Magic: The Gathering offers countless ways to build decks, but one of the most common decisions players face is whether to buy sealed products like booster packs or to purchase individual cards as singles. While ripping open boosters can be exciting, buying singles often provides clearer advantages for both competitive and casual players.
Here are some of the biggest benefits.
Cost-Effective Deck Building
When you buy singles, you’re only paying for the exact cards you need. Instead of spending money on packs and hoping to pull a rare or mythic, you can put your budget directly into finishing a deck. This approach is especially helpful for players who want to stay competitive in Standard or other formats without overspending.
Faster Access to Key Cards
Singles allow you to skip the randomness of booster packs. If you’re building a new deck for a tournament or local event, you don’t have to rely on chance to get your key pieces. A quick purchase of singles ensures your deck is playable right away and ready for testing.
Greater Control Over Your Collection
By purchasing singles, you avoid stockpiling large amounts of bulk commons and unneeded cards. Instead, your collection becomes more focused on cards that match your playstyle or format of choice. This makes organizing your collection easier and reduces clutter.
Flexibility Across Formats
Singles let you target cards not just for Standard, but also for Pioneer, Modern, or Commander. You can prioritize staples that appear in multiple formats, stretching the value of your investment. Over time, this makes your collection more versatile and adaptable as formats shift.
Long-Term Value
Some singles hold their price or even increase in value over time. By buying specific cards with proven utility, you are making a more stable investment than gambling on booster packs. For players who value both gameplay and collectible value, singles often offer the best balance of fun and financial sense.
Thanks for reading, and until the next blog post.