I've seen many people with a shoebox of cards just randomly scattered
around inside, with rubberbands around there rares, and with cards bent in
half in their decks. Since most of my cards are in perfect or almost perfect
condition, I'd like to tell you all some good ways of keeping your cards in
great condition and also a good way to carry around your deck and counters
during tournaments.

    This might cost some money (anywhere from $15 to $30), but it will keep
your rares in mint condition so they can be sold for more later.  This is
what I use:

Clear Deck Protectors or other clear Card Sleeves
Toploaders (those hard cases)
A Three Ring Binder
Binder Card Sheets
A Card Box
Black Ultra-Pro Deck Protectors
Counters and Coins

    For your rares (and Promos), stick them in clear Protectors (either 1
card or 2 back to back) upside down so that the opening is at the bottom of
the card.  Then stick them in the Toploaders so that even if you spill
something, your cards will be protected.  A pack of clear Deck Protectors
costs about $6, but I've also seen thinner clear Card Sleeves at $2 for 100
which work fine.  Toploaders cost approximately $2 for 25.
    For uncommons and commons, just stick them in a binder in any order you
want.  If you are going to use a box, use one of those long card boxes so
they don't just fly all around.
    For a box to bring to tournaments, use one of those cardboard Pokemon
Card boxes or one of those other cardboard card boxes.  Stick your deck in
Black Deck Protectors (clear shows the backs and red is see through enough to
tell if a card is Japanese or English).  Stick the deck in your cardbox.  Get
at least three coins (to be safe) and 20 counters and stick them in the box. 
If you do not have enough counters, you can go to your local arts and crafts
store and get things very similar.  I also stick my Rares into my card box so
that I can trade and sell my rares.
    When I go to tournaments all I need to bring is my card box and I just
keep my binder at home.  I hope this helps give you an idea of how to keep
your cards in good shape.

-Anthony Au
AntAu@aol.com