The Brainwash card from Magic: The Gathering's Fifth Edition, a 1997 release featuring a white Enchantment-Aura that limits an opponent's creature attacks.
Brainwash
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.19 | Guide Estimate | +5.6% | ||
- $0.19
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +5.6%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 10, 2026
Description
The Brainwash card, identified as number 13 in the Fifth Edition set, stands as a notable white mana enchantment within the 1997 Magic: The Gathering release. This Aura allows a player to attach it to a creature, imposing a strategic restriction that prevents the enchanted unit from attacking unless its controller pays a specific mana cost. This mechanic introduces a layer of tactical depth, forcing opponents to make difficult resource management decisions during the game. Released in 1997, Fifth Edition remains a cornerstone for collectors who appreciate the early design language of the game. The card features artwork by Terese Nielsen, whose distinctive style is celebrated among enthusiasts of the era. For collectors focusing on vintage Magic: The Gathering, this card offers a tangible connection to a pivotal time in the trading card game's history. Completing a set from this era requires acquiring every card, including commons like Brainwash, making it an essential piece for dedicated set builders. The card’s design emphasizes its role as a control element, reflecting the strategic balance that defined early Magic gameplay. As an Aura, it attaches to a target creature, altering its behavior on the battlefield. This interaction between player and opponent is central to the appeal of vintage TCG collecting. Enthusiasts often seek out Fifth Edition cards not just for their gameplay utility, but for their historical significance in the evolution of the hobby. Whether you are expanding a personal collection or curating a display of classic Magic artifacts, this card provides a clear example of the game’s foundational mechanics. The enduring popularity of Fifth Edition ensures that cards like Brainwash remain relevant topics of discussion and collection for players and historians alike.
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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
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Featured
Brainwash
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Common
Terese Nielsen
Card Stock
English
{W}
Enchantment — Aura
W
Card Text
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Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't attack unless its controller pays {3}.
"They're not your friends; they despise you. I'm the only one you can count on. Trust me."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of card is Brainwash in Magic: The Gathering?
Brainwash is a white Enchantment-Aura card from the Fifth Edition set. As an Aura, it attaches to a target creature and applies a continuous effect to that unit.
What is the effect of the Brainwash card?
The card restricts the enchanted creature from attacking unless its controller pays an additional mana cost. This mechanic forces opponents to allocate resources to overcome the restriction.
Who illustrated the Brainwash card from Fifth Edition?
The artwork for the Brainwash card in the 1997 Fifth Edition set was created by Terese Nielsen, a prominent artist known for her contributions to early Magic: The Gathering cards.
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