Plains MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 225 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 - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Swamp - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Mountain - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Forest - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Plains MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Unlimited 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:

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Printings

The Plains Magic the Gathering card was released in 131 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 85 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 2861993normalblackJesper Myrfors
21993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 2881993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 2901993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 2891993normalblackJesper Myrfors
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 2901993normalblackJesper Myrfors
61993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 2891993normalblackJesper Myrfors
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 2931993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
81995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 3651993normalblackJesper Myrfors
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 3641993normalblackJesper Myrfors
101995-06-03Ice AgeICE 3651993normalblackChristopher Rush
111995-06-03Ice AgeICE 3661993normalblackChristopher Rush
121996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC bl3651993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
131996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC pp3651993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
141996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC shr3641993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
151996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ml3641993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
161996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC mj3641993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
171996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC mj3661993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
181996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ml3661993normalgoldJesper Myrfors
191996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 531993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
201996-10-08MirageMIR 3331997normalblackTom Wänerstrand
211996-10-08MirageMIR 3311997normalblackTom Wänerstrand
221996-10-08MirageMIR 3321997normalblackTom Wänerstrand
231996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 541993normalwhiteJesper Myrfors
241997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 4301997normalwhitePat Lewis
251997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 jk4301997normalgoldPat Lewis
261997-10-14TempestTMP 3331997normalblackTerese Nielsen
271998-08-12World Championship Decks 1998WC98 bh3321997normalgoldTerese Nielsen
281998-09-01Asia Pacific Land ProgramPALP 41997normalblackRon Spears
291999-01-01Arena League 1999PAL99 71997normalblackRob Alexander
301999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 3321997normalwhiteTom Wänerstrand
311999-10-04Mercadian MasquesMMQ 3311997normalblackTerry Springer
321999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 1321997normalwhiteHe Jiancheng
331999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 1291997normalwhiteDouglas Shuler
342000-02-05European Land ProgramPELP 41997normalblackMike Ploog
352000-02-05European Land ProgramPELP 141997normalblackBen Thompson
362000-02-05European Land ProgramPELP 91997normalblackEric Peterson
372001-01-01Arena League 2001PAL01 71997normalblackChristopher Rush
382001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 3441997normalwhiteJohn Avon
392001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 341★1997normalblackScott Bailey
402001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 342★1997normalblackRob Alexander
412001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 3411997normalwhiteScott Bailey
422001-10-01OdysseyODY 3341997normalblackRob Alexander
432001-10-01OdysseyODY 3311997normalblackAlan Pollack
442002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 485822003normalblackEric Deschamps
452002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 818362015normalblackSung Choi
462002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 2811997normalblackBen Thompson
472002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 818382015normalblackYeong-Hao Han
482002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 2332003normalblackRebecca Guay
492002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 2951997normalblackMike Ploog
502002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 818402015normalblackJedd Chevrier
512002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 736262015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
522002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 400662003normalblackJohn Avon
532002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 818342015normalblackDonato Giancola
542002-08-14World Championship Decks 2002WC02 bk331a1997normalgoldAlan Pollack
552002-10-07OnslaughtONS 3321997normalblackMatthew Mitchell
562003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 334★2003normalblackFred Fields
572003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 3312003normalwhiteJohn Avon
582003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 3342003normalwhiteFred Fields
592003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 dz3322003normalgoldMatthew Mitchell
602003-10-02MirrodinMRD 2892003normalblackMartina Pilcerova
612004-09-01World Championship Decks 2004WC04 gn3322003normalgoldMatthew Mitchell
622004-09-01World Championship Decks 2004WC04 gn3332003normalgoldJohn Avon
632004-09-01World Championship Decks 2004WC04 gn3312003normalgoldJohn Avon
642004-10-01Champions of KamigawaCHK 2902003normalblackGreg Staples
652005-01-01Arena League 2005PAL05 12003normalblackDon Thompson
662005-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2005PMPS 2882003normalblackChristopher Moeller
672005-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2005PMPS 2892003normalblackAnthony S. Waters
682005-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2005PMPS 2902003normalblackRichard Wright
