MTG Salvation

Never buy boxes or packs online. Larger stores can map cases, in which case your box will not have a foil rare of any value. Go to your local store, and buy a box with the shrinkwrap still on it, or buy packs from a trusted local store you know doesn't map.

Quote from Illusionist

I think wizard should start shuffling packs before they go into boxes.

While this would stop box mapping all together, or possibly slow it down, I don't think they will due to the popularity of drafting. From what I understand, they keep the distribution in relative order so that the chance of pulling 2-3 packs in a row with the same commons/uncommons is low/impossible.

Quote from Gazpoole

I'm fairly new to Magic and have never seen the work people have done on this before. I've preordered an entire case for Gatecrash, what sort of information would you guys be after specifically?

We're basically looking for the rares and their positions in the boxes. Use the sheet on the original post to record their positions and any foils that you come across. As far as Case data goes, I think they are ordered:
1 3 5
2 4 6
I'm not 100% sure on the case order of boxes, but mappers should be able to figure out the box order after we solve the rare map.

Qwerty59 has also asked for common/uncommon information, if you are interested on doing the book keeping on them. It would be time consuming but exceptionally helpful for determining how commons/uncommons are distributed.

Also, Qwerty59, thanks for the information about the foils. I went back and took a look at a few boxes, and your map holds up. Maybe with some luck we'll get more case data for gatecrash.

I'm afraid I don't know the slightest about Belgium box mapping, other than I think they cracked Innistrad before we determined the U.S.A.'s map. Ross' book might still apply, but I would start with reading through all the RTR posts. That should teach you how to map the modern boxes.

To answer the original question, you do not need Ross' book to understand the current state of mapping. I basically taught myself how the new system works from the RTR thread. While I have not read Ross' book, I don't think it incorporates the new system that has 4 tracks of rares with double displacement of rows. Maybe someone who has read it can answer that part of the question.

Go to the RTR Box Mapping thread, read the posts about how to use the map (page 14 or so). If you really want to know how, I can write up a basic description, but there are a few buried in that thread already.

Morality aside, I see mapping and figuring out the sorting algorithm as a challenge. Breaking the code or solving the puzzle can be a real reward for some.

I would have to agree with Greatlubu. It seems exceptionally early in the cycle for him to have access to a map.

You might need to increase your sample size. Generally, I assume a seller is honest if they allow people to pull their own packs and open new boxes in front of others. If they move from one half opened box to another half opened box, I would be leery about the store.

Quote from ganchara

I have an unopened box of RTR, if I opened the top row and posted it, would someone be willing to figure out what is in the rest of the box for me?

It's a little hard to say with the top row. I would recommend opening the 2nd or 7th row. Take a look at this video using a box mapping app to figure out which packs to open for posting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_YXCul-1Y8

Also, if you go back a few pages, you can find the entire map for RTR and map the boxes. If you enjoy puzzles, you might want to do it yourself.

Quote from thatsnailguy

So, is it odd that two mythics were next to each other on the same row?

This is actually exceptional news. This might suggest they used the same order for the tracks as RTR.

It's good to see so much interest in providing box data. Try to get your friends to list out their boxes as well. The more boxes we can record after release, the faster we can determine the tracks.

Also, there still seem to two open questions as far as mapping goes, for anyone wanting to take a crack at them.

1. How are double faced cards distributed?
2. How are foils distributed?

Post your theories, if you have them.

I saw your video Vinzito on M13. Good stuff. I'm glad you took the time to program an app for the sets. Have you put any thought into how the foils are currently being placed into boxes? I was thinking of going back through RTR and seeing if I could find patterns in the cases. They apparently come from sheets similar to the foils. Maybe they run different tracks for Common/Uncommon/Rare&Mythic rares.

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm going to check the cases to see if they follow the pattern of any of the rare tracks.

Surely now that we have the map we can figure out an algorithm to determine the least number of packs required to find out which cards are of value. When I went through the boxes to put them in order, I usually started with the second and third rows. When I map, I usually start on the 6th row and occasionally add the 5th when I need to because it rarely seems to be misplaced.

I already plan on purchasing the app for Gatecrash when it comes out, but as RLWJR mentioned, adding prices for the cards from tcgplayer would really put the app over the top.

Great news! I'm glad to see computer science taking the guess work out of mapping. Just out of curiosity, will the program solve the tracks in the event they switch the order of the tracks? Additionally, have you considered going through the old sets and determining the foil distribution algorithm?

