7 Things You Didn’t Know about Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering has been here for almost four decades now, and it's still ageing like fine wine. However, being a game “that” old, it sure has some secrets that you probably don’t have any idea about. So, that’s what we’ll be focusing on here.

Let’s begin.

Let's begin with a card that has reached legendary status in the Magic community: the "Black Lotus." This card is so rare and valuable that it's often considered as the Holy Grail of Magic cards. But, this statement leads to a simple question - why is this card so special?

Well, I can think of three reasons behind it.

Firstly, the "Black Lotus" is an Artefact card that allows you to add three mana of any colour to your mana pool when tapped and then sacrifice it.

This kind of acceleration is extremely powerful in the game, and it can enable you to cast powerful spells much earlier than your opponent.

Secondly, What makes the "Black Lotus" even more remarkable is its scarcity.

It was part of the very first Magic set, known as the Alpha set, and was subsequently reprinted in the Beta and Unlimited sets. However, it has never been reprinted since, which means that there are a very limited number of these cards in existence.

Finally, The combination of its power and rarity has led to jaw-dropping prices in the secondary market. In the year of 2021, a pristine, graded Alpha Black Lotus card was sold for over $500,000 at auction, making it one of the most expensive trading cards ever sold.

Have you ever taken a close look at the back of a Magic card?

Most players know that the card backs are designed with a symmetrical pattern, but what you might not know is that this design is meticulously crafted to prevent cheating.

Each Magic card features a slightly off-centre holofoil "eye" in the middle of the card back. This eye serves as a key anti-counterfeiting measure.

When you stack your deck, you’ll easily spot any card that's upside down or reversed because the eye won't align correctly.

This makes it virtually impossible for players to sneak in counterfeit cards or manipulate their decks to gain an unfair advantage.

Magic: The Gathering wouldn't exist without the brilliant mind of its creator, Richard Garfield. Garfield, a mathematician by trade, designed the game with a deep understanding of game theory and strategic thinking.

However, you might be surprised to learn that some of his other hobbies influenced the game as well. One of Garfield's hobbies is collecting rare and exotic animals, particularly beetles.

This love for collecting and cataloguing different species of beetles may have contributed to the idea of collecting and trading Magic cards. After all, what's Magic if not collecting rare and powerful cards to build your ultimate deck?

Magic: The Gathering has seen numerous expansions and sets over the years, with countless cards rotating in and out of competitive play. However, there's a select group of cards that will never see reprints again: those on the Reserved List.

The Reserved List is a list of cards that Wizards of the Coast has pledged never to reprint in tournament-legal sets. These cards are considered too valuable and iconic to risk devaluing through reprinting.

Some notable cards on the Reserved List include the aforementioned "Black Lotus," "Mox Pearl," "Mox Sapphire," and "Ancestral Recall."

While the Reserved List has caused controversy within the Magic community, it has also helped maintain the value and prestige of these rare cards. Collectors can rest assured that their prized possessions won't suddenly become less valuable due to reprints.

Magic: The Gathering isn't just a card game; it's a sprawling, multiverse-spanning story. The game's lore is rich and extensive, with a diverse range of planes, characters, and worlds. But did you know that all these different planes are connected within a vast multiverse?

The multiverse concept allows Wizards of the Coast to explore virtually limitless creative possibilities.

Each plane is like a separate universe with its unique characteristics, inhabitants, and magic. The planeswalkers, powerful beings in the Magic lore, have the ability to travel between these planes.

From the gothic horror of Innistrad to the futuristic world of Kaladesh, the multiverse offers an amazing variety of settings and themes. And this is precisely what makes Magic more than just a card game; it's a storytelling experience.

Magic: The Gathering isn't just a casual pastime. It's a competitive game with a dedicated professional scene. The Pro Tour, currently known as the Magic Pro League, features top-tier players from around the world competing for substantial cash prizes.

What you might not know is that the Pro Tour has a fascinating history. In the early days, it was held in a variety of locations, including tropical resorts and cruise ships.

These exotic venues added a unique element to the competition, with players often battling it out under the sun or on the open seas.

Additionally, the Pro Tour has produced some of the most iconic moments in Magic history. Players like Jon Finkel, Kai Budde, and Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa have achieved legendary status through their success on the Pro Tour.

It's not just about the cards; it's about the players' skill and dedication.

"Tarmogoyf" is a creature card that has become a staple in various competitive formats, particularly Modern.

What makes this card interesting is its unique power and toughness, which are determined by the number of card types in all graveyards.

"Tarmogoyf" has two abilities: one that represents its power and one for its toughness. This means that as the game progresses and players cast spells and use various card types,

"Tarmogoyf" can grow from a small creature to a massive threat. It's a prime example of how Magic cards can evolve throughout a game and encourage strategic play.

And the best thing is - you might find this card in the new doctor who universes beyond card and expansion too.

Magic: The Gathering is a game with a rich history, a passionate player base, and a seemingly endless supply of fascinating facts and stories. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned veteran, there's always something new to discover about this iconic card game.

So, the next time you sit down to play a game of Magic or peruse your collection of cards, remember these seven facts and the iconic cards that have shaped the game's history. After all, Magic: The Gathering is a world of infinite possibilities, and there's always more to explore.