The Magic: The Gathering Alpha set, released in August 1993, is the inaugural set that launched the world’s first collectible card game. Consisting of 295 cards, Alpha introduced players to the game’s foundational mechanics and rich fantasy world. Iconic cards like Black Lotus and Ancestral Recall, part of the revered "Power Nine," debuted in this set, known for their unparalleled power and rarity. With only 2.6 million cards printed, Alpha cards are highly coveted by collectors and players. This set’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of Magic’s history, representing the genesis of a cultural phenomenon in gaming.