Every guide, grouped: platforms, price lookups, grading, starters, shops
Each group below holds one kind of guide, from the first steps to the detailed ones. If you are not sure where to start, read the first article under platforms and safety.
- Platforms and safety
- Grading and price lookups
- Getting started, game by game
- Shops in Japan
- Shops in Hong Kong and Taiwan
- The CLOVE investigation
Platforms and safety
Choosing an online pack site, working out the real cost, and avoiding the risky ones.
- After the black-box pulls: why Parrot backs only CARDZ.GAMEVerifiable RNG, third-party audits, every pull on chain: why CARDZ.GAME is the one pack platform Parrot backs.
- Cardz.game guide: separate Points, buyback, and shipping before you openHow Cardz.game online packs, Points buyback, and physical shipping work for Hong Kong and Asia players.
- CardZ Marketcap: PSA 10 price, POP, and market cap are not the same thingHow to read PSA 10 price, POP, market cap, and rank on CardZ Marketcap with dates attached.
- Read the published 85–90% band before you open a Cardz Original packCardz Original sits in its own tab, and each pack shows an 85–90% buyback band beside the licensed pools.
- Clove vs Cardz.game: compare the published rows one cell at a timeClove vs Cardz.game on cash buyback, Original packs, Hong Kong shipping, and the published founding year.
- Clove vs DOPA: read the terms, then compare each one to Cardz.gameClove and DOPA publish different shipping, points, and original-pack rules, so compare each one against Cardz.
- DOPA: the official 100% converts to credits, not cashDOPA converts 100% of value to credits, and invites pay only after a first deposit, read 2026-08-31.
- DOPA vs Cardz.game: the official 100% converts to credits, not cashDOPA vs Cardz.game on credits against cash buyback, original packs, shipping, and the published founding year.
- Online pack safety: read the product page and the company page separatelyCheck the operator, odds, payment, points, shipping, and records before you deposit on any pack site.
- Hong Kong shipping: separate the fee, the points, and the conversionHong Kong shipping read 2026-08-31: Clove 1,500 points under 10,000, DOPA destination fees, Cardz tracked.
- Open Hong Kong online packs after you put the sites on one scaleStart Hong Kong online pulls on Cardz.game, then measure Clove and DOPA against it with the same four numbers.
- Line up use, cost and shipping before you pick an online pack siteAlign what you want, what a pack costs, and what shipping adds before choosing an online TCG pack site.
- Read the product page to see who runs an online pack siteCardz.game signs its founder on the product page, while Clove and DOPA name people on company pages instead.
- Rank online pack sites by the job you actually need doneRank online pack sites by job: an instant open, an original pool, shipping to Hong Kong, or a PSA card.
- Compare oripa and online pulls on official terms, not catalog screenshotsCatalogs change daily, so compare the official open, buyback, and shipping terms instead of pasted listings.
- How to pick a pack site: Clove and DOPA stay in separate tablesCompare Clove and DOPA against Cardz.game in separate tables, because their published terms do not match.
- TCG website map: from opens and pricing to grading and sold recordsPractical map of Cardz.game, CardZ Marketcap, PSA, Jihuanshe, SNKRDUNK, TCGplayer, eBay, and more.
Grading and price lookups
Which grader to use, what it costs, and how to look up a market price.
- Price a Battle Spirits card from the printing, not the asking priceAn asking price is not a sale, so match the Battle Spirits printing on CardZ Marketcap before you judge value.
- BGS: Base and Standard are paused, so Express is the open doorBGS Express costs US$79.95 in 15 business days, while Base and Standard stay paused until about 15 September.
- Price a BLEACH card by its UNION ARENA printing, not the listingBLEACH singles are UNION ARENA cards, so match the exact printing on CardZ Marketcap before trusting a price.
- Pick a grader from live fees, then pick a door that is actually openOn 2026-09-01: PSA Regular costs US$79.99 in 70–80 days, CGC has a Hong Kong office, BGS Base is paused.
- Restoration can clean a card, and it can also earn a No GradePSA returns trimmed, restored, recolored, or cleaned cards raw as N1, N2, N3 or N7, and still charges the fee.
