The 1997 Weatherlight expansion card Desperate Gambit. This red Instant offers a high-risk, high-reward mechanic for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.
Desperate Gambit
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Weatherlight
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$0.60
Description
The 1997 Weatherlight expansion remains a cornerstone of Magic: The Gathering history, and card number 96, Desperate Gambit, stands out as a defining piece of that era. As an Instant with a mana cost of {R}, this card introduces a unique risk-reward dynamic that has fascinated players and collectors since its release. The card allows a player to choose a source they control and flip a coin to determine the outcome of the next instance of damage dealt by that source. If the flip is won, the damage is doubled; if lost, the damage is completely prevented. This binary outcome creates tension and excitement in gameplay, making it a memorable inclusion in the Weatherlight set. Designed by Pete Venters, Desperate Gambit is categorized as an Uncommon card, reflecting its balanced power level within the game. Its red color identity aligns it with aggressive strategies that rely on calculated risks and sudden bursts of power. Collectors often seek this card not only for its nostalgic value from the late 1990s but also for its distinct mechanical design. Whether you are building a vintage-style deck or simply appreciating the history of Magic: The Gathering, this card offers a fascinating glimpse into the game's evolution. It serves as a reminder of the creative experimentation that defined the Weatherlight block, making it a worthy addition to any collection of classic TCG cards.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Desperate Gambit
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
Pete Venters
Card Stock
English
{R}
Instant
R
Card Text
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Choose a source you control and flip a coin. If you win the flip, the next time that source would deal damage this turn, it deals double that damage instead. If you lose the flip, the next time it would deal damage this turn, prevent that damage.










