Snuff Out MTG Card


Snuff Out allows players to remove creatures from the game without spending mana if they control a Swamp. This spell is a powerful tool in black decks, particularly in formats where quick and efficient removal is crucial. Its ability to be cast for free makes it a surprise element, often changing the tide of the game unexpectedly.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

If you control a swamp, you may pay 4 life instead of paying Snuff Out's mana cost. Destroy target nonblack creature. It can't be regenerated.

Squee watched his Kyren cousins fall with a mixture of sympathy and relief.


Cards like Snuff Out

Within the realm of open-ended kill spells in MTG, Snuff Out takes a unique position. It shares the functionality with famed spells like Murder, which also delivers unconditional target creature destruction. Yet, Snuff Out shines bright with its distinctive trait of being cast even without tapping any mana, provided you pay 4 life points.

Similarly, Dismember employs the same pay-life-for-mana flexibility, albeit with a narrower scope since it can’t kill creatures with toughness greater than 5. Owing to its severe life cost, Dismember can sometimes backfire, unlike Snuff Out’s almost foolproof method. Move over to Fatal Push, it’s ideal for picking off smaller troublesome units. Still, it only outperforms Snuff Out when Revolt triggers.

Then we have Go for The Throat, excellent for eliminating non-artifact creatures. However, Snuff Out’s scope is broader, obliterating any non-black creature, regardless of type. At the end of the day, when you weigh up versatility and potential, Snuff Out unassumingly reaffirms its position as an advantageous choice among MTG’s direct removal cards, thanks to its unparalleled mana-free feature and expansive target range.

Murder - MTG Card versions
Dismember - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Dismember - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Snuff Out by color, type and mana cost

Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Death Bomb - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Hostile Negotiations - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Irradiate - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Makeshift Mannequin - MTG Card versions
Instill Infection - MTG Card versions
Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Death Bomb - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Hostile Negotiations - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Irradiate - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Makeshift Mannequin - MTG Card versions
Instill Infection - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black ScamMono-Black Scam LegacyMono-Black ScamLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
BGBG PauperPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
Dimir ControlDimir Control PauperDimir ControlPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Dimir FaeriesDimir Faeries PauperDimir FaeriesPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
Golgari GardensGolgari Gardens PauperGolgari GardensPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
Golgari ScamGolgari Scam LegacyGolgari ScamLegacy Challenge 64 2024-05-05
Sultai ScamSultai Scam LegacySultai ScamLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
BRGBRG PauperPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
ReanimatorReanimator LegacyReanimatorLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-04
Grixis TempoGrixis Tempo LegacyGrixis TempoLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-04 (1)

Pros of Using Snuff Out

Card Advantage: Snuff Out allows you to eliminate a creature without having to sacrifice one of your own. This inherently provides a card advantage as you are able to maintain your field presence while diminishing your opponent’s.

Resource Acceleration: With its unique alternative cost that allows you to pay 4 life instead of mana, Snuff Out accelerates your strategy by freeing up your mana for other uses. This ability to deal with threats without using mana, fastens your pace in the game.

Instant Speed: This advantage cannot be overstated. Snuff Out’s instant nature allows you to respond immediately to a threat on the field, even during your opponent’s turn. Furthermore, it allows flexibility in your gameplay, as you can hold back on using it, until the opportune moment arises.


Snuff Out Drawbacks

Discard Requirement: Unlike some instant spells in MTG, Snuff Out does not possess any discard clauses. It can be advantageous when you’re out of resources, but the lack of this feature can limit its usage in decks that focus on discard strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Snuff Out needs a specific mana cost of four and includes the “black” color mandatory. This could limit its utility to mostly mono-black or multicolor decks that contain black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its free casting ability while controlling a Swamp, its default mana cost is four. Compared to other removal spells in the game, it can be viewed as a potentially ineffective use of resources when unable to exploit its free casting condition.


Reasons to Include Snuff Out in Your Collection

Versatility: Snuff Out demonstrates flexibility beyond measure. This card functions even without mana, responding to versatile demands in both blue and black decks that prioritize free and efficient board control.

Combo Potential: As a free kill spell in committed black decks, Snuff Out holds tremendous potential for combos. It can efficiently shift the battlefield scales in your favor, weaving seamlessly into strategies where rapid removal is key.

Meta-Relevance: Snuff Out holds sway in environments where speed and field control reign supreme. Its instant creature removal capability can efficiently counteract opposing threats, making it a relevant addition in the ever-changing meta-game.


Similar Cards

Within the realm of open-ended kill spells in MTG, Snuff Out takes a unique position. It shares the functionality with famed spells like Murder, which also delivers unconditional target creature destruction. Yet, Snuff Out shines bright with its distinctive trait of being cast even without tapping any mana, provided you pay 4 life points.

Similarly, Dismember employs the same pay-life-for-mana flexibility, albeit with a narrower scope since it can’t kill creatures with toughness greater than 5. Owing to its severe life cost, Dismember can sometimes backfire, unlike Snuff Out’s almost foolproof method. Move over to Fatal Push, it’s ideal for picking off smaller troublesome units. Still, it only outperforms Snuff Out when Revolt triggers.

