Smothering Tithe: A Game-Changing Enchantment

Smothering Tithe is a powerful and versatile enchantment that rewards players for being mindful of their opponents' draw steps. Its power level is high, particularly in Commander formats.

Whenever an opponent draws a card, they have the option to pay 2 mana to maintain control; if they don't, you create a Treasure token, effectively generating free mana. This token can be sacrificed at any time to add one mana of any color, making it an excellent addition to any white deck.

In Commander, Smothering Tithe shines in strategies focused on disrupting opponents and creating a mana advantage. Paired with cards like Jace, Vraska's Prodigy or Ajani's Pridemate, this enchantment can turn the tables in your favor, forcing opponents to make difficult decisions between drawing into their deck or giving you an edge.

Rarity: Rare Colors: White CMC: 4.0

Smothering Tithe: A Card of Unrelenting Pressure

As an enchantment, Smothering Tithe's primary function is to disrupt opponents by forcing them to make difficult decisions when drawing cards. Its effect is two-fold:

1. When an opponent draws a card, they have the option to pay 2 mana to negate this effect.
2. If they choose not to pay the mana, you create a Treasure token.

Treasure Token

The Treasure token is an artifact with its own rules:

• {T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color. This ability allows players to tap the token as a source of additional mana.

Stack and Battlefield Interaction

When an opponent draws a card, Smothering Tithe's effect triggers. If they choose not to pay 2 mana, you create a Treasure token. This process occurs on the stack:

1. Trigger: Smothering Tithe creates a trigger when an opponent draws a card.
2. Triggered Ability: When the trigger is resolved, you have the option to pay 2 mana or create a Treasure token.

The resulting Treasure token appears on the battlefield as an artifact with its own ability. If it's tapped and sacrificed, it adds one mana of any color.

Edge Cases

• Multiple Smothering Tithe: If multiple Smothering Tithe enchantments are in play, each will trigger separately when an opponent draws a card.
• Treasure Token Interaction: A Treasure token created by Smothering Tithe can be tapped and sacrificed to add mana, but it's not a source of additional treasure tokens.

Unusual Rules Interactions

• Mana Leak: If an opponent uses Mana Leak, targeting Smothering Tithe's ability will prevent the trigger from being resolved.
• Negate: Cards like Negate can counter Smothering Tithe's triggered ability, preventing you from creating a Treasure token.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander decks, Smothering Tithe pairs well with:

• Azorius Guildgate: This card provides additional mana and can help fuel your spells.
• Mox Opal: A powerful artifact that adds 2 mana of any color, which can be used to pay the cost on Smothering Tithe.

Keep in mind that Smothering Tithe's effect is most impactful when played against opponents who draw cards frequently. It's essential to consider the metagame and your opponent's playstyle when including this card in your deck.

Smothering Tithe is a versatile Enchantment that can impact gameplay in various ways, making it a valuable addition to certain decks.

Casual and Competitive Builds

Smothering Tithe benefits mono-white and white-based strategies, which value card advantage and artifact synergies. It pairs well with cards like Sol Ring and Mox Opal, providing an additional way to generate mana.

In competitive formats, Smothering Tithe finds a home in controlling decks that focus on disrupting opponents' plans while generating card advantage. A notable example is the Jeskai Control archetype, which often incorporates cards like Jace, the Mind Sculptor and Sultai Skittles. By creating Treasure tokens when opponents draw, Smothering Tithe can help mitigate the threat of their opponent's cards.

Commander Strategies

In Commander, Smothering Tithe is particularly appealing in strategies centered around card advantage, life gain, or artifact synergy. For instance:

• Griselbrand and Anafenza, the Foremost-based decks rely on card advantage and can utilize Smothering Tithe to create additional Treasure tokens.
• Liliana, Dreadhorde General and Atraxa, Praetors' Voice-based strategies often focus on artifact synergy, making Smothering Tithe a valuable addition for generating mana and disrupting opponents.

Color Identities

Smothering Tithe is most beneficial in white-based color identities:

• Mono-white: The card's ability to create Treasure tokens complements the traditional mono-white strategy of ramping up and generating card advantage.
• Azorius White-Blue: This combination leverages Smothering Tithe alongside cards like Serra Ascendant and Jace, the Mind Sculptor, amplifying card draw and disrupting opponents.

Niche Builds

Smothering Tithe can also be incorporated into more niche strategies, such as:

• Life Gain Decks: By generating Treasure tokens when opponents draw, Smothering Tithe enables life gain-based decks to accelerate their strategy.
• Mill Decks: This card creates an opportunity for mill decks to generate value from the discarded cards, making it a valuable addition in this niche archetype.

