Sam's Desperate Rescue, a 2023 foil Magic: The Gathering card from the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set. This black sorcery offers strategic graveyard recursion.
2023 • Magic: The Gathering • The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$1.56 | Guide Estimate | +3.3% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
Sam's Desperate Rescue stands out in the 2023 Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth expansion as a pivotal resource engine for players building black-based strategies. As card number 556 in the set, this foil version offers collectors a shimmering finish that complements the fantasy aesthetic of the franchise while providing tangible gameplay utility. Designed by Lixin Yin, the card functions as a one-mana black sorcery with a simple yet potent effect: it allows the caster to return a target creature card directly from their graveyard to their hand. This ability introduces the "Ring tempts you" mechanic, adding a layer of narrative tension and strategic decision-making that is central to the Tales of Middle-earth block. The low mana cost makes it an efficient tool for early-game recovery, helping players maintain board presence without sacrificing significant resources. For collectors, the Tales of Middle-earth set captures the epic scope of Tolkien's lore, blending iconic characters with immersive world-building. Sam's Desperate Rescue represents the resilience and loyalty found in the source material, translated into a mechanic that rewards patience and resource management. The foil treatment enhances its visual appeal, making it a desirable addition for those who appreciate both the artistic direction and the functional depth of modern Magic: The Gathering design. Whether you are looking to complete your Tales of Middle-earth collection or add a reliable recursion spell to your deck, this card bridges the gap between narrative appreciation and competitive play.
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.
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
Sam's Desperate Rescue
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Lixin Yin
Card Stock
English
Foil
{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Return target creature card from your graveyard to your hand. The Ring tempts you.
"By all the signs, there's a large warrior loose, with an Elf-sword, and an axe as well maybe." Gorbag spat. Sam smiled grimly at this description of himself.
FAQ
This card is a black sorcery that costs one mana to cast. Its effect allows you to return a target creature card from your graveyard to your hand, and it triggers the "Ring tempts you" mechanic.
Sam's Desperate Rescue is card number 556 from the 2023 Magic: The Gathering set titled The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. It is classified as a Common rarity.
The artwork for this card was created by artist Lixin Yin. The illustration is featured on the foil version of the card within the Tales of Middle-earth expansion.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.