For many sports fans, collecting sports cards is more than just a hobby, it's a passion. The excitement of opening a pack and discovering what's inside is unmatched. Box breaks take this excitement to the next level, by allowing collectors to buy a spot in a group break of a sealed box or case, where each participant gets a randomly assigned team or is able to pick their team of choice. This means you have a chance at pulling some of the most coveted cards in the hobby, without having to buy an entire box or case yourself. However, if you're new to the world of box breaks, you might find yourself feeling a bit lost when it comes to the slang and terminology used by seasoned collectors. Fear not – this guide is here to help you crack the code and understand the language of box breaks.
Why understanding box break slang is important
Before we dive into the most commonly used terms in box break slang, let's first discuss why it's important to understand this language. For starters, it allows you to communicate with other collectors more effectively. When you're in a group break chat, for example, you'll want to be able to understand what everyone is saying, so you can participate in the conversation and not feel left out. Additionally, knowing the slang can help you make more informed decisions when buying spots in breaks. For example, if someone mentions a card being a "chase card," you'll know that it's a highly sought-after card and might be worth buying a spot in the break for.
Common box break slang terms and definitions
Now that we've established why it's important to understand box break slang, let's take a look at some of the most commonly used terms and their definitions.
"Hit"
A "hit" refers to any card that is considered valuable or rare. These can include autographs, relics, or other special cards.
"Breaker"
A "breaker" is the person who is facilitating the box break. They are responsible for opening the boxes and distributing the cards to the participants.
"Random Team Break" (RT)
A "random team break" is a type of box break where participants are randomly assigned a team and receive all the cards for that team.
"Pick Your Team Break" (PYT)
A "Pick Your Team Break" (PYT Break) is a type of group break where participants can select and purchase a specific team or teams in advance of the break. During the break, any cards that correspond to the teams that were selected by the participants are given to those participants.
"Personal Break" or "Percy"
A "Personal Break" or "Percy" is a type of break where the buyer purchases the whole box or case for themselves, thus getting every card in the box or case.
"Case Break"
A "case break" is a box break where a full case of cards is opened, typically consisting of multiple boxes.
"Division Break"
A "Division Break" is a box break where collectors buy an entire division of a professional league. The buyer then receives all of the cards from all the teams in that division.
"Parallel"
A "parallel" refers to a card that has a different design or color than the base version of the card. These are often considered more rare and valuable than the base cards.
"Wax"
"Wax" is a term referring to sealed product, whether a pack or a full box. This term originates from the fact that packs of cards used to come in a wax wrapper. Even though they no longer come in wax wrappers, the terminology stuck around.
"Rookie Card"
A "rookie card" is a card that features a player in their first year of professional competition. These are often highly sought after by collectors.
"Auto"
An "autograph" is a card that has been signed by the featured athlete or celebrity.
"Relic" or “Memo” or "Patch"
A "relic" or “Memo” or "Patch" is a card that contains a piece of game-used memorabilia, such as a piece of a player's jersey or equipment.
"RPA"
An "RPA" is a card that features a rookie, contains a patch, and is signed by the featured player.
"Case Hit"
A "Case Hit" is a card that is a sought after card that is guaranteed to be in a specific case of cards. Typically there is only one case hit per case.
"Hot Box"
A "Hot Box" is a box with multiple hits or rare cards.
"Duck Race" (A 528 Favorite)
A "Duck Race" is a randomization method used in some trading card box breaks to determine which participants will receive certain cards or teams. Duck Races are performed on a website, they are not real ducks.
"Block of Cheese" (Another 528 Favorite)
A "Block of Cheese" is a blank card used to cover the cards so as to build up suspense. Breakers use a block of cheese when you know a big hit is coming up.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. After reading that comprehensive list of terms, you should now have a better understanding of the terminology and slang used in a box break. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone looking to get involved in the hobby. By familiarizing yourself with the lingo you can better communicate with other collectors and understand the various aspects of the box breaking process. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, having a solid understanding of box breaking terminology can enhance your overall experience and make it easier to navigate the sports card landscape.
About 528 Collectibles
528 Collectibles is a one-stop-shop for all things collectibles, memorabilia, and trading cards. Our mission is to provide collectors with the best possible experience by offering a wide variety of products, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming community of collectors. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, trade, or participate in live box breaks, we have you covered. We also offer pre-grading services for trading cards and consignment options for all collectibles. With a passion for all things collectible and a commitment to customer satisfaction, 528 Collectibles is the ultimate destination for collectors.