Then we have Go for The Throat, excellent for eliminating non-artifact creatures. However, Snuff Out’s scope is broader, obliterating any non-black creature, regardless of type. At the end of the day, when you weigh up versatility and potential, Snuff Out unassumingly reaffirms its position as an advantageous choice among MTG’s direct removal cards, thanks to its unparalleled mana-free feature and expansive target range.


How to Beat Snuff Out

Confronting Snuff Out in a game of MTG offers an interesting challenge. As a powerful removal spell, it can allow your opponent to kill a nonblack creature for free, at the cost of 4 life if they control a swamp, making it a key asset for dedicated black decks. So, how does one circumvent this potential threat?

One strategy could be leveraging color protection. This is where cards like Apostle of Purifying Light can come into play. Apostle of Purifying Light is not only resistant to black spells, but it can also purge your opponent’s graveyard of cards, effectively neutralizing some of the potential hazards black decks can present.

Another tactic is to use discard spells such as Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek. These cards allow you to view your opponent’s hand and discard a card, potentially preventing them from using Snuff Out before it becomes an issue. However, bear in mind the potential life cost associated with cards like Thoughtseize.

Finally, counter spells can offer a line of defense. Spells such as Mana Leak or Negate can be used to counter Snuff Out, thereby diffusing its threat. Planning your play and maintaining a varied deck can help you react to and beat cards like Snuff Out.


Unlocking the Power of Snuff Out in Magic the Gathering

Magic the Gathering (MTG) is a game that combines strategy, skill, and a deep understanding of how cards synergize on the battlefield. For players seeking to gain an upper hand in their matches, certain cards can become ultimate game changers. One such card is Snuff Out, a unique spell that can tip the scales abruptly during a duel. It’s not just a card; it’s a potential turning point tucked away in your deck, ready to be unleashed when your opponent least expects it.

Understanding Snuff Out’s Place in Your Deck

Snuff Out fits seamlessly into decks focusing on control and tempo. This potent spell belongs to the subset of cards enabling players to remove threats without tapping into their valuable mana reserves in their turn. An understanding of its place within the strategic architecture of your deck can be the key to shutting down your opponent’s advances. Whether you are crafting a mono-black control deck or looking for flexible options in a multi-colored build, the inclusion of Snuff Out should never be overlooked.

The Strategic Advantage of Instant Speed Removal

MTG battles are often won or lost at the instant speed. The ability to react to your opponent’s plays during their turn offers a massive strategic advantage. With Snuff Out, you can eliminate a threat they might think is safe, disrupting their tactics and conserving your mana for your own turn. When placed in such a position, the psychological impact on your opponent cannot be understated, as they must always consider the possibility of this sudden removal lurking in your hand.

Playing Without Paying Mana: Snuff Out’s Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the most critical aspects of gameplay in MTG. Snuff Out embodies this principle by providing an option to cast it without paying its mana cost, especially if you control a Swamp. This allows for surprising plays and maintaining momentum, even when your resources are low. The decision-making process concerning when to use such a powerful option contributes to the depth of strategy inherent in Magic the Gathering.

Deck Synergy: Pairing with Cards Like Snuff Out

Building a deck is akin to assembling a puzzle where each piece should complement one another. Cards like Snuff Out need companion pieces that also function well under low-resource conditions or benefit from the removal of creatures. From reanimation spells that thrive in a cleared battlefield to cards that leverage the death of creatures, the synergies are vast. Each combination opens different avenues of play and helps define your deck’s character and strategy.

Positioning in the Current Meta

In Magic the Gathering, the meta is dynamic, with card values fluctuating based on widespread deck archetypes. Snuff Out’s worth in the current meta hinges on its ability to deal with popular threats quickly and efficiently. To leverage Snuff Out effectively, paying attention to the evolving meta and the common creature types that dominate the scene is essential. This can make the difference between Snuff Out being a situational card or a staple in your arsenal.

The Financial and Trading Value of Snuff Out

For many MTG players, the trading card aspect of the game is just as important as the gameplay itself. Snuff Out holds a unique place in the financial landscape of MTG, as its desirability can ebb and flow based on its usage in competitive play. Players interested in the trading value of their cards should monitor trends and understand how market movements can affect their collection’s worth, particularly with versatile spells like Snuff Out.

Maximizing Efficiency: When to Cast Snuff Out

Deciding when to cast Snuff Out is as critical as choosing to include it in your deck. Timing is everything. It is not merely about removing a creature but doing so at a juncture that provides you with a distinct advantage. Whether it’s in response to a combo setup or preemptively hindering an incoming threat, the timing can pivot an entire match in your favor. Understanding the ebb and flow of MTG matches can help sharpen your instincts for the optimal moment to strike with Snuff Out.

Building Around Snuff Out: Constructing a Competitive Deck

Constructing a deck that maximizes the potential of Snuff Out involves considering various elements like mana curve, synergies, and your overall game plan. It’s about crafting a cohesive strategy where Snuff Out isn’t just a solitary force but an integral part of a devastating machinery. As with any card in MTG, it requires meticulous planning and testing to understand how it fits best within your deck’s framework to ensure your competitive edge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Snuff Out MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana, 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 Snuff Out and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Snuff Out Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-10-04Mercadian MasquesMMQ 1621997NormalBlackMike Ploog
22014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. LilianaGVL 532015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
32023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 2222015NormalBlackBartek Fedyczak
42023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 8132015NormalBlackBartek Fedyczak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Snuff Out has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal