Drop your favorite cards at discounts!
The Sacred Art of Pack Tapping: Unlocking the Power Within Pokémon Cards
Long ago, in the golden era of Pokémon card collecting, before the modern age of booster pack openings, streamers, and pull rates, there existed a ritual—a tradition passed down from collector to collector. It was an unspoken bond among trainers, an act of reverence to the unseen forces within the packs themselves. This was the **sacred art of pack tapping**.
Chad Wellington
2/13/20253 min read
The Origins of Pack Tapping
When Pokémon cards first arrived in 1996 (1998 in the U.S.), collectors were immediately captivated by the allure of opening booster packs, chasing after the holographic Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur from the Base Set. With each rip of the foil, anticipation filled the air. But over time, some collectors began to notice a pattern—certain packs seemed to yield better cards when handled a specific way.
Among these early pioneers of pack opening, an unspoken technique was born: flipping the pack upside down, placing the back (featuring the iconic Poké Ball design) gently against a surface—whether a table, a glove box, or even a knee—then tapping three times.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The origins of this ritual are shrouded in mystery, but it is said that those who practiced it with true belief would summon the best possible pulls. Some claimed it aligned the cards’ energy. Others believed it was an offering to Arceus, the god of Pokémon itself. Whatever the reason, one thing was clear: pack tapping became an essential part of the experience.
The Ritual Explained: How to Perform the Perfect Pack Tap**
For those unfamiliar with this sacred technique, let’s break it down step by step:
1. Flip the Pack – Hold the booster pack firmly, then rotate it so the back faces up. This is crucial, as the design of the Poké Ball on the back is believed to channel the energy of the Pokémon inside.
2. Place it Down – Gently rest the bottom edge of the pack against a solid surface. Traditionally, this was a wooden table, but many collectors have used car glove boxes, countertops, or even the palm of their hand.
3. Tap Three Times – Using a precise and measured motion, tap the bottom of the pack exactly three times.
- The first tap is to awaken the energy within.
- The second tap is to channel luck into the pack.
- The third tap is to unlock the secrets of the Pokémon inside.
4. Open the Pack – Carefully tear the foil and reveal the cards inside, knowing you have performed the ritual properly.
The Evolution of Pack Tapping: The Rise of the Pack Tapper
As time passed and Pokémon cards grew into a multi-generational phenomenon, collectors sought to preserve and refine the ritual. Enter the Pack Tapper—a tool designed to ensure consistent and precise taps on every pack.
These tap devices vary in design, but their purpose remains the same: to enhance the connection between the trainer and their pulls. Some collectors create custom tap boards, adorned with Pokémon artwork, while others use handheld tools for an optimized tap experience.
Whether you use the classic method or a modern tapper, one thing remains unchanged—the power of the tap still holds strong.
Why Pack Tapping Matters
Some may scoff at the idea of a simple tap affecting the contents of a pack. But true believers understand that pack tapping is not about statistics—it is about tradition, energy, and the thrill of the hunt.
Superstition Meets Science – While skeptics may say it's just a ritual, some collectors argue that the subtle vibration helps distribute the cards evenly, preventing damage and reducing static cling inside the pack.
Community Bonding – Pokémon has always been about connection. Performing the pack tap ritual before opening your packs—whether alone or with friends—creates a shared experience and a sense of unity among trainers.
Manifesting the Pulls You Want The power of intention is real. By focusing your energy and committing to the ritual, you set yourself up for success.
"Gotta Catch 'Em All": The Final Lesson
At its core, Pokémon has always been about learning, sharing, and passing down knowledge. As the theme song reminds us:
"If you teach me and I'll teach you—Pokémon!"
Just as trainers have trained their Pokémon for battle, collectors must train their hands to perform the sacred pack tap. By doing so, we honor the generations before us and ensure that the tradition of chasing the best pulls lives on.
So, next time you hold a pack in your hands, remember: flip, tap three times, and unlock the power inside. The cards are waiting.
Will you answer the call?
