How to Open a Pack of Sports Cards

This may sound funny but if you have grease or grit on your hands it could harm the integrity of the cards. If your hands are clean this step can be skipped.

2. Be Prepared

This means having somewhere to safely put the cards. Whether you are an enthusiast or just opening for fun, the cards will lose value if bent or scratched. Be especially mindful of the edges and corners. Have a safe place to put the cards prior to opening them such as a plastic sleeve.

3. Open Gently

At the top there will be a place to pull open the package. Be careful. You may consider cutting the top part of the wrapping (not the cards) with scissors. Otherwise, just carefully pull open the wrapper at the top and spread it apart down the middle.

4. Separate

It really depends on what you are wishing to collect. A favorite team? Autographs or memorabilia cards? Rookies? Stars? Inserts? Parallels? Lots of different kinds of cards come in packs these day so make sure and separate the minor stars from the major ones and especially put away any good card immediately in a plastic sleeve or somewhere the cards integrity won't get compromised.

5. Inspect

Look each card over carefully. Here is why. Sometimes the companies (e.g. Upper Deck, Topps) occasionally have what is called mistake cards. Mistake cards are generally suppose to be just a regular member of the set but since they are mistakes, the mistake itself makes the card a one of a kind! This can actually increase the value of the card hundreds of times over. (not all the time but there are instances). Also, look carefully at the card to see if it has foil, stamped numbering, different color borders, etc... Generally there are several sets of parallels that accompany the main set. Parallels are always worth more, sometimes way more.

6. Put Away

Unless a card is garbage it should be stowed away. Do not underestimate a card just because you don't know the player. Several years ago no one knew who Albert Pujols Tom Brady was but when they made their print on the big stage their Rookie Cards and all others shot up in value. Now they are two of the most collected players in sports. This is true across the board so do be careful to save them all.