# 2009 Magic: The Gathering Masters Edition III #163

> The 2009 Masters Edition III release of Nicol Bolas (#163) is a rare Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon known for its complex mana cost and hand-discarding effect.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-masters-edition-iii-nicol-bolas-163

## Identity

- **Year**: 2009
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Masters Edition III
- **Card number**: #163
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Nicol Bolas, the iconic Elder Dragon from the Magic: The Gathering universe, makes a striking appearance as card number 163 in the 2009 Masters Edition III set. This card is classified as a Rare and features the distinctive design elements typical of the Masters series, which often revisits powerful cards from earlier eras of the game. From a gameplay perspective, Nicol Bolas is a formidable presence on the battlefield. With a mana value of eight and a complex mana cost of {2}{U}{B}{R}, this card requires significant resource investment to cast. Once in play, it boasts a powerful 7/7 body and the Flying ability, allowing it to evade many common removal strategies. The card’s most distinctive feature is its upkeep trigger: at the beginning of your turn, you must sacrifice Nicol Bolas unless you pay {U}{B}{R}. This mechanic encourages strategic deck-building, as players must balance the card’s immense power with the ongoing resource drain. Another key aspect of Nicol Bolas is its triggered ability. Whenever this card deals damage to an opponent, that player must discard their hand. This effect can be devastating in the right circumstances, potentially wiping out an opponent’s resources and turning the tide of a match. The card’s color identity spans Blue, Black, and Red, reflecting its multifaceted nature and the diverse strategies it can support. For collectors, this card from Masters Edition III is a testament to the enduring appeal of Nicol Bolas. The 2009 release offers a nostalgic look at one of Magic’s most famous villains, captured in a format that appeals to both veteran players and new collectors. Whether you are building a competitive deck or adding to your collection of legendary dragons, this card represents a significant piece of Magic: The Gathering history.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Nicol Bolas in Masters Edition III?

The mana cost for this card is {2}{U}{B}{R}, totaling eight mana. This complex cost reflects the card's high mana value and powerful abilities, requiring players to manage their resources carefully to cast it.

### What does the Nicol Bolas card do in Magic: The Gathering?

Nicol Bolas is a Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon with 7/7 power and toughness. It has Flying and two triggered abilities: one that forces you to sacrifice it unless you pay {U}{B}{R} during your upkeep, and another that causes opponents to discard their hand when it deals damage to them.

### Who illustrated the Nicol Bolas card from Masters Edition III?

The illustration for this card was created by Edward P.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.