Detonate, card number 30 from Magic: The Gathering's foundational 1996 Introductory Two-Player Set, designed to introduce new players to the game's strategic depth.
Detonate
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Introductory Two-Player Set
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Description
Released in 1996 as part of the Introductory Two-Player Set, Detonate serves as a fundamental example of early Magic: The Gathering design philosophy. This card, numbered 30 in the set, is classified as an Uncommon Sorcery featuring the distinctive red mana cost of {X}{R}. Designed for players seeking to control the board state, the card allows the caster to destroy a target artifact with mana value X, preventing regeneration while dealing equal damage to its controller. This dual effect highlights the aggressive nature of the Red color identity during the game's formative years. For collectors, this product represents a tangible link to the hobby's origins. The Introductory Two-Player Set was instrumental in bringing Magic: The Gathering to a wider audience, offering streamlined rules and accessible mechanics. Detonate remains a notable inclusion for enthusiasts of vintage card games, particularly those interested in the evolution of artifact removal spells. As a piece of trading card history, it appeals to those who value the structural foundations of the game over time. Completing a set of Introductory Two-Player Set cards offers a comprehensive look at how early designers balanced power and accessibility. Whether you are a historian of the genre or a collector of classic fantasy themes, this card provides insight into the strategic possibilities available in 1996.
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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
Detonate
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Randy Asplund-Faith
Card Stock
English
{X}{R}
Sorcery
R
Card Text
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Destroy target artifact with mana value X. It can't be regenerated. Detonate deals X damage to that artifact's controller.
