Word of Command (Card 137), a rare 1993 Magic: The Gathering card from the International Collectors' Edition, featuring unique hand-control mechanics.
Word of Command
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Intl. Collectors' Edition
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Description
Word of Command, numbered 137, is a rare Instant card from the 1993 International Collectors' Edition of Magic: The Gathering. This vintage release holds significant appeal for collectors of early TCG history and players seeking powerful control effects. The card was illustrated by Jesper Myrfors, whose artwork defines the aesthetic of this foundational era in trading card gaming. Mechanically, Word of Command offers a strategic advantage by allowing the controller to look at an opponent's hand and choose a specific card. The player then controls that opponent until the spell resolves, forcing them to play the chosen card if able. This creates a unique dynamic where the caster dictates the board state through the opponent's resources. While the opponent is controlled, they may only activate mana abilities from lands they control, and the produced mana must be spent on other mana abilities or playing the chosen card. If the card is cast as a spell, control persists during its resolution. As a piece of Magic: The Gathering history, this card represents the complex design philosophy of the game's early years. Collectors often seek out International Collectors' Edition cards for their distinct packaging and historical value. Word of Command stands out for its potent interaction capabilities, making it a memorable inclusion in vintage collections. For investors and hobbyists alike, owning a piece of the 1993 release connects them to the origins of competitive Magic. The card’s ability to manipulate an opponent's decisions makes it a fascinating subject for both gameplay analysis and historical appreciation.
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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
Word of Command
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Jesper Myrfors
Card Stock
English
{B}{B}
Instant
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Look at target opponent's hand and choose a card from it. You control that player until Word of Command finishes resolving. The player plays that card if able. While doing so, the player can activate mana abilities only if they're from lands that player controls and only if mana they produce is spent to activate other mana abilities of lands the player controls and/or to play that card. If the chosen card is cast as a spell, you control the player while that spell is resolving.
