Fog

Fog has been a foundational element of Magic: The Gathering since its inception in the Alpha set, designed as a simple green instant that prevents all combat damage dealt during a single turn. It was included in the Magic 2011 core set, designated as card number 173, as part of Wizards of the Coast's strategy to maintain a stable environment of evergreen mechanics that teach new players the core interactions of combat and timing.

The 2011 printing features artwork by the illustrator Kev Walker. Walker, a long-time contributor to the game, opted for a dramatic, atmospheric depiction of the spell's effect, emphasizing the obscuring nature of the magic rather than focusing on a specific creature. This design aligns with the card's long-standing status as a functional utility spell, praised by players for its efficiency in stalling aggressive decks while remaining simple enough for those just learning the game.