands before handling new cards.
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• If possible, avoid using scissors to open your pack since you may accidentally cut a card.
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