The 2003 Mirrodin foil Thought Prison card is a sought-after uncommon artifact that tests opponent decision-making through its unique exile and damage mechanics.
2003 • Magic: The Gathering • Mirrodin
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$1.10 | Guide Estimate | +8.9% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 31, 2026
Thought Prison, card number 261 from the 2003 Mirrodin set, is a distinctive artifact that challenges opponents to navigate difficult strategic choices. As an uncommon foil release in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, this card is defined by its ability to disrupt opposing hands while threatening damage based on spell similarities. The design emphasizes the card's mechanical depth, making it a memorable piece for enthusiasts of the Mirrodin era. The artifact's rules focus on hand disruption and reactive damage. When played, it allows the controller to reveal an opponent's hand and exile a nonland card. Subsequently, if any player casts a spell sharing a color or mana value with the exiled card, the artifact deals two damage to that player. This interplay creates a dynamic environment where players must weigh the risk of holding powerful spells against the potential for accumulating damage. Such mechanics are central to the strategic identity of the Mirrodin expansion, where artifacts played a dominant role in gameplay. The foil finish adds a layer of visual appeal that distinguishes it from the standard print, making it a desirable addition for those building comprehensive Mirrodin collections or focusing on artifact-themed decks. For investors and hobbyists, Thought Prison represents a tangible piece of Magic: The Gathering history. Its unique mechanics have kept it relevant in casual and constructed formats, ensuring continued interest among players.
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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
Thought Prison
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Glen Angus
Card Stock
English
Foil
{5}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Imprint — When this artifact enters, you may have target player reveal their hand. If you do, choose a nonland card from it and exile that card. Whenever a player casts a spell that shares a color or mana value with the exiled card, this artifact deals 2 damage to that player.
FAQ
Thought Prison is unique because it exiles a card from an opponent's hand and then deals damage whenever a spell matching that card's color or mana value is cast. This creates a persistent threat that punishes opponents for playing similar spells later in the game.
As an uncommon card, the foil version is not the rarest parallel but is highly sought after for its finish and mechanical design. It represents a key part of the Mirrodin set's artifact-heavy theme.
The exile mechanic removes a card from the opponent's hand permanently, denying them resources. The subsequent damage clause adds pressure, forcing opponents to consider the mana value and color of their spells carefully.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
