Smokespew Invoker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie Mutant |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 81 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Thomas M. Baxa |
Text of card
: Target creature gets -3/-3 until end of turn.
The Mirari festers in its flesh.
Cards like Smokespew Invoker
In the wide-ranging library of Magic: The Gathering, Smokespew Invoker may remind players of other cards with flexible mana sinks, such as Quicksilver Elemental. Both cards offer a repeatable ability that can be activated multiple times if the mana is available. Yet, Smokespew Invoker’s ability to give creatures -1/-1 until end of turn presents a unique tactical advantage in wearing down an opponent’s creatures over time.
Moving to a different spectrum, we encounter Festering Goblin, which also revolves around the concept of weakening creatures but does so in a one-time, trigger-based fashion upon its death. This makes Smokespew Invoker a more persistent threat. Then, there’s Thrashing Wumpus, offering a similar effect to all creatures but requiring more mana upfront. The Invoker, in contrast, allows players to invest mana incrementally.
Ultimately, Smokespew Invoker’s repeating ability can be a thorn in the side of aggro decks, crowning it as a valuable piece in control arsenals. When evaluating creature control options, this card stands out for its potential to influence the board across multiple turns, depicting its strategic flexibility in Magic: The Gathering matches.
Cards similar to Smokespew Invoker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Smokespew Invoker can repeatedly force your opponent to sacrifice creatures, offering potential card advantage as you whittle down their board presence incrementally, turn by turn.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of resource acceleration, Smokespew Invoker’s ability becomes more accessible and repeatable in a deck designed around mana ramp, transforming it into a consistent threat.
Instant Speed: Smokespew Invoker’s activation can be used at instant speed, providing flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn or at the end of their turn to clear a path for your assault.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Smokespew Invoker can be a tricky card to play given the need to have a swamp card available. If your deck is running low on these types of lands or if your mana base is varied, consistently getting the most out of Smokespew Invoker can become a challenge.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a specific mana cost that requires black mana. For players not using a mono-black or a deck that heavily features black mana, integrating Smokespew Invoker effectively into their strategy could prove difficult, limiting the card’s versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an activation cost that is steep when considering the effect it triggers, players may find that there are alternative cards that provide similar or better utility without such a demanding mana investment. The total cost for its activated ability can mean sinking in valuable mana that could be otherwise allocated, possibly impacting the overall pace and efficiency of your gameplay.
Reasons to Include Smokespew Invoker in Your Collection
Versatility: Smokespew Invoker is quite adaptable due to its activated ability, which can be a game-changer against creature-heavy decks. This makes it a solid choice in various deck builds that aim to control the board.
Combo Potential: With the right mana acceleration or untapping mechanics, Smokespew Invoker’s ability can be activated multiple times in a single turn, allowing for devastating combos that tactically diminish your opponent’s creature presence on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: As metagames shift, creature-based strategies often rise to prominence. Smokespew Invoker gains value in these environments, offering a repeatable source of creature removal that can keep opponent’s threats at bay and maintaining a balance during gameplay.
How to beat
Within the vast array of creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Smokespew Invoker can be a tricky adversary with its ability to give -1/-1 counters. It’s a handy tool against decks that rely heavily on small creatures. Nevertheless, overcoming this card can be straightforward with the right strategy. First, consider using removal spells that can target Smokespew Invoker directly, bypassing its activated ability altogether.
Utilizing creatures with higher toughness is also a viable approach, as they can withstand the Invoker’s effect. Moreover, since the Invoker’s ability is mana-intensive, maintaining pressure and forcing your opponent to keep mana untapped can also be an effective tactic. Playing instant-speed spells on your opponent’s turn can exploit their spent mana and leave their defenses open.
Furthermore, graveyard manipulation effects can nullify the Invoker’s return if it’s leveraging a recursion strategy from the graveyard. Lastly, keep an eye out for cards that prevent or neutralize activated abilities. By integrating these strategies, players can mitigate the impact of Smokespew Invoker and maintain control over the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Smokespew Invoker MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Smokespew Invoker and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Smokespew Invoker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |