Plains MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 122 setsSee all
RarityCommon
TypeBasic Land — Plains

Key Takeaways

  1. Plains establish consistent mana bases essential for smooth and powerful gameplay in white-centric decks.
  2. While Plains tap for only white mana, they’re vital for multi-color deck strategies with proper mana balance.
  3. Indispensable in any MTG collection, Plains cards maintain meta relevance and support versatile deck builds.

Text of card

Tap to add o W to your mana pool.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Plains enhance consistency in decks, enabling smoother draws and efficient mana bases that support powerful gameplay strategies.

Resource Acceleration: Plains contribute to your mana pool, allowing for faster deployment of threats or defenses which can pivot the game in your favor right from the early stages.

Instant Speed: While Plains themselves do not have instant speed capabilities, they provide the essential mana needed to cast instant speed spells, bolstering your ability to react to opponents’ moves with tact and precision.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other MTG cards, Plains requires no discard, allowing for a smoother and more resourceful gameplay. This aspect is rather an advantage, enhancing a player’s ability to maintain card advantage over the opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Plains tap for white mana, which could be limiting if you’re looking to play a multi-colored deck. They’re essential in white decks but may necessitate color-fixing in others. It’s crucial to balance your mana base accordingly to avoid constraints on your strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Plains cards do not have a mana cost and don’t apply for the high mana cost issue. Instead, they provide a consistent mana resource every turn, which is fundamental for playing white spells smoothly and effectively throughout the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Plains cards are a staple in any MTG collection due to their fundamental role in mana generation. They are essential for casting a wide array of powerful white spells, supporting everything from aggressive strategies to controlling builds.

Combo Potential: Plains are integral to numerous combinations, particularly when working alongside cards that capitalize on land types or benefit from untapped mana sources. They enable game-changing plays in decks that revolve around land synergy.

Meta-Relevance: Given their ubiquity in the game, Plains are always relevant, ensuring your deck stays competitive. Their presence is vital to support strategies against a variety of decks in the ever-shifting MTG meta landscape.


How to beat

The Plains card is a fundamental piece of many Magic: The Gathering decks, particularly those that leverage white mana. Its basic nature makes it appear deceptively simple, but strategies for working against Plains-focused decks are quite effective. Land removal spells or cards that impede mana generation can be pivotal. When facing a deck that relies heavily on Plains, consider incorporating cards like Ghost Quarter or Field of Ruin, which allow you to target and destroy problem lands, disrupting your opponent’s mana base and strategy.

Additionally, using cards that restrict land utilization, like Blood Moon, can alter Plains into basic Mountains, thereby limiting your opponent’s access to white mana and stifling their plans. In essence, while Plains in itself does not have inherent vulnerabilities, attacking the strategy and deck types it supports can be an effective way to gain the upper hand. By anticipating your adversary’s reliance on Plains for white mana spells, a well-tuned strategy that targets their resources can steer you toward victory.


Cards like Plains

Plains is a fundamental Magic: The Gathering card and a staple in any white deck. Its nearest relatives in function are the other basic land types: Island, Swamp, Mountain, and Forest. Each of these provides a specific mana type, crucial for casting spells and summoning creatures. While Plains provides white mana, associated with order and healing, cards like Island supply blue mana, which is focused on manipulation and control.

Comparing Plains to the other basic lands, the underlying difference lies in the color of mana provided and by extension, the strategic direction of a deck. For instance, Swamp generates black mana, often geared towards power and self-sacrifice, and Forest provides green mana, signifying growth and nature’s might. Mountain, on the other side, offers red mana, emblematic of freedom and chaos, often found in aggressive and fast-paced strategies.

Considering the critical role of mana in the game, Plains is on equal footing with its counterparts in terms of utility. However, its uniqueness is defined by the white color it symbolizes, offering players a foundation to build their strategy on themes of structure, light, and community-centric tactics in their MTG gameplay.

