How to Read a Card Checklist: RC, SP, Parallels, /Numbered and Rarity Symbols

A checklist is the master list of every card in a product. Sports card manufacturers publish checklists and odds information for each release, and the odds are usually printed on the wrapper or box too. Pokémon sets are numbered lists, with a rarity symbol on each card. Once you can read them, you can track your pulls and know what you're chasing.

Common columns

Card #: the card's number in the set. Inserts often have their own prefixes, such as letters before the number.
Player / Pokémon: who's on the card. Sports checklists usually also list the team.
Subset or insert name: which part of the product the card belongs to.
Notes or flags: abbreviations like RC, SP or AU.

Sports abbreviations

RC: rookie card, a player's first licensed card. It's usually the most sought-after.
SP / SSP: short print and super short print, meaning cards printed in smaller quantities than the base set.
Parallel: a parallel is the same card in a different color or finish. "/99" means it's serial-numbered to 99 copies, and "1/1" means only one exists.
AU / Auto: autograph. "On-card" autos are signed directly on the card, while sticker autos are signed on a sticker that's applied to the card.
Relic / Patch / Mem: a card with a piece of memorabilia embedded. Multi-color patches are usually the most desirable.
Insert: a themed card that isn't part of the base set.
Variation (VAR): an alternate image or design of a base card, often short-printed.

Reading odds

Odds are usually written as "1:24," which means about one per 24 packs on average for that product type (hobby and retail odds can differ). They're averages, not guarantees, so a box can come in under or over. Our EV guide explains why. We only publish specific odds when we can cite the source. See pull rates.

Pokémon set lists and rarity symbols

Pokémon cards show a number like 125/131. Cards numbered above the printed total are "secret rares." The rarity symbol runs from a circle (Common), to a diamond (Uncommon), to stars for rares and above. See modern rarities explained and our rarity chart. On PullMeter, every card also gets a Grail-to-Common rarity tier and a demand meter (based on price momentum).

Use a checklist to track your pulls

Open the set's page (for example our set lists) to see every card number and rarity.
Log each opening in the box logger. You can add cards one by one or import a CSV.
Import your logs into the set completion assistant to see what's missing and the cheapest way to finish the set.
Add chase cards to the grail tracker with a target price.

Common beginner mistakes

Confusing a base card with its parallel. Check the finish and serial number.
Treating odds as guarantees.
Comparing hobby odds with retail product.
Ignoring card numbers above the set total.
Pricing from asking prices instead of sold comps.

Sports collectors: see our sports cards hub.

General information only. It's not professional, financial or legal advice.