Awesome, thanks for checking them, Vinzito. Since I did it largely by eye, I'll wait for your correction of Track C. I'll have to look into your box mapping app. It looks like it'll take some of the guess work out of mapping.

The MTGS Rules no longer allow for creating box maps. We felt that there was too much potential for abuse and we didn't want to support a practice that a lot of people use to rip off others. Learning about and understanding that box mapping is a thing can be important, but that can be done without actually creating the tools needed to filter through packs. We understand that a fair number of people map boxes for completely legitimate reasons, but there are enough that we are not comfortable allowing our site to be used for this practice. Thank you.
-Galspanic

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to the forums, but I figure with pre-release coming this weekend, I should go ahead and create a Box Mapping thread for Gatecrash. In keeping with tradition, here is a quote from Mr. Smiley who normally starts these threads:

"This is not a brag thread, or a "fishing for trades" thread; we're all happy for you that you opened high value cards--but if you cant give us a list of the entire box, in order, it doesn't help us decode the rare map.

The same goes for "I opened a box but didn't keep track of the order, and got..."--again, doesn't help, spams the thread."

For anyone new to mapping, Ross Edwards deserves some recognition for writing a rather in-depth review of Box Mapping. While some of the basic principles of his mapping technique remain the same, WotC have implemented a new algorithm for the sorting of rares. As far as I have surmised, all the rares and mythic rares come from two sheets of 11x11 cards. If we use the same sorting algorithm from Innistrad, Avacyn Restored, and Return to Ravinca, the 11 x 11 sheets are cut into 4 tracks. These are represented by Tracks A-D. The tracks are then distributed in booster packs in the following order:

A B D A B D D A A B C A C D C C B D C B D C

or

D B C C D A D C A B C C B B D D A A D B C A

or

C A D B C C A D B C A D B C A D D B C A D B

or

C B A D D C B A D B C A D D C B A D C C B A
(Thanks mtggo)

Each track has a few characteristics that we can use to determine which cards will be in each Track. Track A usually contains two copies of 15 mythic rares with 4 copies of 6 different rares and 1 copy of a rare in Track B (usually a land or artifact). Track B contains 13 rares appearing 4 times with 3 of the remaining copies of the rare found in track A. Track C and D contain 16 rares appearing 4 times, in each, with two copies of one rare in each. As such, Track A and B both have 55 cards total while C and D have 66 cards total. If this explanation is confusing, here is an example from Innistrad:

Track A: 15 Mythics appearing twice + 6 rares appearing 4 times + 1 Kessig Wolf Run = 55 Cards
Track B: 13 Rares appearing 4 times + other 3 Kessig Wolf Run = 55 Cards
Track C: 16 Rares appearing 4 times + 2 Evil Twin = 66 Cards
Track D: 16 Rares appearing 4 times + 2 Evil Twin = 66 Cards

Additionally, each box undergoes double displacement of rows. This usually occurs on the 1st and 7th row (often two rows, say 3 and 10, are removed and placed on top and in the 7th row). This would change the order of cards from 1-12 to 3, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12. If you are attempting to map the box, it's relatively safe to assume that rows 4-6 and 11-12 are in the correct location (though not always).

Before you begin mapping your box, watch this video by Vinzito describing how to put your cards in order.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh1Q3WLe_iE

When you list your boxes, indicate the guild pictured on the front of the pack or the last digit on the barcode. (If you don't have the pack's number, that's fine, but it will help speed up the mapping process.)
The numbers that are associated with each image are as follows:
Boros Guildmage: 15049807000001
Vizkopa Guildmage: 15049807000002
Prime Speaker Zegana: 15049807000003
Skarrg Guildmage: 15049807000004
Duskmantle Guildmage: 15049807000005



In an effort to develop some standardization for inputting cards, please follow the format below that includes mythic rares in red and foils in parentheses(As a disclaimer, remember that bold red posts are reserved for moderators). The numbers in parentheses represent the guild or last digit of the bar code discussed above.

