# 1996 Magic: The Gathering Rivals Quick Start Set #61

> The 1996 Magic: The Gathering Rivals Quick Start Set Mountain card, a foundational Basic Land essential for TCG collectors and players.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-rivals-quick-start-set-mountain-61

## Identity

- **Year**: 1996
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Rivals Quick Start Set
- **Card number**: #61
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Released in 1996, the Rivals Quick Start Set served as a critical entry point for new players entering the Magic: The Gathering universe. This product catalog entry focuses on card number 61, Mountain, a Basic Land card that forms the mechanical backbone of red mana acceleration. Designed by Douglas Shuler, this card is part of the RQS set code, representing one of the core resources available to any player building a deck during the game's early years.

Collectors often seek this card to complete the foundational list of the Rivals Quick Start Set. As a Common rarity, it was printed in high volumes, yet its historical significance in the early Magic ecosystem makes it a staple for vintage enthusiasts. The card's design adheres to the classic 1996 aesthetic, featuring the standard border and type line structure that defined the game's visual identity before subsequent revisions.

For investors in TCG history, this Mountain card represents the tangible start of the red color pie's mechanical function. It is a key component for those interested in the evolution of Magic: The Gathering card design and the early commercial releases that helped establish the franchise. Completing a collection of the Rivals Quick Start Set provides a complete picture of how the game was initially packaged and distributed to the global market.

## FAQ

### What is the significance of the Rivals Quick Start Set in Magic: The Gathering history?

The Rivals Quick Start Set was released in 1996 as an introductory product designed to teach new players the rules and mechanics of Magic: The Gathering. It contained preconstructed decks and basic lands like Mountain to facilitate immediate gameplay without requiring external purchases.

### Who designed the artwork for the Mountain card in the RQS set?

Douglas Shuler is credited as the artist for this edition of the Mountain card. His work contributes to the visual history of the early Magic: The Gathering releases, particularly those from the 1996 era.

### How does this Basic Land card function in gameplay?

This card provides red mana, which is required to cast red spells. In the game's mechanics, players tap the card to add one red mana to their mana pool, serving as a fundamental resource for deck construction and strategy.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.