The 1993 Limited Edition Beta Drain Life card, a foundational black sorcery from Magic: The Gathering. This catalog entry covers the original LEB release featuring art by Douglas Shuler.
Drain Life
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Beta
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Description
Drain Life stands as a cornerstone of early Magic: The Gathering strategy, originating from the historic 1993 Limited Edition Beta set. Identified by card number 106 and the LEB set code, this black sorcery has defined the mana efficiency of the color for decades. The card features artwork by Douglas Shuler, capturing the aesthetic of the original release that launched the trading card game phenomenon. Players utilize Drain Life to deal X damage to any target while gaining an equal amount of life, capped by the target's life total, loyalty, or toughness. This mechanic makes it a versatile tool for controlling the board and sustaining resource advantage. As a common card in the Limited Edition Beta set, it represents the accessible yet powerful design philosophy of the era. Collectors often seek this card to complete their Limited Edition Beta collection or to appreciate the foundational mechanics of the game. The Limited Edition Beta release remains a significant milestone in gaming history, and cards like Drain Life illustrate the strategic depth present from the very beginning. Its enduring presence in various formats highlights its lasting impact on the Magic: The Gathering community. Whether you are a historian of the game or a casual player, understanding the role of this 1993 release provides insight into the evolution of card design.
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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
Drain Life
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Common
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{X}{1}{B}
Sorcery
B
Card Text
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Spend only black mana on X. Drain Life deals X damage to any target. You gain life equal to the damage dealt, but not more life than the player's life total before the damage was dealt, the planeswalker's loyalty before the damage was dealt, or the creature's toughness.