For what it's worth, the cloudyness of the "non-stick" covers I mentioned above is really starting to bother me, and I'm starting to consider switching to Avery and risking a lesser quality durability just for the sake of being more pleasing on the eye.
I don't take them out of the house or even off the shelf much, so I'm wondering if it would actually be more beneficial in the long run.
Sorry, a very moot point to most, but a very big deal to me, hahaha.. situationally OCD.
My D-rings have a minor slant, as long as you don't over pack them and be careful to put all the pages on the right side of the binder before closing and shelving it, I don't see how you could really have a problem with bent cards or pages.
D-rings, if you want affordable choices, you basically have two: Avery or [In]Place.
Avery is pretty widely available, especially at Walmart or Amazon.
InPlace are the Office Max / Office Depot brands.
I think Avery binders are made in USA and the InPlace are made in Mexico, however I think this is just the outer binder. I am pretty sure the manufacturer of the inner metal ring parts of these binders are both a separate company than Avery and Inplace and actually is the same company, so the rings themselves are no different, only the binders.
As far as binder quality goes, Avery, tends to be less durable, and the Inplace are a little stiffer.
Here's the conundrum: if you like to have an outer plastic surrounding the binder for putting binder covers and spines, the Avery looks cleaner because it is clear, where the Inplace (at least at my local Office Max) have a more cloudy/matte cover.
I still will go with the OfficeMax ones. They're a little pricier, at around $9 and some change,where the Avery are probably around $6-7.
Amazon is actually cheaper than OfficeMax for their own brands, however sometimes OfficeMax has deals on binders, such as buy 1 get 1 free, Rewards program, or even make a purchase then fill out a survey and get a $10 off $50 coupon in your email.
I'm pretty OCD when it comes to card storage and display. I have used a LOT of different products. I also prefer to store collections in binders in KMC Perfect Fits and BCW binder pages. All black for color preferences.
You can also double sleeve, but I actually found that the air from double sleeving and putting into binders too quickly and too packed full can actually cause cards to bend due to the haphazardness of the air pockets, so KMC Perfect Fits and BCW pages in Inplace binders is my preference here.
For bulk commons and uncommons, I keep those in large BCW cardboard boxes. I only use the binders for singles for having a collection.
For trade binders, you can find your own preference there. I used to love Monster as the plastic is weird and tends to shrink and sticks to your cards--bad for unsleeved cards, but I thought good for double sleeved and getting the air out over time. The problem I found, and the reason I stopped using them, is because I packed a binder full of double sleeved cards and the air actually didn't get out, and left some of the cards bent.
Bonus: if you want some awesome binder covers and spines, check out mtgcollectionbuilder.com . The site owner was kind enough to share .PDF and Photoshop files of his binder covers and spines. They're really cool and look great on the shelf!!!
The real key with the d ring binders is to not over pack them, or even they can have the pages slip up and on top of the d rings causing potential damage.
Just figure out what you want to binder, and what you want to box. Bindering every card you own would be very, very expensive, so you really have to approach this more as a collector and/or what makes you happy.
UltraPro deckboxes are cheap and wear out, but they're also compact and fit 75 doubled sleeved cards just right. Then you can put them into a Fatpack (RIP).
I personally just have a small duffelbag and a cardboard box that I duct taped the flaps up to hold various boxes, like duel decks, regular UltraPros, and some oversized BCW "deluxe" boxes. (Personally I like KMC sleeves but UltraPro boxes are fine for me, great value, protection, and simplicity really trumps.
...yeah... like remember when all those valuable cards came out we didn't get to draft...
...remember when we got those draft sets and just opened them searching for value... oh no I don't remember because I never got any...
Nostalgia.
Haha glad you are hyped though. At least it's going to be on MTGO, I just wish I could draft and see and feel the excitement from other players actually in the same room.
I recommend adding some Emrakul to protect against mill, preferably two of them so you can play one and have the other in your library.
But, honestly, don't. If do some research on probability and see why you want 60.
Besides consistency you will be able to learn your deck and keep combo and synergy more tightly grouped. You will learn your deck and have a much more reliable curve.
With this much stompy and inconsistency, you will have an impossible time dealing with aggro and burn types of decks.
You could keep it as a novelty...