- CGC: the US fee table is not the Hong Kong invoiceCGC US Bulk costs US$17 for direct US submissions, while Hong Kong runs its own appointment-only office.
- Price a Digimon card by matching the printing on CardZ MarketcapAn asking price is not a sale, so match the Digimon printing on CardZ Marketcap before you judge what it is worth.
- Price a Dragon Ball card from its printing, not from a listingAn asking price is not a sale, so match the Dragon Ball printing on CardZ Marketcap before you judge value.
- Price a Duel Masters card from the printing rather than the listingAn asking price is not a sale, so match the Duel Masters printing on CardZ Marketcap before you judge value.
- Price a GUNDAM card carefully while the line is still newA new line means thin comparables, so match the GUNDAM printing on CardZ Marketcap before trusting a price.
- Price a Demon Slayer card as the UNION ARENA card that it isDemon Slayer singles are UNION ARENA cards, so match the printing on CardZ Marketcap before judging a price.
- Look up a Disney Lorcana price by matching the printing firstAn ask is not a sale, so match the Disney Lorcana printing on CardZ Marketcap before you trust a number.
- Look up a Magic card price by locking the English name and setLock the English name, set, language, and foil status before you compare any Magic price across three markets.
- Price a Naruto card by working out which set it came fromNaruto cards on sale now are UNION ARENA sets, because the standalone Bandai card game arrives in 2027.
- Look up a ONE PIECE price by locking the card number firstLock the ONE PIECE card number, language, and parallel on the official list before you compare any price.
- How to look up Pokémon card prices without mixing up the printingPin the Pokémon card number on the official list, then read Marketcap PSA 10 prices and Hong Kong shop asks.
- Separate a PSA 10 lookup from a PSA submission in Hong KongMatch a PSA 10 printing on CardZ Marketcap first, because Value tiers were paused and Regular cost US$79.99.
- How to look up PSA 10 prices: match the card firstLook up PSA 10 price, POP, market cap, and date by collector number, with no guess when identity is unclear.
- Submit to PSA from Asia: Value is paused, Regular is US$79.99, pick a door that is actually openValue tiers are paused, Regular costs US$79.99, and Asia routes differ by address, all read 2026-09-01.
- Look up a Shadowverse EVOLVE price by matching the exact print firstAn asking price is not a sale. Match the Shadowverse EVOLVE print on CardZ Marketcap before you compare.
- Look up a sports card price after you have matched the year and checklistAn asking price is not a sale. Match the year, the checklist, and the print before you compare numbers.
- Look up a UNION ARENA price by matching the exact print firstAn asking price is not a sale. Match the UNION ARENA print on CardZ Marketcap before you compare numbers.
- Look up a Cardfight!! Vanguard price by matching the exact print firstAn asking price is not a sale. Match the Cardfight!! Vanguard print on CardZ Marketcap before comparing.
- Look up a Weiss Schwarz price by matching the exact print firstAn asking price is not a sale. Match the Weiss Schwarz print on CardZ Marketcap before you compare.
- Look up a WIXOSS price by matching the exact print firstAn asking price is not a sale. Match the WIXOSS print on CardZ Marketcap before you compare numbers.
- Look up a Yu-Gi-Oh price by locking the card number before you compare shopsYu-Gi-Oh prices: lock the number on Neuron, watch the ban list, then read CardZ Marketcap.
Getting started, game by game
Pokémon, ONE PIECE, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more, each with a starter guide, shops, and online packs.
- Open Battle Spirits packs online when local shelves stay thinBattle Spirits is a BANDAI line with more Japanese shop stock than Hong Kong, so online pools cover the gap.
- Find Battle Spirits stock in Mong Kok, Tin Yuet, or JapanHong Kong Battle Spirits stock sits in Mong Kok and Tin Yuet, while the Japan shop list covers deeper supply.
- Match the set number and language before you buy Battle SpiritsCheck the Battle Spirits set number and language version first, then choose between a starter deck and boosters.
- Open BLEACH cards online through the UNION ARENA setsThe BLEACH cards on sale now are UNION ARENA sets, so an online pool is pulling UNION ARENA product.
