The 1997 Portal expansion Plains card (No. 196) from Magic: The Gathering, a foundational Basic Land that provides white mana to fuel spells and strategies.
Plains
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Portal
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Price History
$0.34
Description
The Plains card, numbered 196 in the 1997 Portal set, serves as a fundamental resource in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. As a Basic Land, it offers a reliable way to generate white mana, represented by the symbol {W}, which is essential for casting white-colored spells and activating abilities. This card was designed to be accessible to new players while remaining a staple for experienced collectors building their libraries. Portal was introduced as an entry point into the game, simplifying complex rules to help newcomers understand the mechanics without overwhelming them. The Plains card embodies this design philosophy by providing straightforward utility that every player needs. Douglas Shuler created the artwork for this release, contributing to the visual identity of the Portal set. As a common rarity card, it was widely distributed, making it an attainable piece for those looking to complete their Portal collection or acquire essential land cards for their decks. Collectors often seek out specific cards from the Portal era due to their historical significance in expanding the Magic: The Gathering player base. The Plains card represents the core gameplay loop of the game, where mana generation drives spellcasting and strategic decision-making. Whether you are a long-time fan of the franchise or a new enthusiast exploring the world of trading card games, this card holds a place of importance in the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem. By focusing on the identity and context of each card, we help you build a meaningful collection that reflects your passion for the hobby.
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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.
Featured Subject
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Featured
Plains
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Common
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
Basic Land — Plains
Card Text
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({T}: Add {W}.)




















