# 1996 Magic: The Gathering Rivals Quick Start Set #2

> Circle of Protection: Black from the 1996 Rivals Quick Start Set. This white enchantment is a cornerstone of early Magic: The Gathering gameplay.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1996
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Rivals Quick Start Set
- **Card number**: #2
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Circle of Protection: Black is a white enchantment card from the 1996 Rivals Quick Start Set, identified by card number 2. Designed by Jesper Myrfors, this common card provides a strategic defensive option by allowing the player to prevent the next instance of damage from a chosen black source. As part of the Rivals Quick Start Set, it serves as an essential component for players learning the foundational mechanics of Magic: The Gathering. Collectors often seek this card to complete the RQS set or to build vintage-style decks that reflect the game's early design philosophy. The card's simple yet powerful effect highlights the strategic depth present in the game's initial years. Its inclusion in the Rivals Quick Start Set makes it particularly relevant for those interested in the evolution of competitive play and card design during the late 1990s. The artwork by Jesper Myrfors remains a notable piece for fans of the era's visual style. Whether you are a historian of the game, a set builder, or a player looking to add a classic defensive tool to your collection, this card offers a tangible connection to the roots of Magic: The Gathering.

## FAQ

### What is the Rivals Quick Start Set?

The Rivals Quick Start Set is a 1996 product released for Magic: The Gathering, designed to help new players learn the game through simplified rules and curated decks.

### Who illustrated Circle of Protection: Black?

Jesper Myrfors is the artist credited with illustrating Circle of Protection: Black for the Rivals Quick Start Set.

### How does Circle of Protection: Black work in gameplay?

This white enchantment card allows the player to pay {1} to prevent the next damage instance that would be dealt to them by a chosen black source this turn.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.