I played and stopped after my last round of nationals in 2009, when rescue cat was around. I didn’t pay much attention to the evolution of cards in Yugioh after that, but you can bet that I snagged a rescue rabbit because it reminded me of its fellow buddy rescue cat! I don’t even think I paid much for the card since I purchased it in 2015, where presumably it was affected by the banlist.
Yes was already limited by then. Such a nice card in secret. Rescue cat was before me but I def heard about its power from those who played back then.
this is such a throw back, I love yugioh from this era. Played Blackwings, X Sabers, Plants, some other fun decks in that time from like 08-13
Was def a good time in the meta game. I very much like thought out games with a mix of special summoning and trying to protect from backrow. I think trap cards are so much fun to use. Unfortunately all good things had to come to an end when they made pendulums and everything became annoying special summon ftk spams with not as much skill
I am going to steal some of this answer the next time someone asks me why I spend so much on cards!
That’s an interesting approach, more of a personal budgeting preference though. I’d be comfortable spending the majority of my disposable income on the right item for the right price, or if I knew I could quickly resale if needed, if I was only after one particular item etc
I don’t really make any “high end” purchases, but if I can get a best offer on ebay for less than half of the trollandtoad price you know im pulling that trigger. that’s how I justify all my purchases at least.
I always just remind myself that if something goes terribly wrong and I need the money for something else, I can fairly easily just put the card up for sale and lose maybe 10%-15% in eBay fees and shipping. At least for me it helps me justify large purchases because I know that I still have access to that money if I really need it for whatever reason and it’s not just down the drain.
I ask myself “What do I need more, food or cardboard?”… After that I’ll buy the card and go to my friends’ fridge and laugh like a maniacally little boy that just pulled a base set Blastoise.
If I have the money in my bank account, and I see a good deal on a card I think is undervalued and I really want, I get it.
I have no wife or kids to support so it’s easier for me to do this. Anyone else I’d use the 5% rule. Which is don’t put more than 5% of your net worth into one investment
I do exactly this and i try and recommend this to many that ask me this question.
Every month when my salary comes in, i put some of it aside and never touch, as I’m hoping to buy a property one day. Then keep some aside for monthly bills and stuff.
Then what ever is left over, is for Pokemon 
There has been a few times where a card i wanted came up, I didn’t have all the money to buy it only half. I could have used my credit card but didn’t. It would have been easy to do so and pay it off bit by bit but I didn’t want that extra debt.
If it is within your means and wont cripple you financially, you like/want the card or see potential in the present of future, then go for it! I wouldn’t and don’t take on debt to pay for purchases and never would. The exception being, using a credit card for cashback/perks, but only if you have the money available to pay for said purchases.
To be honest I have never made a high end purchase, by high end I assume £1000+ for 1 item. As we all have different ideas of what is expensive and high end there isn’t really a specific number you can put on that everyone universally accepts. Justifying an expensive purchase to me would come down to the how much I wanted the card, the difficulty of getting the card, the current and potential future value(we all want to buy cards low and have them appreciate even if we don’t intend to sell) and if it is a sensible choice at that time to drop x amount on a card.
My attitude toward the newer prices hasn’t really adjusted and settled in yet so I am holding out on big single item purchases until things settle and I feel more comfortable in the current market. I am very cautious, probably comes down to be a Yorkshire-man, we are renowned for being tight with money XD
Lastly, no brainer purchases such as cases of steam siege and Pokemon marbles are always ALWAYS a sound bet when purchasing items within the hobby. If I see any listed…bam I purchase right away! Steam siege 90 a box, 200, 400 I dont care, Ill take them all day long. I am only a small buyer…sperm of the sperm whale but that doesn’t matter, Ill eat up marbles and ss like an all day buffet. NOM NOM!
From what I have seen you share that is an amazing feat but whose gonna know what your threshold amount could/ would be.
Although it’s actually a trick question. It speaks conversely about not making the deal.
My threshold is very low, but juggling around I managed to purchase the Fan Club karp which is the most expensive BIN of my entire life, vanishing all my life savings, and it will remain like that. Did bigger trades, but never purchases.
I usually justify with a yolo
I typically spend every dollar from ebay sales, my regular job, and credit card as soon as possible.
I work really hard to juggle my spending and income so that im never in debt long enough to owe fees. I also work really hard in general, its not uncommon for me to have 2 full time jobs and a side gig.
I justify all my spending by knowing where i came from (ever heard of east hastings?)
Money doesnt mean shit after the bills are paid.
Might as well have fun
Also i might as well add, when time comes for me to “sell out”
All the craziness will be worth while
You’re full of surprises, b0ss. Never stop being the 
Thank you for this thread, it’s been an enjoyable introspective read. As for my answer, it’s in lineau with many here and working out what to do when capital changes. Like when asked when enough is enough?
If you have taken risk (or at furthest extreme) had a near-death experience and still front the yolo mind, I revere and admire you even more that it’s not even funny.