Back to Basics Vol 1 - The Most Played Cards in Magic
Magic: The Gathering is a huge game spanning the globe. With appeal ranging from kitchen tables to international event spaces, entire business models are built off of the demand for this game.
These cards have value for a list of reasons: natural demand from playability, scarcity from a limited supply, or collectible demand for special variations.
In general, when I see any of these topics brought up, or the conversations around them, the cards that go along with the conversations tend to be Reserved List all-stars, nostalgia pieces, or current hot ticket items. All valid, but strangely enough, not the most ubiquitous card type.
Beta
Basic lands are simultaneously the most played and the most printed cards. Unique in their timelessness, and availability, for over thirty years the original set of five basic lands have been played in every format.
Unfortunately, basic lands are frequently overlooked as potential investments.
The lowest price currently for a NM
Beta is far away from the only available option for basics, but serves as a good guidepost for pricing and the movement for these overlooked gems.
Secret Lairs
Secret Lair has also produced a steady supply of basic variants. While they tend to be undervalued when they first become available on the market, they tend to get absorbed, spike, and then stabilize.
Something that affects these prices is that players are typically looking for several copies, and there’s an abundance of supply when they first become available.
Basic lands are also one of the rarer instances of players potentially needing more than four copies of a card, with some decks playing upwards of twenty. Completionists wanting matching arts also help to reduce market supply, and increase price.
Not all Secret Lair lands are as immediately successful. However, I think that there is a strong argument for lower priced versions with limited printings to have even more room for growth.
Guru
The “Guru program" was effectively a reward program to encourage players to mentor new players and foster the game. While difficult to obtain even in 1999, this printing has become the epitome of collectible. With damaged copies at $800, and LP copies starting at $1150, this will likely remain the most collectable of all basic lands.
Conclusion
This often under-appreciated card type exists in everyone’s collection, and always has the potential to grow. Basic lands will always have demand, and unique versions will always be sought after. Understanding these trends can help to gain leverage in your collection!
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Bill Bingham
Bill Bingham has spent the past decade in the throws of competitive play, travelling, and managing a collection. With expansive knowledge and deep ties to the community, he looks to share this insight. In his time away from the game, he is utilizing these problem solving skills, learning, creating, or cooking.
