Manabarbs is a rare enchantment card from the 1994 Foreign Black Border expansion of Magic: The Gathering. Card number 165 in the set, it offers collectors a glimpse into the strategic depth of the game's earliest design era.
Manabarbs
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Foreign Black Border
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Description
Released in 1994, Manabarbs holds a distinct place in the history of Magic: The Gathering as part of the Foreign Black Border set. As card number 165, this enchantment card represents the intricate mechanical designs that defined the game's foundational years. The card carries a rare rarity status, making it a significant item for enthusiasts tracing the evolution of the trading card game. Its mana cost of {3}{R} and mana value of 4 reflect the resource management strategies central to early gameplay. The card’s mechanical identity centers on a unique interaction with the game’s core resource system. Whenever a player taps a land for mana, this enchantment deals 1 damage to that player. This effect creates a high-risk, high-reward dynamic that challenges players to balance their offensive capabilities with their own resource generation. For collectors, Manabarbs offers more than just gameplay utility; it serves as a tangible link to the creative experimentation of the game's first year. Collectors often seek out Manabarbs for various reasons. Some are drawn to its role in the early meta, while others appreciate its status as a rare enchantment from a pivotal expansion. The card’s red color identity and its ability to interact with land tapping make it a memorable piece of TCG history. Whether you are building a collection of early Magic cards or focusing on specific enchantment types, Manabarbs provides a compelling addition. Its presence in the Foreign Black Border set underscores the complexity and creativity that have always characterized Magic: The Gathering. For those interested in the strategic roots of the game, this card offers a fascinating look at how early designers approached mana manipulation and player interaction. The enduring appeal of Manabarbs lies in its mechanical ingenuity and its status as a piece of gaming heritage.
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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
Manabarbs
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Christopher Rush
Card Stock
English
{3}{R}
Enchantment
R
Card Text
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Whenever a player taps a land for mana, this enchantment deals 1 damage to that player.




















