Feelings Aren't Worth The Bet

About everything regarding the current format has been talked about and there really is nothing more to elaborate until slight changes happen. Everyone is probably preparing for WCQ or going with their usual lives and, yes, YGO has been boring lately. Today I will like to share some investment tips that can be useful to new or budget players. Well, it applies to everyone generally. Depending on how you look at the game’s value. Big difference between successful players and normal ones sometimes depends on which card they see useful and choose to invest on. Of course, people always have the choice to buy everything just in case it turns into a format-defining card or becomes part of the Meta. While that isn’t the best bet, here are some tips that can be helpful to players who are tight on budget. Or someone who is looking to start making Yugioh their side income.

DO NOT INVEST ON BOOSTER PACKS OR BOXES

While that does seem to be the most reasonable way to start off, in actuality you’re betting on losing odds. I recommend players investing on single cards. Odds are singles will usually give you a sense of return of investment, easier said its worth your cash. Unlike singles, packs and boxes are random and you almost never get anything useful in booster packs. Instead of wasting your cash hoping to hook a big fish you might as well just buy the damned fish from a market. 

Regarding booster boxes, I admit it’s a better bet compared to packs but if you’re constantly spending cash, again, you might as well save some and just get the cards you want or need. In reality, buying boxes and packs are no different from each other. Only buy booster boxes if you’re a vendor. Though do remember not everyone can be a master. Aiming to be a successful vendor means you’ve to have a set of regulars, you need a lot of modal to start and compete with the vast secondary market. It’s a losing investment unless you’re rich and you’ve got good reputation.

SHARE INVESTMENTS

If you really want to buy a box of a new set, take the option to share it with your friends. Split the box. It makes it cheaper and slightly worth it. However, this is not something I would recommend doing unless you’re sure what each other wants. It is something hard to come on terms with. Odds are if you’re buying a whole box means you’re either looking to play a new archetype or it’s a good box, can you be sure others aren’t looking to do the same thing? Thus why it isn’t the best way even if it makes investments cheaper.

DO NOT INVEST ON PROMOS

I’m playing in Asia format so this is one of those things I always keep in mind. Not sure if it applies in other countries. The thing with promos is, it cannot be used in official tournaments. Yeah, of course, you can play them in locals but what happens when you come to rely too much on them? You get the picture I suppose. Promos are easy to sell off at first due to hype but it becomes harder and harder to put off after awhile. It is going to sit in your binder for a long while.  Most importantly, their value drops once people lose interest in them. This does not apply if you’re a collector.

RARITY JUNKIE

While it’s nice to have your whole deck shiny and cool, you are merely wasting money on something that comes in a cheaper version. Except if that card hasn’t been reprinted or only comes in that rarity. There is nothing wrong in being a rarity junkie but don’t let it push you into making rash decisions when it comes to investing. Compulsive shopping kills. Use cheaper versions of cards if it exists. If you must have that foil version, convert slowly. Only buy when you can afford it. In reality, the majority of players will not be interested in your Ultra Rare or Ultimate Rare cards if there is a cheaper version existing. In a nutshell, hard to sell off. 

RESEARCH BEFORE INVESTING

 Ask yourself "Is it worth it?" Do not buy cards because people are using them. Except if they are obviously good for apparent reasons. Buying for the sake of buying is stupidity in disguise. Except if you are a collector. Play-test them first if it’s a new tech you want to test out. DN exists and it’s free so use it wisely. Make sure you figure out the uses and what good does it do in your case so you do not regret your decisions later on. Buy cards you need, not what you want. The “I-can-sell-it-off” thinking is bullshit. It does not work all the time because of market growth, demand and supply. Do not get caught in the chain reaction secondary market has. Learn to foresee which cards are good investments. Some are obvious, most are unpredictable. This requires experience, knowledge and understanding of trends, mechanics and format. In other words, study the Meta. If you can't do so, wait for time and observe the results. 

At the end of the day, you’re investing for a reason and whatever your reasons may be I am sure no one wants to lose out in their own way. So, keep in mind to get the best out of everything whenever you choose to invest in something. YGO will never cease to evolve. New products and stronger Meta will always appear in every format making money an issue players need to think of. If you want to stay in the game, be sure to consider you decisions wisely. Think and re-think, unless you are filthy rich. Even if you are there are better ways to spend money. I hope all these points have provided readers some help and insight on YGO investments. I'll work on evaluating future YGO products and hopefully share what i think will be worth the cash. Until next time, thank you for reading!