Island - MTG Card versions
Swamp - MTG Card versions
Mountain - MTG Card versions
Forest - MTG Card versions
Island - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Swamp - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Mountain - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Forest - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)

Cards similar to Plains by color, type and mana cost

Snow-Covered Plains - MTG Card versions
Ruins of Trokair - MTG Card versions
Karoo - MTG Card versions
Drifting Meadow - MTG Card versions
Nomad Stadium - MTG Card versions
Emeria's Call // Emeria, Shattered Skyclave - MTG Card versions
Hall of Heliod's Generosity - MTG Card versions
Rustic Clachan - MTG Card versions
Flagstones of Trokair - MTG Card versions
Emeria, the Sky Ruin - MTG Card versions
Vivid Meadow - MTG Card versions
Kabira Crossroads - MTG Card versions
Secluded Steppe - MTG Card versions
Windbrisk Heights - MTG Card versions
Shefet Dunes - MTG Card versions
Makindi Stampede // Makindi Mesas - MTG Card versions
Ondu Inversion // Ondu Skyruins - MTG Card versions
Sejiri Shelter // Sejiri Glacier - MTG Card versions
Eiganjo Castle - MTG Card versions
Mistveil Plains - MTG Card versions
Snow-Covered Plains - Coldsnap (CSP)
Ruins of Trokair - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Karoo - The List (PLST)
Drifting Meadow - Anthologies (ATH)
Nomad Stadium - Odyssey (ODY)
Emeria's Call // Emeria, Shattered Skyclave - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Hall of Heliod's Generosity - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Rustic Clachan - Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret (DDF)
Flagstones of Trokair - Magic Online Theme Decks (TD0)
Emeria, the Sky Ruin - Commander 2014 (C14)
Vivid Meadow - Commander 2015 (C15)
Kabira Crossroads - Commander 2017 (C17)
Secluded Steppe - Commander 2021 (C21)
Windbrisk Heights - Fallout (PIP)
Shefet Dunes - Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)
Makindi Stampede // Makindi Mesas - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Ondu Inversion // Ondu Skyruins - From Cute to Brute (PCTB)
Sejiri Shelter // Sejiri Glacier - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Eiganjo Castle - The List (PLST)
Mistveil Plains - The List (PLST)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Plains MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Intl. Collectors' Edition, 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 Plains and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Printings

