Distinguishing Sets

D

dw51688

Guest
How do you tell the difference between Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Revised, 4E, and 5E. I know Alpha and Beta are BB, 4E and 5E you can tell bu the dates on the bottom but what's the diff between Unl. and revised?
 
E

Elrond

Guest
You can tell the difference between Revised and Unlimited by the fact that the colors on Revised cards are duller and that the cards don't have the little edge around the outside, between the body and the color border. At least that's what I think that's right, somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
 
T

Thallid Ice Cream Man

Guest
Also, the corners of Alpha cards are more rounded than Beta corners - or, for that matter, the rest of the card corners (in every other set). Also, if the Alpha and Beta cards are dated (I don't know if they are), Alpha came out in 1993 (August 5) and Beta was 1994 (I think). In addition to the beveled-looking edge (slanted) on Unlimited cards that wasn't on Revised cards, the words "Illus. (c) 1994 whoever" are about half a centimeter farther up on the cards in Unlimited than in Revised. If I'm completely wrong (which isn't extremely likely), cut me a small amount of slack, as I started playing in 1997 and am going by the Encyclopedia.
 
T

Thrash Golem

Guest
alpha - rounder corners

beta - black border, not as round corners

unlimited - white border, dull text

revised - white border, sharp text

4th - all rights reserved at bottom, copyright 1995, new tap symbol

5th - brighter colors, copyright 1997

6th - VI symbol
 
S

Spiderman

Administrator
Staff member
Also, I believe Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited still used the terms "Mono Artifact" and spelled out TAP while Revised used a diagonal T in a light-gray? border-type before 4th started using the arrow thingie.
 
S

Spiderman

Administrator
Staff member
I couldn't remember it. Actually, there's three types of older artifacts now that you've jogged my memory: Mono, Poly, and Continuous.
 
T

Thrash Golem

Guest
That's what i'd like to be clear on..

mono continuous and poly artifacts

i know

continuous - has a constant effect, like cursed totem

mono - triggered effect - like ankh of mishra

poly - tap artifact, like urzas blueprints

i think i got mono and poly mixed up though.
 
Z

Zadok001

Guest
Not quite, Thrash. Mono artifacts require Tapping as part of the activation cost. Polys don't. Continuous are triggered abilities (i.e., Ankh), things like Winter Orb, and basically anything that works, well... Continously. :)
 
Z

Zadok001

Guest
You're making the assumption I'm right, of course... It's entirely possible I got those more thoroughly messed up than anyone else.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top