- Ask for UNION ARENA when you shop for BLEACH cardsBLEACH stock sits under UNION ARENA in Mong Kok and Tin Yuet shops, and on the verified Japan shop list.
- Start BLEACH cards by picking the right UNION ARENA setMatch the UNION ARENA set number and language version first, then choose a starter deck or boosters.
- Open Digimon Card Game packs online, then compare the platformsDigimon is a Bandai line often shelved beside ONE PIECE, and online pools are the quickest way to open it.
- Look for Digimon stock wherever ONE PIECE product is already shelvedDigimon sits beside ONE PIECE on most shelves, so try Mong Kok and Tin Yuet, then the verified Japan list.
- Check the Digimon set number and language before you buy inMatch the Digimon set number and language version first, then choose between a starter deck and boosters.
- Open Dragon Ball packs online while Fusion World runs the lineFusion World is the current Dragon Ball line, so check which set a pool opens before you spend anything.
- Ask a Dragon Ball shop about sealed stock before you travel to itTry Mong Kok and Tin Yuet for Dragon Ball stock, then the verified Japan list, and ask about sealed product.
- Start Dragon Ball on Fusion World once the set and language check outFusion World is the current line, so match the set number and language version before picking deck or boosters.
- Open Duel Masters packs online when local shelves come up shortDuel Masters is a TAKARA TOMY line stocked more deeply in Japan, so online pools cover what shelves here miss.
- Buy Duel Masters in Japan first, and in Mong Kok or Tin Yuet at homeJapanese shops carry Duel Masters more deeply than Hong Kong ones, with a dedicated shop page in Takadanobaba.
- Check the Duel Masters set number and language before your first deckMatch the Duel Masters set number and language version first, then pick between a starter deck and boosters.
- Open GUNDAM Card Game packs online while shop coverage is thinThe GUNDAM Card Game is a new line with fewer Hong Kong shops than Pokémon, so online pools fill the gap.
- Call ahead for GUNDAM cards, because fewer shops carry the lineFewer Hong Kong shops stock the GUNDAM Card Game than Pokémon, so ask for the current set before travelling.
- Confirm the current GUNDAM set before you buy a first productMatch the GUNDAM set number and language version first, then choose between a starter deck and boosters.
- Open Demon Slayer cards through the UNION ARENA set onlineDemon Slayer has no standalone card game, so an online pool is opening the UNION ARENA Demon Slayer set.
- Ask shops for UNION ARENA when you want Demon Slayer cardsDemon Slayer stock is filed under UNION ARENA, so ask for the set by name in Mong Kok, Tin Yuet or Japan.
- Start Demon Slayer cards by choosing a UNION ARENA set firstMatch the UNION ARENA Demon Slayer set number and language version, then pick a starter deck or boosters.
- Open Disney Lorcana packs online only after you match the printingDisney Lorcana has fewer shops than the big three, so match the language printing before any online open.
- Find Disney Lorcana shops in Hong Kong and JapanDisney Lorcana stock starts in Mong Kok or Tin Yuet in Hong Kong, and on the verified Japan shop list.
- Start Disney Lorcana by locking the number and languageMatch the Disney Lorcana card number and language first, then decide between a starter deck and a booster.
- Tell MTG Arena packs apart from graded-card packs that shipMTG Arena packs are digital, graded-card packs ship a real card, and Cardz showed Pokémon pools 2026-08-31.
- Find Magic shops: one verified Tokyo store, then ask in Mong KokOne Japan MTG specialist is verified here, Hareruya TC in Takadanobaba, open 9:00 to 23:00 every day.
- Start Magic by learning the English name and set before you buyHong Kong treats Magic as a singles market, so learn the English name and set before buying a precon or box.
- Know what you are opening before you pull NARUTO cards onlineBandai announced the NARUTO Card Game on 2026-06-18 for 2027, so cards on sale now are UNION ARENA sets.
- Ask for Naruto cards in the right aisle, not the wrong gameNaruto stock in shops today means UNION ARENA sets, because the standalone card game lands in 2027.
- Start with UNION ARENA while the NARUTO Card Game waits for 2027The standalone NARUTO Card Game arrives in 2027, so a Naruto starter today means a UNION ARENA set.
