Why Buying from a Local Game Store (LGS) Matters: A Guide for Pokémon & Magic: The Gathering Players
Partager
Introduction: The Rise of Trading Card Games & Why Choosing the Right Store Matters
The world of Trading Card Games (TCGs) is booming like never before. Whether you're a Pokémon Trainer searching for rare Charizard cards or a Magic: The Gathering (MTG) duelist crafting the perfect deck, the thrill of collecting, trading, and playing TCGs is undeniable. But with high demand comes challenges—scalping, price inflation, and counterfeit cards have made it harder for players to find fairly priced, authentic cards.
That’s where Local Game Stores (LGS) like VI PC Builder & Games come in! We’re not just a store—we’re a community of passionate collectors and players who believe in fair pricing, accessibility, and the integrity of the game. In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ Where to Buy Pokémon & MTG Cards Online & In-Store
✅ How to Spot Valuable Cards & Avoid Fakes
✅ Deck-Building Strategies for Pokémon & MTG Players
✅ Essential Accessories to Protect & Display Your Collection
✅ Why Supporting Your Local Game Store (LGS) Helps Gamers & Collectors
Let’s dive in! 🎴🔥
1. Where to Buy Pokémon & MTG Cards: Why Local Game Stores Matter
When looking for Pokémon & Magic: The Gathering cards, you have multiple options:
- Big Retail Chains (Walmart, Target, etc.): Limited selection, unpredictable restocks, often targeted by scalpers.
- Online Marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.): Risk of buying fakes, price gouging, and inconsistent quality.
- Local Game Stores (LGS) like VI PC Builder & Games: Fair prices, real community events, and guaranteed authenticity.
Why Choose an LGS?
- We support gamers and collectors, NOT scalpers. Our prices stay as close to MSRP as possible to ensure fairness.
- We offer expert guidance on deck-building, card valuation, and accessory recommendations.
- We host in-store events, tournaments, and trade nights to help you connect with fellow players.
📢 Pro Tip: Always buy from a trusted LGS to ensure your cards are authentic and fairly priced!
2. How to Spot Valuable Cards & Avoid Fakes
With Pokémon & MTG booming, counterfeit cards have flooded the market. Here’s how to identify real vs. fake cards:
🔍 Check the Holo Pattern & Texture: Pokémon holofoil cards have a distinct shine and texture that fakes struggle to replicate.
📏 Measure the Card: Genuine Pokémon & MTG cards are 2.5" x 3.5" and have a consistent thickness.
🔦 Light Test: Hold the card to a light source—real cards slightly diffuse light, while fakes may appear too thin or opaque.
🧪 Water Test: Real Pokémon & MTG cards absorb a small drop of water briefly before drying, while fakes may smudge or soak through.
💡 Best Tip? Buy from a trusted LGS like VI PC Builder & Games to avoid getting scammed!
3. Deck-Building Strategies for Pokémon & MTG Players
Want to build a winning deck? Here’s how!
Pokémon TCG Deck-Building Tips:
🔥 60-Card Limit: Stick to a consistent energy, Pokémon, and trainer card ratio (Example: 20 Pokémon, 25 Trainers, 15 Energy).
⚡ Meta Awareness: Research top-tier decks in current Standard or Expanded formats to stay competitive.
💡 Synergy Matters: Build around one core strategy (e.g., Lightning Speed Decks or Energy Ramp Strategies).
Magic: The Gathering Deck-Building Tips:
⚔️ Mana Base is Key: Aim for lands that match your deck’s colors, typically 40% of your deck in a 60-card format.
🃏 Card Advantage: Include draw mechanics (like "Scry" or "Card Draw") to keep your hand full.
🎯 Control vs. Aggro: Adjust your deck’s speed based on your playstyle—faster aggressive decks need fewer lands, while control decks need more.
📢 Need singles or booster packs to upgrade your deck? Check out VI PC Builder & Games’ collection for MSRP-priced Pokémon & MTG cards!
4. Essential Accessories for Every TCG Player
Protecting your valuable Pokémon & MTG cards is just as important as playing them! Here are the must-have accessories:
🛡 Deck Sleeves – Prevent scratches and damage. Use Dragon Shield or Ultra PRO for premium protection.
📁 Binders & Storage Boxes – Keep your collection organized & safe from dust.
🛒 Playmats – Avoid damaging cards on rough surfaces. Plus, they look cool!
💡 Bonus Tip: Use penny sleeves + top loaders for ultra-rare Pokémon & MTG cards to maximize protection & resale value.
5. Why Supporting Your Local Game Store (LGS) Helps Gamers & Collectors
The Pokémon & MTG communities thrive because of LGS stores like VI PC Builder & Games. Here’s why buying from an LGS benefits YOU:
🚫 No Scalping! – We never price gouge and always keep prices as close to MSRP as possible.
🃏 Real Community Events! – Join tournaments, trade nights, and pre-release events with fellow players.
🎴 Guaranteed Authenticity! – No fakes, no scams—only 100% real Pokémon & MTG cards.
📢 The bottom line? Support your LGS to keep the game fair, accessible, and thriving for everyone!
Conclusion: Join Our Community & Shop Fair-Priced TCGs Today!
At VI PC Builder & Games, we’re more than just a store—we’re your TCG community. Whether you're a collector hunting for rare singles, a competitive MTG player, or a casual Pokémon fan, we’re here to support you with fair pricing, expert knowledge, and an amazing gaming community.
📢 Shop Pokémon & Magic: The Gathering singles, booster packs, and accessories today!
✅ No scalping.
✅ As close to MSRP as possible.
✅ Fast & secure shipping.
