🧠 What does... actually mean? – The most important TCG terms explained simply

Welcome to the world of trading cards! If you've just started collecting TCG (Trading Card Game) products, you've probably come across terms like SAR , SSP , Godpack , or Chase Card and thought, "Huh?" – Don't worry, we've all felt that way. That's exactly why we wrote this article for you. Here you'll find all the terms lovingly explained, with real examples from our product range, so you can immerse yourself in the TCG hobby in a relaxed manner – without technical jargon, but with a lot of heart.

🎒 What is a TCG anyway?

A TCG, or Trading Card Game, is a collectible card game. You can collect , trade , sell , grade , or even play cards . Classics like Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon , One Piece , Magic: The Gathering , and Dragon Ball Super are well- known TCGs.

There are various products that you should know:

• Booster: Single pack with usually 5–11 cards – each pack is a little grab bag.

• Display: A full box containing several boosters (usually 24–36). Ideal for those who want to go all out.

• Box/Collection: Often contains a promo card, pins, exclusive boosters – and is perfect as a gift or introduction.

✨ Rarities and rarity levels – what’s behind SAR, SSR & Co.?

These abbreviations and terms indicate how rare , special , or valuable a card is. Each level represents a specific type of card, often with its own design, shiny effects, or limited editions.

Overview of common rarity levels:

• C – Common: The most common category. Usually standard cards with a normal design.

• UC – Uncommon: Slightly rarer than Common. Minor layout peculiarities.

• R – Rare: First level with special shiny effects or holographic elements.

• H – Holo Rare / Foil: Cards with a holo pattern. For Pokémon, for example, the classic glitter.

• RR – Double Rare: E.g. in Pokémon and One Piece – often full-art style, but not extremely rare.

• SR – Super Rare: Usually with full art and a special gloss. The first real "hit category."

• UR – Ultra Rare: Even rarer, often with gold effects or exclusive design.

• HR – Hyper Rare / Rainbow Rare: Most often found in Pokémon sets – cards with a rainbow look.

• CSR – Character Super Rare: Rare cards with character illustrations – e.g., in VMAX Climax.

• SAR – Special Art Rare: Particularly elaborately illustrated cards with alternative artwork. A highlight for many collectors.
  Example: Charizard SAR from Pokémon 151 – a work of art in card format.

• SSR – Super Special Rare: Common in Chinese or Japanese sets. Highly textured, often gold or metallic cards with special finishing.

• SP – Special Parallel / Short Print: Popular for anime or Weiss Schwarz series. Often with signature print.

• SSP – Super Short Print: Extremely rare cards, usually limited to under 500 copies. Some are numbered. Example: Iron Man SSP from Marvel Aura – Pure Prestige.

• GOD / GP – God Pack Only: Cards that are only included in Godpacks – with corresponding collector value.

These levels may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer (Pokémon, Bandai, Kakawow, Panini, etc.), but they give you a solid overview. Important: Not every abbreviation is internationally standardized—so always check the specific set.

🎉 Chase Card – the card everyone hopes for

Every set has its Chase Cards – these are the highlights everyone is chasing. You can often see them on the product packaging or on our product page. For example, in One Piece, there's the Manga Rare Shanks , or in Pokémon, a golden Mewtwo .

Chase cards are the target – and the reason why you sometimes wait hours to open them.

🎮 Godpack – the jackpot in the booster

A godpack is a legendary pack that contains only hits . No commons, no fillers—just special cards. The chance is vanishingly small, but the feeling of happiness is indescribable.

Sets with Godpack chance:

• Pokémon VSTAR Universe

• One Piece OP-05

• Dragon Ball Collector Sets

📊 Pull rate – how often do I pull something good?

The pull rate tells you how likely it is to get a hit.

Example: In a Pokémon display you usually get:

• 1x SAR

• 2–3 full-art cards

• Some Holo Rares

But: There are no guarantees ! That's why pulling is always a bit of an adventure.

🔍 Grading – your card becomes a treasure

Grading means: Your card is examined, evaluated, and hermetically sealed by professionals such as PSA, BGS, CGC, or even German providers.

Ratings are from 1 to 10:

• 10 : Perfect

• 9 : Almost perfect

• 8 : Minor defects

A PSA 10 Charizard can be worth €10,000+. Grading is like a certificate of authenticity with style.

🎥 Breaks – Livestream, Suspense, Drawing

A Booster Break is a collaborative product opening session during a live stream. You buy one or more boosters, for example, and we'll open them live for you .

You get:

• All cards that belong to you

• Sealed or immediately sleeved on request

• Interaction with the community

• Pure adrenaline

Tip: Our TikTok livestreams on Sundays are perfect for breaks!

🛒 Recommendation for starters

For anyone who wants to get started now, we have the best products in our shop:

• Eevee Premium Box – Starter hits guaranteed

• One Piece OP-06 Display – Godpack opportunity included

• Toploaders & Sleeves – Protection for your best cards

• Magnet Holder & Binder – for your collection at home

✨ Conclusion: Knowledge = more fun collecting

When you know the terms, the hobby becomes much deeper, more exciting, and more honest. You understand what others are talking about, recognize the value of your cards more quickly, and can join in the conversation when it comes to hits.

At Habibicards, you don't just get the products—you also get the understanding that goes with them. And if you have any questions, feel free to write to us. Or better yet, ask them live on our stream ❤️

PS: Follow us on TikTok for TCG knowledge, booster breaks, and your dose of nerd happiness!