Cycle
- For the mechanic "cycling", first introduced in the Urza's Saga expansion, see Cycling.
A cycle is a collection of cards that have one or more relationships with one another, share a common theme, and consists of one card for each color or color combination and/or for each element, for example, creature type.
Simple cycles
Horizontal cycles
A simple cycle, usually just called a cycle, often consisting of five cards — one in each color — in the same set. Such cycles are also referred to as "horizontal cycles". Examples of such a type of cycle are the "lucky charm" cycle (for each color, though they themselves are colorless artifacts); the "harbingers" in Lorwyn (for creature/tribal types); and the "commands" of Lorwyn (for colors).
Vertical cycles
A cycle that appears at common, uncommon, and rare rarities only is referred to as a "vertical cycle. Examples of such a type of cycle include Apocalypse's "Flagbearer" (in white), "Whirlpool" (in blue), "Bloodfire" (in red), "Phyrexian", and "Penumbra" cycles.
Examples of simple cycles
The simplest cycle has five cards, one for each individual color, each with a similar card type, function, and sometimes mana cost and name.
- Circle of Protection: Black, Circle of Protection: Blue, Circle of Protection: Green, Circle of Protection: Red and Circle of Protection: White. This cycle has been printed the most of any cycle and saw print in Beta, Unlimited, Revised, 4th Edition, Ice Age, 5th Edition, Tempest, 6th Edition, 7th Edition and 8th Edition.
Complex cycles
More complex cycles include mega cycles, mega-mega cycles and Ravnica block cycles, most, if not all, based around Ravnica's guild theme.