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About This Card

The 1999 Mercadian Masques release of Food Chain (#246), a rare green enchantment in Magic: The Gathering known for its unique resource generation mechanics.

Food Chain

1999 • Magic: The Gathering • Mercadian Masques

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $52.33
Updated about 10 hours ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $52.33
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    Guide Estimate
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Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 11, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

Food Chain stands out as one of the most mechanically distinctive cards in the Magic: The Gathering universe. Released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques set, this rare green enchantment (card number 246) has secured a lasting legacy among TCG enthusiasts. Unlike standard mana sources, it offers a dynamic way to generate resources by exiling creatures you control, adding mana equal to their mana value plus one. This unique interaction allows players to cast expensive creature spells with surprising efficiency, making it a fascinating subject for both gameplay analysis and card collecting. Designed by Val Mayerik, the card embodies the strategic depth that defined the late 1990s era of Magic: The Gathering. Collectors often seek out this card not just for its utility, but for its historical significance within the game's evolution. It serves as a key piece for those interested in the history of card design and the development of resource management strategies in trading card games. The Mercadian Masques set provides a rich tapestry of cards that appeal to completists and thematic collectors alike. Food Chain, with its bold red foil treatment and clear rules text, remains a staple for those looking to add a piece of gaming history to their collection. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, exploring the intricacies of cards like Food Chain offers a deep dive into the art and strategy of Magic: The Gathering. The card's enduring popularity is a testament to its clever design and the creativity of the Mercadian Masques era.

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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.

Year

1999

Series

Mercadian Masques

Card Number

#246

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Featured

Food Chain

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Rare

Artist

Val Mayerik

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{2}{G}

Type

Enchantment

Color

G

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Exile a creature you control: Add X mana of any one color, where X is 1 plus the exiled creature's mana value. Spend this mana only to cast creature spells.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mana cost of Food Chain in Magic: The Gathering?

Food Chain has a mana cost of {2}{G}, requiring two generic mana and one green mana to cast. It is a green enchantment with a mana value of three.

How does the Food Chain card mechanic work?

The card allows you to exile a creature you control to add an amount of mana of any one color equal to that creature's mana value plus one. This mana can only be spent to cast creature spells.

Which set is Food Chain from in Magic: The Gathering?

Food Chain was released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques set. It is card number 246 and is printed as a Rare with the set code MMQ.

Cards Named Food Chain

Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.