How Many Uncommons Are In A Set Booster? A Comprehensive Guide

The world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is vast and ever-evolving, with different types of booster packs designed to cater to various player preferences. One such product, the Set Booster, is a popular choice for players who enjoy opening packs for the thrill of the pull and the chance to discover exciting cards. But how many uncommons can you expect to find within these packs? The answer is not always straightforward, which is why we’re diving into the specifics.

The number of uncommon cards in a Set Booster is variable, ranging from 3 to 6. This variability is a key characteristic of Set Boosters, designed to provide a more dynamic and less predictable opening experience compared to the more structured Draft Boosters. While Draft Boosters typically follow a rigid structure of 10 commons, 3 uncommons, and 1 rare/mythic rare, Set Boosters deliberately mix things up. The most common distribution is indeed 4 commons and 2 uncommons. This variability is deliberate, making each Set Booster a little different and offering the potential for greater rewards and excitement.

This variation is a crucial distinction from the more rigid structure of draft boosters, making set boosters an appealing choice for players who love the thrill of the unknown. It’s not just about uncommons, though – the distribution of commons, rares, and even mythic rares is also different in set boosters, contributing to their unique charm.

Understanding Set Booster Structure

Before diving into more specifics, it’s important to understand the general structure of a Set Booster:

• 6 Commons/Uncommons: These slots are variable, most often containing 4 commons and 2 uncommons, but other combinations are possible.
• 1 Unique Common/Uncommon: This is another guaranteed common or uncommon, but a separate slot.
• 2 “Wild Cards”: These can be cards of any rarity, from common all the way up to mythic. This means you could potentially pull two more uncommons, but you could also pull two rares or even a mythic here.
• 1 Rare (or Mythic Rare): This slot guarantees a rare, with a 13.5% chance it will be a mythic rare.
• 1 Art Card: An art card featuring a piece of artwork from the set.
• 1 Marketing Card/Token: A token or advertisement card.

This structure allows for the possibility of higher-value pulls, making set boosters appealing to collectors and players seeking valuable or chase cards, not just drafting. Set boosters are really tailored for the experience of opening packs and the excitement that comes with it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Set Boosters

To further clarify and provide even more information, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions about set boosters:

1. How many total cards are in a Set Booster pack?

Each Set Booster contains 14 cards in total. Of these, 12 are playable Magic: The Gathering cards, and the other two are an art card and either a marketing card or token card.

2. How many rares are in a set booster box?

A Set Booster box contains, at a minimum, 30 rares/mythics, but it’s more likely you’ll find just shy of 40. At a general rate of approximately one mythic to every 7.4 rares, this usually works out to about 32-33 rares and 5-6 mythics.

3. Do Set Boosters have more rares than Draft Boosters?

Yes, typically Set Boosters have the potential to contain more rares than Draft Boosters. While Draft Boosters usually have one rare/mythic rare, Set Boosters can have up to four. However, the average is usually one or two rares.

4. What are the chances of pulling a mythic rare in a Set Booster?

There’s about a 1 in 8 chance per booster pack to get a mythic rare instead of a rare in the designated rare slot. This is due to the print sheet where about 15 out of 121 cards are mythic rare. However, remember that mythics can also potentially appear in the two “Wild Card” slots as well.

5. How many packs are in a Set Booster box?

A Set Booster box contains 30 booster packs, compared to the 36 packs in a standard Draft Booster box.

6. Are Set Boosters worth buying?

For most players who want to crack packs for fun, open value, and enjoy the random excitement of opening a booster, Set Boosters are a great option. They tend to offer a slightly higher value compared to Draft Boosters, though they also usually come with a higher price tag.

7. What’s the difference between Set Boosters and Draft Boosters?

Draft Boosters are designed for drafting a deck, featuring a rigid structure. Set Boosters, in contrast, are designed for a more exciting opening experience with variable slots and more chances for higher rarity cards.

8. What are “wild cards” in a Set Booster?

The “wild cards” are the two slots in a Set Booster that can contain cards of any rarity, from common to mythic rare. They add an element of randomness and the chance for valuable pulls.

9. What is the average number of mythic rares in a Set Booster box?

A Standard set booster box has approximately 4.5 mythic rares on average.

10. Can you get more than 6 uncommons in a Set Booster?

No. The variable slots of 6 commons and uncommons are capped to include a maximum of 6 uncommons and therefore a minimum of 0 uncommons, meaning a minimum of 0 commons.

11. Do all Set Boosters have a foil card?

Yes, each Set Booster has a guaranteed traditional foil card in one of the non-art card slots.

12. How many commons are typically in a Set Booster?

While variable, the most common is 4 commons in the combined 6 common/uncommon slots.

13. What is the ‘unique’ common/uncommon slot in a Set Booster?

This is a slot that guarantees a common or uncommon, but it’s separate from the main 6 common/uncommon slots. This essentially means that it is impossible to pull no commons, as a minimum of one is included here.

14. Are Set Boosters better for collectors or drafters?

Set Boosters are generally better for collectors and players who like the thrill of opening packs, due to the increased chance for rarer and more valuable cards. Draft Boosters are the better choice for those looking to play draft games.

15. How have recent booster types affected Set Boosters?

The introduction of Play Boosters has meant a reduction in set booster production as they will be eventually phased out, making them an increasingly rare item.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of uncommon cards in a Set Booster typically ranges from 3 to 6, with 2 being the most common amount. This is a key factor that makes these boosters appealing to players who enjoy the randomness and potential rewards that each pack holds. The Set Booster offers a distinct experience compared to Draft Boosters, and by understanding its structure, you can make more informed decisions about which type of booster suits your personal preferences. Happy cracking!