The Pros and Cons of Buying Bulk Magic: the Gathering Cards

I do at times, look at random bulk Magic: the Gathering cards posted on Facebook Market, eBay, and Shopee and wonder if there would be any good hits inside and hidden in those piles. The thrill of finding one sometimes gets the best of me and I buy some just for the sake of opening them on my Youtube channel.

Whether buying bulk MTG cards is worth it depends on your specific goals and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Building a Collection: If you’re looking to quickly expand your collection and don’t mind having a wide variety of cards, buying bulk MTG cards can be an affordable way to do so. It allows you to get a large number of cards at a lower price per card compared to buying individual boosters or singles.
  2. Casual Play and Cube Drafting: Bulk cards can be great for casual play with friends or for creating a Cube. Cube drafting is a format where players use a pool of pre-selected cards to draft and play with, and bulk cards can help you build interesting and varied Cube experiences.
  3. Card Pool for Deck Building: If you’re a deck builder and like experimenting with different card combinations, bulk cards can provide a diverse card pool to work with. While most bulk cards might not be top-tier competitive choices, you can find hidden gems or cards that work well together thematically.
  4. Limited Play Practice: If you’re new to Limited formats (like Draft or Sealed), buying bulk cards can allow you to practice deck building and gameplay without breaking the bank.

However, there are some caveats to consider:

  1. Quality and Playability: Bulk cards are often of common or uncommon rarity, so you may not find many valuable or highly playable cards in these lots. Many cards might also be from older sets with little competitive relevance.
  2. Duplicates: Bulk lots often contain duplicate cards, which might be fun for casual play but not as useful if you’re looking for a wide variety of cards.
  3. Condition: Bulk cards are typically not sorted or individually packaged, so they might have more wear and tear compared to cards bought as singles.
  4. Lack of Specific Cards: If you’re looking for particular cards for a specific deck or format, buying singles is a more reliable way to get exactly what you need.

In conclusion, buying bulk MTG cards can be worth it if you are looking to build a collection, enjoy casual play, or want to experiment with different cards. It’s a cost-effective way to acquire a large number of cards, but it may not suit everyone’s needs, especially if you’re looking for specific cards or competitive play options. If you’re unsure, consider starting with a smaller bulk purchase to gauge if it aligns with your interests.