Booby Trap

Booby Trap was originally introduced in the Ice Age expansion set in 1995, designed by Wizards of the Coast as an artifact that rewards players for predicting an opponent's deck composition. The card functions as a trap that triggers when an opponent draws a specific card type, reflecting the tactical, high-stakes nature of early Magic: The Gathering gameplay. Its original illustration by Daniel Gelon features a mechanical contraption that encapsulates the set's harsh, wintry aesthetic and the themes of discovery and danger prevalent in that era of the game.

The Ninth Edition printing, released in 2005, served as a core set inclusion that brought the card back into standard rotation. This version retains the original function but updates the visual presentation to align with the modern border style introduced during the game's shift to the Eighth Edition frame. While the card is often viewed as a niche or 'combo' piece rather than a tournament staple, it remains a nostalgic artifact that represents the design philosophy of mid-90s Magic, where interaction with an opponent’s deck was a primary method for establishing board control.