The 1996 Mirage expansion features Political Trickery as a rare blue sorcery with a unique land-exchange effect.
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Mirage
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Raw / Ungraded
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Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.Political Trickery, numbered 81 in the Mirage expansion, is a distinct artifact from the 1996 release of Magic: The Gathering. Issued as a rare card, this blue sorcery offers a strategic mechanic that allows players to swap control of a land they control with one an opponent possesses. This unique interaction creates dynamic board states, making it a memorable inclusion for enthusiasts of the early game era. Illustrated by Scott Kirschner, the card is identified by the set code MIR and remains a notable piece for those studying the strategic depth of the Mirage block. Collectors often seek out Mirage cards to complete their sets or to appreciate the foundational design of the game. Political Trickery stands out due to its straightforward yet impactful gameplay, requiring careful planning to execute effectively. The card’s mana cost of {2}{U} reflects its utility in blue-centric decks, providing a tactical advantage without excessive resource investment. As a piece of TCG history, it represents the innovative mechanics introduced during the game's second major expansion. For investors and hobbyists alike, Mirage cards hold significant nostalgic value. The set’s release in 1996 marked a pivotal moment in the trading card game’s evolution, introducing new themes and gameplay possibilities. Political Trickery, with its specific card number and rare designation, serves as a key reference point for understanding the strategic landscape of that time. Whether used for collection purposes or casual play, this card remains a relevant and interesting component for any Magic: The Gathering enthusiast looking to explore the game’s rich history and strategic diversity.
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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
Political Trickery
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Scott Kirschner
Card Stock
English
{2}{U}
Sorcery
U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Exchange control of target land you control and target land an opponent controls. (This effect lasts indefinitely.)
"Politics is a game—move a stone here, move a stone there—except sometimes the stones bleed." —Shauku, Endbringer
FAQ
Political Trickery has a mana cost of {2}{U}, requiring two generic mana and one blue mana to cast. This gives it a mana value of 3, making it accessible in the early to mid-game phases of Magic: The Gathering.
This rare sorcery allows you to exchange control of a land you control with a target land an opponent controls. The effect lasts indefinitely, providing a persistent strategic advantage by disrupting the opponent's resource base.
The Mirage expansion was released in 1996 as the second set in the Mirage Block. It introduced new mechanics and themes to Magic: The Gathering, expanding the game's strategic depth and lore.
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