# 1999 Magic: The Gathering Starter 1999 #173

> The Forest card from the 1999 Magic: The Gathering Starter Set serves as a foundational green mana source for new players and collectors alike.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1999
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Starter 1999
- **Card number**: #173
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Forest card, designated as number 173 in the 1999 Magic: The Gathering Starter Set (S99), represents one of the most recognizable pieces of TCG history. Designed by John Avon, this common basic land card was included in the introductory product launched to welcome new players to the game. Unlike complex collector items, the value of this card lies in its historical significance as the gateway card for millions of players who began their journeys with the Starter release. In Magic: The Gathering, lands are the primary resource that allows players to cast spells. The Forest specifically provides green mana, enabling strategies centered around creatures, enchantments, and spells associated with that color identity. As a Basic Land, it possesses a universal rule text that allows it to be played in almost any deck format, making it a staple in any player’s collection regardless of the specific era or set they are focusing on. Collectors often seek out cards from the Starter Set not just for their utility, but for their nostalgia. The 1999 release marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, simplifying entry into the game while maintaining the depth that long-time fans appreciated. For those interested in the history of Magic: The Gathering, owning a piece of the Starter Set offers a tangible connection to the game’s early days. Whether you are building a vintage collection or simply appreciate the design of early TCG cards, this Forest remains a key piece of the Magic: The Gathering Starter Set legacy.

## FAQ

### What is the Forest card in the 1999 Magic: The Gathering Starter Set?

The Forest (card number 173) is a Basic Land card from the 1999 Starter Set. It provides green mana, which is the primary resource needed to cast spells and summon creatures associated with the green color identity in the game.

### Who illustrated the Forest card in the S99 set?

The artwork for the Forest card in the 1999 Magic: The Gathering Starter Set was created by artist John Avon. His distinctive style helped define the visual identity of the game’s early basic land cards.

### Is the Forest card from the Starter Set still playable today?

Yes, as a Basic Land, the Forest can be used in almost all legal formats of Magic: The Gathering. Its universal rules text allows it to function as a reliable mana source in any deck, regardless of the set it originates from.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.