What Does a White Star on a Pokémon Card Mean?

A white star on the bottom right corner of a Pokémon card signifies it‘s an ultra rare or secret rare card. These two sub-categories within the rare tier denote cards tougher to pull from packs than normal rares, making them more valuable to collectors.

Let‘s explore the history, significance, and modern value around Pokémon cards blessed with that coveted white star label.

Background on Pokémon Card Rarity Symbols

Since the TCG debuted in 1996, printed rarity symbols helped collectors identify a card‘s pull probability:

Symbol - Rarity - Approx. Pack Pull Rate 

© - Common - 12 per booster box
◆ - Uncommon - 10 per booster box 
★ - Rare - 7 per booster box

When Wizards of the Coast acquired the license in 2003, they introduced a new basic white star symbol reserved for ultra rares and secret rares. This let collectors immediately recognize cards falling outside normal set numbers at higher rarities.

Ultra Rare Terminology

An "ultra rare" Pokémon card comes with premium foil treatments, flavors, and artwork compared to traditional cards of the same character. Take Charizard VMAX for example:

The above rainbow rare version has a gorgeous gold text, vivid multicolor backdrop, and large horizontal form factor. Contrast that to the normal VMAX:

While both classify as Charizard VMAX cards, the rainbow rare counts as an "ultra" thanks to its flashier cosmetics befitting higher status.

You‘ll typically see the following modern card varieties labeled ultra rare:

• Rainbow Rares
• Gold Secret Rares
• Full Arts (Pokémon VMAX, VSTAR, EX, GX)
• Full Art Trainer Supporters
• Alternate Arts

These all have increased shine, broader illustrations, better design flourishes, etc. They intentionally stand out both visually and playfully.

Secret Rare Terminology

A "secret rare" Pokémon card belongs to a deliberately hidden set ouside the normal numbered collection. For example:

• Shiny Vault (Hidden Fates)
• Character Rares (Cosmic Eclipse)
• Trainer Gallery (Brilliant Stars)

You can identify them through card numbering aberrations. If you see a card numbered 100/74 for example, it tells you a secret subset exists including those extra cards.

These showcase unique characters, flavors, or artwork you won‘t find in the standard set – adding new discovery and value for collectors ripping packs.

Pull Rates for White Star Rarity Pokémon Cards

As the highest normal rarity tier, white star Pokémon cards appear more rarely from opening booster packs. Their estimated pull rates:

Of course variance exists between sets. But broadly, collecting all ultra rares or secret rares for a Pokémon card expansion represents a steep challenge.

Contrast that ~15% pull chance to the roughly 50% odds of pulling any specific common.

Valuable Modern White Star Cards

With their inclusion frequency trailing all other rarities, white star Pokémon cards hold substantially higher market values, especially once they leave print.

Let‘s analyze two recent examples:

Charizard VMAX Rainbow Rare (Champions Path)

This card shot up in price dramatically due to extreme fan demand for premium Charizards:

Peaking around $700 in late 2020, the rainbow rare Charizard VMAX commands a towering price compared to all other cards in Champion‘s Path. And it may not have hit its ceiling yet.

Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art (Evolving Skies)

Eevee evolutions attract collector attention, driving up market prices:

The gorgeous panoramic artwork and EEVEE factor make this one of the most coveted pulls from Evolving Skies booster boxes right now.

These examples demonstrate the immense secondary value associated with ultra rare and secret rare Pokémon hits – especially competitive or aesthetically pleasing ones.

Identifying and Collecting White Star Cards

When opening packs, checking that bottom right rarity symbol remains the fastest way to single out hits.

If hunting for specific white star cards to collect or sell, buying declared hits or pre-sorted lots saves time over buying and cracking many booster boxes. Just be wary of potential condition issues when not pulling fresh yourself.

If instead you enjoy the element of surprise and aren‘t focused on chasing the absolute most valuable cards, buying booster boxes lets you discover and compile ultra rares along the way.

Analyzing the Modern Rarity Ratios Landscape

Reference websites like PokeGuardian offer card breakdowns by rarity for newer sets so collectors can study pull rates.

For example, in the latest Silver Tempest expansion:

We see roughly 17% of the set taken up by white star ultra rares/secret rares compared to 60% common/uncommon. This general distribution has stayed fairly consistent over the past 5 years enabling odds analysis.

Speculating on Upcoming White Star Rarity Candidates

With new Pokémon TCG sets releasing every ~3 months in 2023, ample ultra rare and secret rare opportunities remain on the horizon.

I expect continued power creep driving up permitted VSTAR counts and fuller art treatments. And fans always clamor for Gold cards of iconic species like Pikachu.

It‘s safe to assume:

• Rainbow Rares for new VSTARs
• Full Art VSTARs
• Alt Arts for highly sought species
• Expanded Trainer Galleries
• Special Energy Secret Rares

Personally, I have eyes on the Secret Rare Pikachu VMAX releasing soon in Silver Tempest that should draw interest.

And if the rumors pan out suggeting Eevee Heroes arrives outside Japan this year, brace for a wave of Eeveelution ultra rares and secrets!

Closing Thoughts

A white star on a Pokémon card signals elite status as either an ultra rare or secret rare chase card. Their increased shine and lower pack odds make them more desirable to collectors.

Modern white star hits like Rainbow Rares or Special Arts have massive upside potential years later as nostalgic gems from beloved sets. And their value directly ties to condition, so protecting any white star finds remains critical.

I hope this guide gave you better insight into properly identifying and assessing white star rarity Pokémon cards! Let me know down below if you have any other questions.