Magic: The Gathering has a long history with many sets, many expansions, and thousands of cards. But no collection of magic cards carries as much prestige, as much reverence and as much power as the Power 9. These 9 cards were introduced in the very early days of MTG and are some of the most powerful and most wanted in the game. For collectors, players and fans alike, the Power 9 are the holy grail of vintage magic cards, holding immense value and significance in magic’s history.
What are the Power Nine?
The Power Nine are a set of nine rare and extraordinarily powerful cards in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. These cards are not just pieces of cardboard; they are legends in Magic’s history, revered by collectors and players alike for their game-changing abilities and historical significance.
The Power Nine includes:
- Black Lotus
- Mox Sapphire
- Mox Jet
- Mox Ruby
- Mox Pearl
- Mox Emerald
- Ancestral Recall
- Time Walk
- Timetwister
Originally printed in the Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited sets, these cards have become the holy grail of Magic: The Gathering cards. Their rarity and the sheer power they bring to gameplay make them highly sought after. Each card in the Power Nine has a unique ability that can drastically alter the course of a game, whether it’s through massive mana acceleration, card draw, or taking extra turns.
From a collector’s perspective, the Power Nine are invaluable. Their market value ranges from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, with the Black Lotus often fetching prices between $6,000 and $250,000, depending on its condition and edition. These cards are not just valuable; they are iconic pieces of Magic’s history.
In gameplay, the Power Nine are so potent that they are restricted or banned in most formats. This is to maintain balance and fairness, as their abilities can create significant advantages. For instance, Ancestral Recall allows you to draw three cards for just one blue mana, while Time Walk lets you take an extra turn for only two mana. Such powerful effects can easily tip the scales in a player’s favor.
Overall, the Power Nine are more than just cards; they are a testament to the creative freedom and experimental design of Magic’s early days. They continue to fascinate and inspire, holding a special place in the hearts of Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.
The Power 9
The Power 9 were introduced in the Alpha, Beta and Unlimited sets, the first 3 sets released in 1993 and 1994. Designed by Richard Garfield and illustrated by artists like Christopher Rush, these nine cards were quickly recognized as the most powerful and game changing in the game. The cards are:
- Black Lotus
- Ancestral Recall
- Time Walk
- Mox Pearl
- Mox Sapphire
- Mox Jet
- Mox Ruby
- Mox Emerald
- Timetwister
Each card breaks the game in a fundamental way, offering massive amounts of mana, card draw or extra turns. In the early days of MTG these cards redefined what a powerful card meant and set the standard for the best decks.
The Power 9 Deep Dive
1. Black Lotus
Black Lotus is the king of the Power 9 and arguably the most iconic card in Magic’s history. With a mana cost of 0, Black Lotus allows you to add 3 mana of any one color to your mana pool. This mana ramp lets you play big spells and creatures in the first few turns of the game and often win the game before your opponent can even defend. Similarly, mana drain is another powerful card that can significantly alter the game by manipulating the flow of mana.
The artwork by Christopher Rush is iconic. A delicate black lotus flower. As beautiful as it is deadly. Black Lotus is one of the most expensive cards in the game, with Alpha versions going for six figures in the printed market.
2. Ancestral Recall
For 1 blue mana Ancestral Recall lets you draw 3 cards or force an opponent to draw 3 cards. Drawing 3 cards for 1 mana is just too good. This card draw engine gives you unparalleled access to your draw pile and more options and speed to your game plan.
3. Time Walk
Time Walk gives you an extra turn for 2 mana. Taking an extra turn in MTG means drawing an extra card, untapping lands and getting an extra attack phase. In the early turns Time Walk can create an insurmountable lead, allowing you to press your advantage or recover from mistakes.
4. The Moxen (Mox Pearl, Mox Sapphire, Mox Jet, Mox Ruby, Mox Emerald)
Collectively known as the Mox cards these artifacts are free mana sources. Each Mox card taps to produce 1 mana of a specific color:
- Mox Pearl – White mana
- Mox Sapphire – Blue mana
- Mox Jet – Black mana
- Mox Ruby – Red mana
- Mox Emerald – Green mana
The Moxen let you generate mana quickly without using your land drops and play big plays early. These cards are key to accelerating mana costs and executing plays that would take several turns to develop.
5. Timetwister
Timetwister resets the game by having each player shuffle their hand, graveyard and draw pile into a new deck of 7 cards. This ability can give a losing player a new life or disrupt an opponent’s carefully constructed plan. Timetwister is one of the few Power 9 cards on the Reserved List so it will never be reprinted.
The Legacy of the Power 9
The Power 9 have had a huge impact on MTG since their release. Their power was so great they were restricted or banned in most formats. In Vintage, one of the only formats where the Power 9 are legal, players are limited to one copy of each Power 9 in their deck. This restriction keeps the format balanced and preserves the legacy of these cards.
Collectors treasure the Power 9 as pieces of MTG history. Having a full set of the Power 9 is a status symbol in the gathering community, not just monetary value but a deep appreciation for the game’s roots. The value of these cards continues to climb especially for Alpha and Beta versions which are the oldest and rarest.
The Power 9 in Modern Play
Most cards from the early days of MTG have been replaced by newer, more balanced cards but the Power 9 are an exception. Their sheer power means they are still competitive and can turn a game around.
In Vintage Championships the Power 9 are the core of the best decks. Players use them to generate mana quickly, draw cards fast and take extra turns that opponents can’t counter. Despite being restricted their impact in Vintage is undeniable.
The Collector’s Market
The collector’s market for the Power 9 is intense. Due to their rarity and iconic status the Power 9 cards command huge prices. Black Lotus in particular holds the record for the highest sale price of any MTG card. Mint Alpha Black Lotus have sold for over $500,000 at auction making it the most valuable card in the game’s history.
The idea of owning even one Power 9 card has collectors and players searching auctions, trade shows and private sales. As part of the MTG Reserved List these cards will never be reprinted and that only increases their value.
Artistic and Historical Significance
The art and design of the Power 9 is as iconic as their power. Christopher Rush’s work on Black Lotus is legendary and the simple yet beautiful design of the Mox cards is the essence of early MTG. These cards are not just powerful tools but pieces of the game’s art history.
In many ways the Power 9 is the creative freedom and experimental design of the early days of MTG. Richard Garfield’s vision and the gathering community’s passion turned these cards into lasting icons of the game.
Conclusion
The Power 9’s place in MTG history is unmatched. These 9 cards have defined the game’s development, driven the collector’s market and are the most powerful cards ever printed. Whether you’re a player looking to feel the raw power of Black Lotus or a collector looking for the whole set the Power 9 will continue to fascinate and inspire generations of Magic players. Their legacy will live on and these 9 cards will always be at the centre of the MTG community.
