The Pitch Blog

Pokémon TCG for Beginners: ETBs, Booster Boxes & Bundles Explained
Pokémon is the biggest trading card game in the world, but the range of sealed products can be baffling when you're starting out. Booster pack, ETB, bundle, booster box — what's the difference, and what should a beginner actually buy? Here's the plain-English guide. First, the basics Pokémon cards are released in sets (also called expansions), each with its own theme, artwork and cards to collect. Sealed products are just different-sized bundles of packs from a set — plus, sometimes, extras like promo cards, dice or accessories. Bigger products mean... Read more...
PYT, Random or Mixer? Every Break Type Explained
If you've read our guide on how card breaks work, you know the basics: a box gets opened live and the cards are shared between buyers. But when you go to buy a spot, you'll see a wall of terms — PYT, random, tiered, mixer, filler. Here's what each means, and which suits you. Why break formats matter The format decides two things: how much you pay, and how your cards are decided. Some let you pick exactly what you want (for a price); others spread the cost and leave... Read more...
Does Grading Add Value? PSA, CGC & What Grading Really Does
Ask ten collectors whether you should grade a card and you'll get ten answers. Grading can turn a £20 card into a £200 one — or cost you £15 to put a number on a card worth the same as it was raw. Here's how grading actually works, and how to tell the difference. What is card grading? Grading is when you send a card to an independent company that checks it's authentic, assesses its condition, and seals it in a tamper-proof case (a "slab") with a number on it... Read more...
Panini EFL Stickers 2025/26: Everything You Need to Know
The Panini EFL stickers 2025/26 collection has arrived, and it's bigger and better than ever! Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of football stickers, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the latest EFL sticker collection.What's New in the 2025/26 Panini EFL Stickers Collection?This year's Panini EFL stickers feature all 72 clubs from across the Championship, League One, and League Two. With 788 unique stickers to collect, including player cards, team badges, and special edition foils, there's never been a better time to start your collection.The... Read more...
How Sports Card Breaks Work: A UK Beginner's Guide
If you've spent any time on card-collecting TikTok or Whatnot, you've seen them: someone rips open a sealed box on a live stream while a chat full of people cheer for their team. That's a break — and it's one of the most popular (and affordable) ways to get into the hobby. Here's exactly how they work. What is a card break? A break is when a seller opens sealed trading card product — boxes or whole cases — live on stream, and the cards are divided between the people who've... Read more...
Hobby vs Retail vs Blaster: What's the Difference?
Walk into the trading card world and you'll hit the jargon almost immediately: hobby box, blaster, retail, hanger, fat pack. They all contain cards from the same set — so why do the prices vary so much, and which is right for you? Here's the plain-English version. The quick answer The same card set is usually released in different configurations aimed at different buyers. The big divide is hobby (made for collectors, sold through specialist shops) versus retail (made for the mass market, sold in supermarkets and big-box stores). Blasters,... Read more...
The Cards Worth Chasing: Key Hits & Multi-Autos in Our National Treasures Case
The Cards Worth Chasing: Key Hits & Multi-Autos in Our National Treasures Case
The Cards Worth Chasing: Key Hits & Multi-Autos in Our National Treasures Case Content feature for maniahobby.com + social | Mania Sports break, Sunday 12pm on eBay Every break has... Read more...