I cannot really create a guide on sorting cards. One, it’s not that complicated. Two, there really isn’t a wrong way to do it. However, I am always interested to read how other collectors sort their cards into sets.
There is no right or wrong way to sort a cards. Everyone has their routine. Efficiency isn’t king with sorting. I find sorting relaxing– not a chore.
Separate by 100s
I always start by separating the cards by 100’s; 1-99, 100-199, 200-299, etc. I am guessing this is how everyone starts their sort. I find this scales well, whether you have 300 cards or 1500 cards.
Separate by 10s
This step may differ from other collectors. I break down each group into 10’s; 0-9, 10-19, 20-29, etc. However, I will only do one stack of 100’s at a time.
Start sorting
After my first 100’s stack is broken down by 10’s, I will begin sorting into two stacks.
The first stack is unique. This is my “set stack”. The second stack will be for my doubles.
After I finish the first 100’s stack, I move on to the next until I have a full set and a stack of doubles.
Does anyone do this another way? I always like to hear how people sort their cards. Does anyone use a sorting tray?
7 replies on “How I Sort Cards”
I am moving back to sorting by teams. Connects me more to the state of the game and the Leagues as I build a set.
A little later on, when I am ready to put cards in binder pages to flip through later, I am making a main switch of keeping all the horizontal cards together. And also certain types of cards – like all of the League Leader cards.
I have always thought I would like to use a tray, but I have never had to worry about really needing one because I bought multiple boxes or anything like that.
Thanks for reading!
I have heard of collectors sorting by teams, then by the teams seasonal record for that year.
I don’t know if I could live with my cards being out of numerical order.
As for a sorting tray— Never fried one yet, but I was thinking about it.
That’s pretty much how I sort my cards when I’m building a set.
It all depends on how much room I have and how big the set is. For smaller sets – around 150 or so, I might start with 10s. For some, I might start with groups of 50 and then go to 10s, and then I make sure that the lowest number card’s back is facing me to make it easier to find in the box.
Community Gum,
Starting with smaller groups for smaller sets… that’s a good idea.
Thanks.
This is literally the only way that I’ve ever heard of when it comes to sorting cards for a set. Also, it seems like it’s been awhile since your last post, yes? If so, it’s good to see you back 🙂
Jon,
Thanks for reading. I figured it was how everyone sorts, but I was wondering what other collectors did… even if their method had a small variation of mine.
I spent the last year with a new job and new house. Things finally have settled down for me, so yeah, I should be back more.
Thanks.