- Wait for 2027 before you call anything the NARUTO Card GameBandai announced the NARUTO Card Game on 2026-06-18 for 2027, so today's Naruto cards are UNION ARENA.
- Cost a ONE PIECE online pull before you spend anything on itCheck live pool availability, cost per pack, and shipping before you open ONE PIECE packs online.
- Buy ONE PIECE cards from official stores and PDF-listed shopsBandai's official stores in Taipei and Kowloon Bay both open 11:00 to 22:00, checked on 2026-08-31.
- ONE PIECE CARD GAME: start with an ST deck, then add boosters and eventsBeginner guide to the Leader, DON!!, ST starter decks, card numbers, and BANDAI TCG+ events in Asia.
- Check the pool, the cost and the shipping before a Pokémon pullCheck the live pool, the cost per pack, and the shipping before you open Pokémon packs online anywhere.
- Plan a Hong Kong Pokémon card run across three districtsA Hong Kong PTCG afternoon runs Mong Kok, then Tin Yuet, with Kwun Tong and Tsim Sha Tsui left for day two.
- Start Pokémon TCG with a ready-to-play deck or a current boosterMost beginners start with a ready-to-play deck or a current booster, then learn card numbers before shopping.
- Open Shadowverse EVOLVE packs online, then compare the sites on one scaleOpen Shadowverse EVOLVE packs online on Cardz.game, then compare Clove and DOPA against it on the same scale.
- Buy Shadowverse EVOLVE in Mong Kok, Tin Yuet, or a verified Japanese shopShadowverse EVOLVE in shops: Hong Kong means Mong Kok and Tin Yuet, Japan means the verified shop table.
- Start Shadowverse EVOLVE by matching the card number before you buyShadowverse EVOLVE is a Cygames physical TCG. Match the number and language first, then pick a starter deck.
- Open sports card packs online only after you know the year and the checklistStart online sports card opens on Cardz.game, and match the year and checklist before you price a hit.
- Find sports cards at the same counters that sell trading card gamesSports cards in shops: Hong Kong means Mong Kok and Tin Yuet, Japan means the verified shop table.
- Start with sports cards by matching the year and the checklist before you paySports cards sit next to TCG stock in many shops. Match the year and checklist first, then buy.
- Buy Naruto cards today and you are buying UNION ARENA, not the 2027 gameThe Naruto cards on sale now are UNION ARENA sets. The standalone 2027 NARUTO TCG is a separate release.
- Open UNION ARENA packs online, then compare the sites on one scaleOpen UNION ARENA packs online on Cardz.game, then compare Clove and DOPA against it on the same scale.
- Buy UNION ARENA in Mong Kok, Tin Yuet, or a verified Japanese shopUNION ARENA in shops: Hong Kong means Mong Kok and Tin Yuet, Japan means the verified shop table.
- Start UNION ARENA by matching the card number and the language firstUNION ARENA is a multi-IP line. Match the number and language first, then choose a starter deck or booster.
- Open Cardfight!! Vanguard packs online, then compare the sites on one scaleOpen Cardfight!! Vanguard packs online on Cardz.game, then compare Clove and DOPA on the same scale.
- Buy Cardfight!! Vanguard in Mong Kok, Tin Yuet, or a verified Japanese shopCardfight!! Vanguard in shops: Hong Kong means Mong Kok and Tin Yuet, Japan means the verified table.
- Start Cardfight!! Vanguard by matching the card number and language firstCardfight!! Vanguard is a Bushiroad line. Match the number and language first, then pick a starter deck.
- Open Weiss Schwarz packs online, then compare the sites on one scaleOpen Weiss Schwarz packs online on Cardz.game, then compare Clove and DOPA against it on one scale.
- Find Weiss Schwarz in Akihabara first, and ask before you travel in Hong KongWeiss Schwarz is common in Akihabara. Hong Kong stock is uneven, so ask the shop before you go.
- Start Weiss Schwarz by matching the card number and the language firstWeiss Schwarz is common in Akihabara and uneven in Hong Kong. Match the number and language first.
