The dynamic depiction of Charizard firing a Fire Spin straight at the viewer has become the hobbys most iconic and instantly recognizable image
You want to place cards so their values are higher than they cards theyre played next to, causing opponents cards to be flipped while protecting your own cards
They represent one of the different elements used in the game: Fire Water Grass Lightning Fighting Psychic Metal Darkness Fairy Each basic energy card provides exactly one energy of the relevant element
It's "just" a one-for-one, but if you either drew more Lands than your opponent or they just had a light draw, it could result in some un-fun non-games, especially in an era with less friendly mulligan rules
often, youre going to have a turn two mana rock (like a Dimir Signet or Planar Atlas), which youll look to follow up setting up with a Nazgl or engine piece like Archmage Emeritus or Talrand
A card from Alpha commands premium prices due to scarcity