Smothering Tithe MTG Card


Tithe provides resource ramp by converting card draws into Treasure tokens for mana. It supports instant speed play, keeping opponents second-guessing your moves. Despite its cost, it’s a powerful inclusion across various MTG formats.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment
Abilities Treasure

Text of card

Whenever an opponent draws a card, that player may pay . If the player doesn't, you create a colorless Treasure artifact token with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color."

"I await your donation." —Dasha, Orzhov priest


Cards like Smothering Tithe

Smothering Tithe has carved a unique niche among the pantheon of tax effects in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel to traditional cards like Rhystic Study, which taxes opponents for drawing cards unless they pay additional mana. However, Smothering Tithe flips the script, giving you Treasure tokens whenever an opponent draws and doesn’t pay the tax. This distinction allows for a scalable advantage, accruing resources with each card your opponents draw.

Another analogue is Revel in Riches, which also revolves around the creation of Treasure tokens. While Revel in Riches leans towards an alternate win condition strategy, Smothering Tithe focuses on ramping up your mana production to deploy threats sooner. Its strength is amplified in multiplayer formats like Commander where multiple opponents are likely to draw vast numbers of cards, exponentially increasing your Treasure count.

In summary, within the realm of resource-generating enchantments in Magic: The Gathering, Smothering Tithe stands out. Its ability to capitalize on opponents’ actions without specifically hindering their plays positions it as a highly favored choice for players aiming to boost their mana pool swiftly and significantly.

Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Revel in Riches - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Revel in Riches - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Smothering Tithe. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Selesnya AurasSelesnya Auras GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 09 2024
Orzhov Death & TaxesOrzhov Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
WW LegacyLegacy Challenge 64 2024-01-28

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Smothering Tithe provides a continuous stream of Treasure tokens each time an opponent draws a card. This ability can tangibly translate to card advantage, as it essentially forces opponents to either let you ramp up your resources or spend their own to prevent it.

Resource Acceleration: The Treasure tokens generated by Smothering Tithe can be sacrificed for mana, thus accelerating your mana base. This allows for casting higher-cost spells much earlier than usual or enabling multi-spell turns, giving you a significant advantage over opponents who are operating on a normal mana curve.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, Smothering Tithe interacts favorably with instant speed spells and abilities. When you accumulate a hoard of Treasure tokens, you can keep your mana open for instant speed responses and use the Treasure for mana only if necessary, keeping your opponents guessing and always on the back foot.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Smothering Tithe doesn’t require a discard outright, it can pressure players into deciding whether to pay the tax or let you gain an advantage, which may indirectly influence discard choices especially when resources are tight.

Specific Mana Cost: Smothering Tithe requires two white mana, which can potentially restrict it to decks that run heavily on white or have a reliable mana base to accommodate the specific color requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Charging four mana, Smothering Tithe’s cost is on the higher side, and some players might prefer a more immediate impact from cards with a lower mana cost in a quicker-paced game scenario.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Smothering Tithe’s ability to generate Treasure tokens makes it a multifaceted card that supports various strategies. Whether you’re playing Commander or Standard, this enchantment offers a resource advantage that fits into many deck archetypes, from control to ramp.

Combo Potential: The card also shines in combos, as the Treasure tokens it generates can be leveraged with other cards to create powerful interactions. With Smothering Tithe in play, you can quickly amass a stockpile of artifacts to use with synergistic cards or sacrifice for a significant mana boost.

Meta-Relevance: In the evolving MTG meta, Smothering Tithe holds its ground by taxing opponents and tipping the scales in your favor. It shines in formats where games are drawn out, and the consistent Treasure creation becomes a game-changing resource.


How to beat

Smothering Tithe has quickly emerged as a powerhouse in MTG, especially in formats that allow longer games and substantial resource accumulation. Each time an opponent draws a card, Smothering Tithe places them in a predicament. They must choose between paying two mana or granting you a Treasure token. Over time, this can lead to a significant advantage as your resources multiply and open the door for game-winning plays.

To effectively counteract Smothering Tithe, it’s crucial to consider cards that either negate its ability to generate tokens or reduce the number of cards you draw to minimize its impact. Cards that offer enchantment removal such as Disenchant or Nature’s Claim can remove Smothering Tithe from the battlefield outright. Alternatively, strategies that deploy cards like Narset, Parter of Veils can limit card drawing, thereby reducing the number of times Smothering Tithe’s trigger can occur.

Overall, navigating around this card requires a balanced approach that includes enchantment interaction, modifying your card draw strategy, or even using your new wealth of Treasure tokens before the opposition can leverage them against you, ensuring Smothering Tithe doesn’t overwhelm you with its value-generating capability.


BurnMana Recommendations

Harnessing the power of Smothering Tithe can propel your MTG strategies to new heights. Its unique ability to turn opponents’ draws into potential mana gives you a competitive edge that can be leveraged in numerous ways. Whether accelerating your plays, fueling instant speed interactions, or setting up game-winning combos, this card is a versatile addition to any collection. In the ever-shifting tides of MTG gameplay, staying ahead means utilizing such influential cards that can influence the board state significantly. To deepen your understanding and seamlessly integrate Smothering Tithe into your decks, visit BurnMana for an in-depth analysis and expert tips on maximizing its potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Smothering Tithe MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Smothering Tithe and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Smothering Tithe Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022272015NormalBlackPete Venters
22019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 222015NormalBlackMark Behm
32019-01-25Ravnica Allegiance PromosPRNA 22p2015NormalBlackMark Behm
42022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4232015NormalBlackMark Behm
52022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 312015NormalBlackMark Behm
62022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3422015NormalBorderlessPete Venters
72023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 4732015NormalBlackMark Behm
82023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 572015NormalBlackMark Behm
92023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 6932015NormalBorderlessJeff Miracola
102023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 672015NormalBorderlessDaisuke Tatsuma
112023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 872015NormalBorderlessDaisuke Tatsuma
122023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 132015NormalBorderlessShafer Brown

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Smothering Tithe has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-01-25 If an opponent is instructed to draw multiple cards, that player draws all of them before deciding how many times to pay for Smothering Tithe’s triggered ability.