Circle of Protection: Black

Circle of Protection: Black was originally released as part of the Alpha set in 1993, with the Revised Edition—the third core set for Magic: The Gathering—reissuing the card in 1994. Designed during the game's nascent period by Richard Garfield, the card was intended to provide white-aligned decks with a specific defensive counter-strategy against the aggressive potential of black mana. It reflects the early game design philosophy of color-coded 'hate cards,' which forced players to adapt their strategies based on the specific threats presented by their opponent's color choices.

The artwork for the Revised edition version features the iconic illustration by Quinton Hoover. Hoover’s style, characterized by intricate line work and a dreamlike, almost stained-glass quality, was a cornerstone of the game's early visual identity. The design captures the essence of a defensive ward, and the card was well-received by early competitive players for its ability to neutralize black-aligned creatures, remaining a staple defensive tool in sideboards throughout the mid-1990s.