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About This Card

The 2001 Deckmasters release featuring the Uncommon black Instant card Contagion. This card offers a unique gameplay alternative through its life-pay mechanic.

Contagion

2001 • Magic: The Gathering • Deckmasters

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $1.04
Updated 7 days ago
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Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

Card number 2 in this series is Contagion, an Uncommon black Instant that stands out for its unconventional cost structure. Rather than relying solely on mana, this spell allows players to pay one life and exile a black card from their hand as an alternative casting cost. This design choice encourages strategic resource management and deck construction, as players must balance life totals with hand composition. The spell’s effect involves distributing two -2/-1 counters among one or two target creatures, providing a flexible removal option that can be spread across multiple threats. Designed by Mike Raabe, the card’s artwork complements the set’s aesthetic, making it a notable entry for collectors of early 2000s Magic products. Collectors often seek this card to complete their set collections or to appreciate its unique mechanical design. Whether you are a seasoned player or a new collector, adding Contagion to your collection offers a piece of Magic history. The card’s ability to exile itself as part of its cost adds an interesting layer of strategy, making it a favorite among those who enjoy complex interactions. Its black mana identity makes it a staple in decks focused on life gain and discard strategies. For those interested in the evolution of Magic design, this card represents a creative approach to spell costs and effects. The 2001 release remains a significant part of the game’s legacy, and Contagion is a key component of that era. Its Uncommon rarity ensures it is accessible while still being a sought-after piece for dedicated collectors. The card’s design and mechanics continue to influence modern Magic strategies, highlighting its lasting impact. Collectors appreciate the card for its historical significance and its unique place in the Deckmasters series. The combination of its visual appeal and gameplay utility makes it a valuable addition to any Magic collection. Whether you are building a set or simply admiring the art, Contagion offers a compelling piece of Magic history.

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Product Specs

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.

Year

2001

Series

Deckmasters

Card Number

#2

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Featured

Contagion

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Uncommon

Artist

Mike Raabe

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{3}{B}{B}

Type

Instant

Color

B

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

You may pay 1 life and exile a black card from your hand rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Distribute two -2/-1 counters among one or two target creatures.

Magic: The Gathering and related names, images, symbols, and marks are trademarks or copyrights of Wizards of the Coast LLC. SuperCatch is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast. Some Magic reference content is unofficial Fan Content under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Full attribution.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mana cost of Contagion in Magic: The Gathering?

Contagion has a mana cost of {3}{B}{B} and a mana value of 5. It is a black Instant card from the 2001 Deckmasters set.

How does the life-pay mechanic work for Contagion?

Players can choose to pay 1 life and exile a black card from their hand instead of paying the mana cost. This provides an alternative way to cast the spell.

What does Contagion do when cast?

When cast, Contagion allows you to distribute two -2/-1 counters among one or two target creatures. This makes it a flexible removal spell for dealing with multiple threats.

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