Sylvan Smite MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-12-13 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: The Brothers' War |
| Set code | YBRO |
| Number | 15 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Artur Nakhodkin |
Text of card
Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control if you weren't the starting player. Then that creature deals damage equal to its power to target creature you don't control.
Cards like Sylvan Smite
In the realm of green instant spells, Sylvan Smite stands as a unique tool for MTG players. Its function is akin to Naturalize, allowing the destruction of artifacts or enchantments at a similar cost. However, Sylvan Smite goes a step further, providing the bonus of untapping two target lands. This subtle yet powerful addition mirrors the effects seen in cards like Early Harvest but targeted for defensive purposes rather than ramp strategies.
Additionally, Sylvan Smite can be compared to Return to Nature. This versatile spell not only deals with artifacts and enchantments but can also target cards in graveyards, making it applicable in more scenarios. Despite this, it doesn’t offer the land untapping advantage, which can be a pivotal factor during a match. Werebear is another comparable card, it provides a mana advantage as a mana dork and can become a significant creature on the battlefield, yet it doesn’t interact with the opponent’s strategy the way Sylvan Smite does.
Choosing Sylvan Smite means prioritizing immediate board interaction with a twist of mana flexibility. This distinguishes it within the sphere of green spells and adds a tactical edge for those looking to combine disruption with quick mana recovery.
Cards similar to Sylvan Smite by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sylvan Smite provides an avenue to mitigate the threat of losing valuable creatures to removal spells, often resulting in an even exchange or even gaining advantage in the battlefield dynamic.
Resource Acceleration: With the ability to untap two lands, Sylvan Smite serves as a resource accelerator, potentially paving the way for additional plays within the same turn, thus nudging the momentum in your favor.
Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Sylvan Smite offers strategic flexibility, allowing players to react to threats or opportunities swiftly and unexpectedly during either player’s turn, keeping adversaries on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sylvan Smite mandates that you discard a card to activate its abilities. This could potentially deplete your hand, leaving you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if you are in need of card options.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Sylvan Smite includes a requirement for green mana, which might not synergize well with decks that operate on a different color spectrum or multi-colored decks where green is not a priority.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its more substantial mana requirement, Sylvan Smite could be considered inefficient when you rate its cost against similar cards that offer either lower mana requirements for the same effect or additional benefits at the same cost level.
Reasons to Include Sylvan Smite in Your Collection
Versatility: Sylvan Smite can serve multiple roles in your deck, whether you’re disrupting opponent creatures or using it as a tool to keep your own creatures safe during combat.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key piece in strategies focused on creature-based synergies or in decks that capitalize on casting spells at instant speed.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-heavy decks are prevalent, Sylvan Smite provides a significant edge by offering a way to deal with threats efficiently.
How to Beat Sylvan Smite
Overcoming Sylvan Smite in Magic: The Gathering can be a nuanced task. This efficient removal spell does more than just clear a path for your creatures — it can also disrupt your opponent’s mana by targeting their mana dorks. To best navigate against this green instant, consider playing less reliant on creatures for mana acceleration.
Options like artifact-based mana sources such as Sol Ring or mana rocks like Arcane Signet remain unaffected by Sylvan Smite and ensure your mana flow continues uninterrupted. Moreover, employing spells that grant hexproof or indestructible like Heroic Intervention can preserve your key creatures from such targeted removal. As Sylvan Smite is restricted to targeting attackers or blockers, adjusting your strategy to non-combat methods can also effectively sidestep its effects.
Ultimately, adapting your playstyle and card choices to minimize reliance on vulnerable creatures during combat phases will reduce Sylvan Smite’s impact on your strategy and maintain your board’s integrity.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sylvan Smite MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: The Brothers' War, 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 Sylvan Smite 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sylvan Smite has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |