The 1994 Magic: The Gathering Foreign Black Border Rock Hydra (Card #173), a Rare creature card featuring unique mana cost and rules text.
Rock Hydra
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Foreign Black Border
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Description
Rock Hydra is a distinct Rare creature card from the 1994 Magic: The Gathering Foreign Black Border set, identified by card number 173. Designed by artist Jeff A. Menges, this card represents a foundational element of the original Magic: The Gathering collection. As a Red mana creature with the Hydra subtype, it features a unique mana cost of {X}{R}{R} and enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters placed on it. The card's mechanics allow it to grow significantly in power and toughness depending on the value of X chosen during casting. Its defensive rules text provides a clever interaction where damage is prevented by removing +1/+1 counters instead of being blocked or countered directly. Additionally, it includes activated abilities that let players prevent damage or add counters during their upkeep by paying Red mana. This combination of scaling power and defensive utility makes it a memorable piece for TCG enthusiasts. Whether you are building a comprehensive collection of original Magic: The Gathering cards or seeking out specific Rare creatures from the 1994 era, this card offers a glimpse into the game's early design philosophy. The Foreign Black Border series remains a cornerstone for collectors interested in the history and evolution of trading card games. By focusing on the catalog identity of this card, collectors can verify its authenticity and place within the broader set structure without relying on condition or grading variables.
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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
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Rock Hydra
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Jeff A. Menges
Card Stock
English
{X}{R}{R}
Creature — Hydra
0 / 0
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
This creature enters with X +1/+1 counters on it. For each 1 damage that would be dealt to this creature, if it has a +1/+1 counter on it, remove a +1/+1 counter from it and prevent that 1 damage. {R}: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to this creature this turn. {R}{R}{R}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Activate only during your upkeep.
