Ambition's Cost is a rare sorcery from the 1999 Portal Three Kingdoms expansion, featuring a unique theme and strategic gameplay mechanics.
1999 • Magic: The Gathering • Portal Three Kingdoms
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$18.61 | Guide Estimate | +2.3% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 4, 2026
Ambition's Cost, designated as card number 67 in the Portal Three Kingdoms set, is a rare sorcery card from the 1999 Magic: The Gathering release. Designed for the game's black mana color identity, this card offers a powerful strategic option for players seeking card advantage. The card's effect allows the controller to draw three cards while simultaneously losing three life, creating a high-risk, high-reward dynamic that defines its gameplay utility. The Portal Three Kingdoms set, identified by the set code PTK, stands out in Magic history for its simplified rules and thematic focus on the classic Chinese novel. This context gives Ambition's Cost a distinct flavor, enhanced by flavor text attributed to the historical figure Cao Cao. The card was illustrated by Junko Taguchi, whose artwork contributes to the set's unique aesthetic appeal. Collectors often seek this card not only for its mechanical function in casual play but also for its representation of a specific era in the game's development. As a rare card, Ambition's Cost holds a place of interest for those completing the Portal Three Kingdoms checklist. The card's mana cost of {3}{B} and mana value of 4 make it a consistent inclusion in black-based decks that prioritize drawing power. Its straightforward sorcery timing allows for flexible usage during the player's main phase. Whether used for its strategic depth or as a collectible piece of Magic history, Ambition's Cost remains a notable entry in the Portal Three Kingdoms collection., enthusiasts can find this card as part of a diverse selection of vintage trading cards. The platform caters to collectors who appreciate the historical significance and gameplay mechanics of early Magic expansions. By focusing on the card's identity and set context, collectors can build a comprehensive understanding of its role in the game's rich tapestry.
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The core identity of the card within the set.
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Featured
Ambition's Cost
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Junko Taguchi
Card Stock
English
{3}{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
You draw three cards and you lose 3 life.
"When you give offense to heaven, to whom can you pray?" —Cao Cao, quoting Confucius
FAQ
Ambition's Cost is a sorcery that allows the player to draw three cards from their library but causes them to lose three life. This effect provides significant card advantage at the cost of life total, making it a strategic trade-off in gameplay.
Ambition's Cost is card number 67 from the Portal Three Kingdoms set, released in 1999.
The card was illustrated by Junko Taguchi. Her artwork is part of the distinctive visual style that characterizes the Portal Three Kingdoms expansion, which differs from standard Magic sets of that era.
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