Wizards of the Coast did not print a 4th run of the original Magic: The Gathering Base Set, commonly referred to as the “Alpha,” “Beta,” and “Unlimited” editions. Instead, what is often confused as a “4th run” is actually the release of the *Fourth Edition* core set, which was a distinct reprint of many cards from the original Base Set but with some changes in card design and formatting.
To clarify the history:
1. **Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited**: The very first Magic cards were printed in the Alpha set (1993), followed by Beta (also 1993), and then Unlimited (1994). These three printings are considered the original Base Set runs. Alpha and Beta had black borders, while Unlimited had white borders. These were the only printings of the original Base Set cards in their original form.
2. **Fourth Edition (1995)**: Wizards of the Coast released *Fourth Edition* as a core set that reprinted many cards from the original Base Set but with updated card frames and some minor text changes. This was not a continuation of the original Base Set print runs but a new core set designed to be more accessible and to refresh the card pool. It is often mistaken as a “4th run” of the Base Set, but it is officially a separate set.
3. **No further Base Set printings**: After Fourth Edition, Wizards moved on to other core sets and expansions. There was no official “fifth” or subsequent printing of the original Base Set cards as a whole. Instead, cards from the Base Set have been reprinted selectively in various other sets, supplemental products, and special releases, but never as a full Base Set reprint run.
4. **Reserved List and reprint policy**: Wizards of the Coast established the Reserved List to protect certain cards from reprinting, including many from the original Base Set. This policy has prevented full reprints of the Base Set cards in their original form, which further supports that no 4th run of the Base Set was printed. The Reserved List includes cards from Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited that were not reprinted in Fourth Edition or later sets[1].
Regarding medical or health-related information, there is no direct connection between Wizards of the Coast’s printing policies and medical topics. However, if you are interested in authoritative sources about the printing history and policies of Magic: The Gathering, Wizards of the Coast’s official website and well-documented community resources such as Draftsim and PriceCharting provide reliable information on print runs, card editions, and the Reserved List[1][2][5].
In summary, the original Base Set was printed only in Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited editions. Fourth Edition is a separate core set reprint, not a continuation of the Base Set print runs. Wizards of the Coast has not printed a “4th run” of the Base Set as such.
