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Yes, how and especially where do I find something for my collection? This is the most important question. I listed some places. Stores Second Hand Shops and Flee Markets Auctions Clubs and Associations Other Collectors Dealers Stores First of all each collector should have a certain basis of cards - according his priorities. In department stores, toy stores, stationeries or where ever playing cards are sold you can buy a deck of every regional pattern. For the beginning it is enough to have one copy of every traditional game not considering the manufacturer. Later when the personal preferences have crystallised more clearly it is time to collect more specific in the chosen direction. It is always a bonus to know the most common patterns from other countries. Especially rich in traditional games is Italy. But it is not that easy to procure all 16 decks available. In Italy you buy playing cards at the tobacco shop. This is a relict from the times when there was a tax to be paid on cards. But there you find a limited supply. Best is if you know somebody living there who can order the cards for you. The manufacturer "Dal Negro" issued a box with all 16 regional patterns. Second Hand Shops and Flee Markets Those times are over when you could buy a one hundred year old game for just a few Euros. In the meantime the collectors have taken all bargains out of circulation. Nevertheless it is still worth browsing all those places where second hand items are sold. Nevertheless you should be aware what you can hope for. When you keep your expectations at a realistic level it can always happen that you find something you will enjoy. The biggest chance is in finding something that is perhaps not particularly old but from a manufacturer you do not find too often (if this is in your scope). Practically a must are such places for collectors of Jokers. The variety of this fools card is that large that again and again can find a game that includes one you do not have yet. Additionally even if the cards are in bad condition the Joker might be in good shape, because for most games this card is not used. Auctions There are two types of auctions. On one hand you have traditional auctions like Christies or Sotheby that sell rarities, antiques and other collectables. "Tajan" in Paris and "Bassenge" in Berlin, that have special playing card auctions, belong to that kind as well. On the other hand there are the electronic auctions like eBay and Ricardo. The traditional auctions are not suitable for a beginner. If you cannot be there personally the transaction, especially what concerns the delivery, is very complicated. Also the prices are on the higher range. Additionally you have to pay tax and fees that boost the knocking down price by at least another 20%. Sometimes the auctioneer bought an entire collection and is selling the items separately. But mostly the cards are sold in commission. For several collectors these auctions are a platform to sell cards for a good price that no longer fit into the collection. Perhaps they found the same game in a better condition or it just does not meet their expectations of quality any more. What I can advise every collector are the electronic auctions. There you have a wide range and that world wide. Not only in Germany and Austria you can find interesting games, also in Italy, Spain, England, United States, Russia, Argentina and other countries. When you are interested in a deck you just have to know three things. First, does the vendor also deliver in your country? Second, how high are the shipping fees (postage, packing, handling, etc.)? And third, do I know how I can pay? If all this questions can be answered to you satisfaction you can risk to place a bid. If not everything is clear from the item description, do not hesitate to ask your questions! There are three types a people that sell playing cards at electronic auctions: collectors, dealers and people who have nothing to do with cards. Collectors can be easily recognised after some time. They are people that when they sell it is only playing cards but they also buy cards. Since the starting price usually is quite low, that means perhaps one Euro or one Dollar, you can sometimes buy for a bargain. Dealers are recognised because they usually have quite a high starting price. Since these prices often are near to the market value these cards are not of much interest to the beginner. And since the items in these auctions can only be seen for quite a short time defects and mistakes of the offered cards are not always made transparent. Sometimes auctions of people that have nothing to do with playing cards are interesting. This way I was able to get several good decks for a favourable price. These people very often describe the cards very detailed even though they understand nothing of cards. They do not want to risk the reproach of giving false information. Nevertheless do ask questions, when you are not sure of what exactly is offered. If the item is not as advertised you can return it. I also did that once. A collector in Italy offered a game as mint condition (fior di stampa). When I received the deck I saw that it has never been played with but one card had a crease and unfortunately it was exactly that card with the tax stamp. It was a fortune telling game and also the instructions where missing even though they were advertised. Had this happened to me at the trade evening of a playing card association - well tough luck! Since it was an eBay auction the seller hat to take it back. That he was a capacity on the field of playing cards and even wrote several books to this topic was simply not relevant for me. That is just not the way eBay works to sell minor quality as perfect! Clubs and Associations In various countries there are special clubs where people interested in playing cards are organised. In Germany this is "Bube, Dame, König" (BDK), in Austria "Talon", in Switzerland "Cartophilia Helvetica" and the international association calls itself "International Playing Card Society". The interests of the members usually are beyond collecting. There is research involved and the results are published in the internal brochures, in the internet or in books. If somebody is seriously interested in playing cards the question may be raised if he should become member. But before a beginner joins he should be aware of a few circumstances. Otherwise he could be quite disappointed, if the expectations are only partially or not at all fulfilled. The membership fees for such a club in the German speaking countries are about 30 Euros per year. Attending a yearly assembly is much more costly. To the admittance fee (that sometimes includes some cultural events) you also have to pay for journey, accommodation and meals. Depending on the club you have to calculate with one to three overnight stays. Since there are rather few collectors worldwide, the separate clubs have agreed that each member may attend the assemblies of all other associations. This statement is also true for the non German speaking countries. At these yearly assemblies there is also a trading evening or a collector's bourse that always attracts much interest. Somebody who wants to sell something must hurry because the space is always very limited. Because everybody knows this there is a terrible run to the few tables. A not involved person can only look in astonishment! But what if you want to purchase something for your collection? Depending on the association the selection is different. Especially at BDK, that holds its assemblies together with Talon, the supply is remarkable and this means interesting. Older decks though have a high price and are only slightly lower than what dealers would ask for. Other Collectors When you buy cards from another collector (also at the yearly assemblies) you always have to be aware. Keep in mind that you will never get first choice from another collector. This is kept for himself. Second choice will be offered to his best colleagues and persons from whom he can trade or otherwise gain an advantage. What remains for you is - in the best case - third choice. Before it was offered to you several other collectors already had the chance to buy it. With a little bit of luck the price is accordingly but I would not count on that. Also it is the collector himself who knows what he holds in his hands. He knows the market value of his cards and will scarcely give these to you cheaper. Perhaps only to a dealer you have to pay more. With these statements I do not want to discourage you. I just want you to remain realistic about your expectations. On the contrary - do seek contact to other collectors! Who else has a large selection of interesting cards to offer? Each collector has something you can use for your collection. Also it is fun to talk with somebody who has the same interest as you. Dealers Actually I like to buy cards from dealers. On one hand I have a fair chance to buy something of first choice and on the other hand the game is documented in a catalogue. When I want to resell I can refer to it. But also with dealers there are black sheep. You have to be very cautious with lists. I prefer catalogues, because you find a clear description there and also all things that are not okay are written. These catalogues are distributed to the customers all around the world. No dealer will give you incomplete or wrong information. On lists you have a maximum of two lines per item with a very limited description. What always happens again and again is that games with 52 cards are sold without Jokers. Once a Dutch dealer sold me such a game as complete! The catalogues of the dealers are also recommended for another reason; even if you do not order anything. They help you in estimating the price for certain games in a certain condition. Over time you get the feeling for price and value. Dealers are occupied with finding the appropriate price according demand and supply; this in contrast to the electronic auctions, where the end price mostly is arbitrary - on both sides (a bargain or unjustified high). But even when you found something of interest, the question must be raised: What Should I Be Aware of When Buying?

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