Alternatively just get a 5-color commander and make 26 cuts
To build on above's #2 regarding collectors, at its heart, Magic and it's creators have always wanted it to be a collectable. It also happens to be a fun game, but they do like to keep collectors in mind. It has to be a difficult balance, keeping supply and collectors and players all happy, but one they have sustained for quite some time.
For further reference, see how Wizards like to explain their reasoning behind their reserved list, and it is purely to protect collectors. Greed could allow the to reprint from the reserved list, however their promise to collectors and aim to be a sustainable brand for years to come trumps their need to quick reprints and cash for their own pockets--or so it seems to me.
Tcgplayer.com is pretty decent, but after awhile it can get out of control with the auto updating (sometimes I accidently add cards they add for me, or other times forget to add cards acquired from other sources).
Deckbox.org I haven't used enough, basically I am scared away from anything that offers a premium option. Not that they don't deserve to be paid, but I find it surprising that there aren't more people who do free collection managers for the love of the game. It is entirely possible that no subscription is really needed and I am overlooking the functionality of this site, especially when there are trading and reputation options available!
Mtgcollectionbuilder.com is a personl favorite and very uniquely built site. Some of the search tools or value sorting options aren't exactly obvious or implemented, but I have a lot of faith and confidence the guy working on this site will get there eventually. If anyone ever deserved a donation, it's the owner of this domain. You can also check out his free binder covers that he has made and shared if you like having complete sets in binders.
MTGgoldfish.com really only a premium option, which I like to not pay a subscription even though the service and articles are top notch. The main complaint is I had a hard time checking sets or different cards from different sets in my collection, plus premium still left a slew of ads and referral links that I just found disgusting for a paid option.
Cardhoarder.com exclusive to the MTGO scene and prices, these guys' card keeper program is completely free and one of the gold standard of what I would want from an online management binder. It's very unfortunate it's mainly for MTGO!
To me, they SIGNIFICANTLY overrate the meaning of Drafts/Sealed for this product, as the majority of people will just play a little with it, because they allready bought the product anyway for the cards, outside of a handful of big tournaments that will use it for some Las Vegas style super Sealed Grand prix.
This is my number one complaint. They say these sets are to make a really cool limited draft environment, but smaller local shops can't even keep the product in stock, let alone have a draft with any sort of value or win incentive.
These sets were created to reprint cards, and help those with access to WotC distributions to make some money and give their hobby shops an economic boost.
While the sets add hype and excitement to players like myself, who constantly shift in and out of the game, both Modern Masters sets actually convinced me that I wasn't "in" enough at my LGS. It felt as if the owners were keeping their shipments a secret and only the long-term OG frequents were going to get a shot at buying--if at all.
While price increases are frustrating, I cannot keep blaming LGS or those with access to WotC products for the price increases. It is also noteworthy that, with a suggested MSRP, WotC aren't the ones who are gouging or even benefit from higher-than-suggested MSRP.
As for the rarity bumps on an already limited print run set, I can only theorize that the main reason isn't due to an ideal draft environment, but simply to reserve reprint quantities and prevent over-flooding in reservation of another type of reprint in the coming years.
Will it really be a fun draft environment? Luckily, there exists MTGO, where this set can be HIGHLY over drafted, and prices of many digital cards should eventually take a steep drop thanks to the prevalence of competitive bots and lack of casual formats or reasons to hang on to anything over a playset.
As far as these paper reprints, it is very depressing and frustrating especially as a player more apt to collect than play competitively.
I do have hopes that these sets will keep being reprinted and values of modern and legacy staples will become more accessible to players that shy away from (or simply cannot afford) the initial investment of a competitive legacy deck.
If only there was a way for players to obtain these sets through their LGS using their DCI number, so that both LGS could benefit, but also WotC could keep distribution in check and fair to the players.
Yoz, I've been to this site off and on, and been playing Magic certainly off and on at a pretty casual level over the years.
My main trouble is not feeling a real community or being able to play with real friends for Magic... Sometimes I kind of think it's an affliction more than a really fun game, but I hope to revisit and refocus on the aspects that matter most to me, regardless of how other people at the LGS might be handling Magic in their own way.
I also wanted to register here and maybe find and talk to some folks just as interested in talking ABOUT Magic in a lot of different aspects.
