Ambition's Cost from the 2003 Eighth Edition of Magic: The Gathering. This #118 sorcery offers a strategic trade-off: draw three cards for 3 life.
2003 • Magic: The Gathering • Eighth Edition
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.31 | Guide Estimate | -6.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
Ambition's Cost, card number 118 from the 2003 Eighth Edition of Magic: The Gathering, is a sorcery that defines a classic risk versus reward dynamic. Designed by Junko Taguchi, this card requires a mana cost of {3}{B} and has a mana value of 4. It is a Black-colored spell that allows the player to draw three cards while simultaneously causing them to lose 3 life. The flavor text, "Knowledge demands sacrifice," perfectly encapsulates the card's mechanical identity. In the context of the Eighth Edition, this card represents the fundamental trade-offs available to Black mana users. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards often seek out specific cards from this era to complete their sets or to appreciate the historical design of the game. The Eighth Edition remains a cornerstone for many players, featuring a wide array of spells and creatures that have shaped the game's history. For those building collections, finding this card can be a rewarding experience. The card's design and mechanics have influenced many subsequent releases in the Magic: The Gathering universe. It is a testament to the game's enduring appeal and the strategic depth it offers to players. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, Ambition's Cost is a notable entry in the Eighth Edition catalog. It invites players to consider the value of information versus resources, a theme that resonates throughout the game. The card's presence in the set highlights the diverse strategies available to players, encouraging creative deck building and thoughtful gameplay. As you explore the world of Magic: The Gathering, cards like Ambition's Cost serve as reminders of the game's rich history and the intricate balance of power and consequence.
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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
Ambition's Cost
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Junko Taguchi
Card Stock
English
{3}{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
You draw three cards and you lose 3 life.
"Knowledge demands sacrifice."
FAQ
The mana cost for Ambition's Cost is {3}{B}, requiring three generic mana and one black mana to cast. It has a total mana value of 4.
This sorcery allows you to draw three cards from your library. As a consequence, you must lose 3 life. It is a Black-colored spell.
The artwork for this card in the Eighth Edition was created by Junko Taguchi. The flavor text reflects the card's theme of sacrifice for knowledge.
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