692005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 332★2003normalblackMatthew Mitchell
702005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 3342003normalwhiteFred Fields
712005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL J232003normalwhiteJohn Avon
722005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL L472003normalwhiteRob Alexander
732005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL G452003normalwhiteJohn Avon
742005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL J122003normalwhiteMatthew Mitchell
752005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL J362003normalwhiteMatthew Mitchell
762005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL J242003normalwhiteFred Fields
772005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL G582003normalwhiteJohn Avon
782005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL G562003normalwhiteJohn Avon
792005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL G92003normalwhiteMatthew Mitchell
802006-01-01Arena League 2006PAL06 12003normalblackJohn Avon
812006-07-21Coldsnap Theme DecksCST 3712003normalblackChristopher Rush
822006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 2842003normalblackJustin Sweet
832007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 3652003normalblackJohn Avon
842008-01-01Magic Premiere Shop 2008PMPS08 12003normalblackJohn Avon
852008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 2302003normalblackZoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai
862008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 2322003normalblackMichael Komarck
872009-04-10Duel Decks: Divine vs. DemonicDDC 272003normalblackRob Alexander
882009-07-17Magic 2010M10 2302003normalblackRob Alexander
892009-09-04PlanechaseHOP 1432003normalblackLarry MacDougall
902009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 2171997normalblackHe Jiancheng
912009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 2181997normalblackHe Jiancheng
922009-10-02ZendikarZEN 233a2003normalblackVincent Proce
932009-10-02ZendikarZEN 232a2003normalblackVéronique Meignaud
942010-03-19Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the CoalitionDDE 672003normalblackD. J. Cleland-Hura
952010-06-18ArchenemyARC 1382003normalblackFred Fields
962010-07-16Magic 2011M11 2332003normalblackRyan Pancoast
972010-07-16Magic 2011M11 2312003normalblackJohn Avon
982010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 2312003normalblackJames Paick
992010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 2322003normalblackJames Paick
1002010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A1421997normalblackHe Jiancheng
1012011-02-04Mirrodin BesiegedMBS 1472003normalblackJames Paick
1022011-05-14Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New PhyrexiaTD2 422003normalblackJames Paick
1032011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 2992003normalblackJohn Avon
1042011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 3022003normalblackMatthew Mitchell
1052011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 3012003normalblackMichael Komarck
1062011-07-15Magic 2012M12 2312003normalblackD. J. Cleland-Hura
1072011-07-15Magic 2012M12 2302003normalblackRob Alexander
1082011-09-30InnistradISD 2502003normalblackAdam Paquette
1092011-09-30InnistradISD 2522003normalblackEytan Zana
1102012-03-30Duel Decks: Venser vs. KothDDI 382003normalblackJohn Avon
1112012-03-30Duel Decks: Venser vs. KothDDI 392003normalblackJames Paick
1122012-03-30Duel Decks: Venser vs. KothDDI 402003normalblackMartina Pilcerova
1132012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 1322003normalblackJohn Avon
1142012-07-13Magic 2013M13 2322003normalblackNils Hamm
1152012-07-13Magic 2013M13 2332003normalblackCharles Urbach
1162012-07-13Magic 2013M13 2312003normalblackNoah Bradley
1172012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 2532003normalblackRichard Wright
1182013-03-15Duel Decks: Sorin vs. TibaltDDK 382003normalblackAdam Paquette
1192013-09-06Duel Decks: Heroes vs. MonstersDDL 422003normalblackAdam Paquette
1202013-09-27TherosTHS 2332003normalblackRaoul Vitale
1212013-11-01Commander 2013C13 3382003normalblackMichael Komarck
1222013-11-01Commander 2013C13 3372003normalblackJohn Avon
1232014-05-30Modern Event Deck 2014MD1 192003normalblackAdam Paquette
1242014-07-18Magic 2015M15 2512015normalblackNils Hamm
1252014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 382015normalblackJonas De Ro
1262014-11-07Commander 2014C14 3212015normalblackVincent Proce
1272014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 272015normalblackRob Alexander
1282014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 262015normalblackRob Alexander
1292015-02-27Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. KioraDDO 332015normalblackRaoul Vitale
1302015-03-27Dragons of TarkirDTK 2502015normalblackSam Burley
1312015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 2532015normalblackMichael Komarck
1322015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 2562015normalblackRaoul Vitale
1332015-08-28Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. EldraziDDP 352015normalblackJohn Avon
1342015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 2532015normalblackVincent Proce
1352015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 2542015normalblackTianhua X
1362015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 2502015normalblackNoah Bradley
1372015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 254a2015normalblackTianhua X
1382016-11-11Commander 2016C16 3372015normalblackRebecca Guay
1392016-11-11Commander 2016C16 3382015normalblackMark Poole
1402016-11-16Treasure ChestPZ2 708012015normalblackTingting Yeh
1412016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 1332015normalblackJohn Avon
1422017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 2502015normalblackTitus Lunter
1432017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 2852015normalblackJohn Avon
1442017-07-14Hour of DevastationHOU 1852015normalblackTitus Lunter
1452017-08-25Commander 2017C17 2952015normalblackRebecca Guay
1462017-10-202017 Gift PackG17 12015normalblackMark Poole
1472017-12-08UnstableUST 2122015normalborderlessJohn Avon
1482018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 1922015normalblackDimitar Marinski
1492018-04-27DominariaDOM 2502015normalblackJonas De Ro
1502018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 2802015normalblackRebecca Guay
