Storing Your MTG Cube

Magic the Gathering has many different formats, both official and fan made. One of the most popular ways to play is a Cube Draft. It combines elements from constructed and limited play to create a unique, curated experience.

A cube consists of a selected group of cards; at least 360, although larger cubes for more players or more variety are possible. The cards are divided into 15 card “packs”, which are then used as booster packs for drafting. The cards used in the cube are up to the creator, although there are resources like Cube Cobra and CubeTutor that can be useful.

The first consideration is how to make the “packs”. While there are specially designed products for this, another, more economical option may be more appropriate, especially if you’re just starting your cube. Some options to consider are BCW Thick Card Sleeves, BCW 10 Count Slider Boxes, BCW 7mm Toploaders, or 15 ct Card Cubes. The card cubes allow the use of single sleeved cards, while the other options work best with raw cards.

300 card box with Magic cards
BCW 300 ct. Card Box with MTG Cube
Continue reading

Introducing Spectrum Prism Deck Cases

BCW is proud to present Prism Deck Cases, part of the forthcoming Spectrum line of card game and board game accessories. Let’s go over why Prism marks the perfect introduction to this new line.

Spectrum Prism deck cases

These cases are made from a strong, translucent plastic, and have a matte shell. The available colors are Umbra Black, Cobalt Blue, Viridian Green, Sunset Orange, Infra Red, Ultra Violet, Pale Moon White, and Xanthic Yellow. You’re sure to find your favorite color, or show off what your deck is (or if you want to add a little psychology, what it isn’t).

We also offer Prism cases in 80s inspired neon colors such as Electric Blue, Fuchsia, and Lime Green. In addition to the solid color cases, Prisms are available in gem-inspired marbled colors, including Apatite Blue, Carnelian Red, Charoite Purple, Jade Green, and Marble Black.

The cases have a secure snap closure and squeeze to open. The fit will not allow the case to open accidentally, keeping your card safe during transport. Sized to hold 100 standard double-sleeved cards, the Prism cases are perfect for a variety of games, from Commander decks for Magic the Gathering to constructed Flesh and Blood decks. These boxes hold a deck of cards in a horizontal format, which makes it easy to remove the cards.

You can watch a review from Tolarian Community College below, where the Professor gives these cases a coveted A grade.

Prism deck case with Commander deck

Prism Deck Cases make a great addition to any CCG fan’s arsenal. Sturdy, colorful, and secure, a Prism will last as long as your interest in the game. Keep an eye out for other, upcoming products in the Spectrum line, sure to interest both card and board gamers.

Your New Favorite Commander Deck Box

Commander remains a favorite format among Magic players. However, unlike playing Standard or Modern, having access to a variety of Commander decks is important. Players often ask “What’s the best method to hold and store multiple EDH decks?”. We believe the BCW Prime X4 XL is the answer to that question.

BCW Prime X4 XL with commander decks and accessories
Continue reading

My Magic the Gathering Storage and Organizing System

Like many Magic players, storage is a near-constant issue for me. However, since I’m more interested in using the cards than collecting them, simply shoving them into a box isn’t going to work for me. I’ve made a card catalogue of sorts, nothing too in depth or fancy, just to make things easier for me.

BCW Card Houses labeled for various Magic cards
Two Card Houses
Continue reading

How Do Card Game Stores Organize and Ship Their Cards?

Many game shops specialize in selling singles of Magic the Gathering, Pokémon, and other cards. Whether they sell to customers in the shop, or sell the cards online and ship them, organization is key to managing a large card collection. Below is the storage and shipping system used by Pandemonium Games and Hobbies of Detroit, and Level Up Games and Comics of Atlanta.

Pandemonium Games and Hobbies
6033 Middle Belt Rd., Garden City MI 48135

Card boxes on wire racks
Continue reading

Refined 12-Pocket Z-Folios for 2019

To protect standard sized cards, BCW’s 12-Pocket Z-Folios are a popular storage method for card gamers. The pages in the folio display four cards in a row, which is ideal for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and other card games using playsets of four. Gamers also appreciate these folios have a zipper closure, ensuring their cards cannot fallout of the album.

Several color options of 12-pocket Z-Folio albums

12-Pocket Z-Folios – Color Choices

For 2019, BCW is making a refinement to the 12-Pocket Z-Folios. As with the original versions, these folios have faux leather covers, available in many colors. These folios have stitching around the edges of the cover, and the original versions had stitching that matched the color of the faux leather. For the 2019 versions, we changed the color of the stitching, so the thread contrasts with the faux leather. It may be a subtle color refinement, but we think card collectors will like the change.

Detail of stiching

Faux Leather and Thread – Color Combinations

Detail of contrasting stitching

Faux Leather and Thread – Color Combinations

Thread color highlights

Faux Leather and Thread – Color Combinations

Opened Z-Folio 12 pocket

The Center Spread of a 12-Pocket Z-Folio

The pages in the 2019 version of 12-Pocket Z-Folio are identical to the previous version. These folios contain twenty double-sided pages, so a full folio holds 480 cards, assuming you only place one card in each pocket. The pockets are large enough to hold sleeved cards.

Packaging for 12 pocket Z-Folio

New Packaging for 2019

The only other refinement to the 2019 versions are changes to the package design. Game shops will notice changes to most of BCW’s gaming line as our 2019 products hit the shelves this spring. Game shops can apply for a BCW wholesale account here.

View BCW 12-Pocket Z-Folios.

Double Sleeving Gaming Cards

To protect Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and other TCG’s with valuable cards, some players prefer to double sleeve their cards. The cards are first protected by an inner sleeve that’s barely larger than a standard card, and then insert the card/inner sleeve inside a regular gaming card sleeve.

BCW offers three varieties of Inner Sleeves:

Regular Inner Sleeves are top loading, but a better description might be bottom loading. When inserting cards in these inner sleeves, it’s recommended to insert the card in the bottom. Then insert the card/Inner Sleeve in the regular sleeve in the normal top loading orientation. Using this process, the card will have no edges exposed at the top of the regular sleeve, providing extra protection against a spilled drink.

Continue reading

MTG Mint Card now offers BCW gaming card supplies!

MTG Mint Card is well known for selling sealed and played Magic: The Gathering cards. They now offer BCW Deck Guard sleeves, Deck Lockers, Pro-Folios, storage boxes, and other accessories from BCW Supplies and Monster Protectors. MTG Mint Card will be distributing BCW products to game shops in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. Shops in these regions can contact MTG Mint Card to learn more.

BCW gaming supplies

Which BCW Cardboard Boxes are Large Enough for Card Holders or Graded Cards?

Most BCW cardboard boxes are only large enough to hold standard 2½ x 3½–inch cards or cards in sleeves. However, several boxes have wider rows to accommodate cards in protective holders such as semi-rigids, toploaders, one-screws, magnetics, or other holders or cases. Other BCW boxes are designed to hold graded cards or tall cards. A few boxes have both wide rows and increased height.

If you are trying to decide which BCW boxes are right for your collection, the list below shows the sizes. If you store cards in protective holders, you’ll need a box with WIDE rows. If you have graded cards, other tall cards, or you have four-screw card holders, get a box labeled GRADED.

Continue reading