So this is a quick explanation for what each Set is, so you can find what is the Perfect set to collect for you, I base this on my own experience, the is a lot of explanation and different way to complete a Set, the Master set is the most common and each person have the way to made this Set, So yeah each list I made is base in the next explanation. Hope you guys like it!
This set as its name says, is based on the first set where the number of cards is equal to the number assigned to them, these sets only had common, uncommon, rare and rare Holographic cards, with some variations in Sets where the holographic cards had their normal counterpart (Non-holographic)
Example: 46/102
How to complete: As the name said you just need the base set cards, Example: 137/137
This type of set begins in 2000 with the release of the Team Rocket set, having the first rare secret card "Dark Raichu" this is identified because the numbering of it is higher than the number of cards in the set. With the time the Secret Rare Cards were part of each set, each one with different number of secret rare cards from 1 (Team Rocket Set) up to 154 with the Scarlet & Violet Paldean Fates Set, been this the set with most Secret Rares Cards till Date (2025)
Example: 83/82
How to complete: This type of set you need to have all the cards on Base Set + all the secret rare cards. This set doesn’t include Reverse Holo Cards.
This Set is the most common to date, with the release of The Legendary Collection expansion set, we were introduced to Reverse Holos, the sets become more complex and extensive since the Common, uncommon and rare cards now have their holographic counterpart, these cards keep the same series number as their non-holographic counterpart.
Example the number 001/151 would be the same for the non-holographic card and the reverse holo card.
How to Complete: You need all the cards in the Secret Base Set + all the reverse Holo cards.
A master set is considered the standard for collectors, over the years Pokémon TCG has released different products with each release of the Sets, in these products you can find special cards or "promotional" cards of each set, these cards are differentiated by having the specific Set Symbol, as well as different Hologram patterns or Stamped Logos and sometimes altern art of the cards, these cards have the same numbering as the original cards, there are also the "Black Star Promo" cards that come out with official products of each Set, such as the ETB or Prize Collections.
How to Complete: You need all Cards in Secret Base Set + All Promos from the Set included Blackstar Promos that are release on Set Exclusive Products and/or with exclusive artwork of the set.
This is the hardest set to complete because all the variations and promo cards that are released over time, this set may take several years to complete as many sets continue to release promo cards in different products such as "Premium Collections" or "Blister Packs", or special stamped cards release over new events.
This set must include all the Master Set Cards + all Special promo cards that can only be obtain in Special Events or given to Staff and Winner of such events, these cards are mark with a special Logo Such "STAFF" "PROFESSOR PROGRAM" etc. This is considered the Ultimate Master Set does the Name Grand Master Set or a Pokémon Master Set, only a few can have the title of Pokémon Master Set.
