Should I Open Draft or Set Boosters? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re standing in the card shop, staring at a wall of Magic: The Gathering boosters, and the age-old question pops into your head: “Should I open Draft or Set Boosters?” The answer, as with most things in life, is… it depends! It hinges entirely on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience. Let’s break down the key differences and help you make the right choice.
If your primary goal is to play Limited formats like Draft or Sealed, then Draft Boosters are the clear winner. They are specifically designed for this purpose. However, if you’re more interested in expanding your collection, chasing specific cards, or simply enjoying the thrill of opening a pack, then Set Boosters are likely the better option. They offer a higher chance of pulling multiple rares and mythics, along with other exciting bonus cards. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and goals.
Decoding the Booster Landscape
To truly understand which booster is right for you, let’s dive deeper into what each offers:
- Draft Boosters: These are the workhorses of the Limited world. They contain 15 cards specifically curated for drafting. Expect a balanced mix of commons, uncommons, and a guaranteed rare or mythic rare. They also include a basic land card. The card distribution ensures a viable drafting environment.
- Set Boosters: Think of these as “fun packs.” They’re designed for the joy of opening, with 12 cards meticulously arranged to maximize excitement. Set Boosters often contain themed slots, multiple rares or mythics are not uncommon, and sometimes feature cool alternate art cards. Set Boosters prioritize the opening experience and building a collection.
Value Proposition: What Are You Really Paying For?
While the price difference between Draft and Set Boosters is usually minimal, understanding their “expected value” (EV) is crucial. EV represents the average value of the cards you can expect to pull from a booster, based on market prices.
- Draft Boosters: Their value is more consistent and predictable. Since the card distribution is fixed, you can reliably expect a certain number of commons, uncommons, and one rare/mythic.
- Set Boosters: These are more volatile. The potential for multiple rares and bonus cards can significantly boost their EV, but it’s also possible to get less. This variability makes them higher risk, higher reward.
The “Fun Factor”
Beyond raw card value, consider the “fun factor.” Some people genuinely enjoy the act of drafting – the strategic thinking, the social interaction, and the thrill of building a deck on the fly. For these players, Draft Boosters provide immense value in the form of entertainment.
Conversely, if you prefer the adrenaline rush of potentially pulling a chase rare or a stunning alternate art card, Set Boosters are tailor-made for you.
The New Kid on the Block: Play Boosters
The landscape is about to change! Play Boosters are slated to replace both Draft and Set Boosters in the future. They aim to combine the best aspects of both formats. While details are still emerging, Play Boosters promise to offer a balanced experience for both Limited play and collection building. Keep an eye out for more information on these as they become available!
Making the Right Call
Ultimately, the choice between Draft and Set Boosters comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I primarily enjoy playing Limited (Draft/Sealed)? If so, Draft Boosters are your best bet.
- Am I more interested in expanding my collection and pulling valuable cards? Set Boosters offer a higher potential for big pulls.
- Do I enjoy the thrill of opening packs and the surprise element? Set Boosters provide a more exciting and unpredictable opening experience.
- Am I on a tight budget? Draft Boosters offer more consistent value.
FAQs: Your Burning Booster Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the differences and help you make an informed decision:
1. What’s the difference between Draft Boosters and Set Boosters?
Draft Boosters are designed for drafting, containing 15 cards with a balanced distribution for gameplay. Set Boosters are focused on the opening experience, containing 12 cards with a higher potential for rares, mythics, and bonus cards.
2. Are Set Boosters better for building a collection?
Generally, yes. Set Boosters have a higher chance of containing multiple rares/mythics, foil cards, and other exciting additions to your collection.
3. Can you draft with Set Boosters?
No, Set Boosters are not designed for drafting. Their card distribution is too random to create a balanced drafting environment.
4. How many boosters do I need for a sealed deck?
You need six Draft Boosters to build a sealed deck.
5. How many Draft Boosters do you need to build a deck in a draft?
In a standard draft, you need three Draft Boosters per player.
6. Do Draft Boosters have land cards?
Yes, Draft Boosters typically contain one basic land card.
7. How many rares are in a Draft Booster?
A Draft Booster guarantees at least one rare or mythic rare card.
8. Can you get two rares in a Draft Booster?
While not guaranteed, it is possible to get two rares in a Draft Booster, although it is relatively uncommon.
9. Are MTG booster boxes worth it?
It depends on your goals. If you’re chasing specific cards, buying singles is usually more efficient. However, booster boxes can be a fun way to expand your collection and potentially pull valuable cards.
10. What proportion should my draft deck be?
A typical draft deck should consist of around 40 cards, including approximately 17-18 lands.
11. Can you build a deck with one booster box?
While you can certainly build a deck from a booster box, it might not be the most effective or synergistic deck due to the limited card pool.
12. Do Draft Boosters have rare cards?
Yes, Draft Boosters always contain at least one rare or mythic rare card.
13. Can you draft MTG with 4 players?
Yes, there are several variations of drafting that can be played with four players, such as Solomon Draft.
14. What is the difference between sealed and draft?
In sealed, you open six boosters and build a deck from the cards you open. In draft, players take turns picking cards from a shared pool of boosters.
15. Do you keep your draft deck after the event?
Yes, unless specifically stated otherwise in high-level tournaments, you are free to keep your draft deck and cards after the event.
GamesLearningSociety.org: Learn More About the Deeper Aspects of Gaming
If you’re interested in exploring the educational and social impact of games, including Magic: The Gathering, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You’ll find valuable research and insights into how games can be used for learning, collaboration, and community building.
In conclusion, whether you choose Draft or Set Boosters depends entirely on your individual preferences and what you hope to gain from the experience. Consider your goals, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the booster that best aligns with your play style and collecting aspirations. Happy opening!