Worthy Cause is Card #53 from the 1997 Tempest expansion, offering collectors a piece of early Magic: The Gathering history with its distinctive Buyback mechanic.
Worthy Cause
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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$0.40
Description
Released in 1997, Worthy Cause occupies card number 53 within the Tempest expansion of Magic: The Gathering. The card features artwork by John Matson and carries the set code TMP, making it a recognizable entry for those building comprehensive Tempest collections. The card's mechanical identity centers on a unique interaction known as Buyback. Casters may choose to pay an additional {2} mana as part of the casting cost. If this additional cost is paid, the card does not remain in the graveyard or exile; instead, it returns directly to the owner's hand as it resolves. This design creates a strategic loop, allowing players to reuse the effect repeatedly if they can manage the resource expenditure. Alternatively, players may cast the spell without paying the extra cost, sacrificing a creature of their choice to gain life equal to that creature's toughness. Collectors often seek out cards like Worthy Cause to understand the foundational rules and design philosophies of the late 1990s. Whether you are a historian of the game or simply appreciate the elegance of its early mechanics, this card represents a significant moment in Magic: The Gathering's development. It stands as a testament to the creative depth that has made the franchise enduringly popular among TCG players and investors alike.
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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
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Featured
Worthy Cause
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
John Matson
Card Stock
English
{W}
Instant
W
Card Text
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Buyback {2} (You may pay an additional {2} as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. You gain life equal to the sacrificed creature's toughness.
