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'''Foil cards''', officially called '''premium''' cards, are ''[[Magic]]'' [[card]]s which have a foil or "glossy" finish to them. ''[[Urza's Legacy]]'' was the first set to feature foil cards in booster packs. <ref name="Foiled again">[[Mark Rosewater]]. (February 1999). ''Foiled Again'', Mark my Words, ''[[The Duelist]]'' # 34</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/mm/259|Twenty Things That Were Going To Kill Magic|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 05, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/36724628514/why-does-wizards-insist-on-marketing-foil-cards-as|title=Why does Wizards insist on marketing foil cards as 'premium cards' when everybody calls them 'foil cards'?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=November 28, 2012}}</ref> However, <c>Lightning Dragon</c> was the first widely-available foil premium card, as it was the card given away at the ''[[Urza's Saga]]'' [[prerelease]]. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/614|The first foil prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 26, 2004}}</ref>
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'''Foil cards''', officially called '''premium''' cards, are ''[[Magic]]'' [[card]]s which have a foil or "glossy" finish to them. ''[[Urza's Legacy]]'' was the first set to feature foil cards in booster packs.<ref name="Foiled again">[[Mark Rosewater]]. (February 1999). ''Foiled Again'', Mark my Words, ''[[The Duelist]]'' # 34</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/mm/259|Twenty Things That Were Going To Kill Magic|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 05, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/36724628514/why-does-wizards-insist-on-marketing-foil-cards-as|title=Why does Wizards insist on marketing foil cards as 'premium cards' when everybody calls them 'foil cards'?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=November 28, 2012}}</ref> However, <c>Lightning Dragon</c> was the first widely-available foil premium card, as it was the card given away at the ''[[Urza's Saga]]'' [[prerelease]].<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/614|The first foil prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 26, 2004}}</ref>
   
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
 
[[File:Foil layer.png|right|thumb|Foil layer on a card back]]
 
[[File:Foil layer.png|right|thumb|Foil layer on a card back]]
  +
 
The process involves a special foil layer on the card that highlights certain parts of the artwork over others (the lighter areas are more reflective). All foil cards are black-bordered, even those from the last white-bordered [[Core Set|core sets]], except those from ''[[Unhinged]]'' which are silver-bordered.
 
The process involves a special foil layer on the card that highlights certain parts of the artwork over others (the lighter areas are more reflective). All foil cards are black-bordered, even those from the last white-bordered [[Core Set|core sets]], except those from ''[[Unhinged]]'' which are silver-bordered.
   
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Although [[Wizards of the Coast]] consistently emphasized trading over collecting (referring to ''Magic: The Gathering'' and its successors as [[List of Magic slang#TCG|TCG]]'s), the company recognized that collecting is an important facet of the game's appeal. However, the ever larger print runs of new sets posed fewer challenges to collectors, since stores rarely ran out of an expansion before someone could buy his way to a complete set.
 
Although [[Wizards of the Coast]] consistently emphasized trading over collecting (referring to ''Magic: The Gathering'' and its successors as [[List of Magic slang#TCG|TCG]]'s), the company recognized that collecting is an important facet of the game's appeal. However, the ever larger print runs of new sets posed fewer challenges to collectors, since stores rarely ran out of an expansion before someone could buy his way to a complete set.
   
Some other companies offered collectors ultra-rare "chase cards". A chase card is an unique (usually more powerful) card that collectors "chase down" by purchasing lots and lots of cards. For example, in the first edition of the '''Star Wars CCG''', key characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader were ultra-rare cards that both players and collectors were desperate to find. WotC have promised never to print chase cards for ''Magic''. <ref name="Foiled again"/> But it may be argued that they have effectively done so anyway, by having a variety of foil mythic rares in a set where one or two are particularly sought after (such as <c>Ugin, the Spirit Dragon</c>). However, the premium ''Magic'' cards don't change the game environment at all, since they are duplicates of cards already in the set, and all foil mythics are equally rare.
+
Some other companies offered collectors ultra-rare "chase cards". A chase card is an unique (usually more powerful) card that collectors "chase down" by purchasing lots and lots of cards. For example, in the first edition of the '''Star Wars CCG''', key characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader were ultra-rare cards that both players and collectors were desperate to find. WotC have promised never to print chase cards for ''Magic''.<ref name="Foiled again"/> But it may be argued that they have effectively done so anyway, by having a variety of foil mythic rares in a set where one or two are particularly sought after (such as <c>Ugin, the Spirit Dragon</c>). However, the premium ''Magic'' cards don't change the game environment at all, since they are duplicates of cards already in the set, and all foil mythics are equally rare.
   
 
==Slots==
 
==Slots==
Prior to ''[[Time Spiral]]'', if a booster pack contained a foil card it would replace the card normally found in that rarity. (i.e. the card <c>Shared Triumph</c> is [[rare]], if there was a foil version in a pack it would replace the card found in the rare slot). In every set starting with ''Time Spiral'', a foil card replaces a [[common]] card regardless of the rarity of the foil card. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr247|Purple Reign|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 25, 2006}}</ref> This means there is a chance of getting two rares (or three in the ''[[Innistrad]]'' or ''[[Dark Ascension]]'' packs due to the double faced card slot) or even [[mythic rare]]s in a single booster pack: one foil, and one regular (as well as one double sided in the aforementioned sets).
+
Prior to ''[[Time Spiral]]'', if a booster pack contained a foil card it would replace the card normally found in that rarity. (i.e. the card <c>Shared Triumph</c> is [[rare]], if there was a foil version in a pack it would replace the card found in the rare slot). In every set starting with ''Time Spiral'', a foil card replaces a [[common]] card regardless of the rarity of the foil card.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr247|Purple Reign|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 25, 2006}}</ref> This means there is a chance of getting two rares (or three in the ''[[Innistrad]]'' or ''[[Dark Ascension]]'' packs due to the double faced card slot) or even [[mythic rare]]s in a single booster pack: one foil, and one regular (as well as one double sided in the aforementioned sets).
   
 
==Producing foils==
 
==Producing foils==
 
[[File:Underprinting.png|right|thumb|Underprinting on the foil layer]]
 
[[File:Underprinting.png|right|thumb|Underprinting on the foil layer]]
  +
The foil process has not always been the same. The first foils (which have a shooting star in the lower-left-hand corner of the card) started with ''Urza's Legacy''. The new foiling process (which eliminated print lines) started with ''[[8th Edition]]''. There have been different foiling processes used for [[release card]]s, [[From the Vault: Dragons]] (double-foiled), etc. <ref>[http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/misc/17092-Insider-Trading-Fifteen-Fun-Facts-About-Foils.html Ben Bleiweiss (February 3, 2009) ''Insider Trading - Fifteen Fun Facts About Foils!'' Starcitygames.com]</ref>
+
The foil process has not always been the same. The first foils (which have a shooting star in the lower-left-hand corner of the card) started with ''Urza's Legacy''. The new foiling process (which eliminated print lines) started with ''[[8th Edition]]''. There have been different foiling processes used for [[release card]]s, [[From the Vault: Dragons]] (double-foiled), etc.<ref>[http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/misc/17092-Insider-Trading-Fifteen-Fun-Facts-About-Foils.html Ben Bleiweiss (February 3, 2009) ''Insider Trading - Fifteen Fun Facts About Foils!'' Starcitygames.com]</ref>
   
 
Producing the premium cards presents unique difficulties. The holographic foil laminate has to be bonded to a regular [[card back]], allowed to "cure" for several weeks, and then overprinted with the matching card art. Foil laminates are tricky on playing cards due to the standards needed for wear resistance and ease of shuffling.
 
Producing the premium cards presents unique difficulties. The holographic foil laminate has to be bonded to a regular [[card back]], allowed to "cure" for several weeks, and then overprinted with the matching card art. Foil laminates are tricky on playing cards due to the standards needed for wear resistance and ease of shuffling.
   
Even trickier are the challenges of printing on the foil background. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/1177|Where the Foil Goes|[[Monty Ashley]]|February 26, 2013}}</ref> Opaque areas require a base of white ink, and black and white inks have to be double-printed for readability. Instead of the normal four- or five-color process, premium cards require eight separate color plates. Film alignment has to be precise - even a slight misregistration ruins an entire [[print sheet|sheet]].
+
Even trickier are the challenges of printing on the foil background.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/1177|Where the Foil Goes|[[Monty Ashley]]|February 26, 2013}}</ref> Opaque areas require a base of white ink, and black and white inks have to be double-printed for readability. Instead of the normal four- or five-color process, premium cards require eight separate color plates. Film alignment has to be precise - even a slight misregistration ruins an entire [[print sheet|sheet]].
  +
 
[[File:Top layer.png|right|thumb|Final printing]]
 
[[File:Top layer.png|right|thumb|Final printing]]
   
 
==Foil-only booster==
 
==Foil-only booster==
The ''Alara'' Premium Foil Booster pack contained fifteen foil, black-bordered cards from ''[[Shards of Alara]]'', ''[[Conflux]]'', and ''[[Alara Reborn]]''. It was released on January 8th, 2010 (MSRP: $11.99). <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/tcg/premiumfoilbooster/productinfo|Premium Foil Booster|Product info|January 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/364|Opening the Foil Booster|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 14, 2010}}</ref>
+
The ''Alara'' Premium Foil Booster pack contained fifteen foil, black-bordered cards from ''[[Shards of Alara]]'', ''[[Conflux]]'', and ''[[Alara Reborn]]''. It was released on January 8th, 2010 (MSRP: $11.99).<ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/tcg/premiumfoilbooster/productinfo|Premium Foil Booster|Product info|January 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/364|Opening the Foil Booster|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 14, 2010}}</ref>
   
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 14:44, 4 July 2016

Foil cards, officially called premium cards, are Magic cards which have a foil or "glossy" finish to them. Urza's Legacy was the first set to feature foil cards in booster packs.[1][2][3] However, Lightning Dragon was the first widely-available foil premium card, as it was the card given away at the Urza's Saga prerelease.[4]

Properties

Foil layer

Foil layer on a card back

The process involves a special foil layer on the card that highlights certain parts of the artwork over others (the lighter areas are more reflective). All foil cards are black-bordered, even those from the last white-bordered core sets, except those from Unhinged which are silver-bordered.

Foils are notoriously harder to keep in Near Mint condition than non-foil cards. They tend to collect dirt easier, creating a "cloudy" look on the front of the card, tend to warp a lot easier (especially in warmer climates), and don't shuffle as well. Because foil cards have metal on the front, they crease when bent.

Rarity

Foil cards are randomly inserted in booster packs. There is approximately one foil in every six packs or six or seven per Booster Pack Box. Mythics, rares and uncommons are harder to locate than commons, just like their unfoiled counterparts. Even common premium cards are rarer than a normal rare, so collectors will find collecting them all to be a challenge. It is very hard to complete a set by purchasing packs, so trading or buying singles is the best way to go.[5]

Not chase cards

Although Wizards of the Coast consistently emphasized trading over collecting (referring to Magic: The Gathering and its successors as TCG's), the company recognized that collecting is an important facet of the game's appeal. However, the ever larger print runs of new sets posed fewer challenges to collectors, since stores rarely ran out of an expansion before someone could buy his way to a complete set.

Some other companies offered collectors ultra-rare "chase cards". A chase card is an unique (usually more powerful) card that collectors "chase down" by purchasing lots and lots of cards. For example, in the first edition of the Star Wars CCG, key characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader were ultra-rare cards that both players and collectors were desperate to find. WotC have promised never to print chase cards for Magic.[1] But it may be argued that they have effectively done so anyway, by having a variety of foil mythic rares in a set where one or two are particularly sought after (such as Ugin, the Spirit Dragon). However, the premium Magic cards don't change the game environment at all, since they are duplicates of cards already in the set, and all foil mythics are equally rare.

Slots

Prior to Time Spiral, if a booster pack contained a foil card it would replace the card normally found in that rarity. (i.e. the card Shared Triumph is rare, if there was a foil version in a pack it would replace the card found in the rare slot). In every set starting with Time Spiral, a foil card replaces a common card regardless of the rarity of the foil card.[6] This means there is a chance of getting two rares (or three in the Innistrad or Dark Ascension packs due to the double faced card slot) or even mythic rares in a single booster pack: one foil, and one regular (as well as one double sided in the aforementioned sets).

Producing foils

Underprinting

Underprinting on the foil layer

The foil process has not always been the same. The first foils (which have a shooting star in the lower-left-hand corner of the card) started with Urza's Legacy. The new foiling process (which eliminated print lines) started with 8th Edition. There have been different foiling processes used for release cards, From the Vault: Dragons (double-foiled), etc.[7]

Producing the premium cards presents unique difficulties. The holographic foil laminate has to be bonded to a regular card back, allowed to "cure" for several weeks, and then overprinted with the matching card art. Foil laminates are tricky on playing cards due to the standards needed for wear resistance and ease of shuffling.

Even trickier are the challenges of printing on the foil background.[8] Opaque areas require a base of white ink, and black and white inks have to be double-printed for readability. Instead of the normal four- or five-color process, premium cards require eight separate color plates. Film alignment has to be precise - even a slight misregistration ruins an entire sheet.

Top layer

Final printing

Foil-only booster

The Alara Premium Foil Booster pack contained fifteen foil, black-bordered cards from Shards of Alara, Conflux, and Alara Reborn. It was released on January 8th, 2010 (MSRP: $11.99).[9][10]

References

  1. a b Mark Rosewater. (February 1999). Foiled Again, Mark my Words, The Duelist # 34
  2. Mark Rosewater (August 05, 2013). "Twenty Things That Were Going To Kill Magic". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. Error on call to {{WebRef}}: Parameters url and title must be specifiedMark Rosewater (November 28, 2012). "". Tumblr.
  4. Magic Arcana (July 26, 2004). "The first foil prerelease card". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. Jennifer Clarke Wilkes (March 1999). The Premium Package, The Duelist # 35, p. 45
  6. Mark Rosewater (September 25, 2006). "Purple Reign". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. Ben Bleiweiss (February 3, 2009) Insider Trading - Fifteen Fun Facts About Foils! Starcitygames.com
  8. Monty Ashley (February 26, 2013). "Where the Foil Goes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. Product info (January 8, 2010). "Premium Foil Booster". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. Magic Arcana (January 14, 2010). "Opening the Foil Booster". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.