This 1995 Chronicles release of Nicol Bolas (#81) is a powerful three-color Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon known for its high mana cost and hand-discarding effect.
Nicol Bolas
1995 • Magic: The Gathering • Chronicles
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Description
As one of the most recognizable dragons from the early days of Magic: The Gathering, this card represents a significant piece of the game's history. With a mana value of eight, Nicol Bolas demands a substantial investment of resources to cast, reflecting its immense power on the battlefield. The card's design features a unique upkeep mechanic that challenges players to manage their resources carefully. At the beginning of your upkeep, you must sacrifice Nicol Bolas unless you pay {U}{B}{R}. This creates a strategic dilemma, forcing players to decide whether to keep the powerful dragon or conserve their mana for other plays. Whenever Nicol Bolas deals damage to an opponent, that player discards their hand, making it a formidable presence in competitive play. For collectors, Nicol Bolas (#81) from the Chronicles set is a sought-after item. The card's rarity as a Rare makes it a valuable addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection. Its three-color identity (Black, Red, and Blue) adds to its appeal, as it showcases the versatility of the game's color pie. The card's ability to discard an opponent's hand upon dealing damage makes it a memorable and impactful card in any deck. Whether you are a long-time fan of Magic: The Gathering or a new collector, Nicol Bolas (#81) is a card that commands respect. Its design and mechanics reflect the innovative spirit of the Chronicles set, which brought together various cards from earlier sets into a single collection. For those looking to complete their Chronicles collection or add a powerful dragon to their roster, this card is an essential acquisition. The Chronicles set, released in 1995, remains a cornerstone of Magic: The Gathering history, and Nicol Bolas is one of its most iconic cards.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Nicol Bolas
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Edward P. Beard, Jr.
Card Stock
English
{2}{U}{U}{B}{B}{R}{R}
Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon
7 / 7
B, R, U
Card Text
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Flying At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice Nicol Bolas unless you pay {U}{B}{R}. Whenever Nicol Bolas deals damage to an opponent, that player discards their hand.



















