The Black Market Connections card from Magic: The Gathering's 2023 The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander subset offers a powerful choice of effects for black mana strategies.
2023 • Magic: The Gathering • The Lost Caverns of Ixalan • Commander
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$15.75 | Guide Estimate | +28.3% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 4, 2026
Black Market Connections is a Rare Enchantment card from the 2023 Magic: The Gathering expansion, The Lost Caverns of Ixalan. Designed for the Commander format, this card is identified by card number 181 within the Commander subset. Its primary appeal lies in its flexible ability to adapt to the needs of the battlefield, making it a staple in decks that prioritize resource generation or card advantage. The card costs three mana, consisting of two generic mana and one black mana, to cast. During the beginning of the controller's first main phase, the player chooses one or more options to resolve. The first option, Sell Contraband, allows the player to create a Treasure token but costs one life. The second, Buy Information, enables the player to draw a card at the cost of two life. The third, Hire a Mercenary, creates a 3/2 colorless Shapeshifter creature token with changeling for three life. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading cards appreciate this card for its mechanical versatility and its place within the Commander subset. The artwork is credited to Lixin Yin, adding to the card's aesthetic value for those who collect based on artistic merit. As a single-black mana identity card, it fits seamlessly into decks built around the black color. The Lost Caverns of Ixalan release provides a unique backdrop for this card, appealing to fans of the Ixalan block's themes. Whether you are looking to complete your collection of The Lost Caverns of Ixalan cards or simply add a powerful tool to your Commander deck, Black Market Connections is a notable addition. Its ability to generate resources or creatures makes it a valuable piece for any black-based strategy. Explore the growing collection to find this and other essential cards for your gaming needs.
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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.
Year
2023
Brand
Magic: The Gathering
Series
The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Subset
Commander
Subset Type
Subset
Card Number
#181
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Black Market Connections
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Lixin Yin
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Enchantment
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
At the beginning of your first main phase, choose one or more — • Sell Contraband — Create a Treasure token. You lose 1 life. • Buy Information — Draw a card. You lose 2 life. • Hire a Mercenary — Create a 3/2 colorless Shapeshifter creature token with changeling. You lose 3 life. (It is every creature type.)
FAQ
Black Market Connections has a mana cost of {2}{B}, requiring two generic mana and one black mana to cast. Its mana value is three.
At the beginning of your first main phase, you may choose one or more options: create a Treasure token (lose 1 life), draw a card (lose 2 life), or create a 3/2 Shapeshifter token (lose 3 life).
This card is from the 2023 release The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, specifically in the Commander subset. It is printed as a Rare card with the card number 181.
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