The 2000 Magic: The Gathering Invasion set with this foil version of card number 154, Mages' Contest. A distinctive red instant featuring Bradley Williams' art and strategic life-bidding gameplay.
2000 • Magic: The Gathering • Invasion
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$87.50 | Guide Estimate | -2.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 1, 2026
Released in 2000 as part of the Invasion expansion, Magic: The Gathering card number 154, Mages' Contest, stands out as a powerful red instant. This card, illustrated by Bradley Williams, introduces a unique interactive mechanic that requires players to engage in a life-bidding war to counter a target spell. The foil treatment adds significant visual appeal, making it a desirable addition for collectors seeking the complete set of rare cards from this era. The gameplay of Mages' Contest is complex and engaging. Players start with a bid of 1 life and take turns increasing the bid in turn order. The high bidder loses the amount of life they bid but successfully counters the target spell. This dynamic creates tense moments during gameplay, making it a memorable card for both new and veteran players. The card's red mana cost and instant speed allow for strategic timing, fitting perfectly into aggressive or control-based decks. The foil version of Mages' Contest, with its shimmering finish, enhances its collectibility. It is not just a game piece but a piece of Magic: The Gathering history, representing the evolution of card mechanics and design. Enthusiasts often seek out specific cards like this to complete their Invasion collections or to appreciate the artistic and mechanical innovations of the early 2000s. Whether you are looking to add a strategic tool to your deck or a valuable piece to your collection, the 2000 Magic: The Gathering Invasion Mages' Contest foil is a compelling choice. Its combination of unique gameplay, stunning foil finish, and historical significance makes it a standout card in the TCG community.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Mages' Contest
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Bradley Williams
Card Stock
English
Foil
{1}{R}{R}
Instant
R
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
You and target spell's controller bid life. You start the bidding with a bid of 1. In turn order, each player may top the high bid. The bidding ends if the high bid stands. The high bidder loses life equal to the high bid. If you win the bidding, counter that spell.
FAQ
Mages' Contest allows you to counter a target spell by engaging in a life-bidding war. You and the spell's controller bid life, starting at 1, with the high bidder losing that amount of life but countering the spell.
Collectors seek the foil version of Mages' Contest for its enhanced visual appeal and its status as a rare card within the Invasion set. The foil treatment adds a layer of prestige and rarity that appeals to dedicated TCG enthusiasts.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
