You can play any card game with nothing but a deck, but a few accessories protect your cards and make game night smoother. Here's the essential kit, in the order most players buy it.
The essential kit at a glance
| Accessory | Essential? | Typical price | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card sleeves | Yes | £5–£12 per pack | Protects cards when shuffling |
| Deck box | Yes | £10–£30 | Carries and protects the deck |
| Dice or life counter | Yes | £5–£15 | Tracks life, damage and counters |
| Tokens | Depends on deck | Often free in packs | Represents creatures and effects |
| Playmat | Nice to have | £15–£30 | Smooth, clean playing surface |
| Toploaders | Nice to have | £5–£10 | Rigid protection for best cards |
| Card scanner stand | For collectors | £22.95 | Fast phone cataloguing and pricing |
What accessories do you need to start playing a card game?
Sleeves, a deck box and something to track life. That covers protecting your cards, carrying them and playing a full game. Everything else can wait.
Do you really need card sleeves?
Yes, for any deck you play regularly. Shuffling wears card edges quickly, and sleeves also make cards easier to shuffle. Our card and sleeve size guide explains which size to buy.
What sort of deck box should I buy?
A rigid box with a secure closure that holds your deck sleeved. For Commander or double-sleeved 60-card decks, SquadPod Slim holds the lot in a 50 mm-deep case. Use our deck box buying checklist to compare others.
Is a playmat necessary?
Not to play, but it keeps sleeved cards off sticky tables and makes them easier to pick up. Most regular players own at least one, and they make good gifts.
How should I track life and counters?
Dice, a counter app or pen and paper all work. Many Commander players use a large die for life and small ones for counters, so everyone at the table can see the board state.
Where should I keep tokens?
With the deck that uses them, so you're never short mid-game. SquadPod Slim has space for 10 tokens alongside a 100-card deck. More in how to organise Commander tokens.
How do I protect my most valuable card?
Put it in a toploader when it's not in play, or keep it on show in a deck box display window. Both of our Commander boxes include a toploader for your commander – see how to protect and display your commander.
How do I keep track of a growing collection?
Scan it. A phone app plus a card scanner stand catalogues and prices cards far faster than typing. Read how to scan cards with your phone.
What should I pack for game night?
Deck in its box, tokens, dice, a spare sleeve or two and a drink in a separate pocket. The full list is in what to pack for Commander night.
Related reading
- Gifts for teenage card game players
- Slim vs rugged Commander deck box
- The best deck box for 60-card decks
- Why choose a UK-made deck box?
Build your kit
SquadPod Slim – £19.99 · Commander Deck Box with Card Stand – £24.95 · Card Scanner Stand – £22.95
Shop SquadPod Slim → | Card Scanner Stand | All deck boxes & accessories
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