Left Column:
(1) Clan Defiance
(4) Borborygmos Enraged
(2) Sepulchral Primordial
(5) Rubblehulk
(3) Fathom Mage (Bomber Corps)
(1) Merciless Eviction
(4) Rubblebelt Raiders
(2) Mind Grind
(5) Crypt Ghast
(3) Treasury Thrull
(1) Lazav, Dimir Mastermind
(4) Luminate Primordial

Center Column:
(5) Hellkite Tyrant (Ground Assault)
(3) Sacred Foundry (Enter the Infinite)
(1) Ooze Flux
(4) Whispering Madness
(2) Simic Manipulator
(5) Nightveil Specter
(3) Realmwright
(1) Ogre Slumlord (Island #258)
(4) Wrecking Ogre
(2) Gruul Ragebeast
(5) Biovisionary
(3) Molten Primordial

Right Column:
(4) Stolen Identity
(2) Stomping Ground
(5) Alms Beast (Skyblinder Staff)
(3) Frontline Medic
(1)Sylvan Primordial
(4) Gideon, Champion of Justice
(2) Obzedat, Ghost Council
(5) Legion Loyalist (Gateway Shade)
(3) Thespian’s Stage
(1) Godless Shrine
(4) Boros Reckoner (Forced Adaptation)
(2) Watery Grave


These are listed Top to Bottom for each Row.
Remember to provide the Country and Language that the box was printed in (Usually, Belgium or U.S.A.)
Finally, double check your Spelling for card names. The more accurate your spelling, the faster we can produce the map.


Furthermore if you have cases, please list them as described by Mr. Smiley in the RTR thread:
"If you're giving a full case list (yay!), the boxes are most times loaded in the case bottom-side up, for ease of barcode scanning; let us know if your case is not loaded that way. The 6-4-2-5-3-1 Ross refers to is--I think--the order the boxes are loaded in the case; with the front of the boxes facing right, the machines load boxes into cases in this order: bottom right(1), top right(2), bottom middle(3), top middle(4), bottom left(5), top left(6). If you're giving a full case list, please number your boxes so our database crunchers can attempt to use the multi-box data."

I realize that writing down each rare that comes out of a pack in order is a bit of a pain. However, each box we get brings us closer to developing an accurate map.

In closing, have fun in the upcoming pre-release festivities. I'm sure you already have a guild or two picked out, and once you finish extorting your friends into the ground, don't forget to post your unboxings on the thread.


All the Tracks have been solved and can be found below. Thanks mtggo and Vinzito for your help in compiling the Tracks.
Track Information:

Track A: 15 Mythics appearing twice + 6 rares appearing 4 times + 1 Stolen Identity = 55 Cards
Track B: 13 Rares appearing 4 times + other 3 Stolen Identity = 55 Cards
Track C: 16 Rares appearing 4 times + 2 Spark Trooper = 66 Cards
Track D: 16 Rares appearing 4 times + 2 Spark Trooper = 66 Cards


Track A:

Track B:

Track C:

Track D:


It would seem that there is an open discussion on the ethics surrounding box mapping. At the moment, it appears that we may not be able to discuss this topic come Dragon's Maze. For the time being, I am waiting for the thread to unlock. Once it does, I will provide a link. Until then, I suggest that we keep this thread centered on solving the map and leave the ethical issues for other threads.



Edits:
1-31-13 Added a data file provided by CanadianGreenBeret. Thanks, again, for contributing this.
2-1-13: Added the second track provided by mtggo, changed the example to a Gatecrash box. Added the Partial Track Information.
2-2-13: Found another Sequence of Tracks. Updated the Track list.
2-3-13: Compiled my list and mtggo's list to form 4 nearly completed Tracks. Track C is currently a train wreck.
2-6-13: Fixed Track C. All Tracks should be accurate now. Thanks, mtggo and Vinzito for contributing your maps as well as everyone that contributed box data.

Hey guys, I went ahead and expanded the tracks for boxes produced in the U.S.A. Credit goes to Jmalex for cracking RTR and finding the basic order of tracks, n144man for compiling Avacyn Restored, and RLWJR for providing most of the Innistrad Map.

There are 4 tracks total:

Track A: 15 Mythics appearing twice + 6 rares appearing 4 times + 1 Kessig Wolf Run = 55 Cards
Track B: 13 Rares appearing 4 times + other 3 Kessig Wolf Run = 55 Cards
Track C: 16 Rares appearing 4 times + 2 Evil Twin = 66 Cards
Track D: 16 Rares appearing 4 times + 2 Evil Twin = 66 Cards

The track sequence is 22 packs long with tracks A and B appearing 5 times and tracks C and D appearing 6 times. The track sequence is read from right to left, top to bottom and is:

A B D A B D D A A B C A C D C C B D C B D C

There is almost always 2 rows displaced and those are usually the first row and the seventh row. They tend to be displaced my 1-4 rows, sometimes 5 or 6, but that is rare. 2-3 rows is most common.

Track A:

Track B:

Track C:


Track D:


All the tracks have been double checked by Vinzito and should represent 95% of boxes. As way of saying thanks, check out his box mapping apps for apple and android products in his signature.