The 1995 Fourth Edition Magic: The Gathering Ball Lightning card (#176) is a Rare Elemental creature featuring powerful Trample and Haste mechanics.
Ball Lightning
1995 • Magic: The Gathering • Fourth Edition
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Description
Ball Lightning represents a cornerstone of early Magic: The Gathering design, introduced in the 1995 Fourth Edition set. As card number 176, this Rare Elemental creature is defined by its aggressive stats of 6 power and 1 toughness, balanced by a unique lifecycle mechanic. The card grants both Trample and Haste, allowing it to deal excess damage and attack immediately upon entering the battlefield. However, its high cost and the requirement to sacrifice itself at the end of the turn create a distinct strategic profile that has fascinated collectors and players since its release. Illustrated by Quinton Hoover, the card embodies the classic aesthetic of the Fourth Edition era, making it a recognizable piece for vintage Magic enthusiasts. For collectors building a comprehensive set of Fourth Edition cards, Ball Lightning #176 serves as an essential component of the red mana pool. Its enduring legacy in competitive play and its status as a staple in the game's history make it a highly sought-after item for those documenting the evolution of the trading card game. The combination of its iconic rules text and its place within the foundational Fourth Edition expansion ensures its continued relevance in the collector community.
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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
Ball Lightning
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Quinton Hoover
Card Stock
English
{R}{R}{R}
Creature — Elemental
6 / 1
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Trample (This creature can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.) Haste (This creature can attack and {T} as soon as it comes under your control.) At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice this creature.