---
name: "Smoldering Tar"
mana_cost: "{2}{B}{R}"
cmc: 4
type_line: "Enchantment"
colors: ["B", "R"]
color_identity: ["B", "R"]
keywords: []
set: "INV"
set_name: "Invasion"
collector_number: "275"
rarity: "uncommon"
artist: "David Day"
oracle_id: "f268699f-c0a2-43f7-b933-7665599ab5ff"
canonical_url: "https://avascry.com/printing/smoldering-tar-inv"
legalities:
  commander: "legal"
  standard: "not_legal"
  modern: "not_legal"
  pioneer: "not_legal"
  legacy: "legal"
  vintage: "legal"
  pauper: "not_legal"
  penny: "not_legal"
---

# Smoldering Tar
- **Mana Cost:** `{2}{B}{R}` (CMC: 4)
- **Type:** Enchantment

## Oracle Text
At the beginning of your upkeep, target player loses 1 life.
Sacrifice this enchantment: It deals 4 damage to target creature. Activate only as a sorcery.

## Top 4096-Dim Neural Synergies
1. [Caustic Tar](/printing/caustic-tar-ody.md) — Enchantment — Aura
2. [Geth's Verdict](/printing/geths-verdict-nph.md) — Instant
3. [Withering Torment](/printing/withering-torment-msc.md) — Instant
4. [Reckless Assault](/printing/reckless-assault-inv.md) — Enchantment
5. [Spiteflame Witch](/printing/spiteflame-witch-shm.md) — Creature — Elemental Shaman
6. [Festering Evil](/printing/festering-evil-wth.md) — Enchantment

## Printing Details
- **Set:** Invasion (INV) #275
- **Rarity:** Uncommon
- **Artist:** David Day
- **Total Printings:** 9 across all historical editions

## Format Legalities
Commander: `legal` | Standard: `not_legal` | Modern: `not_legal` | Pioneer: `not_legal` | Legacy: `legal` | Vintage: `legal` | Pauper: `not_legal` | Penny: `not_legal`