For Pokémon collectors and investors, a PSA 10 (https://singlesandslabs.com/) card represents the pinnacle of perfection. Achieving a PSA 10 means your card is graded as "Gem Mint," with flawless corners, edges, centering, and surface. These cards are extremely valuable in the market and often sell for significantly higher prices than lower-graded cards. If you're looking to protect your collection and maximize its value, understanding how to increase your chances of getting a PSA 10 is essential.
In this guide, we'll walk you through practical steps to prepare, submit, and protect your Pokémon cards for grading. We'll also share tips from experienced collectors to help your cards achieve the highest grade possible.
What is PSA 10 and Why It Matters
PSA 10 is the highest grade given by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Cards with this grade are virtually perfect:
Centering – The card's image is perfectly aligned.
Corners – No visible wear or damage.
Edges – Smooth and clean with no whitening.
Surface – Free of scratches, stains, or defects.
PSA 10 cards are highly sought after by collectors and investors because they combine rarity, perfect condition, and authenticity. A PSA 10 can dramatically increase the resale value of your Pokémon card compared to the same card in raw or lower-graded condition.
Step 1: Start with High-Quality Cards
The first step to increasing your chances of a PSA 10 is to choose the right cards. Not all cards are good candidates:
Focus on Cards with Minimal Handling
Cards that have never been played or removed from packs are ideal.
Avoid cards that have bent corners, scratches, or fingerprints.
Select Rare and Popular Pokémon
PSA 10 is more valuable on cards like Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Shining Pokémon.
Rare cards are worth grading even if the chance of PSA 10 is slightly lower.
Avoid Damaged or Low-Centered Cards
Cards with centering issues or minor edge wear rarely achieve PSA 10.
Inspect cards carefully before submission.
Step 2: Handle Your Cards Properly
Proper handling is critical to maintaining a card's condition before grading:
Always hold cards by the edges, never touch the front or back.
Wash your hands to avoid oils or dirt transferring to the card.
Avoid bending, stacking, or sliding cards across surfaces.
Store cards in protective sleeves immediately after handling.
Even small mishandling can reduce your chances of achieving a PSA 10.
Step 3: Use Quality Sleeves and Top Loaders
Before submitting your cards, protect them with high-quality materials:
Soft Sleeves
Place each card in a clear, acid-free card sleeve.
This prevents scratches during handling and shipment.
Top Loaders
Insert the sleeved card into a rigid top loader.
This adds extra protection and prevents bending.
Optional: Semi-Rigid Card Savers
For high-value or rare cards, using a semi-rigid saver adds extra safety during shipping.
Proper protection ensures the card arrives in the best possible condition to PSA.
Step 4: Understand Centering Requirements
Centering is one of the most common reasons cards don't achieve PSA 10. Here's what you need to know:
Front Centering – The card's image should be evenly spaced from the borders.
Back Centering – The back image should also be aligned, although it's slightly less critical than the front.
Acceptable Range – Cards that are off-center by more than a few percentage points may lose points.
To maximize your chances, examine your cards under a light source and compare them to other cards for alignment.
Step 5: Inspect Corners and Edges
Corners and edges are heavily scrutinized during grading:
Corners
Look for sharp, undamaged corners.
Avoid cards with slight bends, fraying, or whitening.
Edges
Smooth edges with no chips or scratches are crucial.
Check all sides carefully before submission.
Cards with perfect corners and edges are far more likely to achieve PSA 10 than those with minor imperfections.
Step 6: Maintain a Clean Surface
The surface of the card is another critical factor:
Avoid scratches, smudges, or dirt.
Do not use cleaning agents or attempt to repair scratches—this can reduce the grade.
Check for print defects, stains, or discoloration before submitting.
A pristine surface is one of the easiest ways to improve your chances of PSA 10.
Step 7: Submit the Right Cards for Grading
Not every card should be submitted. Experienced collectors recommend:
Submit Cards With High Potential
Cards that are rare, first edition, or in nearly perfect condition.
Avoid Low-Quality or Heavily Played Cards
These rarely receive high grades and can result in wasted grading fees.
Research PSA Population Reports
Check how many PSA 10s exist for a specific card. If a card rarely achieves PSA 10, adjust expectations accordingly.
Submitting the right candidates improves your overall PSA 10 success rate.
Step 8: Choose the Appropriate PSA Service Level
PSA offers different service levels depending on card value and turnaround time:
Regular Service – Affordable, suitable for common or moderately valuable cards.
Express Service – Faster grading, better for high-demand cards.
Premium or High-Value Service – Designed for extremely valuable or rare Pokémon cards.
Choosing the right service ensures your cards are handled appropriately and graded efficiently.
Step 9: Protect Cards During Shipping
Even the best-prepared card can be damaged during transit:
Use Bubble Wrap or Padding
Wrap cards carefully to avoid movement in the box.
Ship in a Sturdy Box
Choose a box that can withstand pressure and impacts.
Insure Your Shipment
High-value cards should be fully insured in case of loss or damage.
Safe shipping increases the likelihood your card arrives in perfect condition, ready for PSA 10.
Step 10: Be Patient and Strategic
Grading can take time, and achieving PSA 10 is not guaranteed. Keep in mind:
Multiple submissions may be necessary for perfection.
Track which cards perform well in PSA grading to inform future submissions.
Avoid rushing or forcing cards that are slightly off.
Patience and careful selection improve your long-term success.
Tips from Experienced Collectors
Buy Fresh Packs or Cards
Cards straight from sealed packs are less likely to have damage.
Consider Grading Modern Cards
Modern Pokémon TCG cards, like VMAX and alternate art, are easier to achieve PSA 10 due to better printing standards.
Avoid DIY Cleaning
Trying to remove scratches or bend marks can damage the card and void grading chances.
Track Market Trends
Some cards increase in value rapidly; grading early can lock in PSA 10 value.
Invest in Protective Storage
Even after grading, slabs should be stored properly to maintain condition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting cards with slight bends or off-center alignment.
Handling cards with bare hands or allowing fingerprints.
Ignoring shipping protection or using weak packaging.
Expecting PSA 10 for heavily played cards.
Submitting rare but damaged cards to "try your luck"—this often wastes money.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures better chances of success and protects your investment.
Understanding PSA 10 Odds
While careful preparation helps, it's important to understand that not all cards achieve PSA 10:
Only a small percentage of cards receive Gem Mint.
Factors include printing, centering, corners, edges, and surface.
Even modern cards may not achieve PSA 10 if slightly off.
Knowing the odds helps manage expectations and prevents disappointment.
The Value of PSA 10 Pokémon Cards
PSA 10 cards are more than just collectibles—they are investments:
Vintage Cards – PSA 10 Base Set Charizard or 1st Edition Mewtwo can sell for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Modern Cards – PSA 10 Rainbow or Alternate Art cards can see steady appreciation.
Market Demand – Collectors and investors trust PSA 10, making them easier to sell and trade.
The higher the grade, the more demand and value your card is likely to achieve.
Final Thoughts
Achieving PSA 10 on your Pokémon cards is not guaranteed, but following the right steps can dramatically improve your chances. Focus on high-quality cards, handle them carefully, protect corners, edges, and surfaces, and submit strategically. Combine patience with proper storage, and your cards stand a much better chance of achieving the highest grade.
Whether you are a collector aiming for a pristine collection or an investor seeking maximum resale value, PSA 10 cards are the ultimate goal. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Pokémon TCG collection reaches its full potential and retains its value for years to come.