How to organise a Pokémon binder: 6 ways compared
Updated 15 Oct 2026 · Prices: Cardmarket, 30-day average
How you organise your Pokémon binder decides whether you enjoy opening it. There is no right order, but each one has consequences: how many pages you need, how often you re-sort and how the pages look. Six ways compared.
1. By set and number
The classic for set collectors. Every card has a fixed spot and gaps show immediately. Downside: the pages look the way the printer assigned the numbers — colours and motifs jump around.
2. By Pokédex
One pocket per Pokémon, from Bulbasaur to the newest one. With 1026 Pokémon and 9 pockets per page that is 114 pages. The big advantage: new cards always have a spot already. Which card represents a Pokémon is up to you.
3. By Pokémon
A binder for a single Pokémon, for example every Charizard card: 113 international prints in the catalogue. Popular with Charizard, Pikachu, Eevee and Umbreon. The pages tell the story of card art across decades.
4. By colour
Nine cards, one colour, from different sets. These pages look the most complete and are the most popular on social media. Downside: every new card can shift the whole page.
5. By value
The most expensive cards on the first pages, often in their own lockable binder. Practical for insurance and overview — but expensive cards belong in sleeves, not loose in the pocket.
6. As an art page
One to four cards, the rest of the page is artwork that continues around them. More in the guide to the Michi method.
Three rules, however you sort
- Plan the gaps. Leave room for cards you do not have yet. Placeholders in card size keep the order until the real card arrives.
- Plan first, then sleeve. Re-sorting costs more time than planning. Moving a page on screen costs nothing.
- Side-loading pockets. Cards slip out less often, and the binder stands upright on the shelf.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to organise Pokémon cards in a binder?
By set and number for set collectors, by Pokédex for an overview of all Pokémon, by colour or as art pages for pages that look great.
How many pages does a Pokédex binder need?
With 1026 Pokémon and 9 pockets per page, 114 pages.
What are placeholder cards?
Printed cards in original size, usually black and white, that hold the spot of a missing card in the binder.
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