Alex Shvartsman, recently returned from his disappointing finish at Grand Prix Kandahar, reportedly boasted to friends of the highlight of his trading frenzy after failing to make Day 2. The bounty ripped free from one of the sixty-seven unsuspecting Grand Prix patrons was a virtual foil Shadowmage Infiltrator card, which Alex estimates to be worth in the $50-$75 range.

Noting with glee how far behind the tournament scene the locals were, Alex was able to trade three Bad Moons and a Lin Sivvi for the virtual prize. The card unfortunately is only usable for play on Wizards of the CoastsÕ soon to be released Online Magic the Gathering system.

Alex is believed to be the first of the card dealers to move into the virtual scene. When pressed for comment Alex observed, "Online Magic is going to be really big, and I know there will be a market for these electronic pieces of cardboard." Alex may well be correct in his assessments. In a recent article, Wizards of the Coast previewed its upcoming spring release of Online Magic, implying that virtual boosters and starters will retail near their respective real life prices of $3 and $10 a pack. "Besides," added Alex, "if I'm wrong, I'll just trade it to the Japanese next time I'm there. They'll trade for anything."

- Naeblis

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Alex Shvartsman, recently returned from his disappointing finish at Grand Prix Kandahar, reportedly boasted to friends of the highlight of his trading frenzy after failing to make Day 2. The bounty ripped free from one of the sixty-seven unsuspecting Grand Prix patrons was a virtual foil Shadowmage Infiltrator card, which Alex estimates to be worth in the $50-$75 range.

Noting with glee how far behind the tournament scene the locals were, Alex was able to trade three Bad Moons and a Lin Sivvi for the virtual prize. The card unfortunately is only usable for play on Wizards of the CoastsÕ soon to be released Online Magic the Gathering system.

Alex is believed to be the first of the card dealers to move into the virtual scene. When pressed for comment Alex observed, "Online Magic is going to be really big, and I know there will be a market for these electronic pieces of cardboard." Alex may well be correct in his assessments. In a recent article, Wizards of the Coast previewed its upcoming spring release of Online Magic, implying that virtual boosters and starters will retail near their respective real life prices of $3 and $10 a pack. "Besides," added Alex, "if I'm wrong, I'll just trade it to the Japanese next time I'm there. They'll trade for anything."

- Naeblis

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!