Welcome, young sorcerer, to the enchanting world of Magic: The Gathering! In this mystical realm, you will encounter many wondrous cards, each with its unique power and rarity. But how can you decipher the rarity of a card? Fear not, for I shall reveal the secrets of card rarities in MTG. Whether it’s the elusive mythic rare or the commoner of all cards, this guide will unveil the secrets to identifying each rarity, ensuring you can wield your magical knowledge like a seasoned planeswalker. So, let us embark on this journey of discovery together and unravel the mysteries of card rarities in Magic: The Gathering!
What are Card Rarities?
Common
When it comes to understanding card rarities in Magic: The Gathering, it’s important to know the basics. One of the most common rarities is the “common” rarity. Here’s what you need to know:
How to determine a card’s rarity
In Magic: The Gathering, a card’s rarity is determined by its availability in booster packs. Common cards are the most widely available and can be found in the majority of booster packs. The rarity of a card is usually printed at the bottom of the card’s artwork, typically next to the card’s name.
Examples of common cards
Common cards are the backbone of any Magic: The Gathering deck. They are often used as basic land cards, mana sources, and low-cost creatures. Some examples of common cards include:
- Forests, Islands, and Mountains (basic land cards)
- Counterspells like Counterspell and Cancel
- Creatures like Goblin and Skeleton
- Instants and Sorceries like Mana and Draw
Overall, common cards are essential to building a deck and are the most readily available to players. Understanding the role of common cards in the game can help you build a strong and effective deck.
Uncommon
Uncommon cards are a type of card rarity in Magic: The Gathering that are more common than mythic rare cards but less common than rare cards. They are denoted by the color silver in the set symbol on the card’s upper right corner. Uncommon cards are usually found in booster packs at a rate of about 1 in every 3 packs.
Identifying an Uncommon Card
Uncommon cards can be identified by the silver border around the set symbol on the card’s upper right corner. The border is a distinct feature that sets uncommon cards apart from other types of cards in the game.
Examples of Uncommon Cards
Some examples of uncommon cards in Magic: The Gathering include:
- Lightning Bolt: A classic and iconic uncommon card, Lightning Bolt is an instant spell that deals 3 damage to any target.
- Swords to Plowshares: Another classic uncommon card, Swords to Plowshares is an instant spell that deals 3 damage to any target and destroys it.
- Goblin Chainwhirler: A popular uncommon card in recent sets, Goblin Chainwhirler is an artifact that creates three 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens with flying when it enters the battlefield.
- Serum Visions: A powerful blue instant spell, Serum Visions lets you look at the top four cards of your deck, choose one of them, and put it into your hand.
- Windfall: A green enchantment that can significantly increase the value of your lands and help you ramp up your mana quickly.
Rare
- Characteristics of rare cards
- Rare cards are the most sought-after and powerful cards in the game.
- They are usually associated with powerful effects, high mana costs, and strong abilities.
- Rare cards often have unique and iconic artwork, making them highly desirable for collectors.
- How to identify a rare card
- Rare cards are usually marked with a small symbol in the top right corner of the card’s artwork.
- The symbol is typically a circular stamp with the word “rare” printed in the center.
- Rare cards may also have a higher collector’s number, indicating their rarity within a set.
- Examples of rare cards
- Some examples of rare cards in Magic: The Gathering include Black Lotus, Ancestral Recall, and The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale.
- These cards are highly sought-after by players and can fetch high prices on the collector’s market.
- Other examples of rare cards include Moxen, Sol Ring, and Lotus Petal, which are all considered to be powerful artifacts in the game.
Mythic Rare
How to Spot a Mythic Rare Card
A mythic rare card is the rarest of all cards in Magic: The Gathering. These cards are highly sought after by collectors and players alike due to their unique abilities and powerful effects. To spot a mythic rare card, look for the following:
- The card’s name will be highlighted in gold or have a golden border around it.
- The card’s illustration will be highly detailed and may feature a character or creature that is significant to the game’s lore.
- The card’s text will be highlighted in gold or have a golden border around it.
Examples of Mythic Rare Cards
Some examples of mythic rare cards include:
- Black Lotus: A powerful artifact card that can be played for free and provides three mana of any one color.
- Ancestral Recall: A powerful instant spell that allows a player to draw three cards and discard one.
- Time Walk: An instant spell that allows a player to take an extra turn.
- Mana Crypt: An artifact card that provides one red mana and two black mana.
- Sol Ring: An artifact card that provides one mana of any color.