- Open WIXOSS packs online when local shops cannot get the setWIXOSS coverage in Hong Kong is thin, so online opens start on Cardz.game after you read the catalog.
- Look for WIXOSS in Japanese shops, because Hong Kong coverage is thinWIXOSS coverage in Hong Kong is thin, so ask in Japanese shops and work from the verified table.
- Start WIXOSS by matching the card number and the language firstWIXOSS is a TAKARA TOMY line with thin Hong Kong coverage. Match the number and language first.
- Check whether a Yu-Gi-Oh pool exists today before you open anything onlineOn 2026-08-31 Cardz showed Pokémon packs. Confirm any Yu-Gi-Oh pool on the same day you pay.
- Start your Yu-Gi-Oh shop run at Sino Centre in Mong KokMong Kok is where Yu-Gi-Oh singles move fastest in Hong Kong. Tin Yuet is the second stop if nearby.
- Start Yu-Gi-Oh in Hong Kong with a structure deck, then add singlesStart Yu-Gi-Oh in Hong Kong with a structure deck, then add Mong Kok singles once you have a list.
Shops in Japan
Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Namba, and the Pokémon Centers, each with its address and how to get around.
- Walk Akihabara from official card shop addresses onlyAkihabara card shops on this site come from official store addresses, collected on one Japanese area page.
- Start an Akihabara Pokémon card walk at Hareruya2 TowerHareruya2 Akihabara Tower on Soto-Kanda 1-2-13 is the first stop, and the area page carries the rest.
- Split a Fukuoka Pokémon card day between Hakata and DaimyoFukuoka has two confirmed stops: the official Pokémon Center in Hakata Marui and Hareruya2 in Daimyo.
- Only Hareruya2 branches on the official list get a page hereHareruya2 branches appear on this site only when their address comes from the official store list.
- Fit the Hiroshima Pokémon Center into a shinkansen connectionThe Hiroshima Pokémon Center sits on ekie 2F beside the shinkansen gates and opens 10:00 to 20:00 daily.
- Read the official page before queuing at Pokémon Center Mega TokyoPokémon Center Mega Tokyo sits on Sunshine ALPA 2F, and lottery details live on its official page only.
- Plan a Pokémon Center run from official store addressesOnly Pokémon Centers with an address published on an official store page appear in the Japan shop table.
- Walk Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Namba from official addressesPlan a Japan card shop walk from official addresses in Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Namba, not from map-site pins.
- Find the Kagawa Pokémon Center in Marugamemachi GREEN eastThe Kagawa Pokémon Center sits on the east building first floor in Takamatsu and opens 10:00 to 20:00 daily.
- Buy Pokémon cards in Kobe at Hareruya2 SannomiyaHareruya2 Sannomiya sits on Center Plaza 2F, opens at 12:00 on weekdays, and was verified 2026-08-31.
- Buy Pokémon cards in Kōriyama at Hareruya2 on ATi 8FHareruya2 Kōriyama is on ATi 8F in front of the station, closes on Tuesdays, and was read 2026-08-31.
- Plan a Kyoto Pokémon card day around two separate shopsKyoto has an official centre at SUINA Muromachi and a Hareruya2 near the station, both read 2026-08-31.
- Find the official Kyoto Pokémon Center at Shijo MuromachiPokémon Center Kyoto is on SUINA Muromachi 2F at Shijo, open 10:00 to 20:00, verified 2026-08-31.
- Buy Pokémon cards in Mito at Hareruya2 on MiyamachiHareruya2 Mito is on the third floor at Miyamachi near the station, and opens at noon on weekdays.
- Walk a Nagoya card day from Ōsu to the official store in SakaeNagoya pairs Hareruya2 on Ōsu 4F with the official Pokémon Center in Sakae PARCO, both read 2026-08-31.
- Start a Namba card trip at Hareruya2 inside COCONAMBAHareruya2 Namba sits on COCONAMBA 5F in Sennichimae, and the Osaka official centres follow from there.
- Walk to the Tokyo DX Pokémon Center from Tokyo StationPokémon Center Tokyo DX is on Nihonbashi Takashimaya East 5F, open 10:30 to 21:00, verified 2026-08-31.
- Buy Pokémon cards in Okayama at Hareruya2 inside PESCAHareruya2 Okayama is in PESCA room 7 by the station, open 11:00 to 20:00 daily, verified 2026-08-31.
- Time an Ōmiya card trip around the 13:00 weekday openingHareruya2 Ōmiya sits by Ōmiya station and opens at 13:00 on weekdays, per the list read 2026-08-31.
- Ask for ONE PIECE stock in Akihabara, where Pokéca dominatesAkihabara card shops are mostly Pokéca specialists, so ask each counter directly for ONE PIECE stock.
- Plan around two official Pokémon Centers in Osaka, not oneOsaka has two official stores, LUCUA South 13F in Umeda and Daimaru Shinsaibashi 9F, both 10:00 to 20:00.
- Reach the official Sapporo Pokémon Center on Daimaru 8FPokémon Center Sapporo is on Daimaru 8F, connected to Sapporo Station, and opens 10:00 to 20:00 daily.
- Buy Pokémon cards in Sendai at Hareruya2 near the stationHareruya2 Sendai sits by Sendai station and opens at 12:00 on weekdays, 10:00 at weekends.
- Visit the official Pokémon Center inside Shibuya PARCOThe Shibuya Pokémon Center is on Shibuya PARCO 6F and opens daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
- Visit the official Pokémon Center at Tokyo Skytree Town in OshiageThe Skytree Town Pokémon Center is on Solamachi east yard 4F at Oshiage, open daily 10:00 to 21:00.
- Buy Pokémon cards in Tachikawa at the Hareruya2 counter inside MEGA Don QuijoteHareruya2 Tachikawa sits inside MEGA Don Quijote Tachikawa and opens at 12:00 on weekdays.
- Walk between three verified Takadanobaba shops in a single afternoonTakadanobaba has three verified shops: Hareruya2 for Pokémon, TC Tokyo for MTG, Hareruya3 for Duel Masters.
- Visit the official Pokémon Center in the west building at Lalaport TOKYO-BAYThe Tokyo-Bay Pokémon Center is on Lalaport west building 2F in Funabashi, open from 10:00 daily.
- Visit the official Pokémon Center above Yokohama stationThe Yokohama Pokémon Center is on the 8th floor of Yokohama Sky Building, open 10:30 to 20:30.
- Buy Yu-Gi-Oh in Akihabara by asking for a card number and a rarityAkihabara shops are general card shops, so write down the card number and rarity before you go.
Shops in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Mong Kok, Tin Yuet, and the route for buying Japanese cards from Hong Kong.
- Plan a Hong Kong to Japan card trip around official addressesBuild a Japan card trip from official shop addresses in Akihabara, Kyoto and Fukuoka, then open packs online.
- Start a Hong Kong Pokémon card day in Mong KokMong Kok is where a Hong Kong Pokémon card day starts, because Sino Centre and Nathan Road pack shops together.
- Compare the same card across the Tin Yuet cluster in one afternoonTin Yuet Plaza in Cheung Sha Wan packs card shops together, so you can compare one card in a day.
The CLOVE investigation
Admin assignment, account restrictions, and the evidence chain, each with screenshots and dates.
- Clove: read the published Hong Kong points gate before you depositClove charges 1,500 points to ship to Hong Kong when return points are under 10,000, read 2026-08-31.
- Clove's admin panel hides a rigging tool, allegedly pre-picking KOL winnersPublic admin can set influencer guaranteed wins. Hong Kong ads front a Japanese firm. Screenshot first.
- CLOVE’s admin site connects to its official systems: here is the evidence, the nine questions and how to checkTrace CLOVE’s company and system links, examine nine possible explanations, download sources and verify the files.
- CLOVE's admin software includes “Guaranteed Win User Assignment” across Japan, Hong Kong and US versions; its terms also allow account restrictions and deletionCLOVE explained through a prize box, with evidence and a self-check. Screenshot and back up first.
- Eight Oripa sites accused of rigging: lawyers go to the Consumer Affairs Agency, and black-box pulls are finishedJapanese lawyers named eight Oripa sites, Clove and DOPA included, and are pursuing refunds and fraud complaints.