1512018-06-22Global Series Jiang Yanggu & Mu YanlingGS1 202015normalblackTingting Yeh
1522018-07-13M19 Standard ShowdownPSS3 12015normalblackAlayna Danner
1532018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 2612015normalblackJohn Avon
1542018-07-14MTG Arena PromosPANA 2462015normalblackBob Ross
1552018-07-14MTG Arena PromosPANA 2472015normalblackBob Ross
1562018-07-14MTG Arena PromosPANA 2112015normalblackJonas De Ro
1572018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 1262015normalblackJames Paick
1582018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 1002015normalblackYeong-Hao Han
1592018-11-16Game NightGNT 592015normalblackJohn Avon
1602019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 2602015normalblackTitus Lunter
1612019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 502015normalblackRavenna Tran
1622019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 2522015normalblackRichard Wright
1632019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 2512015normalblackAdam Paquette
1642019-07-12Core Set 2020M20 2642015normalblackAndreas Rocha
1652019-08-23Commander 2019C19 2892015normalblackJonas De Ro
1662019-08-23Commander 2019C19 2882015normalblackAlayna Danner
1672019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 2532015normalblackHoward Lyon
1682019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4482015normalblackAlexander Kintner
1692019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 14682015normalblackJubilee
1702019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5472015normalblackJohannes Voss
1712019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1012015normalblackBob Ross
1722019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4842015normalblackRiot Games
1732019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5412015normalblackSung Choi
1742019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 11901997normalblackMark Poole & Post Malone
1752019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 13512015normalblackRob Alexander
1762019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 13822015normalblackGary Baseman
1772019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 10882015normalblackDavid Sondered
1782020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 2502015normalblackSam Burley
1792020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 2782015normalblackSam Burley
1802020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 2602015normalblackCliff Childs
1812020-07-17JumpstartJMP 412015normalblackDonato Giancola
1822020-07-17JumpstartJMP 432015normalblackLius Lasahido
1832020-07-17JumpstartJMP 452015normalblackJohannes Voss
1842020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3742015normalblackNoah Bradley
1852020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 3242015normalblackTitus Lunter
1862020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 2682015normalblackChris Rahn
1872020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 5052015normalblackTingting Yeh
1882021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 2652015normalblackAdam Paquette
1892021-11-19Crimson Vow Art SeriesAVOW 782015art_seriesborderless
1902022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 792015art_seriesborderless
1912022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2942015normalblackTomohito
1922022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2842015normalblackAdam Paquette
1932022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 2622015normalblackSam Burley
1942022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 2732015normalblackOlga Tereshenko
1952022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 4542015normalblackEmmanuel Shiu
1962022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 4522015normalblackLeanna Crossan
1972022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 2902015normalblackLeanna Crossan
1982022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 2642015normalblackJohannes Voss
1992022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 3062015normalblackZhillustrator
2002022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 306★2015normalblackZhillustrator
2012022-10-14Game Night: Free-for-AllGN3 1232015normalblackAlayna Danner
2022022-11-18The Brothers' War Art SeriesABRO 482015art_seriesborderless
2032022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 301997normalblackJorge Jacinto
2042022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 2792015normalblackRobin Olausson
2052022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 2682015normalblackRaymond Bonilla
2062022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 2852015normalblackJesper Myrfors
2072022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 5801997normalblackJesper Myrfors
2082022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 5811997normalblackJesper Myrfors
2092023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 2622015normalblackAlayna Danner
2102023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 2772015normalblackSam Burley
2112023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth Art SeriesALTR 302015art_seriesborderless
2122023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7862015normalblackKev Walker
2132023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7872015normalblackRichard Wright
2142023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7852015normalblackJonas De Ro
2152023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 4371997normalblackAlayna Danner
2162023-11-17The Lost Caverns of IxalanLCI 3942015normalblackAdam Paquette
2172024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 2782015normalblackCarlos Palma Cruchaga
2182024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 2722015normalblackMia Boas
2192024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 2552015normalblackYeong-Hao Han
2202024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 2542015normalblackAlayna Danner
2212024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 2572015normalblackRavenna Tran
2222024-03-08FalloutPIP 8462015normalblackConstantin Marin
2232024-03-08FalloutPIP 3172015normalblackSamuele Bandini
2242024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder JunctionOTJ 2722015normalblackSalvatorre Zee Yazzie
2252024-06-14Modern 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

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