The Significance of Card Rarities
Impact on gameplay
In Magic: The Gathering, card rarities have a significant impact on gameplay, as they affect the availability and power level of cards in a deck. The three main rarities in the game are common, uncommon, and rare, each with its own unique characteristics.
Common cards are the most basic and widely available cards in the game, making them a staple of many decks. They typically have lower mana costs and weaker effects, but they can still be quite powerful when used in the right context. For example, a common creature might have a low power and toughness, but it could have a useful ability or be part of a larger strategy.
Uncommon cards are less widely available than common cards, but they are still fairly common in booster packs. They tend to have slightly stronger effects than common cards, but they still fit into many different deck archetypes. For example, an uncommon creature might have a higher power and toughness than a common creature, but it might still be vulnerable to certain types of removal.
Rare cards are the most powerful and sought-after cards in the game, with limited availability in booster packs. They typically have high mana costs and powerful effects, making them a central part of many deck archetypes. For example, a rare creature might have a very high power and toughness, and it might have an ability that makes it almost impossible to defeat in combat.
Understanding the impact of card rarities on gameplay is essential for any Magic: The Gathering player, as it can help you make informed decisions about which cards to include in your deck and how to play against different types of decks. It can also help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of different types of cards, and how to build a deck that is well-suited to your playstyle.
One important strategy for playing with cards of different rarities is to build a deck that balances the power levels of your cards. For example, you might include a mix of common and uncommon creatures to create a well-rounded deck that can handle a variety of situations. You might also include a few rare cards to provide a powerful finisher or game-changing ability.
Another strategy is to focus on a specific rarity of card and build a deck around it. For example, you might build a deck entirely around rare creatures, using them to overwhelm your opponent with sheer power. Alternatively, you might build a deck around uncommon instants and sorceries, using them to disrupt your opponent’s plans and gain an advantage.
Overall, understanding the impact of card rarities on gameplay is an essential part of being a successful Magic: The Gathering player. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of different types of cards, and by building a deck that balances the power levels of your cards, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy the game to its fullest.
Collecting and trading
- The value of different rarities
- Tips for building a collection
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, the rarity of a card can greatly affect its value and desirability among collectors and players. Cards that are considered rare are typically more powerful, harder to find, and therefore more sought after. There are several different rarities of cards in Magic: The Gathering, each with their own unique characteristics and values.
The most common rarity in Magic: The Gathering is “Common”. These cards are widely available and are typically less powerful than other rarities. They are often used as basic building blocks for decks and are relatively cheap to obtain.
Next up in rarity is “Uncommon”. These cards are less commonly found than commons, but are still relatively easy to come by. They are typically more powerful than commons, but not as powerful as rare cards. Uncommons are often used as supplementary cards in decks and can be found in booster packs and starter decks.
The rarest cards in Magic: The Gathering are “Rare” and “Mythic Rare” cards. These cards are much harder to find than commons and uncommons, and are typically much more powerful. They are highly sought after by collectors and players alike, and can fetch a high price on the market.
So, what does this mean for collectors and players looking to build their collections? Here are a few tips:
- Set a budget: Before you start collecting, decide how much you are willing to spend on cards. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you stay within your means.
- Prioritize your wants: Make a list of the cards you want to collect and prioritize them based on their rarity and value. This will help you focus your efforts and ensure that you get the cards you really want.
- Network with other collectors: Join online communities and forums for Magic: The Gathering collectors and traders. This will give you access to a wide network of people who may have the cards you are looking for.
- Attend tournaments and events: Keep an eye out for local tournaments and events in your area. These can be great opportunities to meet other collectors and traders, and to find rare and hard-to-find cards.
By following these tips, you can build a collection of Magic: The Gathering cards that you can be proud of, and that will serve you well in your games and battles.
Identifying Card Rarities
Online card databases
If you’re a fan of Magic: The Gathering, you know that identifying the rarity of a card can be important for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re trying to determine the value of a card for trading or deck-building purposes, or you simply want to learn more about the history and story behind a particular card, knowing its rarity is key.
Fortunately, there are a number of online card databases available that can help you identify the rarity of a Magic: The Gathering card. These databases contain comprehensive information on every card ever printed, including its rarity, set, and card number.
To use an online card database, simply search for the name of the card you’re interested in and select the set it’s from. The database will then display all the information it has on that card, including its rarity.
Some popular online card databases include MTG Goldfish, Scryfall, and MagicCardMarket. Each of these databases has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s worth exploring a few to find the one that works best for you.
