Back to Basics, card number 62 from Magic: The Gathering's 1998 Urza's Saga expansion. This rare enchantment offers a strategic twist on land management.
Back to Basics
1998 • Magic: The Gathering • Urza's Saga
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Price History
$11.28
Description
Back to Basics, identified as card number 62 in the Urza's Saga expansion, stands as a significant piece of Magic: The Gathering history from 1998. As a rare enchantment, this card introduces a unique mechanical constraint to the game that has intrigued players and collectors for decades. The card's text prohibits nonbasic lands from untapping during their controller's untap steps, creating a powerful disruption in gameplay that forces opponents to adapt their resource management strategies. Created by artist Andrew Robinson, the card is part of the USG set code, representing a pivotal era in the game's evolution. Collectors often seek this card to complete their Urza's Saga set, appreciating its place within the broader narrative of the Legends block. The strategic depth of the card makes it a favorite among veteran players who enjoy complex interactions, while its rarity status adds to its desirability in the secondary market. For those building their Magic: The Gathering trading card game collection, owning a copy of Back to Basics provides a tangible connection to one of the game's most iconic expansions. Whether you are a serious collector focusing on set completion or a player interested in the strategic history of the game, this card offers enduring appeal. Its design and function reflect the innovative spirit of the late 1990s, making it a valuable addition to any serious TCG library. The card's ability to influence the game's tempo ensures it remains a topic of discussion among enthusiasts, cementing its status as a memorable entry in the Urza's Saga lineup.
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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
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Featured
Back to Basics
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Andrew Robinson
Card Stock
English
{2}{U}
Enchantment
U
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Nonbasic lands don't untap during their controllers' untap steps.
"A ruler wears a crown while the rest of us wear hats, but which would you rather have when it's raining?" —Barrin, *Principia*













