# 1994 Magic: The Gathering Foreign Black Border #173

> The 1994 Magic: The Gathering Foreign Black Border Rock Hydra (Card #173), a Rare creature card featuring unique mana cost and rules text.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1994
- **Brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set**: Foreign Black Border
- **Card Number**: 173
- **Featured**: Rock Hydra
- **Game**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Rarity**: Rare
- **Mana cost**: {X}{R}{R}
- **Type**: Creature — Hydra
- **Power / Toughness**: 0 / 0
- **Color**: R
- **Language**: French
- **Material**: Card Stock
- **Finish**: Normal

## 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.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Rock Hydra in Magic: The Gathering?

Rock Hydra has a mana cost of {X}{R}{R}, meaning it requires one generic mana, two Red mana, and an additional X amount of any mana to cast.

### Who illustrated the Rock Hydra card in the Foreign Black Border set?

The artist Jeff A. Menges created the illustration for Rock Hydra in the 1994 Foreign Black Border set.

### How does Rock Hydra's rules text work?

Rock Hydra enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it and can prevent damage by removing those counters or by paying Red mana to prevent the next instance of damage.

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Editorial content updated: 2026-09-27.

Site deployment: 2025-11-29.