The Psychology of the Rip: Why We Keep Opening Packs Even When We Know Better

The Rush of the Rip

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m done ripping for a while,” and then found yourself in checkout with another blaster an hour later — you’re not alone.

The thrill of the rip is one of the most addictive sensations in the hobby. It’s a perfect cocktail of nostalgia, adrenaline, and hope. Each pack is a mini lottery ticket wrapped in foil, whispering “What if this is the one?”

Even when we know the odds, we chase that high. Because the real value isn’t always the hit — it’s the moment before you know what’s inside.

Dopamine and the Dream

Psychologists call it variable-ratio reinforcement — the same thing that keeps people pulling slot levers in Vegas. The brain releases dopamine not when we win, but when we anticipate winning.

So when you see a silver shimmer in a pack or a thick card in the middle stack, your brain lights up like a scoreboard. You could hit a base rookie… or a 1/1 gold vinyl auto. The possibility alone is what hooks us.

Hobby Logic vs. Hobby Emotion

Ask any collector: “Should I have just bought the singles I wanted?”
The logical answer is yes.
The emotional answer is: “Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?”

Ripping is gambling disguised as nostalgia — but it’s also part of what makes the hobby feel alive. The stories, the near-misses, the “you won’t believe what I pulled” texts — that’s the heartbeat of collecting.

How to Rip Smarter (and Still Have Fun)

You don’t have to quit ripping — you just need balance.

• Set a Rip Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to lose for fun.

• Celebrate the Story, Not Just the Hit: Every pack is a snapshot of the chase.

• Mix in Singles: Reward yourself after a dry spell with a guaranteed PC pickup.

• Join Group Breaks Strategically: Shared risk, shared dopamine.

When you treat ripping as entertainment instead of investment, you enjoy the hobby longer — and stop resenting it when the hits don’t come.

The Truth

Every collector swears they’re “done buying wax.”
Then a new product drops with foil that hits different, and we’re right back at the counter.

It’s not stupidity. It’s passion.
It’s the psychology of the rip — and deep down, we wouldn’t want it any other way.