Do Set Boosters Have More Rares? A Deep Dive into Magic: The Gathering Packs
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The burning question for many Magic: The Gathering players when staring at the shelves of their local game store is: Do set boosters have more rares? The short, straightforward answer is yes, usually, set boosters offer a higher chance of pulling rare and mythic rare cards compared to draft boosters. However, the nuances of this difference make for a more complex and fascinating discussion. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and probabilities to understand why set boosters are often the go-to choice for players seeking the thrill of opening high-value cards.
Understanding Set Booster Structure
To appreciate the higher rare pull rate of set boosters, we must first understand their composition. Unlike draft boosters, which are designed for drafting and limited play, set boosters are crafted to maximize the excitement of opening packs. A standard set booster contains 12 playable cards, along with an art card and a token/ad card or a card from “The List,” a collection of reprints from Magic’s history that appears in 25% of packs.
The key differentiator lies in the distribution of rarities within these 12 playable cards. Each set booster is guaranteed to contain at least one rare or mythic rare card, and importantly, there’s a chance to pull additional rares. Statistically, around 27% of set boosters contain two rare or mythic rare cards, while about 3% contain three, and a small fraction, about 1%, will even have four rares/mythics. This potential for multiple high-value cards is a major draw for many players.
Set Boosters vs. Draft Boosters: A Comparative Look
Draft boosters, in contrast, prioritize a balanced distribution for drafting purposes, containing 15 playable cards. While draft boosters also include at least one rare or mythic rare, the chance of finding a second one is significantly lower than in set boosters. This design makes them ideal for Limited play, where card pool balancing is crucial.
The key differences between the two are summarized as follows:
- Card Count: Set boosters have 12 playable cards; draft boosters have 15.
- Rare/Mythic Guarantee: Both guarantee at least one rare or mythic.
- Multiple Rares/Mythics: Set boosters have significantly higher odds for multiple rare/mythic pulls.
- Purpose: Set boosters are designed for the thrill of opening, draft boosters for drafting.
- Cost: Set boosters tend to be slightly more expensive.
Mythic Rare Pull Rates
Beyond just rares, the odds of pulling a mythic rare card are also a factor. Statistically, about 1 in every 7.4 set booster packs will contain a mythic rare instead of a rare. Prior to the Zendikar Rising set, the odds were closer to 1 in 8. This relatively high frequency of mythic pulls contributes to the appeal of set boosters.
In a standard set booster box containing 36 packs, players can expect to find approximately 4.5 mythic rares on average. A case of six set booster boxes would then yield roughly 27 mythic rare cards. These numbers provide a general idea, but of course, random chance can lead to variations.
Value Considerations
While set boosters often contain more rares and mythics, they also typically carry a higher price tag. The higher cost may be justified for players primarily interested in building their collection or pursuing high-value cards. It is important to consider your personal goals. If your intention is to simply experience the opening thrill and potentially find rare cards, set boosters are likely the better choice. For those solely interested in playing with friends by drafting, draft boosters would be more suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the topic of set boosters and their rare pull rates:
1. How many rares are guaranteed in a set booster?
Every set booster guarantees at least one rare or mythic rare. However, a significant percentage of packs will contain two, three, or even four rare or mythic rare cards.
2. What is the average number of rares in a set booster box?
A set booster box usually contains between 30 to 40 rares and mythics. At a rate of approximately 1 mythic per 7.4 rares, this would usually be around 32-33 rares and 5-6 mythics.
3. How often do set boosters have more than one rare?
Around 27% of set boosters will contain two rare or mythic rare cards. Approximately 3% will have three, and 1% will have four.
4. Are set boosters more expensive than draft boosters?
Yes, set boosters typically cost slightly more per pack than draft boosters, reflecting their higher potential value.
5. How many mythic rares can I expect in a set booster box?
On average, a set booster box includes approximately 4.5 mythic rares.
6. What’s the chance of pulling a mythic rare from a set booster?
Statistically, 1 in every 7.4 set boosters contains a mythic rare instead of a rare.
7. What is “The List” and how is it relevant to set boosters?
“The List” refers to a collection of reprints from Magic’s history. One card from “The List” can be found in 25% of set booster packs, adding an element of surprise.
8. Are set boosters better for value than draft boosters?
In general, set boosters tend to contain slightly more value than draft boosters due to the higher odds of pulling multiple rares and mythics.
9. How many cards are in a set booster vs. a draft booster?
Set boosters contain 12 playable cards plus an art card and token/ad/list card. Draft boosters contain 15 playable cards.
10. Can you get two rares in a draft booster?
Yes, it is possible to get two rares in a draft booster, but the probability is very low compared to the chances of getting multiple rares in set boosters.
11. What’s the purpose of a draft booster?
Draft boosters are primarily designed for drafting and limited play, where card distribution needs to be balanced.
12. Are set boosters worth it?
For players primarily interested in opening valuable cards, set boosters are a good choice due to their higher chance of pulling multiple rares. However, their higher cost should be considered.
13. What other items come in a set booster?
Besides the 12 playable cards, a set booster includes 1 art card and either a token/ad card, a helper card, or a card from “The List.”
14. How many mythics are printed in a standard set?
The estimates for mythic prints is around 1.3 million of each in a standard set that sells well.
15. Are there other types of boosters?
Yes, there are other types of boosters, including collector boosters (with premium cards and more foils) and jumpstart boosters (designed for quick play with pre-constructed themed packs).
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your main goal is to open as many rares and mythic rare cards as possible, then set boosters are definitely the better choice. Their structure is designed to provide a more exciting opening experience, with higher odds of pulling multiple high-value cards. However, draft boosters remain the go-to for those interested in drafting and playing Limited. Understanding the specific composition of each type of booster is crucial to making an informed decision, allowing you to optimize your experience and value. By knowing your own priorities you will then be able to pick the correct boosters for your style of collecting.