Hello Gaming Library Fam!
Duane here 👋 and if you’ve been following my board game adventures, you’ll know I’ve recently dipped my toes—okay, maybe dove headfirst—into the exciting world of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and a few other TCG rabbit holes.
If you’re new to TCGs or just exploring card-based board games, let me tell you: having the right accessories makes a huge difference. Whether you’re looking to protect those rare (and let’s be honest, sometimes pricey) cards or just want a smoother game night experience, a few well-chosen tools can go a long way. Bonus? Most of these are customizable, so you get to express your personality while keeping your collection in top shape.
While this guide focuses mainly on TCG accessories, a lot of these also work beautifully for board games and even your weekly D&D sessions. Let’s jump in!
Card Sleeves: Your First Line of Defense
Think of card sleeves as the armor for your cards. They shield from scratches, spills, smudges, and yes—greasy, snack-covered fingers. Whether you’re protecting a prized holofoil Charizard or your favorite deck of Unmatched fighters, sleeves help keep everything minty fresh.
I use clear Sultan Sleeves for my board games—they let the original art shine through. For my MtG Commander decks, I go all out with Sultan Djinn sleeves in different colors so each deck has its own vibe.
💡 Bonus tip: You can even sleeve your K-pop photocards. Gotta keep those biases safe too!
Toploaders: For the Real MVPs
Toploaders are the tougher, rigid cousins of sleeves—designed to protect your most valuable cards or collectibles. These are especially handy for storing and transporting high-value pieces, like chase cards or signed collectibles.
They’re called “toploaders” because you insert the card from the top. Some even come with magnetic clasps, which is just chef’s kiss for collectors who want that premium feel.
If you’re the type to bring cards to trade meets or showcase prized cards at events, toploaders are a must.
Playmats: Style Meets Function
Not only do playmats make your setup look clean and cool, but they also protect your cards from rough or dirty tabletops. Plus, it’s way easier to pick up cards on a soft surface, and shuffling feels smooth and satisfying.
Playmats come in all sorts of designs—from your favorite planeswalker or Pokémon to anime-inspired art. I have a personalized one signed by Jimmy Wong from Game Knights, and yes, I treasure it like a legendary pull. 😄
Deck Boxes: Storage Meets Style
Deck boxes keep your cards safe, organized, and easy to transport. Many have room for sleeved cards, tokens, or dice, making them the Swiss army knife of card storage.
The Unmatched deck box is one I really like—it’s both sturdy and stylish. Whether you’re playing casually or heading to a tournament, having your deck ready to go in a secure box is just... smart.
Dice: Because Who Doesn’t Love Math Rocks?
Dice aren’t just for RPGs. In TCGs, they’re great for tracking life totals, +1/+1 counters, buffs, or tokens. You can start with simple d6s, but I recommend picking up a full polyhedral set—you’ll thank me when you decide to dabble in D&D or any RPG.
And honestly? Rolling dice just feels good. There’s something satisfying about that tactile “clack-clack” sound that makes you feel like a pro.
Whiteboard Markers & Dry Erase Cards
I run token-heavy MtG decks (yes, clones too!), so dry erase cards are a lifesaver. They’re reusable, easy to modify on the fly, and perfect for custom tokens or game tracking.
Not a must-have for everyone, but if you like flexibility, they’re a great “nice-to-have.” Bonus: drawing tiny doodles mid-game is pretty fun.
Card & Token Holders: A Small Tidy Upgrade
Let’s be real—chaotic game tables are no fun. Card and token holders keep your game pieces neat and organized, making them easy to access during play. I’ve seen cute silicone bowls, wooden trays, and even 3D printed designs that add flair to your setup.
Not essential, but very handy—especially for long game nights where table clutter becomes a real struggle.
Binders & Portfolios: The Collector’s Best Friend
When you’re not playing with certain cards, they still deserve to be treated right. Binders and portfolios help you store, organize, and protect your unused or tradeable cards. Plus, flipping through them just feels good. It’s like a curated art collection that you built yourself.
I always bring a binder to meetups so all my trade stuff is in one place. Trust me, you’ll avoid a lot of last-minute scrambling this way.
Life Counters: For Tracking the Essentials
Keeping track of your life points (or other game stats) is way easier with life counters. Loot Prints makes some that look sleek and feel nice to use. While tournaments usually prefer pen and paper, these work great for casual games or game nights with friends.
Whether it’s for MtG, Pokémon, or even board games like Radlands, it’s nice not to rely on mental math when things get intense.
Bonus Picks for DMs
Since I also wear my DM hat pretty often, here are a couple of extra accessories that deserve a shoutout:
Dice Towers
Drop the die in, and let gravity do the rest. Dice towers keep rolls fair, save your miniatures from rogue d20s, and add a touch of drama to every throw. Also? The sound is just so satisfying. Pure tabletop ASMR.
Dice Trays
Tired of chasing runaway dice? Dice trays keep rolls contained and your components safe. Great for passing dice around the table or just keeping your area neat.
They’re also helpful during fast-paced games where pieces can go flying.
Final Thoughts: The Little Things Matter
Whether you’re new to TCGs or a seasoned board gamer expanding your collection, accessories matter more than you think. They protect your investments, speed up setup, reduce wear and tear, and—let’s face it—make your entire gaming experience a lot cooler.
You don’t need to grab everything at once. Start with sleeves and a deck box, then build up as your collection grows. Trust me: your future self (and your cards) will thank you.
Catch you at the next game night!
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library is your ultimate destination for board games, offering a diverse selection perfect for families, friends, and gamers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned pros. 🌟 We carefully curate our collection by sourcing the best titles from around the globe, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore hobbyist. 🎲 Our mission is to bring people together, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting friendships through the joy of tabletop gaming. Beyond the fun, we believe board games are a powerful way to develop essential skills and sharpen critical thinking—skills you can carry into everyday life. Explore our world of games and discover the perfect match for your next game night!