Personally, I like the game and feel very fortunate I was able to experience it since I was younger. Maybe I turned my back on the game because I was just afraid of getting too attached and then it suddenly turns it's back on me.
The aspects I enjoy the most are playing with and finding fun combos or interactions, and actually taking time to see the battlefield unfold. I'd like to beat top decks rather than play them, but more than that, I'd rather try coming up with my own flavorful deck to play with others; I feel like playing casually long ago, this also was kind of our way of expressing ourselves.
I also really like the art and flavor text. I really get carried away trying to get all the cards I don't have, but it's really overwhelming, especially with all the promos. I need to focus more on these aspects and reprioitize if I expect any longevity of sticking with the game for an extended period of time.
I been out for a year, and honestly I do very much appreciate all the new cards and learning all about new standard, basically everything that I both loved and hated just rotated out (more empathysis and excitement on hate rolling out!). It would have been nice to have adapted to this stage of the game, but I also appreciate an opportunity to be able to distance myself and then be able to come back and try gaining a new fresher perspective on the game.
Well I'd say that pretty much sums up my Magic story.
I'm kind of in your shoes, been outta the game for about a year now. You try to run but the game calls you back, and you eventually realize you didn't choose the game the game chose you.
Anyway, if you been out for a very significant amount of time, it'd be nice if you could just *play,* not necessarily a format.
I suppose we all approach the game in a different way, and for me, being out of the scene for a year, means everything I had or knew for standard is now expired. Current standard will include cards from Dragons of Tarkir, Magic Origins, Battle for Zendikir, Oath of the Gatewatch, and Shadows Over Innistrad--Fate Reforged and prior are not standard legal anymore.
Anyway, my approach for getting back into the game, I gave just been looking the card lists over, reviewing the mechanics of each new set, looking at the popular decks and trying to discover the metagame and popular archetypes, and then figure out what I really want to do with that knowledge.
The most important part is to be patient and not start spending a ton of money until after doing the homework. If you are bent on making a deck out of those favorite cards, then you certainly could, but also realize it likely will have trouble being truly competitive or do what you want against people that go to the local game store and play Magic every week. I'm not sure about your store, but the guys at my LGS, although catering to new players, also tend to have expensive netdecks.
I think the days of seeing a single card and building around it are more times of the past than anything. Though you certainly can (and should!) make your own brews, sometimes it's just more competitive to discover decks that are winning and that you like and try to be a better pilot at them.
Hope this maybe was informative somewhat, and I apologize for not directly answering your question.
Tl;dr: play some casual non-regulation formats first, then look if you want to purchase a standard or modern deck, or maybe consider playing in drafts. If uncertain, try YouTube or Google to try and see what people are playing in the current formats and decide if you want to beat 'em or join 'em... And definitely have fun.
I don't take them out of the house or even off the shelf much, so I'm wondering if it would actually be more beneficial in the long run.
Sorry, a very moot point to most, but a very big deal to me, hahaha.. situationally OCD.
My D-rings have a minor slant, as long as you don't over pack them and be careful to put all the pages on the right side of the binder before closing and shelving it, I don't see how you could really have a problem with bent cards or pages.
Avery is pretty widely available, especially at Walmart or Amazon.
InPlace are the Office Max / Office Depot brands.
I think Avery binders are made in USA and the InPlace are made in Mexico, however I think this is just the outer binder. I am pretty sure the manufacturer of the inner metal ring parts of these binders are both a separate company than Avery and Inplace and actually is the same company, so the rings themselves are no different, only the binders.
As far as binder quality goes, Avery, tends to be less durable, and the Inplace are a little stiffer.
Here's the conundrum: if you like to have an outer plastic surrounding the binder for putting binder covers and spines, the Avery looks cleaner because it is clear, where the Inplace (at least at my local Office Max) have a more cloudy/matte cover.
I still will go with the OfficeMax ones. They're a little pricier, at around $9 and some change,where the Avery are probably around $6-7.
Amazon is actually cheaper than OfficeMax for their own brands, however sometimes OfficeMax has deals on binders, such as buy 1 get 1 free, Rewards program, or even make a purchase then fill out a survey and get a $10 off $50 coupon in your email.
