The 1993 Magic: The Gathering Unlimited Edition Contract from Below card. This rare sorcery from card number 97 is a foundational piece for collectors of the original 1993 release.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Unlimited Edition
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39.99 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 3, 2026
The 1993 Magic: The Gathering Unlimited Edition Contract from Below card (Number 97) remains a defining artifact of the game's earliest history. As a rare sorcery with a mana cost of one black mana, this card introduced a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that deeply influenced the strategic landscape of the original format. Collectors value this piece not just for its iconic status, but for its role in establishing the ante system that drove early deck-building creativity. In the game, Contract from Below allows a player to discard their entire hand to ante the top card of their library, then draw seven new cards. This powerful effect created tense moments of decision-making, where players weighed the potential of drawing a game-winning hand against the threat of losing a valuable card to their opponent. The card’s design and gameplay legacy make it a sought-after item for those who appreciate the evolution of Magic: The Gathering trading card game mechanics. Illustrated by Douglas Shuler, this card features the distinctive artistic style of the 2ED (Unlimited Edition) set. Collectors often seek out examples of this card to complete their base set collections or to explore the nostalgic era of the game’s inception. Whether you are a veteran player reminiscing about early ante matches or a new collector interested in the roots of the game, Contract from Below offers a tangible connection to the 1993 release that started it all.
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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.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Contract from Below
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Remove this card from your deck before playing if you're not playing for ante. Discard your hand, ante the top card of your library, then draw seven cards.
FAQ
Contract from Below is a rare Black sorcery that allows you to discard your hand, ante the top card of your library, and then draw seven cards. This mechanic was central to the ante gameplay system in early Magic sets.
Yes, this card is from the Unlimited Edition (2ED), released in 1993. It is card number 97 and is classified as a rare card within that specific set.
The original 1993 Unlimited Edition version of Contract from Below was illustrated by Douglas Shuler, whose artwork helped define the visual identity of the game's early years.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
