Is Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff legal in Standard, Modern, and Commander?

Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff is legal in: Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Historic.

What type of card is Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff?

Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff is a Legendary Creature — Halfling Rogue. Its oracle text reads: "Whenever a player casts their second spell each turn, you lose 1 life and create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.") *"Whatever is wrong in the Shire, Lotho will be at the bottom of it: you can be sure of that." —Pippin* Power/Toughness: 2/1"

Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff

Legendary Creature — Halfling Rogue

Whenever a player casts their second spell each turn, you lose 1 life and create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

*"Whatever is wrong in the Shire, Lotho will be at the bottom of it: you can be sure of that."

—Pippin*

Power/Toughness: 2/1

Set The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth

Rarity Rare

Mana Value 2

Artist Ilker Yildiz

Collector # 213

Scryfall

Standard	Not legal
Pioneer	Not legal
Modern	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Commander	Legal
Pauper	Not legal
Historic	Legal

Why Play Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff

A two-mana value engine that punishes opponents for playing multiple spells per turn while generating treasure tokens for ramp and fixing. The life loss is minimal compared to the mana advantage gained, especially in multiplayer formats where multiple opponents trigger the ability frequently. Best suited for midrange and control decks that can afford the gradual life loss in exchange for consistent mana acceleration and the ability to cast bigger threats ahead of schedule.

Format Notes

Strongest in Commander where multiple opponents naturally cast second spells each turn cycle, creating substantial treasure accumulation over the course of longer games. Sees occasional play in Historic and Modern sideboards against spell-heavy matchups, though the competitive impact is limited by the symmetrical nature requiring opponents to cast multiple spells. The life loss becomes more relevant in faster formats but the treasure generation can still enable powerful late-game plays.

Combos & Synergies

Pairs excellently with Revel in Riches as an alternate win condition, turning accumulated treasures into a victory threat opponents must respect. Works well alongside Marionette Master to convert treasure tokens into direct damage, creating pressure while ramping. Academy Manufactor triples the value by turning each treasure trigger into three different artifact tokens, dramatically accelerating both mana development and board presence.