The Mages' Contest card from Magic: The Gathering's 2021 The List set offers collectors a rare red Instant with a distinctive life-bidding mechanic.
Mages' Contest
2021 • Magic: The Gathering • The List
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Description
Released in 2021 as part of Magic: The Gathering's The List series, the Mages' Contest (INV-154) stands out for its innovative gameplay design. Crafted by artist Bradley Williams, this Rare card belongs to the red mana color identity and functions as an Instant. Its unique text box allows players to engage in a bidding war over life total, providing a strategic alternative to traditional spell counters. Collectors value this card for its creative interaction mechanics and its place within the diverse The List collection, which features cards from across the game's history. The card's mana value of 3 and cost of {1}{R}{R} make it a versatile addition to any red-based strategy. For enthusiasts of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, INV-154 represents a fascinating intersection of art and complex rules engineering. Its presence in the TCG community highlights the enduring appeal of unique card effects that challenge standard play patterns. Whether you are building a thematic deck or expanding your collection of rare effects, this card offers a distinct experience for players and collectors alike.
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Card Details
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Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Mages' Contest
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Bradley Williams
Card Stock
English
{1}{R}{R}
Instant
R
Card Text
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You and target spell's controller bid life. You start the bidding with a bid of 1. In turn order, each player may top the high bid. The bidding ends if the high bid stands. The high bidder loses life equal to the high bid. If you win the bidding, counter that spell.