Contract from Below MTG Card


Contract from Below is a powerful, banned card offering a unique one-time massive draw at a minimal cost. Its inclusion in any deck is not permitted in official tournaments, preserving game balance and fairness. As part of the Power Nine, its historical significance to the game’s early competitive scene is unparalleled.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Discard your current hand and draw eight new cards, adding the first drawn to your ante. Remove this card from your deck before playing if you are not playing for ante.


Cards like Contract from Below

Another intriguing card within the MTG card draw mechanism is Wheel of Fortune. Functionality-wise, it shares a resemblance with Contract from Below. Both cards demand a high total card replacement; however, the cost for Contract from Below at only one black mana is significantly less. Yet, the imprint of immense redraw comes with a unique disadvantage – an additional clause that requires an ante.

Recognizing another similar card, we have Anvil of Bogardan, though the mechanic is different. On each player’s draw step, they draw an additional card then, must choose a card from hand to discard. Here, the penalty and benefit are spread equally among all players, which differs from Contract from Below.

The third card worth mentioning, Dark Deal, operates almost the same. With a three-mana cost, each player discards all cards from their hand, then draws that many cards minus one. This too represents a less risky approach than Contract from Below.

Despite these comparisons, Contract from Below holds unique standing in MTG, as it combines an unparalleled card draw ability with an anteing mechanic, making it an infamous part of MTG history.

Wheel of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Anvil of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Dark Deal - MTG Card versions
Wheel of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Anvil of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Dark Deal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Contract from Below by color, type and mana cost

Raise Dead - MTG Card versions
Mind Twist - MTG Card versions
Spoils of War - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Despair - MTG Card versions
Mind Peel - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdling Scream - MTG Card versions
Organ Harvest - MTG Card versions
Duress - MTG Card versions
Unearth - MTG Card versions
Bubbling Muck - MTG Card versions
Chorus of Woe - MTG Card versions
Reanimate - MTG Card versions
Soul Strings - MTG Card versions
Skull Fracture - MTG Card versions
Tombfire - MTG Card versions
Innocent Blood - MTG Card versions
Restless Dreams - MTG Card versions
Cabal Therapy - MTG Card versions
Confront the Past - MTG Card versions
Despise - MTG Card versions
Raise Dead - MTG Card versions
Mind Twist - MTG Card versions
Spoils of War - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Despair - MTG Card versions
Mind Peel - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdling Scream - MTG Card versions
Organ Harvest - MTG Card versions
Duress - MTG Card versions
Unearth - MTG Card versions
Bubbling Muck - MTG Card versions
Chorus of Woe - MTG Card versions
Reanimate - MTG Card versions
Soul Strings - MTG Card versions
Skull Fracture - MTG Card versions
Tombfire - MTG Card versions
Innocent Blood - MTG Card versions
Restless Dreams - MTG Card versions
Cabal Therapy - MTG Card versions
Confront the Past - MTG Card versions
Despise - MTG Card versions

Discover the Pros of Contract from Below

Card Advantage: Contract from Below is a powerhouse when it comes to card advantage. This black sorcery card allows you to eradicate your hand and draw eight fresh cards, giving you an ample selection to enhance your game strategy.

Resource Acceleration: This card is a cornerstone of resource acceleration. By trading one black mana and an ante, you get to refill your hand, giving you superior acceleration. It’s a rush of resources, setting you up for success by providing a solid lead in card quantity.

Instant Speed: However, Contract from Below is not an instant-speed card. Its sorcery-speed doesn’t allow you to cast it any time you have the priority. But, it’s the price you’re paying for such a substantial upside. Plan your moves wisely to maximize the impact of this powerful effect.


Cons of Contract from Below

Discard Requirement: This composition needs you to discard your hand as an additional cost. It can pose a substantial setback, particularly if you’re running low on cards.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost is unique, requiring one black mana. This constraint restricts its application predominantly to mono-black or multicolor decks that include black.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While only costing one mana might seem cheap, its effect of discarding your hand can be considered as a secondary cost, which might not always be efficient depending on your game scenario. There are other options available that provide card advantage without losing your hand.