MTG Goldfish, for example, is known for its comprehensive deck-building tools and user-friendly interface. Scryfall is popular for its detailed card information and images, while MagicCardMarket is a great resource for tracking the value of cards and sets.
Overall, online card databases are an invaluable resource for Magic: The Gathering players of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player just starting out, these databases can help you learn more about the cards you love and the game you play.
Physical card inspection
Physical card inspection is one of the most effective methods of identifying card rarities in Magic: The Gathering. It involves examining the physical characteristics of the card to determine its rarity. Here are some of the key factors to consider during physical card inspection:
- Examining the card’s print quality: One of the most noticeable physical characteristics of a Magic: The Gathering card is its print quality. Some cards have higher print quality than others, which can be an indicator of their rarity. For example, foil cards generally have better print quality than non-foil cards.
- Checking for holographic foiling: Holographic foiling is a technique used to create a shiny, rainbow-like effect on the card’s surface. This is often used to indicate a card’s rarity, with more rare cards featuring more intricate or extensive foiling. To check for holographic foiling, hold the card at different angles and look for the rainbow effect.
- Verifying the card’s rarity with a reference guide: If you’re unsure about a card’s rarity, you can use a reference guide to help you. Many Magic: The Gathering resources, such as online databases and card checklists, provide information on the rarity of each card. Compare the card you’re examining to the information in the guide to determine its rarity.
Overall, physical card inspection is a valuable tool for identifying card rarities in Magic: The Gathering. By carefully examining the card’s print quality, foiling, and comparing it to a reference guide, you can determine its rarity and better understand its value in the game.
Card sleeves and deck boxes
One of the most straightforward ways to identify the rarity of a Magic: The Gathering card is by looking at the card sleeve and deck box. Each set of cards in Magic: The Gathering has its own unique artwork, and the packaging for each set can provide valuable clues about the rarity of the cards inside.
For example, if a card sleeve features a popular or iconic piece of artwork, it is likely that the card inside is a rare or mythic rare card. Similarly, if a deck box features a special or limited edition design, it is likely that the cards inside are also rare or limited edition.
Additionally, the fine print on the packaging can also provide clues about the rarity of the cards. For example, the packaging may include information about the set the cards are from, the rarity of the cards, and any special abilities or features the cards may have.
By paying close attention to the card sleeves and deck boxes, players can gain a better understanding of the rarity of the cards they are using and can make more informed decisions about which cards to include in their decks.
Card back design
One of the most straightforward ways to identify the rarity of a Magic: The Gathering card is by examining the card back design. Each rarity has a unique design that sets it apart from the others.
Examining the card back design
The back of a Magic: The Gathering card features a design that is unique to each rarity. For example, the back of a basic land card is plain and featureless, while the back of a rare card may feature a detailed illustration or a border design that is different from the border design on the front of the card.
Recognizing the differences between rarities
Each rarity level of card has a different back design. The most common rarity, which is usually found in booster packs, is the regular or “white-bordered” design. These cards have a simple border design and usually feature a single color scheme.
On the other hand, the next rarity level up is the “borderless” design, which features a card back with no border. These cards are typically found in “Masterpiece” or “Art Series” sets and feature highly detailed artwork on the back of the card.
The next rarity level is the “foil” design, which features a card back with a shiny, metallic finish. These cards are typically more rare than the regular rarity and are often found in special promotional sets or as rewards for participating in certain events.
Finally, the rarest of all Magic: The Gathering cards is the “borderless foil” design, which features a card back with no border and a shiny, metallic finish. These cards are incredibly rare and are typically only found in special, limited edition sets.
Card rarity symbols
One of the most straightforward ways to identify the rarity of a Magic: The Gathering card is by looking at the rarity symbols printed on the card. These symbols provide a quick and easy way to determine the card’s rarity at a glance.
The most common rarity symbols used in Magic: The Gathering are:
- Common: represented by a simple circle, usually colored black or white.
- Uncommon: represented by a symbol that resembles a speech bubble, usually colored silver or gray.
- Rare: represented by a symbol that resembles a wave, usually colored gold or orange.
- Mythic Rare: represented by a symbol that resembles a lightning bolt, usually colored black or purple with gold accents.
It’s important to note that these symbols are often placed in the upper right-hand corner of the card, making them easy to spot when quickly scanning through a deck or collection.
However, it’s worth noting that some cards may not have a rarity symbol at all, especially in older sets or special promotional cards. In these cases, other methods of identification may be necessary.
