Smokebraider MTG Card


Enables indirect card advantage by facilitating elemental spells and abilities. Accelerates resources, allowing faster deployment of high-cost Elementals. Promotes instant speed elemental interactions, keeping opponents guessing.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elemental Shaman
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

: Add two mana in any combination of colors to your mana pool. Spend this mana only to play Elemental spells or activated abilities of Elementals.

"Be silent and listen to your inner fire. Only then can you walk the Path of Flame."


Cards like Smokebraider

Smokebraider bolsters the ranks of mana acceleration creatures within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards such as Birds of Paradise, which is revered for its ability to tap for any color mana, giving it a universal appeal in multicolored decks. However, Smokebraider is specifically tailored for Elementals, providing two mana of any color combination to cast Elemental spells or activate abilities.

Comparable to Smokebraider, we find the card Incandescent Soulstoke. While also centered around the Elemental tribe, Soulstoke does more than provide mana — it also gives other Elementals a perk by boosting their power. Incandescent Soulstoke, however, doesn’t offer the raw mana acceleration that Smokebraider does. Then there’s Citanul Hierophants, which conversely turns all creatures into mana sources, not just accelarating for a particular tribe but does so at a higher cost and with more complexity.

In the context of deck building for fans of the Elemental tribe, Smokebraider’s specific yet highly efficient mana acceleration is unparalleled. It serves as a linchpin in any Elemental-themed deck, providing both synergy and consistency for casting those game-changing Elemental spells.

Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Incandescent Soulstoke - MTG Card versions
Citanul Hierophants - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Incandescent Soulstoke - MTG Card versions
Citanul Hierophants - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Smokebraider by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ironclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
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Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Goblin Raider - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Utvara Scalper - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ironclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Goblin Raider - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Utvara Scalper - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Smokebraider. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Five-color ElementalsFive-color Elementals ModernElementalsLegacy European Championship Ghent
ElementalsElementals ModernElementalsModern Challenge 96 2023-12-17

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Smokebraider doesn’t directly draw cards, but its ability to tap for mana of any color that can be spent on Elemental spells or abilities translates to an indirect card advantage. By efficiently casting Elementals or activating their abilities, you’re effectively getting more out of your cards than the mana you originally invested, leading to a more potent board presence.

Resource Acceleration: As an excellent resource accelerator, this card provides a reliable source of mana specifically for your Elemental creatures. The ability to tap for two mana of any color combination opens up the possibility for faster and more efficient deployment of costly Elementals, propelling you ahead in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Smokebraider itself is not an instant, it facilitates instant speed interactions by providing mana at any time to use on abilities of Elementals. This keeps opponents on their toes, as you can threaten actions during their turn and maintain the element of surprise — a tactical advantage not to be underestimated.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Smokebraider may not require you to discard cards, its utility is confined to powering up Elemental creatures. If you’re not running a deck that heavily features Elementals, this creature loses much of its value.

Specific Mana Cost: Smokebraider’s ability to provide mana is exclusively for casting Elemental spells or activating abilities of Elementals. This is quite restrictive compared to other mana generators that offer flexibility in spell casting and ability activations.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Smokebraider is affordable at two mana, its impact on the game may not compare favorably with other two-drop creatures that can immediately influence the board state or offer other types of utility.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Smokebraider is highly adaptable, easily fitting into Elemental tribal decks or any strategy that seeks to exploit mana acceleration for creature spells. Its ability to tap for two mana of any color that can be spent on Elemental spells or abilities makes it a flexible addition.

Combo Potential: In decks that feature Elemental synergies, Smokebraider can become the linchpin for powerful combos. It enables quicker casting of heavy-hitters or activation of potent Elemental abilities that can turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames evolve, a deck that can rapidly deploy threats is always valued. Smokebraider’s mana ramp ability ensures that Elementals hit the board fast, providing a tactical advantage against slower, more reactive decks.


How to beat

Smokebraider is an elemental-focused mana accelerator found in the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering. This creature carves its niche by offering a unique mana-generating ability specifically tailored for Elemental decks. It allows the controller to tap it for two mana of any color, but solely to cast Elemental spells or activate abilities of Elementals. Such a powerful utility can be a thorn in an opponent’s side if it’s left unchecked.

To effectively counteract Smokebraider, one should consider removal spells that can deal with creatures at a low cost. This means prioritizing spells that can remove Smokebraider without a significant mana investment, thus preserving your resources for larger threats. There are several efficient removal options like Fatal Push, which becomes a prime choice, especially after a fetch land has been activated, boosting its capability to deal with larger targets. Lightning Bolt remains a classic choice, capable of swiftly dealing with Smokebraider before it can be utilized. Additionally, countering Smokebraider before it hits the battlefield with counterspells can be a prudent move, so it’s wise to keep mana up for an Essence Scatter or a similar spell when facing an Elemental-heavy deck.

Adequately responding to Smokebraider can prevent your MTG opponent from gaining the upper hand with their mana resources and potentially casting game-changing spells ahead of schedule.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the depths of MTG strategy can be as intricate as it is thrilling. With cards like Smokebraider, your approach to deck building and gameplay sharpens, favoring schemes rich with Elemental synergy and mana efficiency. Consider Smokebraider a tool for a powerful mana curve, enabling faster deployment of Elemental threats that could secure your dominance on the battlefield. We encourage MTG aficionados to deep dive into the manifold possibilities this card presents. To discover the full potential of Smokebraider and similar gems in your collection, plunge into our resources. Let us guide you through crafting a deck that not only competes but captivates and conquers.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Smokebraider MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Planechase, 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 Smokebraider and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Smokebraider Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Anthony S. Waters.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-10-12LorwynLRW 1892003NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
22009-09-04PlanechaseHOP 662003NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
32015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1252015NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Smokebraider has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Smokebraider card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2007-10-01 The mana can be two mana of the same color, or one mana of each of two different colors. The mana can’t be colorless.
2007-10-01 The mana can’t be spent to activate activated abilities of Elemental sources that aren’t on the battlefield.
2007-10-01 You can use this mana to pay an alternative cost (such as evoke) or additional cost incurred while casting an Elemental spell. It’s not limited to just that spell’s mana cost.