Surge of Strength, card number 109 from the 1996 Alliances expansion of Magic: The Gathering. This uncommon instant card is a staple for red and green strategies.
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Alliances
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.25As of 9/21/2026 | Guide Estimate | +8.7% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 21, 2026
Surge of Strength is a red and green instant card from the Magic: The Gathering Alliances set, released in 1996. As card number 109, this uncommon spell offers a flexible combat boost for creatures with higher mana values. The card's design reflects the era's focus on aggressive, low-mana interactions within the game's expanding color pie. To cast Surge of Strength, players must pay its mana cost and discard a red or green card from their hand. This additional cost adds a layer of strategic decision-making, requiring careful resource management. The effect grants target creature trample and +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is that creature's mana value. This makes it particularly effective for buffing larger threats, allowing them to push through blockers and deal direct damage to opponents. Collectors value this card for its historical significance within the Alliances expansion. Surge of Strength remains a recognizable piece of the game's early history, appealing to both casual players and serious collectors looking to complete their Alliances collection. Whether you are building a competitive deck or simply appreciating the art of card design, Surge of Strength represents a key moment in Magic: The Gathering's evolution. Its unique combination of discard cost and conditional power boost makes it a memorable inclusion in any red/green deck. The card's enduring presence in the game's lore and mechanics speaks to its well-crafted design by artist Ruth Thompson. For collectors, finding a clean copy of Surge of Strength can be a rewarding challenge. The Alliances set has a dedicated following, and cards like this one are often sought after for their nostalgic value and gameplay utility. It serves as a reminder of the innovative spirit that defined Magic: The Gathering in the mid-1990s.
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
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
Surge of Strength
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Ruth Thompson
Card Stock
English
{R}{G}
Instant
G, R
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
As an additional cost to cast this spell, discard a red or green card. Target creature gains trample and gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is that creature's mana value.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.