The history and mechanics of Power Surge, card number 168 from Magic: The Gathering's 1993 Unlimited Edition.
Power Surge
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Unlimited Edition
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Price History
$19.99
Description
Power Surge stands as a defining enchantment from Magic: The Gathering's 1993 Unlimited Edition, identified by card number 168. Designed by Douglas Shuler, this red mana card challenges players to manage their resource base in a high-stakes environment. As a rare card within the 2ED set, it offers a unique mechanical threat that forces opponents to carefully consider their land plays during each upkeep phase. The card’s design reflects the early strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering, where simple yet punishing effects shaped the meta. By dealing damage equal to the number of untapped lands a player controls, Power Surge creates a dynamic interplay between growth and vulnerability. This mechanic rewards careful planning and punishes aggressive land acceleration, making it a memorable piece of vintage MTG history. For collectors, the Unlimited Edition release represents a pivotal moment in trading card game history. Owning a copy of Power Surge allows enthusiasts to connect with the origins of competitive card gaming, where every decision carried significant weight. Whether you are interested in completing set-based collections or exploring the strategic evolution of early card designs, this enchantment offers a tangible link to the game’s heritage. The card’s enduring presence in collector discussions highlights its importance as both a gameplay artifact and a historical milestone. Collecting vintage MTG cards involves appreciating the craftsmanship and strategic innovation of the early 1990s. Power Surge exemplifies the bold design choices that made Magic: The Gathering a cultural phenomenon. Its straightforward yet impactful ability continues to resonate with players who value the game’s roots and the strategic complexity that defined its early years.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Power Surge
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{R}{R}
Enchantment
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals X damage to that player, where X is the number of untapped lands they controlled at the beginning of this turn.




















