Syndic of Tithes MTG Card
2013-02-01 - Number 26
2024-02-23 - Number 74
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Cleric |
| Abilities | Extort |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Extort (Whenever you cast a spell, you may pay {WB}. If you do, each opponent loses 1 life and you gain that much life.)
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Cards like Syndic of Tithes
The Syndic of Tithes is a compelling addition to the lineup of extort creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its nearest relatives are cards like Thrull Parasite and Basilica Screecher – each of them wielding the extort ability, which allows you to drain life from your opponents while padding your own. Where Syndic of Tithes stands out is in its human cleric type combination, providing potential synergy in decks tailored to those tribal themes.
Another card that operates in a similar realm is the Tithe Drinker. This card not only shares the extort capability but also provides an impactful lifelink feature. Lifelink, however, is absent in Syndic of Tithes, marking a key tactical distinction between the two. Tithe Drinker also benefits from being multicolored, which can be relevant in certain deck-building strategies. Conversely, Syndic of Tithes’ single white mana requirement makes it more accessible, especially in mono-white decks focused on resource efficiency.
Assessing the spectrum of available extort cards, Syndic of Tithes offers players a reliable option for early game pressure and incremental life advantage, holding its own in the space of small, utility creatures in MTG.
Cards similar to Syndic of Tithes by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Syndic of Tithes offers a strategic edge by enabling you to impose an extort tax on spells, which can deter your opponent’s plans while supplementing your own card plays, effectively tilting the game in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Through its extort mechanic, each spell cast can contribute to your pool of resources by siphoning life from your opponent, subtly accelerating your position in the match without the need for additional mana expenditure.
Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, the extort ability Syndic of Tithes provides can be triggered during any spell resolution, giving you the flexibility to capitalize on the instant speed of your other spells, keeping opponents on their toes and optimizing your mana use each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Syndic of Tithes demands a card be discarded to activate its ability. This can deplete your hand, potentially leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: The card has a color-restricted mana cost, requiring white mana. This can be limiting for decks that aren’t based around white or that operate on a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the card may offer a beneficial effect, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other options that either cost less or offer more value at a similar mana rate.
Reasons to Include Syndic of Tithes in Your Collection
Versatility: Syndic of Tithes offers a diverse range of uses across various deck types with its ability to tap for a steady stream of life points. This can be pivotal for decks that capitalize on life gain as a strategy or need consistent life maintenance.
Combo Potential: As a low-cost creature, Syndic of Tithes slots in smoothly with combos that revolve around creatures entering the battlefield or being tapped for benefits. Its ability to extort adds an extra layer of utility, intertwining well with strategies focused on draining opponents or growing in strength with each cast spell.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that favors stalling tactics or life-based strategies, Syndic of Tithes secures an edge. It’s not just about the life points; it’s the psychological effect of extort that can shift opponent’s strategies, making this card a valuable asset against various meta-decks.
How to Beat Syndic of Tithes
Syndic of Tithes presents players with an interesting challenge to overcome in the game of MTG. As a creature that requires taxes from your opponents whenever they wish to attack or block, this card adds a strategic layer to any match. To effectively counteract the taxing effect, solid deck building and proactive play styles are vital. Utilizing low-cost removal spells or abilities that can bypass the taxing effect will help dismantle the presence of Syndic of Tithes without expending too much valuable mana.
Flexibility in your game plan allows you to adjust to the taxing challenge. Cards with evasion abilities, such as flying or unblockable, help to keep the pressure on your opponent while ignoring the taxing effect altogether. Additionally, focusing on summoning creatures that can operate under the Syndic’s radar or utilizing spells that can control the board is crucial to maintaining the upper hand. Keeping swift and direct removal cards in hand will prove essential when dealing with this kind of roadblock.
In summary, overcoming Syndic of Tithes involves a combination of careful deck construction, choosing the right moments to play your removals, and having a game plan that accommodates for potential taxation. The key is to neutralize this card’s effect with smart, calculated plays, allowing you to continue pressuring your opponent and steering the game toward victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Syndic of Tithes MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Syndic of Tithes 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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Printings
The Syndic of Tithes Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 26 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 2 | 2024-02-23 | Ravnica: Clue Edition | CLU | 74 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Syndic of Tithes has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Syndic of Tithes card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | The amount of life you gain from extort is based on the total amount of life lost, not necessarily the number of opponents you have. For example, if your opponent’s life total can’t change (perhaps because that player controls Platinum Emperion), you won’t gain any life. |
| 2013-04-15 | The extort ability doesn’t target any player. |
| 2013-04-15 | You may pay {W/B} a maximum of one time for each extort triggered ability. You decide whether to pay when the ability resolves. |