12 guides · written by collectors

The collector guides

Everything we wish we knew earlier — scanning, pricing, grading, spotting fakes, storing. Written by people with the same pile of cards on their desk.

How to Scan Magic Cards with Tappr

Learn how to get fast, accurate scans of your Magic: The Gathering cards with Tappr. Tips for lighting, foils, sleeves, and bulk scanning workflows.

6 min read Updated 2025-06-20

How to Check Magic Card Prices

Understand how live Magic: The Gathering card prices work, why TCGplayer, Card Kingdom, and Cardmarket differ, and what actually moves a card price.

7 min read Updated 2025-07-12

How to Spot Fake Magic Cards

Learn the tests collectors use to catch counterfeit Magic: The Gathering cards, from the light test to foil behavior, before you buy a fake.

8 min read Updated 2025-08-01

How to Grade Magic Cards

A practical guide to grading Magic: The Gathering cards. Compare PSA, BGS, and CGC, understand subgrades, and learn when grading is worth the cost.

8 min read Updated 2025-09-05

Budget Commander Deck Guide

Build a solid Commander (EDH) deck without overspending. Pick a commander, learn the staple budget cards, and know where to save versus splurge.

8 min read Updated 2025-10-10

How to Store Magic Cards

Protect your Magic: The Gathering collection with the right sleeves, binders, and storage boxes. A full guide to preserving card condition long term.

7 min read Updated 2025-11-01

How to Identify a Magic Set Symbol

Learn to read a Magic: The Gathering set symbol, its rarity color coding, and the collector number, and tell reprints of the same card apart.

6 min read Updated 2025-12-05

Understanding Magic Card Rarities

A clear explanation of Magic: The Gathering rarities — Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic Rare — plus why rarity alone does not determine card value.

6 min read Updated 2026-01-10

How to Sell Magic Cards

The complete guide to selling Magic: The Gathering cards. Compare TCGplayer, Card Kingdom buylist, Cardmarket, and your local game store to maximize returns.

8 min read Updated 2026-02-15

The Most Valuable Magic Cards

A guide to the most valuable Magic: The Gathering cards, from the Power Nine and Black Lotus to modern chase cards, and what actually drives their value.

9 min read Updated 2026-03-20

Magic Card Condition Guide

Understand Magic: The Gathering card condition tiers from Near Mint to Damaged, what to look for on foils, and how condition affects a card price.

6 min read Updated 2026-04-25

Magic Formats Explained

A complete guide to Magic: The Gathering formats — Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Pauper, and Alchemy — and how they affect card value.

9 min read Updated 2026-06-01
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