I'm pretty OCD when it comes to card storage and display. I have used a LOT of different products. I also prefer to store collections in binders in KMC Perfect Fits and BCW binder pages. All black for color preferences.
You can also double sleeve, but I actually found that the air from double sleeving and putting into binders too quickly and too packed full can actually cause cards to bend due to the haphazardness of the air pockets, so KMC Perfect Fits and BCW pages in Inplace binders is my preference here.
For bulk commons and uncommons, I keep those in large BCW cardboard boxes. I only use the binders for singles for having a collection.
For trade binders, you can find your own preference there. I used to love Monster as the plastic is weird and tends to shrink and sticks to your cards--bad for unsleeved cards, but I thought good for double sleeved and getting the air out over time. The problem I found, and the reason I stopped using them, is because I packed a binder full of double sleeved cards and the air actually didn't get out, and left some of the cards bent.
Bonus: if you want some awesome binder covers and spines, check out mtgcollectionbuilder.com . The site owner was kind enough to share .PDF and Photoshop files of his binder covers and spines. They're really cool and look great on the shelf!!!
The real key with the d ring binders is to not over pack them, or even they can have the pages slip up and on top of the d rings causing potential damage.
Just figure out what you want to binder, and what you want to box. Bindering every card you own would be very, very expensive, so you really have to approach this more as a collector and/or what makes you happy.
Hope this helps!!
Please keep us updated with this adventure and journey.
Maybe we can guess and then you tell us how much it was really worth!
I'm going to guess $300-480, really trying to lowball and not overexcite you yet.
I personally just have a small duffelbag and a cardboard box that I duct taped the flaps up to hold various boxes, like duel decks, regular UltraPros, and some oversized BCW "deluxe" boxes. (Personally I like KMC sleeves but UltraPro boxes are fine for me, great value, protection, and simplicity really trumps.
...remember when we got those draft sets and just opened them searching for value... oh no I don't remember because I never got any...
Nostalgia.
Haha glad you are hyped though. At least it's going to be on MTGO, I just wish I could draft and see and feel the excitement from other players actually in the same room.
But, honestly, don't. If do some research on probability and see why you want 60.
Besides consistency you will be able to learn your deck and keep combo and synergy more tightly grouped. You will learn your deck and have a much more reliable curve.
With this much stompy and inconsistency, you will have an impossible time dealing with aggro and burn types of decks.
You could keep it as a novelty...
Alternatively just get a 5-color commander and make 26 cuts
But yes also glad you are having fun at least.
For further reference, see how Wizards like to explain their reasoning behind their reserved list, and it is purely to protect collectors. Greed could allow the to reprint from the reserved list, however their promise to collectors and aim to be a sustainable brand for years to come trumps their need to quick reprints and cash for their own pockets--or so it seems to me.
Deckbox.org I haven't used enough, basically I am scared away from anything that offers a premium option. Not that they don't deserve to be paid, but I find it surprising that there aren't more people who do free collection managers for the love of the game. It is entirely possible that no subscription is really needed and I am overlooking the functionality of this site, especially when there are trading and reputation options available!
Mtgcollectionbuilder.com is a personl favorite and very uniquely built site. Some of the search tools or value sorting options aren't exactly obvious or implemented, but I have a lot of faith and confidence the guy working on this site will get there eventually. If anyone ever deserved a donation, it's the owner of this domain. You can also check out his free binder covers that he has made and shared if you like having complete sets in binders.
MTGgoldfish.com really only a premium option, which I like to not pay a subscription even though the service and articles are top notch. The main complaint is I had a hard time checking sets or different cards from different sets in my collection, plus premium still left a slew of ads and referral links that I just found disgusting for a paid option.
Cardhoarder.com exclusive to the MTGO scene and prices, these guys' card keeper program is completely free and one of the gold standard of what I would want from an online management binder. It's very unfortunate it's mainly for MTGO!
This is my number one complaint. They say these sets are to make a really cool limited draft environment, but smaller local shops can't even keep the product in stock, let alone have a draft with any sort of value or win incentive.
These sets were created to reprint cards, and help those with access to WotC distributions to make some money and give their hobby shops an economic boost.
