A classic blue instant from the 1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition set, featuring card number 88 and artwork by John Matson.
Force Spike
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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Description
Force Spike is a staple instant card from the 1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition release, identified as card number 88 in the core set. Created by artist John Matson, this blue common instant allows players to counter an opponent's spell by paying one mana, making it a fundamental defensive tool in the game's early history. As a foundational piece of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, this card represents the strategic simplicity and depth that defined the format during the late 1990s. Collectors often seek out Fifth Edition cards for their nostalgic value and their role in the evolution of the game's mechanics. The card's straightforward interaction and iconic status make it a significant item for those interested in the history of the game. Whether building a vintage collection or appreciating the game's design history, Force Spike remains a recognizable and important component of the Fifth Edition roster. Its presence in the set highlights the balance between offense and defense that is central to Magic gameplay.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Force Spike
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Common
John Matson
Card Stock
English
{U}
Instant
U
Card Text
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Counter target spell unless its controller pays {1}.
"Unknown spears / Suddenly hurtle before my dream-awakened eyes . . . ." —William Butler Yeats, "The Valley of the Black Pig"
