The 1996 Mirage set with Choking Sands, card number 113. This common sorcery destroys non-Swamp lands and deals damage to the controller, defining early Magic strategy.
Choking Sands
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Mirage
No Listings Available
No listings available right now.
Price History
$0.30
Description
Released in 1996 as part of the Mirage expansion, Choking Sands (card number 113) stands as a fundamental black sorcery from Magic: The Gathering’s early history. Designed with a mana cost of {1}{B}{B}, this common card offers a powerful disruption tool that has influenced gameplay for decades. The card’s text box instructs players to destroy a target non-Swamp land; if that land is nonbasic, it deals 2 damage to its controller. This mechanic made the card a versatile answer to land-based strategies during the format's foundational years. Collectors value this card not just for its utility, but for its place in the Mirage set’s legacy. While Choking Sands is a common rarity, its impact on competitive play during the era ensures it remains a recognizable piece of trading card game history. For enthusiasts of the Mirage era, acquiring this card adds a tangible connection to the strategic evolution of the game. Whether you are building a collection of vintage Magic: The Gathering cards or researching the mechanics that shaped early tournaments, Choking Sands represents a key moment in the franchise's development. Its straightforward yet effective design reflects the straightforward power level of early sets, making it an essential study for new players and a nostalgic artifact for veterans. The card’s enduring presence in discussions about land destruction highlights its significance beyond its printed rules text. Adding this Mirage release to your collection supports the preservation of gaming history and connects you to the community of collectors who appreciate the depth of Magic's earliest expansions.
Have one of these to sell?
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
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
Choking Sands
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Roger Raupp
Card Stock
English
{1}{B}{B}
Sorcery
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Destroy target non-Swamp land. If that land was nonbasic, Choking Sands deals 2 damage to the land's controller.
"The people wiped the sand from their eyes and cursed—and left the barren land to the hyenas and vipers." —Afari, *Tales*












