Base Card

An ordinary trading card, one that makes up a common card set (called a base set). A base card typically bears an identifying number on the back.

Hit

A valuable and sought-after card, often featuring special characteristics like autographs, relics, or rare designs.

Hobby Box

A box of cards, sold exclusively through hobby stores and approved online merchants, contains a larger number of chase cards. Compare with retail boxes.

Insert Card

A type of non-base and non-parallel card that features its own theme, design, numbering, and name.

Pack

A group of cards sealed in a package for sale by the manufacturer. The number of cards per pack may vary by manufacturer, as well as from pack to pack.

Parallel

A card that’s like a base card but features some modification or other distinguishing characteristic. For example, it may have a different-colored border, be made from a different material, or be the product of a different kind of technology.

Retail Box

A typically lower-priced box of cards distributed through large retailers, such as Walmart and Target. Retail boxes tend to have fewer hits than hobby boxes.

Rookie Card (RC)

The card of a player in their debut professional season. The designation “RC” may appear on the card to indicate its status as a rookie card.