While the sets add hype and excitement to players like myself, who constantly shift in and out of the game, both Modern Masters sets actually convinced me that I wasn't "in" enough at my LGS. It felt as if the owners were keeping their shipments a secret and only the long-term OG frequents were going to get a shot at buying--if at all.
While price increases are frustrating, I cannot keep blaming LGS or those with access to WotC products for the price increases. It is also noteworthy that, with a suggested MSRP, WotC aren't the ones who are gouging or even benefit from higher-than-suggested MSRP.
As for the rarity bumps on an already limited print run set, I can only theorize that the main reason isn't due to an ideal draft environment, but simply to reserve reprint quantities and prevent over-flooding in reservation of another type of reprint in the coming years.
Will it really be a fun draft environment? Luckily, there exists MTGO, where this set can be HIGHLY over drafted, and prices of many digital cards should eventually take a steep drop thanks to the prevalence of competitive bots and lack of casual formats or reasons to hang on to anything over a playset.
As far as these paper reprints, it is very depressing and frustrating especially as a player more apt to collect than play competitively.
I do have hopes that these sets will keep being reprinted and values of modern and legacy staples will become more accessible to players that shy away from (or simply cannot afford) the initial investment of a competitive legacy deck.
If only there was a way for players to obtain these sets through their LGS using their DCI number, so that both LGS could benefit, but also WotC could keep distribution in check and fair to the players.
My main trouble is not feeling a real community or being able to play with real friends for Magic... Sometimes I kind of think it's an affliction more than a really fun game, but I hope to revisit and refocus on the aspects that matter most to me, regardless of how other people at the LGS might be handling Magic in their own way.
I also wanted to register here and maybe find and talk to some folks just as interested in talking ABOUT Magic in a lot of different aspects.
Personally, I like the game and feel very fortunate I was able to experience it since I was younger. Maybe I turned my back on the game because I was just afraid of getting too attached and then it suddenly turns it's back on me.
The aspects I enjoy the most are playing with and finding fun combos or interactions, and actually taking time to see the battlefield unfold. I'd like to beat top decks rather than play them, but more than that, I'd rather try coming up with my own flavorful deck to play with others; I feel like playing casually long ago, this also was kind of our way of expressing ourselves.
I also really like the art and flavor text. I really get carried away trying to get all the cards I don't have, but it's really overwhelming, especially with all the promos. I need to focus more on these aspects and reprioitize if I expect any longevity of sticking with the game for an extended period of time.
I been out for a year, and honestly I do very much appreciate all the new cards and learning all about new standard, basically everything that I both loved and hated just rotated out (more empathysis and excitement on hate rolling out!). It would have been nice to have adapted to this stage of the game, but I also appreciate an opportunity to be able to distance myself and then be able to come back and try gaining a new fresher perspective on the game.
Well I'd say that pretty much sums up my Magic story.
Anyway, if you been out for a very significant amount of time, it'd be nice if you could just *play,* not necessarily a format.
I suppose we all approach the game in a different way, and for me, being out of the scene for a year, means everything I had or knew for standard is now expired. Current standard will include cards from Dragons of Tarkir, Magic Origins, Battle for Zendikir, Oath of the Gatewatch, and Shadows Over Innistrad--Fate Reforged and prior are not standard legal anymore.
Anyway, my approach for getting back into the game, I gave just been looking the card lists over, reviewing the mechanics of each new set, looking at the popular decks and trying to discover the metagame and popular archetypes, and then figure out what I really want to do with that knowledge.
The most important part is to be patient and not start spending a ton of money until after doing the homework. If you are bent on making a deck out of those favorite cards, then you certainly could, but also realize it likely will have trouble being truly competitive or do what you want against people that go to the local game store and play Magic every week. I'm not sure about your store, but the guys at my LGS, although catering to new players, also tend to have expensive netdecks.
I think the days of seeing a single card and building around it are more times of the past than anything. Though you certainly can (and should!) make your own brews, sometimes it's just more competitive to discover decks that are winning and that you like and try to be a better pilot at them.
Hope this maybe was informative somewhat, and I apologize for not directly answering your question.
Tl;dr: play some casual non-regulation formats first, then look if you want to purchase a standard or modern deck, or maybe consider playing in drafts. If uncertain, try YouTube or Google to try and see what people are playing in the current formats and decide if you want to beat 'em or join 'em... And definitely have fun.