Splitting the cost of a Magic: The Gathering (MTG) booster box with a friend sounds like a great way to save money and double the fun. But if you’re not careful, a seemingly simple deal can quickly become unfair — and leave one person stuck with the scraps.
If you’ve ever been offered a split where your friend wants all the rares and uncommons, leaving you with only commons, this post is for you. Here’s why that’s not a good deal, and how to split booster boxes fairly.
Why “I Keep All the Rares, You Take the Commons” Is a Bad Deal
- Most of the value is in rares and uncommons. These cards are the ones that make decks competitive and collectors excited.
- Commons are abundant and low-value. While useful for building draft decks or casual play, commons don’t usually hold much monetary or trade value.
- Splitting the cost but not the value is unfair. Paying half but only getting commons is like buying a pizza together and one person taking all the toppings.
If your friend says, “You get all the commons, that’s still a good deal!” — be cautious. That kind of justification ignores the true value difference and isn’t fair.
How to Split a Booster Box Fairly
1. Split Sealed Packs Evenly
- Divide unopened packs evenly before opening.
- For a 36-pack box, 18 packs each is a clean, simple split.
- This method shares the risk and reward equally.
2. Alternate Picking Packs or Cards
- If opening packs together, take turns picking which pack to open.
- Or open all packs and draft or pick cards alternately.
- This keeps things fair and fun.
3. Communicate Expectations Upfront
- Make sure everyone agrees on how the split will work before buying.
- Clarify what “half” means: half the packs, not half the commons.
4. Avoid Pre-Claiming Cards by Rarity
- Don’t let anyone claim all rares or uncommons upfront.
- The value difference is too big to ignore.
Why It Matters
Fair splits build trust and keep the game fun for everyone. Unfair deals can damage friendships and leave you feeling cheated. Always remember: if it sounds too good for one side and bad for the other, it probably is.
Final Thoughts
Experienced MTG players know that fair splits mean sharing unopened packs or drafting cards together. If someone tries to sell you on a split that gives them all the rares and uncommons while leaving you with commons, don’t accept it — that’s not a fair partnership.
Keep these tips in mind next time you’re teaming up on a booster box. Fairness isn’t just good manners — it’s the best way to keep the Magic community strong.
Got a story about booster box splits? Share it in the comments! And may your pulls always be epic.
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