The history of Power Surge, card #167 from Magic: The Gathering's Limited Edition Alpha. This 1993 Rare Enchantment offers a unique gameplay mechanic for TCG collectors.
Power Surge
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
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$578.27 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
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30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 21, 2026
Description
Power Surge, designated as card number 167 in Magic: The Gathering's Limited Edition Alpha, represents a pivotal moment in the history of the trading card game. Released in 1993, this set established the foundational rules and aesthetic that defined the genre. As a Rare card, Power Surge holds a distinct place in the early catalog, offering collectors a tangible connection to the game's inception. This card is classified as an Enchantment with a mana cost of {R}{R}. Its gameplay function is both aggressive and strategic: at the beginning of each player's upkeep, it deals damage equal to the number of untapped lands controlled by that player. This mechanic was integral to the early meta, rewarding players who had successfully established their resource base. The card's design reflects the bold, fantastical style characteristic of the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha release. For serious collectors, owning a piece of Limited Edition Alpha is about preserving the legacy of the first magic card set. While the card's primary value lies in its historical significance as part of the Alpha set, its unique rules text makes it a fascinating subject for analysis and study. Whether you are building a comprehensive set of Alpha cards or focusing on iconic enchantments, Power Surge is a cornerstone of the collection. The Limited Edition Alpha remains a benchmark for quality and rarity in the trading card industry, making cards like Power Surge highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the origins of the hobby.
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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
Power Surge
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{R}{R}
Enchantment
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals X damage to that player, where X is the number of untapped lands they controlled at the beginning of this turn.










