Painful Memories is card number 133 from the 1996 Magic: The Gathering Mirage expansion, featuring a classic uncommon sorcery effect.
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Mirage
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.17 | Guide Estimate | -5.6% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026
Painful Memories, identified as card number 133 in the 1996 Mirage expansion, remains a recognizable piece of Magic: The Gathering history. This uncommon sorcery card introduces a strategic layer of information control, allowing the player to examine an opponent's hand and return a chosen card to the top of their library. The card's design and mechanics reflect the strategic depth that defined the early years of the trading card game, making it a subject of interest for those tracking the evolution of game balance. Released under the MIR set code, this card contributes to the broader narrative of the Mirage block, which explored themes of loss and memory. The inclusion of flavor text by Jolrael adds context to the card's thematic weight, emphasizing the lingering impact of past actions. Collectors often seek out Mirage cards for their historical significance in the format's development. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, Painful Memories represents more than just a gameplay tool; it is a artifact of the 1990s card game boom. Its straightforward yet potent effect has kept it relevant in various casual formats. Whether you are completing a Mirage set or simply appreciate the design of early uncommons, this card offers a glimpse into the foundational strategies of the sport. The card's black mana cost and two mana value make it an accessible inclusion in decks focused on control or disruption. As the market for vintage TCG cards continues to grow, items like Painful Memories serve as tangible links to the game's rich past. Collectors appreciate the clarity of its rules text and the enduring appeal of its mechanical function. By focusing on the card's identity and role within the Mirage set, collectors can better understand its place in the broader ecosystem of Magic: The Gathering.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Painful Memories
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
John Coulthart
Card Stock
English
{1}{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Look at target opponent's hand and choose a card from it. Put that card on top of that player's library.
"It is terrible how one brief action can live forever in memory." —Jolrael
FAQ
Painful Memories is a sorcery that allows you to look at a target opponent's hand and put one card from it on top of their library. This effect provides information and disrupts the opponent's resources without destroying the card.
Painful Memories is card number 133 from the Mirage expansion, released in 1996. It is printed as an uncommon card within the set, indicated by the silver border or symbol depending on the specific printing.
The original art for Painful Memories was created by John Coulthart, whose work helped define the visual style of the Mirage block. The card features flavor text attributed to Jolrael, adding to its lore context.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
