The Change of Heart Instant card from Magic: The Gathering's 1998 Stronghold expansion, featuring the Buyback mechanic and artwork by Ron Spencer.
1998 • Magic: The Gathering • Stronghold
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.23 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
Change of Heart stands as a foundational white Instant card within the Magic: The Gathering universe, originally released in the 1998 Stronghold expansion. As card number 3 in the STH set, this piece represents a staple of early format design, offering players a clever mechanism to temporarily seize control of an opponent's creature. The card's design reflects the era's focus on interactive gameplay, allowing for strategic disruption without permanent removal. The card features the Buyback mechanic, a distinctive rule that adds a layer of tactical depth. By paying an additional {3} mana, the caster ensures the card returns to their hand after resolving, rather than going to the graveyard. This design choice encourages repeated engagement with the card's effect, making it a versatile tool for maintaining board control. The mana cost of {W} makes it accessible early in the game, fitting seamlessly into white-based strategies that prioritize tempo and resource management. Collectors often seek out cards from this era to appreciate the evolution of card design and the foundational mechanics that still influence modern gameplay. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, this card is more than just a game piece; it is a tangible link to the game's history. Whether you are building a vintage collection, researching classic mechanics, or simply appreciate the strategic elegance of early cards, Change of Heart offers a compelling addition. The Stronghold expansion remains a significant chapter in the game's timeline, and cards like this one continue to be studied and admired by the community. It serves as a reminder of the ingenuity that has kept the game fresh and engaging for decades.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Change of Heart
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Ron Spencer
Card Stock
English
{W}
Instant
W
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Buyback {3} (You may pay an additional {3} as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) Target creature can't attack this turn.
FAQ
Buyback allows the player to pay an additional {3} mana as they cast the spell. If this cost is paid, the card returns to the player's hand instead of the graveyard when it resolves.
The card features artwork by Ron Spencer, a prominent artist known for his contributions to Magic: The Gathering during the late 1990s.
Change of Heart was first released in the Stronghold expansion, which launched in 1998. It is card number 3 in that set.
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