The Forcefield card from Magic: The Gathering's Limited Edition Alpha is a foundational Rare Artifact that defines early strategic gameplay. Card number 243, created by Dan Frazier, remains a cornerstone for collectors of the original 1993 set.
Forcefield
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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Description
Released in 1993, the Magic: The Gathering Limited Edition Alpha set established the blueprint for the trading card game genre. Among its 295 cards, the Forcefield card (number 243) stands out as a critical defensive tool for players navigating the game's earliest mechanics. As a Rare Artifact, this card requires three generic mana to cast, introducing a unique layer of resource management to the strategic landscape. Designed by Dan Frazier, the Forcefield card serves as a vital defensive asset within the Limited Edition Alpha collection. Its effect allows the controller to prevent all but one point of combat damage from an unblocked creature of their choice. This mechanic provides a unique tactical advantage, allowing players to mitigate significant damage without sacrificing other resources. For collectors, owning a copy of this card means holding a piece of the game's foundational history, as Alpha was the very first printing of Magic: The Gathering. Collecting Magic: The Gathering cards from the Limited Edition Alpha set is a pursuit for dedicated enthusiasts who appreciate the origins of the hobby. The Forcefield card is particularly sought after for its utility and historical significance. As one of the few artifacts in the original set, it offers a distinct gameplay experience that contrasts with the more common lands and creatures. Its status as a Rare card adds to its desirability among those who build complete sets of the original release. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to complete your Alpha collection or a new collector interested in the roots of TCG strategy, the Forcefield card represents a key component of Magic: The Gathering's legacy. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful design, which has influenced card design for decades.
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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
Forcefield
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Dan Frazier
Card Stock
English
{3}
Artifact
Card Text
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{1}: The next time an unblocked creature of your choice would deal combat damage to you this turn, prevent all but 1 of that damage.

