Smothering Tithe is a versatile Enchantment that offers a unique interaction with opponents' draws. Here are some advanced techniques to consider:

• Treasure Token Engine: Smothering Tithe creates a Treasure token whenever an opponent fails to pay {2} when drawing a card. This can be used to accelerate mana, allowing you to play expensive spells or generate additional value. Consider pairing with cards like Grinding Too Sharp or Sol Ring to create a robust engine.
• Anti-Draw Strategies: Smothering Tithe's ability to create Treasure tokens when opponents fail to pay {2} can be used to disrupt their draw engines. For example, if an opponent is running a high-toughness creature like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, you can use Smothering Tithe to create a Treasure token and accelerate your mana to take advantage of the creature's weakness.
• Synergy with Mox Opal: Mox Opal's ability to convert any permanent into a colorless artifact can be used in conjunction with Smothering Tithe's Treasure tokens. This creates an efficient way to generate additional colorless mana, allowing you to play even more expensive spells.
• Combinatorial Value: Smothering Tithe's ability to create Treasure tokens can be combined with other effects that create artifacts or allow for artifact sacrifice. For example, Sanguine Bond can be used to create a creature and then sacrificed for a Treasure token, generating additional value.

When using Smothering Tithe in your deck, consider the following strategies:

• Target opponents' high-priority draws: Identify when an opponent is drawing a card that they really need, such as Mox Opal or Expedite, and use Smothering Tithe to force them to pay {2} and potentially disrupt their plans.
• Use Treasure tokens for mana acceleration: Prioritize using the Treasure tokens generated by Smothering Tithe to accelerate your own mana and play more expensive spells, rather than sacrificing them for additional value.
• Synergize with other anti-draw effects: Combine Smothering Tithe with other cards that disrupt opponents' draws, such as Thalia's Lieutenant, to create a robust deck that can adapt to various situations.

By understanding these advanced techniques and strategies, you can effectively utilize Smothering Tithe in your Commander deck and create powerful interactions with other cards.

Timing Issues with Smothering Tithe

One common mistake players make with Smothering Tithe is incorrectly timing their Treasure creation. The ability triggers whenever an opponent draws a card, not necessarily on the same turn. This means that if you cast Smothering Tithe and your opponent draws cards during subsequent turns, you'll create Treasures each time.

For example, suppose you cast Smothering Tithe on turn 3 and your opponent has Ancestral Recall in their deck. If they Ancestral Recall on turn 4 and draw multiple cards, you won't get a Treasure for each card drawn. Instead, you'll only create one Treasure token.

Misunderstood Rules

Another mistake is misunderstanding the Treasure token's ability. Players often think that sacrificing a Treasure token to add one mana of any color means they can sacrifice it immediately after creating it. However, this is incorrect: the token must be sacrificed in order for its effect to trigger. This means you'll need to wait until your next turn or a future opportunity arises before taking advantage of the token's ability.

For instance, suppose you create two Treasures on turns 4 and 5 using Smothering Tithe. If you try to sacrifice one of the tokens immediately to add mana, you'll be unable to do so. You'll need to wait until your next turn or save the token for a different opportunity in the game.

Poor Synergies

Lastly, some players neglect to combine Smothering Tithe with other cards that benefit from Treasure tokens. Saffron, Fool for Love and Kraul Harbinger, for example, both create Treasures as part of their abilities. Pairing these cards with Smothering Tithe can lead to a significant influx of mana, but only if you're prepared to sacrifice the created Treasures.

To maximize this synergy, consider building your deck around low-curve creatures and tokens that benefit from additional mana. However, be mindful of the card advantage Smothering Tithe provides, as overloading on Treasure tokens can lead to a more predictable gameplan.

Smothering Tithe

A rare enchantment from the Ravnica Allegiance set, Smothering Tithe is a card that rewards players for being cautious about their opponents' card draws. With a mana cost of {3}{W}, it creates a Treasure token whenever an opponent doesn't pay {2} when drawing a card.

Key Mechanics

• Creates a Treasure token when an opponent doesn't pay {2} while drawing a card.
• The Treasure token is an artifact that can be sacrificed to add one mana of any color.

Playstyle

Smothering Tithe is often used in Commander decks focused on card draw and token generation. Its ability to generate value from an opponent's actions makes it particularly appealing in matchups against aggressive or artifact-heavy decks.

Budget-Friendliness

While Smothering Tithe is not an inexpensive card, its unique advantage can offset its cost. The Treasure token generated by this enchantment provides a flexible mana source, allowing players to adapt their strategy on the fly.

Alternatives

For budget-conscious players, alternatives like Grapple with the Past or Falkenrath, Dragon offer similar benefits at lower price points. Consider the following options:

• Grapple with the Past: A cheaper option that generates tokens and provides additional mana.
• Falkenrath, Dragon: A flying creature that can generate Treasure tokens.
• Luminous Bonds: An enchantment that creates 1/1 artifact creatures and generates additional mana.

Conclusion

Smothering Tithe is a valuable addition to certain Commander decks, but its high price point makes it inaccessible to many players. While it offers unique benefits, alternatives like Grapple with the Past, Falkenrath, Dragon, and Luminous Bonds provide more budget-friendly options for generating Treasure tokens and additional mana.

Market Value

Smothering Tithe's market value is relatively high, especially in the non-foil version. The card can be found on the market at various price points:

Print Runs and Rarity

Smothering Tithe has only appeared in a single set: Ravnica Allegiance. Its print runs are relatively rare, contributing to its higher value on the market.

Notable Appearances

Smothering Tithe has appeared in several notable decks, including Venser's Tokens and Crush of the Krallenhorde. Its inclusion in these decks showcases its potential for generating value through mana acceleration.

Building Around Smothering Tithe

Smothering Tithe is a versatile enchantment that rewards you for disrupting your opponents' card draws. Its ability to create Treasure tokens on a missed payment creates opportunities for value generation, making it an attractive addition to various Commander and deck archetypes.

Commander Pairings

Smothering Tithe pairs well with Commanders that:

• Value life gain or have ways to generate life
  • Sisay, Who Defies Death: This commander benefits from the Treasure tokens generated by Smothering Tithe, allowing for additional life gain.
  • Trostani, Selesnya's Voice: Trostani's ability to generate life and gain tokens synergizes with Smothering Tithe's Treasure creation.
• Have cards that disrupt opponents' draws or benefit from a slower game
  • Estrid, the Masked: Estrid's ability to slow down the game creates opportunities for Smothering Tithe to generate more Treasure tokens.

Color Identities

Smothering Tithe is a White card, making it an excellent fit for:

• Mono-White or White-heavy Commander decks
• Decks featuring lifegain and token generation

Thematic Archetypes

This enchantment can be integrated into various themes:

• Token Generation: Smothering Tithe's ability to create Treasure tokens complements other token-generating cards, such as Spectral Procession or Aurelia, the Warleader.
• Life Gain and Protection: Cards like Serra Ascendant, Selesnya Guildmage, or Boros Guildmage can take advantage of the life gain generated by Smothering Tithe.

Synergy Cards

Some cards that synergize with Smothering Tithe include:

• Treasure Hoarder: This creature benefits from the Treasure tokens created by Smothering Tithe, allowing for additional mana generation.
• Fathom Mage: Fathom Mage's ability to draw cards and generate life gain complements Smothering Tithe's mechanism.

Combo Notes

Smothering Tithe can be used in combination with:

• Sacrifice-based engines, such as Grizzly Bears or Bereft Bear
• Value generation from artifacts, like Gilded Light or Myriad Mats

When building around Smothering Tithe, prioritize cards that generate life gain, disrupt opponents' draws, or create tokens. This enchantment's versatility allows it to fit into various Commander decks and themes, making it an attractive addition for players seeking to optimize their gameplay.

Format Impact Breakdown

Smothering Tithe is a versatile Enchantment that sees play in Commander and other formats. Its impact varies depending on the format and the deck it's included in.

• Commander: Smothering Tithe is an excellent inclusion in any Commander deck that focuses on drawing cards or generating resources. It provides a significant advantage by creating a Treasure token every time an opponent draws a card without paying {2}. This can lead to a substantial mana advantage, making it easier to cast powerful spells.
• Casual Play: Smothering Tithe is a staple in casual Commander decks due to its ease of use and significant impact on the game. It's often included as a way to generate resources and maintain a steady flow of mana.
• Competitive Play: In competitive formats, Smothering Tithe is less commonly seen, but it can still be effective in certain decks that rely heavily on drawing cards or generating resources. Its inclusion depends on the specific strategy and metagame.

Key Interactions

Smothering Tithe interacts with various cards and strategies:

• Card Draw: Cards like Ancestral Recall and Premodern Ancestral Recall are excellent complements to Smothering Tithe, as they allow players to draw more cards and generate more Treasure tokens.
• Resource Generation: Cards like Sol Ring and Mox Opal can be used in conjunction with Smothering Tithe to accelerate mana generation and create a strong early game.
• Countermeasures: Cards like Doom Blade and Grudge can disrupt the flow of resources generated by Smothering Tithe, making it essential for players to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Price and Availability

Smothering Tithe is a rare card with a relatively high price point in both English and Foil versions. Its availability varies depending on the format and metagame:

• English Version: The non-foil version of Smothering Tithe is priced around $30.87, making it an investment for players who want to include it in their deck.
• Foil Version: The foil version of Smothering Tithe is significantly more expensive, with a price tag of $40.92.

