Money/Budgeting Tips for YGO by Baneful

 

YGO is a game that can get quite expensive.  You are probably spending much more than you think you are if you calculate it.  Back in the day, I probably spent $500-1000 per year easily.  To be fair, it was a huge part of my life so I don't really regret it.

 

Here are some overall tips I recommend for newer players in buying cards:

 

First, don't buy packs.  By that I mean, don't buy them in individual $4 doses. 

 

Usually a $4 pack results in a crap rare and commons you wouldn't use anyway. 

 

Save up a little more (instead of spending every $5 bill you get) for booster boxes, special editions and/or tins.  You get more for your money that way.

 

Structure decks are also usually a good deal.

 

Buying singles on ebay (especially in playsets) is a good route to go.  But make sure it's a card you truly have practical use for.  You will probably get more money out of spending $20 on singles than you would in buying 5 packs. 

 

I recommend buying card sleeves, mats and quality binders.  And a backpack.  You will be thankful for it in the long haul.

 

Knowing friends in real life with boxes of unused commons can help.  Usually, you can get commons for $.25 cents each if you know the person.

 

Lastly, values of cards are fleetings.  Ultra rares may be worth $15-20 but they may not be for months.  In the end, cards that are good will most likely retain their value (unless their value is super-inflated to like $50-100 levels).  Super/ultra rare cards that may be worth $5-10 at the time but are utterly bad are likely to be worth $1-2 soon enough.

 

Baneful

 

banefulscolumn@gmail.com