Throat Wolf

Description

Throat Wolf, card number 65 in the 2019 Mystery Booster Playtest Cards (CMB1), represents one of the most experimental designs in Magic: The Gathering history. Created for internal playtesting, this rare card was never intended for official distribution, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors who appreciate the innovative mechanics developed behind the scenes of Wizards of the Coast. The card is a red Summon Wolf with a mana cost of three, featuring a power and toughness of 3/1. The gameplay mechanics of Throat Wolf are distinct from standard creature cards. It allows the player to cast the wolf during an opponent's combat phase, offering a reactive defensive option. The card also possesses first strike, ensuring it deals damage before other creatures in combat. Its most defining feature is the ability to trigger an additional combat phase after each opponent's first combat phase of the turn. Crucially, only Throat Wolf itself can attack during this extra phase, creating a unique strategic loop that tests the boundaries of the game's turn structure. For collectors, this card serves as a tangible link to the development process of future sets. The card, illustrated by Sam Stoddard, is a valuable addition to any collection focused on experimental Magic: The Gathering items or rare playtest cards.