All Current Pokémon TCG Rarities Explained (Scarlet & Violet)

Summary

This video script is a friendly, detailed guide to Pokémon TCG rarities, explaining symbols, how often each appears in booster packs, and differences between international and Japanese markings. It walks viewers through commons, uncommons, rares, double rares/EX, illustration/art rares, secret and ultra/hyper rares, special illustration cards, and shiny variants — plus the textured holo treatments and set-number quirks collectors chase. Practical notes cover booster pack slot behavior (rare vs. reverse holo), promotional black-star cards, and examples like EX pulls and the Pal and Fates shiny set. It’s equal parts collector primer and deck-building accessibility guide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Common cards are the most basic Pokémon cards and are typically non-holo. They make up a large part of any booster pack and often feature basic, unevolved Pokémon.
• 😀 Uncommon cards are slightly less frequent than commons and can feature either basic or evolved Pokémon. These are often found in booster packs and most trainer cards are uncommon.
• 😀 Rare cards are guaranteed in every booster pack, although they can be replaced by higher rarity cards. They can be holo or reverse holo, with the symbol being a black star (★).
• 😀 Double Rare cards, represented by two black stars (★★), are rarer than regular rares and often include special cards like EX Pokémon. They are always holo and can sometimes have texture.
• 😀 Ace Spec cards (◇) have a magenta star and are special, often textured cards that are hard to find. They are unique to certain sets.
• 😀 Illustration Rares (AR or A.R.) feature full-art designs, where the artwork covers the entire card. These cards are rare and typically have a secret rare status.
• 😀 Ultra Rare cards, marked with silver stars, are secret rares that often feature detailed textures. These cards are more striking and are sometimes found in the rare slot of booster packs.
• 😀 Special Illustration Rares (SIR or S.A.R.) are an even rarer version of Illustration Rares, often sought after by collectors for their intricate designs and limited availability.
• 😀 Hyper Rare cards, denoted by three gold stars (★★★), are the highest rarity in current booster packs. These are covered in gold glitter and have unique texture designs.
• 😀 Shiny Pokémon are distinct for having a different color palette, and they feature a gold outlined star symbol. They are usually secret rares and are not as common in sets.
• 😀 Black Star Promo cards are promotional cards that feature a black star symbol and are often distributed through special events or products. They are not found in regular booster packs.

Q & A

What symbol represents a common rarity in Pokémon cards?

A common rarity is represented by a small filled black circle on the card.

When were common cards introduced in the Pokémon Trading Card Game?

Common cards were introduced in 1996, when the Trading Card Game (TCG) was first released.

Can common cards ever be holographic?

Common cards are usually non-holo but can be found as reverse holo versions.

What does the black diamond symbol represent in Pokémon cards?

The black diamond represents the uncommon rarity, which is slightly less common than a common card.

What types of Pokémon can be classified as uncommon cards?

Uncommon cards can be either basic Pokémon or evolved Pokémon, and most trainer cards are also uncommon.

How is a rare Pokémon card represented in terms of its symbol?

A rare Pokémon card uses a black star symbol, which should not be confused with the black star promo symbol.

When did the rule change regarding non-holo rare cards?

In 2023, with the release of the Scarlet and Violet expansion, rare cards can no longer be non-holo.

What is the difference between a rare and a double rare card?

A double rare card uses two black stars as its symbol, and it is a higher rarity than a standard rare card. These can replace a rare card in a booster pack.

What makes an illustration rare card different from other rarities?

An illustration rare card features artwork that covers the entire card, from top to bottom, and is considered a secret rare due to its card number exceeding the set's total.

What is the significance of the two gold stars in Pokémon cards?

Two gold stars represent a special illustration rare card (SIR), which is a rarer, more detailed version of an illustration rare. It is a highly sought-after collectible.

How are shiny Pokémon cards different from regular rare cards?

Shiny Pokémon cards have swapped color palettes, and they are classified with a gold star outline symbol rather than a filled gold star. These cards are always secret rares.

What is a Black Star Promo, and how is it different from regular Pokémon card rarities?

A Black Star Promo is a promotional card marked with a black star and the word 'Promo' instead of a rarity symbol. These cards are often included with special products or events and are not part of regular booster packs.