1976 Topps pack: Ope' or Nope?

bjbrall4

I just received a 1976 Topps "Authentic-Unopened" wax pack, graded NM-MT+, 8.5, by GAI. I only need twenty cards to finish the set, so the chance of getting any card I need is small, but the temptation is there to crack the plastic case and open the pack. What would YOU do?
(I tried to post a picture, but Photobucket and I couldn't seem to come to a meeting of the minds.)
I'm off to teach a night class, so I will hopefully have some responses to consider when I get home tonight.

Ironmanfan

leave it be; you can possibly display this unopened pack with the set once you have the set complete

hankcaddy

i agree, leave it alone. wait for the 20 cards to come along. it will make a nice display piece to go with the set

jmoran19

What 20 cards do you need, I might be able to help, John

Morgoth

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, there isn't a huge hit card besides the Eckersly, I guess a centered Brett but its a huge longshot, so I would keep it sealed or look to buy another and rip it.

SoonerCowboy

Don't crack it. I always thought that it would be a good addition to a set I'm building to have an unopened pack to add a little extra zip to the collection. Like you said the odds of getting any of the cards you need are slim. IMO

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

Agree. Leave it sealed to have with the set.

scotgreb

Been a long time since I messed with binomial probablilities but . . .

Assuming 10 cards in the pack (and 660 cards in the set) -- you have about a 26% chance of pulling 1 (or more) of the 20 cards that you need.

The chance of pulling 2 (or more) is about 3.5%

Do you feel lucky?

jeffcbay

I would crack it simply because I'm a big fat loser who has no self control when it comes to packs... so, yeah.

fattymacs

Back away from the pack. If you can resist temptation for a few days, you'll be set. I usually stash my unopened stuff in place that's a pain to get to.

jswieton

crack that mofo!! Let's see some scans.

leftofdial

Amazing! What are the odds of the board voting overwhelmingly for just saying no to crack. Usually it's rip, rip rip. Now the recession has us all figuing out the Expected values and stuff. Times are tough all over.

I agree with them and would take jmoran19 up on his offer. And I bet that as of tonight , there will be other helpful souls as well

If you end up ripping it, let us know the outcome

Bosox1976

Quit pondering and grab the shears....

bjbrall4

I thought, as did leftofdial, that the consensus would be "Open it now!". I'll try to resist the impulse to rip and let the pack become part of the set. Thanks to everyone for the input. Any other comments are still welcome.

HighChopper

I, too, am a big fat loser.

Open the pack and post your disappointing scans.