Overview
A break is an event in which a box(es), case(s), and/or pack(s) of cards are divided up among collectors who purchase the right to receive them. The events are promoted as providing an opportunity for sports card and sports memorabilia fanatics to obtain valuable cards at an affordable price.
What are slots?
Slots are the places you buy to enter the break. You get the cards that coincide with the slot you bought. Each slot represents a team, division, player, or some other pre-determined distinction.
For example, a break may contain 30 slots, one for each MLB team. If you buy one slot then you would receive the cards for the team that coincides with that slot.
Randomized vs Pick Your Team (PYT) Breaks
There are multiple types of breaks, but the most common are “Randomized” and “Pick Your Team” (PYT). Each type has features that some collectors prefer so it’s important to know the difference.
Randomized Breaks
A Randomized break allows collectors to purchase a slot but the actual selection is unknown at the time of purchase. Once all slots are purchased, the teams, divisions, players, etc are randomly assigned to each slot. A randomized break spreads the cost out evenly and provides each collector an equal chance at each team, division, player, etc.
Advantages
- Chance at more desirable slots at lower cost
- It’s fun!
Disadvantages
- Unknown what slot you will get at time of purchase
- May get less desirable slots at higher cost
Multi-Tier Breaks
Tiers allow each slot to receive multiple teams, divisions, players, etc. Breaks may have multiple tiers so that collectors get multiple entities per slot.
For example, in the 3-tier break on the right, each slot is guaranteed one team from tier 1, one team from tier 2, and one team from tier 3.
Pick Your Team Breaks
A “Pick Your Team” break (PYT) allows collectors to purchase a specific team, division, player, etc. In this type of break, the collector knows exactly which team, division, player, etc they receive at the time of purchase.
Because some teams may have higher valued cards or even more cards in a particular set, individual slot prices can vary.
Advantages
- Always get the slot you want
- Can get less desirable slots very cheap
Disadvantages
- More desirable slots are more expensive
Buying Into Breaks
Buying into breaks is easy.
- Find a break
- Be sure to review the Event Details
- Add a slot to your cart
- Complete the checkout process
