The legacy of Word of Command (LEA 136), a pivotal rare card from the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set that helped define Magic: The Gathering's strategic depth.
Word of Command
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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Description
Released in 1993, Word of Command (card number 136) stands as a defining artifact within the Limited Edition Alpha set, Magic: The Gathering's foundational release. Designed by Jesper Myrfors, this rare instant card carries the historical weight of the game's first print run, making it a significant piece for enthusiasts tracking the evolution of collectible card games. The card's identity is anchored in its black mana cost of {B}{B}, offering a powerful control mechanic that allows the controller to look at an opponent's hand and force them to play a chosen card. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards, the Limited Edition Alpha subset represents the pinnacle of vintage collecting. Word of Command is not just a functional card but a historical marker, illustrating the early design philosophy where direct interaction and manipulation of opponent resources created intense gameplay moments. As a rare card, it holds a distinct place in the set's hierarchy, often sought after by those who appreciate the raw, unpolished aesthetic of the original 302-card base set. The strategic utility of Word of Command lies in its ability to disrupt an opponent's planning while forcing a specific play. By controlling the target player during the resolution, the card ensures the chosen card is played under duress, often turning the tide of a match. This mechanical design is characteristic of the early era, prioritizing high-impact, high-risk interactions that defined the competitive landscape of the time. Collectors value this card not only for its nostalgia but for its role in establishing the strategic frameworks that Magic: The Gathering is known for today. Whether you are building a vintage collection or studying the game's history, Word of Command offers a tangible connection to the origins of the hobby. Its presence in the Limited Edition Alpha set underscores the importance of rare cards in driving collector interest and community engagement. For investors and hobbyists alike, understanding the context of this 1993 release provides deeper appreciation for the game's enduring legacy.
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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
Word of Command
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Jesper Myrfors
Card Stock
English
{B}{B}
Instant
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Look at target opponent's hand and choose a card from it. You control that player until Word of Command finishes resolving. The player plays that card if able. While doing so, the player can activate mana abilities only if they're from lands that player controls and only if mana they produce is spent to activate other mana abilities of lands the player controls and/or to play that card. If the chosen card is cast as a spell, you control the player while that spell is resolving.
