Black Vise

Description

Released in 1993 as part of the Unlimited Edition, Black Vise stands out among Magic: The Gathering cards for its clever hand-disruption design. Classified as an uncommon artifact, this card requires a single mana to cast and introduces a persistent threat to opponents. Once played, the controller selects a target opponent to suffer damage at the start of their upkeep. The damage amount scales dynamically based on the opponent's hand size, dealing one point of damage for every card they hold beyond four. This mechanic makes Black Vise particularly effective against decks that rely on large hands for combo execution or resource advantage. Collectors value this piece for its historical significance within the early days of the Trading Card Game and its straightforward yet impactful rules text. The card was illustrated by Richard Thomas, whose work helped define the visual identity of the game's initial sets. For those building a comprehensive collection of 2ED cards, this artifact represents a staple of early blue and red strategies. Its enduring presence in casual and vintage playgroups speaks to its balanced design.