So, what is the best pack to get with your FNM buy-in? Lets say that your local store only allows you to get the $3.99 packs, and you only want cards that will be legal in type 2. Lets take a look at the options, and see which packs will give you the most bang for your buck.
There are 4 tiers of rares, the tier 1 rares are those like Tarmogoyf and Thoughtseize, we'll say $10 and up. The tier 2 rares, $4-$9, such as Reveillark, and generally pay for the pack that you got them in and some. The tier 3 rares are the dual lands and the Hideaway lands, running anywhere between $3-$40+ apiece. These lands deserve their own tier because they are more utility cards, and make the cut in any deck. In type 2, the going prices for these lands are $3-$5 for the Hideaway lands, and $5-$50 for the duals and manlands (Mutavault). And lastly, the tier 4 cards. Many of these cards arn't even rares, but heavily used uncommons and commons that are staples. These, depending on the usability, are usally a disappointment as rares, and run $1-$3 apiece.
Ok, let's compare these sets.
Time Spiral:
Rares (not including TS): 80
Tier 1 rares: 2 (Akroma, Angel of Wrath and Ancestral Vision)
Tier 2 rares: 6
Tier 3 rares: 6 (none more than $4)
Tier 4 rares: 66
Planar Chaos:
Rares: 50
Tier 1 rares: 2 (Damnation, Extirpate)
Tier 2 rares: 2
Tier 3 rares: 1 (Urborg, $7)
Tier 4 rares: 45
Future Sight:
Rares: 60
Tier 1 rares: 2 (Tarmogoyf, Magus of the Moon)
Tier 2 rares: 11 (Venser at $8)
Tier 3 rares: 5 ($5-$8)
Tier 4 rares: 41
So there is the Time Spiral block. We can easily see that Future Sight gives us the most bang for our buck, but at about 4.50 a pack at some stores, this is not always an option. However, it is the only set in the Time Spiral block with notable rare duals. The probability of getting a rare that pays for the pack: about 1/5. Thats pretty damn good folks. Now, on to Lorwyn... later. Please note that all the prices are from Starcitygames.com, and may not be completely accurate.
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