The Plains Magic the Gathering card was released in 84 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 62 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 2861993normalblackJesper Myrfors
21993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 2891993normalblackJesper Myrfors
31994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 2931993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
41995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 3651993normalblackJesper Myrfors
51995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 3641993normalblackJesper Myrfors
61995-06-03Ice AgeICE 3651993normalblackChristopher Rush
71995-06-03Ice AgeICE 3661993normalblackChristopher Rush
81996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC bl3651993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
91996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC pp3651993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
101996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC shr3641993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
111996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ml3641993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
121996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC mj3641993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
131996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 531993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
141996-10-08MirageMIR 3331997normalblackTom Wänerstrand
151996-10-08MirageMIR 3311997normalblackTom Wänerstrand
161997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 4301997normalwhitePat Lewis
171998-09-01Asia Pacific Land ProgramPALP 41997normalblackRon Spears
181999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 3321997normalwhiteTom Wänerstrand
191999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 1321997normalwhiteHe Jiancheng
201999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 1291997normalwhiteDouglas Shuler
212001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 3441997normalwhiteJohn Avon
222001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 341★1997normalblackScott Bailey
232001-10-01OdysseyODY 3341997normalblackRob Alexander
242001-10-01OdysseyODY 3311997normalblackAlan Pollack
252002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 485822003normalblackEric Deschamps
262002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 818362015normalblackSung Choi
272002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 2811997normalblackBen Thompson
282002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 818382015normalblackYeong-Hao Han
292002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 2332003normalblackRebecca Guay
302002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 2951997normalblackMike Ploog
312002-08-14World Championship Decks 2002WC02 bk331a1997normalgoldAlan Pollack
322003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 334★2003normalblackFred Fields
332003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 dz3322003normalgoldMatthew Mitchell
342004-10-01Champions of KamigawaCHK 2902003normalblackGreg Staples
352005-01-01Arena League 2005PAL05 12003normalblackDon Thompson
362005-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2005PMPS 2882003normalblackChristopher Moeller
372005-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2005PMPS 2892003normalblackAnthony S. Waters
382005-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2005PMPS 2902003normalblackRichard Wright
392005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 332★2003normalblackMatthew Mitchell
402005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL J232003normalwhiteJohn Avon
412005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL L472003normalwhiteRob Alexander
422005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL G452003normalwhiteJohn Avon
432006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 2842003normalblackJustin Sweet
442008-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2008PMPS08 12003normalblackJohn Avon
452008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 2302003normalblackZoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai
462009-07-17Magic 2010M10 2302003normalblackRob Alexander
472009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 2171997normalblackHe Jiancheng
482009-10-02ZendikarZEN 233a2003normalblackVincent Proce
492010-03-19Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the CoalitionDDE 672003normalblackD. J. Cleland-Hura
502010-06-18ArchenemyARC 1382003normalblackFred Fields
512010-07-16Magic 2011M11 2332003normalblackRyan Pancoast
522010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A1421997normalblackHe Jiancheng
532011-05-14Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New PhyrexiaTD2 422003normalblackJames Paick
542011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 2992003normalblackJohn Avon
552011-07-15Magic 2012M12 2312003normalblackD. J. Cleland-Hura
562011-09-30InnistradISD 2502003normalblackAdam Paquette
572011-09-30InnistradISD 2522003normalblackEytan Zana
582012-03-30Duel Decks: Venser vs. KothDDI 382003normalblackJohn Avon
592012-03-30Duel Decks: Venser vs. KothDDI 392003normalblackJames Paick
602012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 1322003normalblackJohn Avon
612013-11-01Commander 2013C13 3382003normalblackMichael Komarck
622013-11-01Commander 2013C13 3372003normalblackJohn Avon
632014-05-30Modern Event Deck 2014MD1 192003normalblackAdam Paquette
642014-07-18Magic 2015M15 2512015normalblackNils Hamm
652014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 382015normalblackJonas De Ro
662014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 272015normalblackRob Alexander
672015-03-27Dragons of TarkirDTK 2502015normalblackSam Burley
682015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 2532015normalblackMichael Komarck
692015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 2532015normalblackVincent Proce
702015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 2542015normalblackTianhua X
712016-11-16Treasure ChestPZ2 708012015normalblackTingting Yeh
722016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 1332015normalblackJohn Avon
732017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 2502015normalblackTitus Lunter
742017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 2852015normalblackJohn Avon
752017-08-25Commander 2017C17 2952015normalblackRebecca Guay
762017-12-08UnstableUST 2122015normalborderlessJohn Avon
772018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 1922015normalblackDimitar Marinski
782018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 2802015normalblackRebecca Guay
792018-06-22Global Series Jiang Yanggu & Mu YanlingGS1 202015normalblackTingting Yeh
802018-07-13M19 Standard ShowdownPSS3 12015normalblackAlayna Danner
812018-07-14MTG Arena PromosPANA 2462015normalblackBob Ross
822018-07-14MTG Arena PromosPANA 2472015normalblackBob Ross
832018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 1262015normalblackJames Paick
842018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 1002015normalblackYeong-Hao Han
852019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 2602015normalblackTitus Lunter
862019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 2522015normalblackRichard Wright
872019-08-23Commander 2019C19 2892015normalblackJonas De Ro
882019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 2532015normalblackHoward Lyon
892019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4482015normalblackAlexander Kintner
902019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 14682015normalblackJubilee
912019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5472015normalblackJohannes Voss
922019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1012015normalblackBob Ross
932019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4842015normalblackRiot Games
942019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5412015normalblackSung Choi
952020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 2502015normalblackSam Burley
962020-07-17JumpstartJMP 412015normalblackDonato Giancola
972020-07-17JumpstartJMP 432015normalblackLius Lasahido
982020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 2682015normalblackChris Rahn
992020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 5052015normalblackTingting Yeh
1002022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 792015art_seriesborderless
1012022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2942015normalblackTomohito
1022022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2842015normalblackAdam Paquette
1032022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 2622015normalblackSam Burley
1042022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 2902015normalblackLeanna Crossan
1052022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 3062015normalblackZhillustrator
1062022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 306★2015normalblackZhillustrator
1072022-10-14Game Night: Free-for-AllGN3 1232015normalblackAlayna Danner
1082022-11-18The Brothers' War Art SeriesABRO 482015art_seriesborderless
1092022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 301997normalblackJorge Jacinto
1102022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 2852015normalblackJesper Myrfors
1112022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 5801997normalblackJesper Myrfors
1122023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7862015normalblackKev Walker
1132023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7872015normalblackRichard Wright
1142023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7852015normalblackJonas De Ro
1152023-11-17The Lost Caverns of IxalanLCI 3942015normalblackAdam Paquette
1162024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 2782015normalblackCarlos Palma Cruchaga
1172024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 2722015normalblackMia Boas
1182024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 2552015normalblackYeong-Hao Han
1192024-03-08FalloutPIP 8462015normalblackConstantin Marin
1202024-03-08FalloutPIP 3172015normalblackSamuele Bandini
1212024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder JunctionOTJ 2722015normalblackSalvatorre Zee Yazzie
1222024-06-14Modern Horizons 3MH3 3042015normalblackNadia Hurianova

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Plains has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks