Smite MTG Card

Smite allows for board control by selectively removing tapped creatures at a low cost. Instant speed casting of Smite offers strategic flexibility during an opponent’s turn. Considering Smite’s limitations ensures a robust strategy and well-rounded deck construction.

Stronghold (STH)
1998-03-02 - Number 17

Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
2010-04-23 - Number 43

Gatecrash (GTC)
2013-02-01 - Number 25

Tempest Remastered (TPR)
2015-05-06 - Number 28

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Destroy target blocked creature.

"You've got your childhood wish at last. Now you get to die." —Gerrard, to Volrath

Cards like Smite

Smite is an interesting tactical choice within the pantheon of removal spells in the game. It’s often compared to similar cards like Divine Verdict, which also destroys attacking or blocking creatures. Where Smite shines is in its mana efficiency, requiring only a single white mana compared to Divine Verdict’s four. However, Divine Verdict has the flexibility of being used during combat, not just on blocking creatures.

Another card worth mentioning is Rebuke. Much like Smite, Rebuke is a reaction to creatures becoming embroiled in battle. While Smite requires the creature to be blocked to initiate its effect, Rebuke expands its reach to attacking creatures as well. On the flip side, Rebuke comes with a higher mana cost.

Assessing these comparisons, Smite remains a notable card, especially for players looking to optimize mana usage. This card’s specificity in targeting only blocked creatures can be a strategic boon or a limitation based on the player’s deck and overall strategy. Its low cost and instant speed make it a favorable quick defense in the right circumstances.

Cards similar to Smite by color, type and mana cost

Swords to Plowshares - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Smite provides strategic removal, effectively dealing with a major threat by destroying a tapped creature. This can shift the card balance in your favor as you eliminate a key piece of your opponent’s game without losing a card from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: In matchups where tempo is vital, Smite offers the advantage of dealing with an opponent’s creature without investing multiple resources. This allows you to maintain or even accelerate your board state while setting back your opponent, efficiently utilizing your mana and paving the way for further development of your own strategy.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Smite at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn. You can wait for the perfect moment to neutralize an attacking creature, keeping your opponent guessing and potentially causing them to misplay, anticipating spells during your own turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Smite card demands a discard, a cost that can put players in a tight spot, particularly when their hand is already running slim on options.

Specific Mana Cost: Smite’s mana cost requires white mana, niche to decks compatible with such a color scheme and potentially restrictive for multicolored deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s cost is on the higher side compared to similar removal spells. This makes it less desirable when mana efficiency is crucial for maintaining tempo.

Reasons to Include Smite in Your Collection

Versatility: Smite excels in decks that are heavy on control or those looking to protect key creatures in combat. Its low mana cost means it fits easily into various game plans without taxing your mana pool.

Combo Potential: This card can be a critical piece in strategies designed to capitalize on opponents declaring attackers, allowing you to remove threats without losing your own creatures in the process.

Meta-Relevance: With aggressive creature-based decks commonly seen in the meta, Smite provides an effective and efficient response to opponents’ offensive strategies, keeping you in the game long enough to execute your win conditions.

How to beat

Smite is a potent removal spell in Magic: The Gathering, designed as a one-shot solution to eliminate attacking creatures without question. This card shines in situations where your opponent is going all-in on an aggressive attack, especially when that attack hinges on a single, powerful creature leading the charge. The simplicity of Smite’s requirement — targeting only attacking creatures — molds it into a strategic play that can dismantle an opponent’s plan.

To navigate around Smite’s capability, it’s pivotal to prepare for the possibility of such spot removal. Diversifying your strategy instead of relying on a lone attacker can mitigate its impact. Alternatively, consider keeping mana open for counterspells if you suspect your opponent holds Smite in hand. Additionally, using creatures with indestructible or protection abilities can render Smite ineffective. Lastly, be Iattentive to the enemies untapped mana before launching your offense, as Smite’s low cost makes it an easy play during combat.

Ultimately, recognizing the threat of instant-speed removals like Smite and adapting your play style can turn the tide of battle in your favor, ensuring your creatures survive to see another phase.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Smite MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Rise of the Eldrazi, 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 Smite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Smite Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-03-02	Stronghold	STH	17	1997	Normal	Black	Daren Bader
2	2010-04-23	Rise of the Eldrazi	ROE	43	2003	Normal	Black	Cyril Van Der Haegen
3	2013-02-01	Gatecrash	GTC	25	2003	Normal	Black	Zoltan Boros
4	2015-05-06	Tempest Remastered	TPR	28	2015	Normal	Black	Daren Bader

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Smite has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Smite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2010-06-15	A “blocked creature” is an attacking creature that has been blocked by a creature this combat, or has become blocked as the result of a spell or ability this combat. Unless the attacking creature leaves combat, it continues to be a blocked creature through the end of combat step, even if the creature or creatures that blocked it are no longer on the battlefield or have otherwise left combat by then.