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Reference artwork · details may differ from this copy
About This Card

The Balancing Act foil card from the 2001 Odyssey set is a Rare white Sorcery that challenges players to equalize their board states. This #10 card offers a unique strategic dynamic for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.

Balancing Act

2001 • Magic: The Gathering • Odyssey

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $19.74
Updated 4 days ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $19.74
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    Guide Estimate
    Trend
    -0.4%
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30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 7, 2026

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.
Product Overview

Description

Printed as a Rare Sorcery with a distinctive foil finish, this card challenges players to rethink their board management and resource allocation during gameplay. Designed by artist Scott M. Fischer, the card carries the Odyssey set code ODY, marking it as a significant piece for enthusiasts of early 2000s Magic: The Gathering releases. At a mana value of four, Balancing Act requires two white mana to cast, fitting seamlessly into decks that prioritize white mana strategies. The card’s effect forces each player to choose a number of permanents they control equal to the amount held by the player with the fewest, requiring the sacrifice of the excess. A similar logic applies to hand management, where players must discard cards to match the lowest hand size among all participants. This unique mechanic creates dramatic shifts in game state, making the card a memorable and versatile tool for collectors who appreciate complex Sorcery interactions. For collectors, the Odyssey set represents a pivotal era in Magic: The Gathering history, and owning the foil version of Balancing Act adds a layer of prestige to any library. The combination of the card’s strategic intrigue, its foil treatment, and its place within the Odyssey framework makes it a sought-after item for those who value both gameplay utility and collectible aesthetics. Whether you are completing the Odyssey set or seeking a unique piece to highlight your Magic: The Gathering collection, this card offers a compelling blend of history and design.

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Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

2001

Series

Odyssey

Card Number

#10

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Rare

Artist

Scott M. Fischer

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Finish

Foil

Mana cost

{2}{W}{W}

Type

Sorcery

Color

W

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Each player chooses a number of permanents they control equal to the number of permanents controlled by the player who controls the fewest, then sacrifices the rest. Each player discards cards the same way.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Balancing Act card do in Magic: The Gathering?

Balancing Act is a white Sorcery that forces each player to equalize their board and hand sizes. Players must sacrifice permanents and discard cards to match the lowest counts among all participants, creating a dramatic shift in game state.

What is the rarity and mana cost of Balancing Act from the Odyssey set?

Balancing Act is a Rare card from the 2001 Odyssey expansion with a mana value of four. It requires two generic mana and two white mana to cast, making it a staple for white mana-based strategies.

Who illustrated the Balancing Act card in the Odyssey set?

The artwork for Balancing Act was created by Scott M. Fischer. His illustration contributes to the distinct visual identity of the Odyssey set, which is highly regarded among Magic: The Gathering collectors.

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