Smothering Tithe — Magic: The Gathering card

Smothering Tithe

{3}{W}
Enchantment

Whenever an opponent draws a card, that player may pay {2}. If the player doesn't, you create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

*"I await your donation."

—Dasha, Orzhov priest*

Set Commander Masters
Rarity Mythic Rare
Mana Value 4
Artist Mark Behm
Collector # 57
Scryfall

Why Play Smothering Tithe

White rarely gets explosive ramp, making this enchantment a powerful anomaly that accelerates your mana while taxing opponents' card draw. The card shines in multiplayer formats where opponents frequently draw extra cards, generating multiple Treasures per turn cycle. Deploy it early to mid-game when opponents are unlikely to consistently pay the tax, then leverage the mana advantage for expensive threats or game-ending plays. Control and midrange decks particularly value the sustained mana production and political pressure it creates.

Format Notes

Commander represents this card's strongest showing, where it's considered one of white's premier ramp pieces and appears in countless decks across all power levels. The multiplayer nature ensures consistent Treasure generation, while the higher life totals give you time to capitalize on the mana advantage. In 60-card formats, it sees occasional play in slower white decks but faces more efficient removal and faster game paces that limit its impact.

Combos & Synergies

Wheel effects like Windfall and Wheel of Fortune become asymmetrical powerhouses, forcing opponents to draw seven cards and potentially netting you multiple Treasures. Teferi's Puzzle Box creates a recurring engine that generates Treasures every turn while disrupting opponents' hands. Cards that force additional draws like Howling Mine and Dictate of Kruphix turn from symmetrical effects into massive mana advantages when paired with the taxation effect.

Learn More

Enchantment Token Modern Pioneer Commander