Smother MTG Card
2002-10-07 - Number 170
2003-08-07 - Number we170sb
2003-08-07 - Number we170
2003-08-07 - Number pk170
2010-02-05 - Number 68
2015-08-28 - Number 57
2002-06-24 - Number 31475
2003-01-01 - Number 8
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Destroy target creature with converted mana cost 3 or less. It can't be regenerated.
"I can't hear them scream, but at least I don't have to listen to them beg." —Phage the Untouchable
Cards like Smother
Smother holds a definitive spot in the arsenal of black control spells in Magic: The Gathering. This quick and efficient removal spell is able to dispatch creatures with a converted mana cost of three or less at instant speed, reminiscent of other spells like Go for the Throat which can target any non-artifact creature with no mana cost restriction. However, Smother has the advantage of lower mana requirement, making it a preferred early-game choice.
Another close relative in this family of removals is Fatal Push, a spell celebrated for its ability to target creatures with higher cost provided the revolt condition is met. Unlike Smother, Fatal Push can take down larger threats if a permanent you controlled left the battlefield this turn. Lastly, there’s the broader-acting Dismember that can deal with creatures of even larger size due to its −5/−5 effect at the expense of life points, offering flexibility that Smother lacks.
Each of these spells offers unique advantages depending on the deck’s strategy and the match’s context. While Smother might not have the versatility to target bigger creatures, its simple condition and cost-efficiency make it an enduring favorite among players who need reliable and cost-effective creature removal.
Cards similar to Smother by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Smother. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Psychatog | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | The Rock | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Orzhov Control | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Deadguy Ale | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Abzan Aggro | Premodern | Misty Premodern Winter Finals | |
 | Pit Rack | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Golgari Oath | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
| Mono-Blue Control | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Smother gives you the edge by efficiently dealing with an opponent’s creature without losing card equity. Since it often trades one-for-one with a threat, you maintain parity on the board.
Resource Acceleration: Although Smother doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low mana cost aids in reserving your mana for other plays, which indirectly speeds up your game plan.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Smother at instant speed allows you to discreetly manage threats while keeping your options open until just the right moment, maximizing strategic play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Smother demands sacrificing a creature as a cost, which might be detrimental in games where maintaining board presence is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating black mana exclusively, Smother is not universal and thus restricts deck versatility, particularly in multi-colored arrangements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a card meant to be a quick removal solution, Smother’s mana investment is significant, potentially making it less attractive than lower-cost alternatives.
Reasons to Include Smother in Your Collection
Versatility: Smother is a powerful addition to your collection due to its ability to seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes that require efficient creature removal. Its low mana cost makes it easily accessible in the early turns of the game.
Combo Potential: This card plays well with graveyard strategies, as it puts creatures directly into the graveyard, potentially setting up for larger plays or synergies with cards that benefit from creatures being in a graveyard.
Meta-Relevance: With a continuously evolving competitive scene, Smother holds its ground by countering quick aggro decks that rely on low-cost creatures, keeping you in control of the battlefield and maintaining tempo.
How to beat
Smother is an efficient removal tool in Magic: The Gathering, targeting creatures with converted mana cost 3 or less. To outsmart this card, consider including creatures in your deck that exceed the mana threshold of Smother. Cards that either enter the battlefield with a greater mana cost, evolve, or embody a level-up mechanic, ensure they stand beyond the scope of Smother’s reach.
Another tactic to consider is the use of instant-speed spells that can either protect your creatures or counteract Smother outright. Spells like Gods Willing provide protection from the color of your choice, potentially saving your creature from being targeted. Negate or other counterspells can also be used to stop Smother before it takes effect, preserving your creature and maintaining your board presence.
Lastly, the reliance on non-creature permanents or spells that generate value without relying on creatures’ survival can diminish the impact of Smother. By focusing on enchantments, planeswalkers, or an increased number of instant and sorcery spells that provide advantage, you can bypass Smother’s limiting conditions and still advance your winning strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Smother MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Onslaught, 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 Smother 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Smother Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2015-08-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 31475 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | ||
| 2 | 2002-10-07 | Onslaught | ONS | 170 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 3 | Friday Night Magic 2003 | F03 | 8 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | ||
| 4 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | we170sb | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Carl Critchlow | |
| 5 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | we170 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Carl Critchlow | |
| 6 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | pk170 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Carl Critchlow | |
| 7 | 2010-02-05 | Worldwake | WWK | 68 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski | |
| 8 | 2015-08-28 | Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi | DDP | 57 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Smother has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Smother card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2010-03-01 | A creature's mana value is determined solely by the mana symbols printed in its upper right corner (unless that creature is copying something else; see below). If its mana cost includes , X is considered to be 0. If it has no mana symbols in its upper right corner (because it's an animated land, for example), its mana value is 0. Ignore any alternative costs or additional costs (such as kicker) paid when the creature was cast. |
| 2010-03-01 | A token has a mana value of 0, unless it is copying something else. |
| 2010-03-01 | If a creature is copying something else, its mana value is the mana value of whatever it's copying. |