Researchers, New
Community glossary: shorthand is context, not a universal rule
Terms such as VGC, meta, shiny, raw, slab, comp and master set describe different parts of the hobby. Ask which game, format, language and era the speaker means.
For new readers, read 8 Nov 2026.
Player terms
VGC refers to the official video-game competition context; a regulation is the applicable rules environment. Meta is shorthand for the strategies and choices prevalent in a particular competitive setting, not a permanent ranking. A shiny is an alternate coloration category, not automatically an especially strong individual.
Collector and seller terms
Raw usually means ungraded; slab usually means an encapsulated item. A comp is a comparison transaction or listing, which is useful only when its identity and condition match. Master set is an ambiguous collecting goal until its finishes, stamps and exclusions are defined. A chase card is a desirability label, not published odds or a guaranteed future price.
Terms that need evidence
Exclusive can mean language, territory, distribution channel or time window. Rare can mean an official rarity category or simply a seller’s opinion. Error needs manufacturing evidence rather than an odd appearance. Translate shorthand into a precise claim before spending or repeating it. Usage varies, so this glossary is explanatory rather than an official tournament dictionary.
3 checks before you act
- Player terms
- Collector and seller terms
- Terms that need evidence
Read next
Sources read for this page
- ReadOfficial tournament rules and resourcesread 7 Nov 2026
- ReadTCGdex metadata and known limitationsread 7 Nov 2026