This article highlights the small collection of Magic the gathering cards that save you from lethal damage in a sticky situation. “Damage that would reduce your life total to less than 1 reduces it to 1 instead” is a great power and has been termed by some as the “Worship power”. These are some favorites and the evolution of cards from the “Worship” Department… and some that just don’t let you lose at all!

Ali from Cairo – Arabian Nights – 1993

One of my favorite cards of all time, Ali from Cairo is one of the best cards from the Arabian Nights set and the original game saver. He introduced a new aspect to the game. If you can’t defeat Ali, you can’t defeat your opponent with damage. The catch with his power (the “Worship power”) is that it does not prevent you from losing the game. Loss of life is not prevented, so cards like Drain Life still could defeat a player with Ali out.

Sustaining Spirit – Alliances – 1996

This card introduced the mechanic of lethal damage prevention to white. Yes this card has a very heavy upkeep cost, but then again it IS from Alliances. Nonetheless, it is an overlooked card that is capable of winning you a close game. It’s probably the worst of the “Worships”.

Worship – Urzas Saga – 1998

The card that made the mechanic famous, Worship has been reprinted three times and is used widely across the game of magic. It is a staple in many white control decks, although it is always risky to depend on it. Remember, this card does not protect you from loss of life! Still, this is one of the most famous cards in the game, and another one of my personal favorites.

Platinum Angel – Mirrodin – 2003

Platinum Angel brought a new ability to the table that, frankly, kicked Worship’s butt. It not only prevents you from losing by any means, it keep your opponents from winning! While the rules state that you can concede a game with this in play, I’m not sure why you would want to. This is a popular card and it made a re-appearance in 10th edition.

Fortune Thief – Time Spiral – 2006

Fortune thief is pretty much a modernized Ali from Cairo. With the morph aspect, it has more of a surprise element. A 0/1 for 5 mana is a burden, but the power, again, could mean losing the game or not. I like Ali better.

Angel’s Grace – Time Spiral – 2006

Another card from Timespiral that prevents losing. This is the savior of players running a close game. With the Split Second ability attached, this card is practically impossible to prevent. It combines Worship and Platinum Angel into a one-drop instant that is arguably the best card on this list.

Lich’s Mirror – Shards of Alara – 2008

While all the “Lich Stuff” technically keep you alive past 0 life, I believe this one deserves special mention. It keeps you alive with no penalty. Yes, it does put you at a major disadvantage, but technically it prevents you from losing the game…for a while. This card seems to work best for me in a quick red deck and in multiplayer games.

(All pictures from www.Magiccards.info)

(Cards can be purchased at www.starcitygames.com for the cheapest I could find)

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