Reasons to Include Contract from Below in Your Collection

Versatility: Contract from Below is capable of fitting into various deck types. Particularly beneficial for decks centered around card drawing and graveyard strategies, it can dramatically increase your pool of choices during a game.

Combo Potential: The power of Contract from Below shines when combined with other cards. It encourages potentially game-changing combos by allowing a player to draw seven fresh cards at a minimal cost of one life and the discard of one’s hand.

Meta-Relevance: Contract from Below remains relevant in the meta, especially in environments that favor quick and efficient card drawing strategies. Despite being banned in several formats due to its disruptive potential, it still commands a significant place in the realm of casual MTG games.


Similar Cards

Another intriguing card within the MTG card draw mechanism is Wheel of Fortune. Functionality-wise, it shares a resemblance with Contract from Below. Both cards demand a high total card replacement; however, the cost for Contract from Below at only one black mana is significantly less. Yet, the imprint of immense redraw comes with a unique disadvantage – an additional clause that requires an ante.

Recognizing another similar card, we have Anvil of Bogardan, though the mechanic is different. On each player’s draw step, they draw an additional card then, must choose a card from hand to discard. Here, the penalty and benefit are spread equally among all players, which differs from Contract from Below.

The third card worth mentioning, Dark Deal, operates almost the same. With a three-mana cost, each player discards all cards from their hand, then draws that many cards minus one. This too represents a less risky approach than Contract from Below.

Despite these comparisons, Contract from Below holds unique standing in MTG, as it combines an unparalleled card draw ability with an anteing mechanic, making it an infamous part of MTG history.


How to Beat Contract from Below

Contract from Below, one of the notoriously powerful Mtg cards, can become a significant problem for opponents when not properly mitigated. Providing significant card advantage, it can swiftly tilt the game balance. However, fear not, there are tactics to subdue its brutal impact.

A common counter is utilizing card-disruption strategies. Effects that force your adversary to discard before they can execute their Contract can destabilize their momentum. Cards like Thoughtseize and Duress are fantastic for this approach as they both allow peeking at an opponent’s hand and discarding their key cards.

Another potent tactic is countering the spell. Counterspell is a straightforward option available in many decks, but cards like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can provide specific benefits depending on the context.

A more refined approach involves manipulating your opponent’s graveyard. Cards like Tormod’s Crypt can empty an adversary’s graveyard, effectively rendering the strength of Contract from Below moot. This strategy requires precise timing, but can incredibly disrupt your opponent’s plans.

Conclusively, while Contract from Below is formidable, understanding these tactics allows you to challenge its domination effectively. It highlights Mtg’s complexity, where every powerful card can be quelled with thoughtful strategy.


Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the game of Magic the Gathering is an ongoing quest brimming with strategy, innovation, and discovery. As seasoned players know, every card and every game weave together the grand tapestry that is MTG. Embrace the journey, enhance your skills, and always be on the lookout for hidden gems that could transform your deck. Delve deeper into MTG to refine your approach and unearth strategies to turn the tides in your favor. Whether you’re after that next big tournament win or simply looking to enjoy the game, the path to becoming an MTG virtuoso beckons. Ready to up your game? Step forward and join the ever-growing community of champions.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Contract from Below MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Contract from Below and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Contract from Below Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 1994-06-21. Illustrated by Douglas Shuler.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 961993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 971993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 971993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler
41993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 971993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
51993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 971993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
61994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 971993NormalBlackDouglas Shuler
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 971993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 971993NormalWhiteDouglas Shuler

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Contract from Below has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolBanned
CommanderBanned
LegacyBanned
OathbreakerBanned
VintageBanned
DuelBanned
PredhBanned