Bloodtallow Candle MTG Card


Provides indirect card advantage by efficiently dealing with threats without using multiple resources. Instant speed activation grants highly flexible responses to opponents’ actions. While one-time-use, its versatility makes it a noteworthy addition for various decks.
Bloodtallow Candle - Dominaria
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact
Released2018-04-27
Set symbol
Set nameDominaria
Set codeDOM
Number212
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAlayna Danner

Text of card

, , Sacrifice Bloodtallow Candle: Target creature gets -5/-5 until end of turn.

"Bring me an angel feather, and I will give you one death in return. There can be no turning back once the candle is lit." —Whisper, blood liturgist


Cards like Bloodtallow Candle

Bloodtallow Candle enters the arena of creature management tools in Magic: The Gathering with a unique twist. It mirrors the functionality of one-time use artifacts like Universal Solvent, which also enables players to remove a troublesome creature from the board. The Candle, however, demands a mana investment and a sacrifice to initiate its destructive ability, unlike Universal Solvent which requires no upfront mana to cast but a higher activation cost.

Expanding the comparison, we encounter Executioner’s Capsule. This artifact shares the “destroy creature” ability, yet it limits its sights to nonblack creatures and is cheaper to activate. While Bloodtallow Candle doesn’t discriminate against any creature type when it comes to its sacrificial ritual, Executioner’s Capsule offers a lower financial entry point for its selective removal service.

In assessing the options for creature removal artifacts, Bloodtallow Candle stands out for its universal answer to any creature threat but might not always be the most economical choice. Players value versatility in gameplay, making Bloodtallow Candle a card worth considering in the broader context of Magic: The Gathering’s artifact-based control strategies.

Universal Solvent - MTG Card versions
Executioner's Capsule - MTG Card versions
Universal Solvent - MTG Card versions
Executioner's Capsule - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Bloodtallow Candle by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bloodtallow Candle may not directly allow you to draw cards, but it serves as a crucial tool in eliminating opponent’s threats. This can potentially disrupt their plans and lead to a form of indirect card advantage by dealing with a creature that might have cost you multiple cards otherwise.

Resource Acceleration: While Bloodtallow Candle itself doesn’t produce additional resources, its low-cost activation can help you manage your resources efficiently. This makes it easier to play your spells and still have an answer to threats on the board without falling behind.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Bloodtallow Candle at instant speed provides flexibility, allowing you to wait until the most opportune moment to use it. This could be during combat or in response to an opponent’s spell, making it a versatile tool in your arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Bloodtallow Candle requires a player to sacrifice the artifact itself after use. This necessity for a one-time effect could be seen as a downside, especially when considering this card takes up a slot that could be filled with recurring value assets.

Specific Mana Cost: While initially cheap to play, the Bloodtallow Candle demands a specific mana investment to activate its ability. This can constrain players who wish to optimize their mana usage or are playing a tight mana curve strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: To utilize its full potential, the cost for Bloodtallow Candle’s ability might be deemed steep. Considering the wide array of removal options available, the total cost for casting and activating the candle might not be the most economical compared to other removal cards at similar or lower mana points.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bloodtallow Candle offers players a flexible removal option. Its ability to be slotted into any deck due to its colorless nature makes it a universal choice for dealing with problematic creatures on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This artifact can work well in synergy with strategies that capitalize on sacrificing permanents. Its death-triggered ability can be integrated into decks focusing on graveyard play or artifact recursion, giving it multifaceted applications.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, having access to removal tools like Bloodtallow Candle could prove to be a tactical advantage. It’s particularly useful when facing decks that rely on individual high-threat creatures to win the game.


How to beat

Bloodtallow Candle is a unique artifact in the vast landscape of MTG, known for its ability to weaken an opponent’s creature when the moment is right. It boasts a specific utility that can be a tactical advantage or a straightforward path to eliminate a threat. To triumph over this card, one must understand the timing of its activation, primarily when six mana — one of any color and five additional — are available to the controller.

Anticipating the use of Bloodtallow Candle is key. Since it’s an artifact with an activated ability, you can counteract it by employing artifact removal spells or abilities that specifically target activated abilities, providing they’re cast or used before the ability resolves. Additionally, considering it’s a one-time use card, forcing its activation at a suboptimal time can render it less effective. Creature hexproof and shroud are also effective means of protection, rendering your creatures immune to such targeted effects. By staying alert and using well-timed counters, one can dull the Candle’s light and keep their creatures safe and ready for battle.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bloodtallow Candle MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Bloodtallow Candle and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bloodtallow Candle has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal