Analyzing the odds
When hitting the retail card aisle, collectors are
presented with a number of options: blasters, rack packs, loose packs (and some
other configurations I can’t remember). You might think that because these
cards are found in the same place, made by the same company, and are the same
brand that they are the same, but not all retail products are made the same.
presented with a number of options: blasters, rack packs, loose packs (and some
other configurations I can’t remember). You might think that because these
cards are found in the same place, made by the same company, and are the same
brand that they are the same, but not all retail products are made the same.
I was looking through the card aisle (with Marie) and we
were talking about cards. We looked at the dozens and dozens of blasters
sitting on the shelves and I made a remark that I wouldn’t go for a blaster and
opted for rack packs instead.
were talking about cards. We looked at the dozens and dozens of blasters
sitting on the shelves and I made a remark that I wouldn’t go for a blaster and
opted for rack packs instead.
That’s when I flipped the packs to their backs to show
how the odds were different.
how the odds were different.
For a rack pack of Opening Day (which comes with 24 cards
and three inserts), the odds were much easier to pull something – anything.
Inserts were 1 in 2 packs with relics and autos being tougher pulls than that.
On the blaster, the inserts were 1 in 4 packs.
and three inserts), the odds were much easier to pull something – anything.
Inserts were 1 in 2 packs with relics and autos being tougher pulls than that.
On the blaster, the inserts were 1 in 4 packs.
Here’s the full breakdown:
Opening Day
Blaster
Total packs: 7
Total cards: 77
Price: $9.99
Inserts: 7
Rack packs
Total packs: 3
Total cards: 72
Price: $9 ($3 each)
Inserts: 9
Loose packs
Total packs: 10
Total cards: 70
Price: $9.90 (99 cents each)
Inserts: 10
Other odds include:
Rack packs
Opening Day Autograph: 1:80
Opening Day Relic: 1:80
Mascot Autograph: 1:162
Blaster
Opening Day Autograph: 1:278
Opening Day Relic: 1:273
Mascot Autograph: 1:555
Based on price, total cards, and odds, what do you think
is the best option?
is the best option?
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Only problem with rack packs are the y are most assuredly "searched" before you get to them.
I have never had issues with rack packs being searched. Loosies is where all the problems are for me.
While the total number of inserts is highest in the loose packs (and price-per-insert is the lowest), if you're trying to build a set by opening packs you're better off with the blaster.
The odds of pulling an autograph in a blaster are (about) 1:40, relic 1:39, and mascot autograph 1:79.
But for about $10 the odds with 3 rack packs for autographs are (about) 1:27, relic 1:27, and mascot autographs 1:54.
Yes, the odds don't necessarily work out this way, but overall you have a much better shot at a "hit" with (unsearched) rack packs. (You didn't provide odds for autos or relics in the loose packs if they're in there.)
I would probably go with three rack packs, just for the hope of getting a good sample card from each of the insert sets.
Someone has been searching all the packs at my local Targets, Wal-Marts, and Fred Meyer's. I can tell because I've a) run into the guy on a number of occasions and b) the packs are always taken out of the boxes and put back in sideways after being searched. And the rack packs have their cards pushed against the edge of the pack in a certain way. You can tell they've been manipulated.
best option is to wait and buy the singles you want from the suckers who busted the wax in the first place.
sad, but true.
Pack searching? Really? We're talking about
OPENING.
FUCKING.
DAY.