The 1994 Magic: The Gathering card Death Ward (Card #16) from the Summer Magic / Edgar set. A foundational white instant used for creature regeneration.
Death Ward
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Summer Magic / Edgar
No Listings Available
No listings available right now.
Market & Price History
No condition-by-condition breakdown has been recorded for this card yet.
Description
Death Ward is a white Instant card from the 1994 Magic: The Gathering release known as the Summer Magic / Edgar set. Identified as Card Number 16, this Common rarity card was designed by Mark Poole and carries the SET code SUM. As a one-mana spell, it remains a fundamental tool for players managing life totals and board presence during early game turns. The primary function of this card is to regenerate a target creature. In the context of Magic: The Gathering's mechanics, regeneration creates a shield that prevents the creature from being destroyed by damage or destruction effects for the turn. This utility makes it a staple for white-based decks looking to preserve key assets against black removal or combat damage. Its low mana cost allows it to be played alongside other spells, providing immediate protection without disrupting the player's resource curve. Collectors of vintage trading card games often seek out cards from the Summer Magic / Edgar set due to its historical significance in the game's early development. Its simple artwork and clear rules text reflect the design philosophy of 1994, where clarity and utility were prioritized in card creation. For those building a comprehensive collection of Magic: The Gathering history, acquiring this card provides a tangible connection to the game's first year of release. It is a perfect addition for enthusiasts who appreciate the evolution of card mechanics and the foundational spells that defined early competitive play. Whether for archival purposes or casual gameplay, Death Ward stands as a reliable component of the white mana ecosystem from the mid-90s. The enduring appeal of this card lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It demonstrates how basic spells can have a significant impact on the flow of the game. By keeping a creature on the battlefield, players can maintain pressure on their opponents while conserving their own life points. This strategic depth is what continues to attract new and veteran players to the hobby, making cards like Death Ward relevant decades after their initial printing.
Have one of these to sell?
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Death Ward
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Mark Poole
Card Stock
English
{W}
Instant
W
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Regenerate target creature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mana cost of Death Ward?
Death Ward has a converted mana cost of one white mana ({W}), making it an affordable spell to cast in the early stages of a game.
Which set did Death Ward originally appear in?
This card was first printed in the 1994 Summer Magic / Edgar expansion, serving as a common instant in the original Magic: The Gathering lineup.
How does the regeneration mechanic work on this card?
Regeneration creates a replacement effect that prevents a creature from being destroyed by damage or "destroy" effects for the remainder of the turn, often tapping it instead.
Cards Named Death Ward
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
