The history of Contract from Below, a rare 1993 Limited Edition Alpha card. This iconic Sorcery features unique ante rules from Magic: The Gathering's first set.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
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$2,299.99 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
Contract from Below stands as a significant artifact in the history of Magic: The Gathering, originating from the Limited Edition Alpha set released in 1993. As card number 96, this rare Sorcery card is defined by its distinctive mana cost and a unique gameplay mechanic that set it apart from other cards in the early game. The card requires a single black mana to cast and allows the player to discard their hand, ante the top card of their library, and then draw seven new cards. This ante mechanic was a defining feature of the game's early years, introducing a high-risk, high-reward element that has since been removed from standard formats. For collectors, Limited Edition Alpha cards hold a special place in the hobby as the foundation of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Contract from Below, with its specific card number and rare status, appeals to enthusiasts who value the game's origins and the evolution of its rules. The card's identity as a Sorcery with a mana value of one makes it a notable piece for those interested in the strategic depth of the early game. Whether you are a historian of the game or a collector of vintage trading cards, this card offers a tangible connection to the 1993 release that started it all. Its presence in the Limited Edition Alpha set underscores its role in the game's legacy, making it a subject of interest for those tracking the development of Magic: The Gathering. The card's unique rules text and historical context make it a valuable addition to any collection focused on the early era of the trading card game.
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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
Contract from Below
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Remove this card from your deck before playing if you're not playing for ante. Discard your hand, ante the top card of your library, then draw seven cards.
FAQ
The mana cost for Contract from Below is one black mana. This low mana value makes it accessible early in a game, fitting its role as a powerful Sorcery in the Limited Edition Alpha set.
The ante mechanic allows a player to discard their hand, ante the top card of their library, and then draw seven cards. This unique rule was specific to early Magic: The Gathering formats and is a key part of the card's historical identity.
Limited Edition Alpha is significant because it was the first set of Magic: The Gathering released in 1993. Cards from this set, like Contract from Below, are highly valued for their historical importance and role in establishing the trading card game.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
