Cruel Tutor

Description

Released in 1997 as part of the Portal set, Cruel Tutor (Card #87) remains a distinctive fixture in Magic: The Gathering history. Designed as an accessible entry point into the game, this rare sorcery card offers a powerful resource advantage that has appealed to collectors and players for decades. The card features artwork by Kev Walker, bringing visual depth to one of the game's most efficient tutoring effects. Mechanically, Cruel Tutor provides a unique strategic choice. For a mana cost of {2}{B}, players can search their library for any card and place it on top after shuffling. This effect is balanced by a life total deduction of 2, introducing a tangible risk to the decision. This "cruel" trade-off encourages careful consideration, making it a memorable piece of design from the late 1990s. The flavor text, "The more you pay for the lesson, the better you'll remember it," perfectly encapsulates the card's thematic identity. Collecting Magic: The Gathering trading cards involves appreciating the evolution of game mechanics and set design. As a rare card, it holds a specific place in the Portal checklist, identified by its set code POR and card number 87. For those building a comprehensive collection of 1990s Magic cards, this sorcery represents a key component of the era's design philosophy. Whether you are a long-time veteran or a new collector exploring the game's roots, adding Cruel Tutor to your inventory connects you to a foundational moment in trading card game history. The card's enduring presence in various formats highlights its lasting utility and cultural significance within the Magic community.