Now, how do you know what a given card is worth? It seems like nearly everyone will tell you something different, so the best way to learn card values is to do a little research on your own. There are many sources available, and your job is to look them over and work out an average value. You can consult magazine price guides or look at card prices in your local stores, or you can examine the price lists of online card retailers. The most up-to-date values are probably found on online auction sites, since this gives an idea of what most people are willing to pay for a card. Look over the prices of different cards and note down values for cards you have and cards you would like. This will help you work out balanced trades.

Once you've learned about card values, how do you make a successful trade? Know what you have and what it's worth, and figure out what you want and what you're willing to give for it. If you've put some thought into what you want to give and what you want to get, you are less likely to make a hasty trade that you later regret. Once a trade is made, it is often difficult to trade back.

Start off trading with someone you trust, and get to know the players in your area. Talking to people who trade cards can help you get an idea of which players are dependable in trades and which ones you might want to think carefully about. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable about a trade, or if you are unsure about card values or feel pressured to make a trade, you certainly have the right to think about it or decline the trade. There's no point in making a trade you won't be happy about. Also, if you're going to trade at a league or card shop, make certain to check the trading policy. Some stores might only allow trading at certain times or in certain sections, and you don't want to accidentally get into trouble.

No one wants to feel like they've gotten ripped off in a trade, so remember what your cards are worth, and keep a close watch on them. Don't let people you don't know look through your cards unsupervised, and be careful when you go places with your cards. If you make a display of your rare or valuable cards, be certain they are secure.

There's one more thing you're going to want to know a lot about before you start trading--how to recognize counterfeit cards. No one wants to take a newly traded-for killer deck to a tournament, only to discover that it is full of counterfeit--and therefore illegal--cards. You can look forward to an article on the subject in an upcoming column, but meanwhile, compare any card offered you in trade with a comparable card--a super rare to a super rare, a secret rare to a secret rare--and be on the lookout for any differences.


Trading is a great way to build up your collection. You get the cards you need, your trade partner gets the cards he or she needs, and provided that everyone knows the value of what they are giving and getting, it's a good situation for all concerned. If you're looking to add to your collection and pass along cards you don't need, then do your homework--learn the values of your cards, figure out what you want--and have the best of luck in your search for people who want the same, and are eager to trade with you!