Tips for Card Rarity Identification
Be patient and observant
Being patient and observant is a crucial tip for identifying card rarities in Magic: The Gathering. Here are some reasons why:
- The importance of taking your time: Identifying card rarities can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential to take your time to ensure accuracy. Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes, which can be costly in the long run.
- How to develop a keen eye for rarities: Developing a keen eye for rarities requires practice and patience. By taking the time to study and observe different cards, you can learn to recognize the subtle differences between different rarities. This includes paying attention to the color of the card’s text, the foil pattern, and any other distinguishing features.
By being patient and observant, you can improve your ability to identify card rarities accurately, which can help you make informed decisions when building your deck or trading with other players.
Study the rarity distribution
One of the most important factors in determining the rarity of a card in Magic: The Gathering is understanding how rarities are distributed in a set. By examining the distribution of rarities in a particular set, you can gain a better understanding of which cards are more likely to be common, uncommon, or rare.
To study the rarity distribution, consider the following factors:
- Set size: The larger the set, the more likely it is that there will be a greater variety of rarities. Smaller sets tend to have fewer rarities, while larger sets tend to have more.
- Card count: The number of cards in a set can also affect the distribution of rarities. Sets with a larger number of cards are more likely to have a wider variety of rarities, while smaller sets may have fewer.
- Previous set trends: By examining previous sets, you can get a sense of how rarities are typically distributed. This can help you make predictions about the likelihood of finding certain rarities in a given set.
By considering these factors, you can gain a better understanding of how rarities are distributed in a set and use this information to make informed predictions about the rarity of a particular card.
Be aware of counterfeits
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, card rarities are a significant aspect of collecting and playing the game. However, it is crucial to be aware of counterfeits, as they can pose a significant threat to both the authenticity and value of your cards.
Here are some tips on how to spot fake cards:
- Physical inspection: Hold the card up to a light source and check for any imperfections or irregularities in the print. Look for misaligned images, smudged text, or other signs of poor quality. Also, check for the holographic foil on the cards, which should be shiny and reflective.
- Watermark: Hold the card under a magnifying glass and look for the watermark on the card. The watermark should be visible and clear, and it should match the image on the card.
- Dimensions: Measure the card’s dimensions using a ruler. Counterfeit cards may be slightly larger or smaller than genuine cards.
- Glossiness: The finish of the card should be glossy, and the border should be smooth. If the card feels rough or the border is uneven, it may be a counterfeit.
- Hologram sticker: Some cards have a hologram sticker on the back to indicate their rarity. Check to see if the hologram sticker is aligned properly and if it matches the rarity of the card.
In addition to these physical inspections, it is essential to verify the authenticity of your cards through reputable resources. Some of these resources include:
- Magic: The Gathering Database: This online database allows you to look up the details of your cards, including their rarity, edition, and printing history.
- Professional grading services: Companies like PSA and Beckett provide professional grading and authentication services for Magic: The Gathering cards.
- Community forums: Join online communities of Magic: The Gathering collectors and players to ask for their opinions on the authenticity of your cards.
By being aware of counterfeits and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from buying or selling fake cards and ensure that your collection is authentic and valuable.
FAQs
1. What are the different rarities of cards in Magic: The Gathering?
In Magic: The Gathering, there are four rarities of cards: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic Rare.
2. How can I tell what rarity a card is in Magic: The Gathering?
The rarity of a card can be determined by looking at the card’s text box. The rarity is listed at the bottom of the text box, usually to the right of the card’s illustration.
3. What is the difference between Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic Rare cards?
Common cards are the most basic and easiest to obtain cards in the game. They have a low casting cost and are typically used as basic building blocks for decks. Uncommon cards are slightly more powerful than common cards and are slightly harder to obtain. Rare cards are more powerful than common and uncommon cards and are much harder to obtain. Mythic Rare cards are the rarest and most powerful cards in the game, and are often considered to be the best cards in a set.
4. How does the rarity of a card affect its power and toughness?
The rarity of a card does not directly affect its power and toughness. However, the more powerful and more rare a card is, the higher its casting cost is likely to be. Additionally, rare and mythic rare cards often have unique abilities or effects that make them more powerful than common and uncommon cards.
5. Are there any special considerations when building a deck with cards of different rarities?
When building a deck with cards of different rarities, it is important to consider the overall power level and balance of the deck. You should aim to have a mix of common, uncommon, rare, and mythic rare cards in your deck to ensure that it is both powerful and balanced. Additionally, you should consider the casting cost of each card when building your deck, as you will need to have enough mana to cast all of your cards.