The 1996 Magic: The Gathering Alliances set card Phyrexian Portal (Card #126). This rare artifact challenges opponents by forcing them to reveal and separate their library.
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Alliances
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$1.84 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
The Phyrexian Portal, identified as Card #126 in the 1996 Alliances expansion, stands as a formidable artifact within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Pete Venters, this card offers a unique strategic interaction that forces opponents to make difficult decisions regarding their library management. As a rare artifact, it has held significant interest among collectors and players since its initial release during the game's early second era. The card’s mechanics revolve around a specific mana cost of three generic mana. When played, it triggers an effect that activates only if the controller’s library contains ten or more cards. The targeted opponent must examine the top ten cards of that library and divide them into two face-down piles. One pile is exiled, while the other allows the controller to search for a card to add to their hand, with the remaining cards shuffled back into the library. This design creates a powerful disruption tool that combines card advantage with library manipulation, making it a memorable inclusion in the Alliances set. Collectors value the Phyrexian Portal for its distinct role in early Magic strategy and its place in the Alliances expansion. The card’s ability to disrupt an opponent’s resources while potentially drawing cards for the controller made it a staple in various competitive decks during its time. For those building collections of vintage Magic cards, this artifact represents a key piece of the game’s history.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Phyrexian Portal
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Pete Venters
Card Stock
English
{3}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
{3}: If your library has ten or more cards in it, target opponent looks at the top ten cards of your library and separates them into two face-down piles. Exile one of those piles. Search the other pile for a card, put it into your hand, then shuffle the rest of that pile into your library.
FAQ
The Phyrexian Portal is an artifact that forces an opponent to look at the top ten cards of their library if your library has ten or more cards. You then choose one of two piles they create, search for a card from it, and put it into your hand while shuffling the rest back.
Yes, the Phyrexian Portal is printed with a rare symbol in the Alliances set. It was published in 1996 and is part of the early history of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.
The Phyrexian Portal card in the Alliances expansion was illustrated by Pete Venters. His artwork contributes to the distinct visual identity of the Alliances set.
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