Personal Decoy

Description

Released in 2021 as part of the Mystery Booster Playtest Cards series, this Magic: The Gathering trading card game card represents a fascinating experiment in game design. Identified as card number 96 with the set code CMB2, Personal Decoy introduces a whimsical yet mechanically disruptive element to the game through its Planeswalker — Duck subtype. Created by artist Alison Luhrs, this rare card challenges traditional mana efficiency with a mana cost of {5}{W}{U} and a mana value of 7. The card’s design centers on a protective and life-gaining strategy that fundamentally alters how a player interacts with the board. Upon entering play, Personal Decoy arrives with a number of loyalty counters equal to the controller’s life total, making it exceptionally resilient during the early game. Its most distinct feature is its passive ability to prevent the player from being attacked, effectively granting a temporary state of invulnerability that forces opponents to find alternative ways to deal damage. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, this card is a significant piece of the Mystery Booster Playtest era, which was created to test new ideas for future sets. The card’s ability to gain life and draw cards further enhances its utility, offering a robust defensive toolkit. As a rare variant from the CMB2 set, it holds appeal for those interested in the experimental history of the game’s mechanics. The combination of its unique subtype and powerful defensive effects makes this card a standout item for enthusiasts of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.