How Do You Tell Which Set Magic Cards Are From?
As a Magic: The Gathering player, it’s essential to know which set a card belongs to. This information is crucial for building a deck, identifying card combinations, and understanding the game’s history. In this article, we’ll explore the ways to determine which set a Magic card is from.
Expansion Symbols
The most straightforward way to identify a Magic card’s set is by looking at its expansion symbol. This symbol is usually located in the center of the card, below the illustration. It’s a small icon that represents the set the card belongs to. Here’s a list of common expansion symbols:
| Symbol | Set |
|---|---|
| Alpha | Alpha (1993) |
| Beta | Beta (1993) |
| Unlimited | Unlimited Edition (1993) |
| Revised | Revised Edition (1994) |
| Mirage | Mirage (1996) |
| Visions | Visions (1996) |
| Weatherlight | Weatherlight (1997) |
| Urza’s Saga | Urza’s Saga (1998) |
| Urza’s Legacy | Urza’s Legacy (1999) |
| Urza’s Destiny | Urza’s Destiny (1999) |
| Judgment | Judgment (2002) |
| Onslaught | Onslaught (2002) |
| Mirrodin | Mirrodin (2003) |
| Kamigawa | Kamigawa (2004) |
| Lorwyn | Lorwyn (2007) |
| Shadowmoor | Shadowmoor (2008) |
| Alara | Alara (2008) |
| Zendikar | Zendikar (2010) |
| Innistrad | Innistrad (2011) |
| Return to Ravnica | Return to Ravnica (2012) |
| Theros | Theros (2013) |
| Born of the Gods | Born of the Gods (2014) |
| Journey into Nyx | Journey into Nyx (2014) |
| Khans of Tarkir | Khans of Tarkir (2014) |
| Fate Reforged | Fate Reforged (2015) |
| Dragons of Tarkir | Dragons of Tarkir (2015) |
| Magic Origins | Magic Origins (2015) |
| Battle for Zendikar | Battle for Zendikar (2015) |
| Oath of the Gatewatch | Oath of the Gatewatch (2016) |
| Shadows over Innistrad | Shadows over Innistrad (2016) |
| Eldritch Moon | Eldritch Moon (2016) |
| Kaladesh | Kaladesh (2016) |
| Aether Revolt | Aether Revolt (2017) |
| Amonkhet | Amonkhet (2017) |
| Hour of Devastation | Hour of Devastation (2017) |
| Ixalan | Ixalan (2017) |
| Rivals of Ixalan | Rivals of Ixalan (2018) |
| Dominaria | Dominaria (2018) |
| Core Set 2019 | Core Set 2019 (2018) |
| Guilds of Ravnica | Guilds of Ravnica (2018) |
| Ravnica Allegiance | Ravnica Allegiance (2019) |
| War of the Spark | War of the Spark (2019) |
| Core Set 2020 | Core Set 2020 (2019) |
| Throne of Eldraine | Throne of Eldraine (2019) |
| Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (2020) |
| Core Set 2021 | Core Set 2021 (2020) |
| Zendikar Rising | Zendikar Rising (2020) |
| Kaldheim | Kaldheim (2021) |
| Strixhaven: School of Mages | Strixhaven: School of Mages (2021) |
| Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms (2021) |
| Core Set 2022 | Core Set 2022 (2021) |
| Midnight Hunt | Midnight Hunt (2021) |
| Crimson Vow | Crimson Vow (2021) |
| Streets of New Capenna | Streets of New Capenna (2022) |
| Dominaria United | Dominaria United (2022) |
| Phyrexia: All Will Be One | Phyrexia: All Will Be One (2022) |
Collector Numbers
Another way to identify a Magic card’s set is by looking at its collector number. This number is usually located below the card’s name and is a unique identifier for each card in the set. Here’s a breakdown of the collector number format:
- The first digit represents the set (e.g., 1 for Alpha, 2 for Beta, etc.)
- The next two digits represent the card’s rarity (e.g., 01 for Common, 02 for Uncommon, etc.)
- The final two digits represent the card’s position in the set (e.g., 01 for the first Common card, 02 for the second Common card, etc.)
Card Art and Illustrations
Some Magic cards have distinctive artwork or illustrations that can help identify the set they belong to. For example:
- Older sets (Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, and Revised) have a more nostalgic, hand-drawn style.
- Modern sets (Mirage and later) have a more digital, computer-generated style.
- Core sets (Core Set 2019 and later) have a more consistent, modern art style.
Other Identifying Features
Here are some other features that can help identify a Magic card’s set:
- Card frame: The card frame’s design and color can vary depending on the set.
- Mana symbols: The mana symbols used in the card’s mana cost can be specific to certain sets.
- Rarity: The rarity of the card can be an indicator of the set it belongs to.
- Card type: The card type (e.g., creature, spell, land) can be specific to certain sets.
Conclusion
Identifying a Magic card’s set is crucial for building a deck, understanding card combinations, and appreciating the game’s history. By looking at the expansion symbol, collector number, card art, and other identifying features, you can determine which set a card belongs to. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, understanding these identifying features will help you navigate the vast world of Magic: The Gathering.