A quick reference for the shorthand you'll see constantly in Pokémon TCG communities and marketplace listings.
Grading terms
PSA 10 (or Gem Mint) is the top grade a card can receive, meaning essentially flawless centring, corners, edges and surface. Lower numbers indicate visible flaws — a PSA 9 might have very slightly off centring, for example.
Pull rate and odds
Pull rate describes the statistical chance of finding a specific card or rarity tier within a given number of packs or boxes. A low pull rate is exactly why cards like Shadowy Darkness Energy or a Special Illustration Rare command a premium as a single rather than being left to chance in packs.
Chase card
The one card in a set that drives most of the buzz and demand — usually a secret rare that collectors specifically hope to pull, and the card most likely to be bought individually at a premium by those who don't.
Frequently asked questions
What does PSA 10 mean?
The highest grade PSA awards, meaning Gem Mint condition.
What is a pull rate?
The statistical chance of finding a specific card or rarity tier in a set number of packs.
What makes a card a chase card?
The card that drives most of a set's demand, usually a rare secret rarity.