This 1995 Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border Marsh Viper (#263) is a classic Magic: The Gathering creature card. Featuring a 4 mana cost and a unique poison counter mechanic, it remains a staple in vintage collecting.
Marsh Viper
1995 • Magic: The Gathering • Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border
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$0.38
Description
The Marsh Viper, identified as card number 263 in the 1995 Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border set, stands as a defining artifact of early Magic: The Gathering history. Released during the game's foundational era, this creature card represents the strategic depth that established the trading card game's enduring legacy. For collectors, owning a piece of this release connects them to the period when complex mechanics and distinct creature types began to shape competitive play. Designed with a mana cost of three green mana and one generic mana, the Marsh Viper enters the battlefield as a 1/2 Snake. While its physical stats are modest, its impact is derived from its triggered ability. Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, that opponent receives two poison counters. The game rules dictate that accumulating ten or more poison counters results in a loss, making this card a potent tool for players looking to win through alternative victory conditions. The card features artwork by Ron Spencer, whose illustrations helped define the aesthetic identity of the Fourth Edition. As a common card, it was printed in large quantities to support the game's massive expansion, yet the foreign black border variant holds a special place in the hearts of vintage enthusiasts. Collectors often seek out these cards to complete their sets or to appreciate the evolution of card design over the decades. The Marsh Viper serves as a reminder of the game's rich history and the innovative ideas that continue to influence modern formats. Whether you are a seasoned collector building a vintage collection or a new player interested in the roots of Magic, the Marsh Viper offers a tangible link to the past. Its straightforward design and unique gameplay mechanic make it a memorable addition to any collection. By acquiring this card, you are preserving a piece of gaming culture that has inspired generations of players and collectors alike.
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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
Marsh Viper
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Ron Spencer
Card Stock
English
{3}{G}
Creature — Snake
1 / 2
G
Card Text
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Whenever this creature deals damage to a player, that player gets two poison counters. (A player with ten or more poison counters loses the game.)














