The Rack, card number 278 from Magic: The Gathering's 1994 Summer Magic set. This artifact card is a cornerstone for players interested in early game mechanics and collection completeness.
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Summer Magic / Edgar
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Card number 278, titled The Rack, is a notable artifact from Magic: The Gathering's 1994 Summer Magic expansion. Designed by artist Richard Thomas, this uncommon card introduces a unique mechanic that has influenced gameplay strategies for decades. As an artifact with a mana cost of one, it offers a low-barrier entry point for players looking to incorporate aggressive hand disruption into their decks. The card’s function is straightforward yet potent: upon entering the battlefield, the controller chooses an opponent. During that player’s upkeep, The Rack deals damage equal to three minus the number of cards in their hand. This means the more cards an opponent holds, the less damage is dealt, making it particularly effective against players who have drawn heavily in previous turns. This dynamic interaction creates engaging moments where resource management becomes critical. Collectors often seek out cards from the Summer Magic set due to its limited release and historical significance in the Magic: The Gathering universe. The Rack stands out not just for its mechanical elegance but also for its flavor text, which hints at the dark engineering of Mishra. For enthusiasts of the game’s early era, owning this card provides a tangible connection to the foundational designs that shaped competitive play. Whether you are building a nostalgic collection or analyzing the evolution of card design, The Rack offers both aesthetic and functional interest. Its presence in the Summer Magic set highlights the experimental nature of that release, where designers pushed boundaries with unconventional rules and effects. For those interested in the deeper lore of Magic: The Gathering, this card serves as a reminder of the creative risks taken during the game’s formative years. By focusing on the identity and context of cards like The Rack, we help enthusiasts appreciate the artistry and strategy embedded in each release. Explore our catalog to discover more artifacts and legendary cards that define the Magic: The Gathering experience.
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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
The Rack
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Richard Thomas
Card Stock
English
{1}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
As this artifact enters, choose an opponent. At the beginning of the chosen player's upkeep, this artifact deals X damage to that player, where X is 3 minus the number of cards in their hand.
Invented in Mishra's earlier days, the Rack was once his most feared creation.
FAQ
The Rack is an artifact that allows you to choose an opponent when it enters the battlefield. During that opponent's upkeep, it deals damage equal to three minus the number of cards in their hand.
Cards from the 1994 Summer Magic set are highly sought after due to the set's limited availability and historical importance in Magic: The Gathering's early development. The Rack is a key artifact in this expansion.
The artwork for The Rack was created by Richard Thomas, whose style contributed to the distinctive visual identity of the 1994 Summer Magic expansion.
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