Conclusion

Smothering Tithe is a versatile Enchantment that offers significant benefits in Commander and casual play. Its impact depends on the format and metagame, but it remains a valuable inclusion for decks focused on drawing cards or generating resources.

Smothering Tithe in Commander: Scenarios and Matchups

In a multiplayer game of Commander, Smothering Tithe excels when paired with a controlling deck that wants to disrupt opponents' draws. This enchantment creates Treasure tokens when opponents fail to pay the {2} cost, generating card advantage through additional mana.

Favorable Matchups:

• Against aggressive decks: Smothering Tithe punishes aggro players who draw cards quickly without controlling their opponents' plays.
• With cards like Ethereal Absolution and Doom Whip: These removal spells ensure that opponents don't get to use their creatures or abilities, forcing them to pay the {2} cost and creating Treasure tokens for you.
• In decks featuring Sisay's Ring or Sol Ring: These mana-fixing artifacts allow you to cast Smothering Tithe more consistently and take advantage of the Treasure tokens generated.

Unfavorable Matchups:

• Against combo decks: If your opponents can generate card advantage quickly through combos, they may be able to pay the {2} cost and avoid creating Treasure tokens for you.
• In games with Mox Opal or Mox Amber-based mana acceleration: Your opponents' ability to generate mana more efficiently can make it harder to create a significant advantage through Treasure tokens.
• Against control decks with cards like Kira, Shattered Arcane or Liliana of the Veil: These counters and removal spells can disrupt your plans and prevent you from creating Treasure tokens.

Key Considerations:

• Smothering Tithe requires a controlling strategy to maximize its benefits.
• Be mindful of opponents' combo potential and mana acceleration when playing this card.
• Consider pairing Smothering Tithe with other enchantments or cards that generate additional mana, such as Jwki's Empyreal Eye or Mystic Remora.

History of Smothering Tithe

Smothering Tithe, a rare enchantment from the Ravnica Allegiance set, has maintained a steady presence in competitive Magic. With a mana cost of {3}{W}, it rewards players for being cautious about their opponents' card draws.

• EDHREC Statistics: As of its latest assessment, Smothering Tithe ranks 53rd among all enchantments on EDHREC.
• Printings and Reprints: Smothering Tithe has only appeared in a single set: Ravnica Allegiance. Its print runs are relatively rare, contributing to its higher value on the market.
• Tournament Presence: While not as ubiquitous as some other cards, Smothering Tithe still sees play in various formats, often as part of more complex strategies that leverage Treasure tokens.
• Iconic Decks: Smothering Tithe has appeared in several notable decks, including Venser's Tokens and Crush of the Krallenhorde. Its inclusion in these decks showcases its potential for generating value through mana acceleration.

Market Value

Smothering Tithe's market value is relatively high, especially considering its rarity. The card can be found on the market at various price points:

The high value of Smothering Tithe is a reflection of its relatively rare print runs and continued play in competitive Magic.

In the sprawling metropolis of Ravnica, where guilds vie for power and influence, Smothering Tithe embodies the insidious nature of taxation. The city's patron, Boros, has always been known for its zealous protection of its citizens' assets, but it seems they've taken this to a new level.

Smothering Tithe's mechanics are an affront to the concept of value and ownership. When an opponent draws a card, they're presented with a choice: pay {2} or face the consequences. If they opt for the latter, Smothering Tithe creates a Treasure token, which is an artifact in its own right. This token has its own effect, allowing its controller to add one mana of any color by sacrificing it.

In many ways, Smothering Tithe can be seen as a manifestation of the tithe itself - a forced payment to a higher authority. It's no wonder that Boros guildpact members have been known to collect these tokens, not just for their mana-generating potential, but also as a symbol of their patron's power and reach.

In the city's grand estates, where the wealthy elite hold court, Smothering Tithe would be a prized addition to any deck. Its ability to generate value from an opponent's actions is particularly appealing in matchups against aggressive or artifact-heavy decks. Consider pairing it with Jeskai Mystic for a more aggressive approach, using Smothering Tithe to fuel your spells and keep the pressure on.

Of course, not all guildpact members share Boros' enthusiasm for taxation. In the shadowy alleys of Izzet League's quarters, whispers circulate about a mysterious artifact that can counter Smothering Tithe's effects. Those in the know claim it's an ancient relic from Ravaggi, Disentangler of Knots, capable of severing ties between tithe-paying opponents and their tokens.

In the cutthroat world of Ravnica's guild politics, nothing is certain except for one thing: Smothering Tithe is a card that demands attention - and respect. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the city's intricate web of alliances and rivalries, this enigmatic enchantment will keep you on your toes.