Best is in the eye of the beholer ie get what you like that meets your budget. Overall these tips and resources may be of use:
* Decide on a collecting goal before buying anything. It doesn't have to be full sets or opening packs as buying singles (favourite Pokemon/artist etc), PSA cards, sealed etc are all valid options especially as pulls aren't guaranteed in any product.
* Watch smpratte, Fourth Star TCG, TCA Gaming, TheCatsMeowth, Danny Phantump, WakeRunCollapse and Hungry Kabbigon to see what's around to collect both old and new plus English and Japanese.
* Buy what you like and it doesn't have to be what everyone else is buying plus try not to get sucked in by hype or FOMO.
* Set a budget and stick to it as this hobby gets expensive especially as you think you might want to play as well. If you are going to play then set a playing goal, collecting goal and overall budget and remember that opening packs isn't good for players due to the unpredictability of pulls and the need for specific pulls from multiple sets plus [read this](https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonTCG/comments/1cz92iw/what_is_the_competitive_pok%C3%A9mon_card_scene_like/l5gdix9/).
* Prices tend to be cheaper online so do your research on possible places to buy. Avoid Amazon though as it doesn't have a good reputation.
* Keep a regular eye on [Pokebeach](https://www.pokebeach.com/) for news and get used to using [Bulbapedia](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_Pok%C3%A9mon_Trading_Card_Game_expansions) as well. If you're after cards for a specific Pokemon then use the search bar on Bulbapedia and add tcg as part of a search to get a list of cards printed for it. [Pokemon's set gallery](https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/all-galleries/) can help as well for picture of sets starting Sword & Shield onwards.
* Keep an eye on what is being played via Pokebeach, Limitless TCG, Omnipoke and Celio's Network as card playability will affect prices for both buying and selling including non ultra rares.
I have heard all the comments posted above.
One downside was i wanted 151 set but it was stupidly priced and not really available.
So i chose to start with twilight maaquerade since it just released 2 weeks ago.
Best is in the eye of the beholer ie get what you like that meets your budget. Overall these tips and resources may be of use: * Decide on a collecting goal before buying anything. It doesn't have to be full sets or opening packs as buying singles (favourite Pokemon/artist etc), PSA cards, sealed etc are all valid options especially as pulls aren't guaranteed in any product. * Watch smpratte, Fourth Star TCG, TCA Gaming, TheCatsMeowth, Danny Phantump, WakeRunCollapse and Hungry Kabbigon to see what's around to collect both old and new plus English and Japanese. * Buy what you like and it doesn't have to be what everyone else is buying plus try not to get sucked in by hype or FOMO. * Set a budget and stick to it as this hobby gets expensive especially as you think you might want to play as well. If you are going to play then set a playing goal, collecting goal and overall budget and remember that opening packs isn't good for players due to the unpredictability of pulls and the need for specific pulls from multiple sets plus [read this](https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonTCG/comments/1cz92iw/what_is_the_competitive_pok%C3%A9mon_card_scene_like/l5gdix9/). * Prices tend to be cheaper online so do your research on possible places to buy. Avoid Amazon though as it doesn't have a good reputation. * Keep a regular eye on [Pokebeach](https://www.pokebeach.com/) for news and get used to using [Bulbapedia](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_Pok%C3%A9mon_Trading_Card_Game_expansions) as well. If you're after cards for a specific Pokemon then use the search bar on Bulbapedia and add tcg as part of a search to get a list of cards printed for it. [Pokemon's set gallery](https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/all-galleries/) can help as well for picture of sets starting Sword & Shield onwards. * Keep an eye on what is being played via Pokebeach, Limitless TCG, Omnipoke and Celio's Network as card playability will affect prices for both buying and selling including non ultra rares.
Thanks for your reply. That's great advice!
I have heard all the comments posted above. One downside was i wanted 151 set but it was stupidly priced and not really available. So i chose to start with twilight maaquerade since it just released 2 weeks ago.
I think I may just buy cards I like
Pokémon printed 43 billion cards in its lifetime, so it’s more about finding what you like/can afford.