1:1 Same Set Trading

Do you have duplicate cards? This guide will teach you how to use your duplicates to get cards you don't own from the same set. Learn how to use bots for 1:1 same set trading, when to trade with person, and how to evaluate trading fees for the ultimate trading experience.

What is 1:1 Same Set Trading?

1:1 Same set trading is when you take a card from someone and give them a card from the same game. It is the best way to swap your duplicate cards for cards you don't own from the same set.

Before beginning a trade, read the forum post or profile of the trader. To ensure your trades are accepted, you must understand the trader's rules.

To make a 1:1 same set trade, select your duplicate card and put it up for trade.

Navigate the trader's inventory by typing the game name into the search filter. Select a card you do not own from the same set if it is available. Confirm the trade.

Most traders will allow you to trade more than one card and swap multiple sets at the same time, as long as the number of cards and set types match on both sides.

In trading forum posts, you might come across some new terminology that could be confusing to navigate without context. I have included a few common terms for your convenience.

Common trading terms you might see on forums and a brief description:

• [W] Want - This is what the trader is looking for.
  
• [H] Have - This is what the trader has, and can trade to you.
  
• (1:1) one to one - Trade one of their cards for one of your cards
  
• (1:1+) one to one plus - Trade one of their cards for one of your cards plus something extra (this is often gems, emoticons, backgrounds, or in-game items)
  
• (1:2) one to two - Trade one of their cards for two of your cards. This is usually used for cross set trading.
  
• (1:X) one to X - The letter X is a placeholder for any offer you send. This is used for cross set trading or any other trades not covered by the terms above.

Understanding this terminology will help you find and communicate with other traders. Knowing what to expect before sending a trade can help prevent your offers from getting rejected.

Both traders and bots are likely to accept extra items as gifts. Always double-check your trades before you send them to avoid accidentally donating items.

Trading using 1:1 Bots

1:1 Bots are programs made by traders to automatically accept trades that follow 1:1 same set rules. Bots are a great way to trade in your duplicates to instantly complete your sets.

Pros:

• Quick response time, available 24/7
  
• Large inventory/variety of games offered
  
• High inventory turnover if the bot is popular
  
• Can be coded to be available in multiple languages

Cons:

• Large inventories that take time to load
  
• Low set diversity (they often have a bunch of duplicates)
  
• Will auto-decline without explanation if the trade is incorrect

Bot Examples

• Fancy Card Matcher
  
• Baa Bee Boo Buu
  
• 777_Trading

Trading Without Bots

Some Traders offer certain sets or their entire inventory for 1:1 same set trading without a fee. They might have already completed the badge, want to help others create badges or they no longer trade but don't want their cards to sit idle.

Pros:

• Potential for high set diversity (some traders have duplicate limits)
  
• Can help you fix incorrect trade offers instead of auto-declining
  
• Can have mutually beneficial 1:1 trades

Cons:

• Accepting trades takes time
  
• First come first serve can result in your trade getting cancelled
  
• Some traders might decline if they have too many duplicates or if you have a trade hold

Trader Examples

• Esparqui
  
• MojoDex
  
• Dogwelder

Traders with Fees?

A trader can have many reasons why they might have fees associated with same set trading. Carefully read rules and trading forum posts to understand the guidelines set by the trader.

Generally, you can follow the below logic to determine whether a trade is good, neutral or bad for set completion.

Trade is good if progress towards set completion advances. Ex. A A (before) -> A B (after)
Trade is neutral if progress towards set completion stays intact. Ex. A B (before) -> A C (after)
Trade is bad if progress towards set completion declines. Ex. A C (before) -> A A (after)

It is not uncommon for a trader to charge a fee if the card you offer isn't a neutral or better trade for the trader's set (see 1:1+ trading above). This fee could be gems (often ranging from 5 - 10 gems per trade), emoticons, backgrounds, or in-game items. Be aware that some add-ons (like purchased in-game skins) are not cheap and shouldn't be used as a "plus" item.

Some traders might not be willing to break completed sets or would consider charging a fee for the inconvenience it causes them.

Some traders charge a fee regardless of their set status. If the trader's fee is anything beyond the small add-ons mentioned above, consider the rarity of the set you are trying to complete before paying the fee. Common sets should be widely available and paying a fee isn't necessary to complete your set.

YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO TRADE 1:2 FOR A COMMON SAME SET TRADE
Rare or non-marketable cards can be exceptions to this rule. Set exclusivity and convenience (like trading completed sets for a bunch of duplicates) can greatly increase the fee a trader charges.
Cross set trading is beyond the scope of this guide.

Some cards might have different values compared to other cards within the same set. Be aware of this as some traders might decline the trade or ask for compensation to make up for the value difference.

Some traders might decline or charge a fee if you are not using the mobile authenticator, as without it, the trade will be put on hold. This results in cards getting locked up in the trader's inventory until the hold expires, temporarily reducing their ability to trade.

External Trading Tools

! These tools are not associated with Valve Corp. Use at your own discretion!

Only use trusted external tools as some websites could be malicious. Be vigilant of scammers and know how to protect your account before using external trading tools.

Trading tools have been developed to make trading easier than ever before.

Steam Trade Matcher[www.steamtradematcher.com] or STM is a tool that identifies duplicates in a user's inventory. It can then match you with other users that have duplicates of same set, allowing for quick and fair trades. STM only operates on good trades. STM Quickmatch allows you to compare the inventory of a specific user to see if any 1:1 same set trading can take place.

Are you a trader that wants to be added to this guide?

If you are an active bot owner or no-fee trader with 1000+ cards, add me and send me a message!

Every example trader and bot listed has given their permission to be included in this guide.

Am I missing any pros or cons in this guide? Have any questions? Leave a comment below!

If you've found this guide useful please rate it so others can find it, and favorite it to quickly access the traders mentioned in the post.

[Davs]

Great job! That was something needed that I never had time to do myself. So thank you for your time.

[MOJANA]

fantastic guide!

[ImBlake]

Great guide!

[🗙 Bee]

Great guide! Thank you for featuring me

[nat]

Very nice guide thank you!

[󠁳⁧⁧ Killerboy777]

Great Guide as ressource for new Traders!