# 2000 Magic: The Gathering Invasion #275

> The Smoldering Tar foil card from Magic: The Gathering's 2000 Invasion set is an uncommon black-red enchantment designed by David Day. This product represents a staple of the block's strategic landscape.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2000
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Invasion
- **Card number**: #275
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Smoldering Tar foil card from the 2000 Invasion set offers collectors a distinct piece of Magic: The Gathering history. As an uncommon black-red enchantment, this card is identified by number 275 in the Invasion expansion. The foil treatment adds a premium finish to David Day’s artwork, making it a visually striking addition to any collection of vintage trading cards. Released during a pivotal era for the game, this card reflects the design philosophy of the early 2000s, where complex interactions between mana costs and enchantment mechanics began to define competitive play. Strategically, Smoldering Tar serves as a versatile tool in the black-red color identity. Its mana cost of {2}{B}{R} and mana value of 4 place it in a mid-game window, allowing players to deploy it after establishing early board presence. The card’s primary effect triggers at the beginning of the controller's upkeep, forcing a target player to lose 1 life. This passive damage accumulation applies pressure across the game, gradually eroding an opponent’s resources without consuming additional mana each turn. Furthermore, it offers a powerful sorcery-speed interaction: by sacrificing the enchantment, the controller can deal 4 damage to any target creature. This ability provides a reliable removal option, capable of eliminating threats that might otherwise be difficult to answer. For collectors, the Invasion set remains a cornerstone of Magic: The Gathering lore and gameplay. The Smoldering Tar foil card is particularly sought after by those building complete sets or focusing on the black-red color pie. Its enduring utility in legacy formats and its nostalgic appeal make it a valuable asset for both players and investors. Whether used to complete a personal collection or traded within the community, this card stands as a testament to the innovative design of the Invasion block. Exploring the diverse offerings allows enthusiasts to find this card and others from this iconic era.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Smoldering Tar?

The mana cost for Smoldering Tar is {2}{B}{R}, totaling a mana value of 4. This places it in the mid-range for enchantments, requiring two generic mana, one black mana, and one red mana to cast.

### How does Smoldering Tar function in gameplay?

Smoldering Tar is an enchantment with two abilities. First, it forces a target player to lose 1 life at the beginning of your upkeep. Second, you can sacrifice it as a sorcery to deal 4 damage to any target creature.

### Who illustrated Smoldering Tar in the Invasion set?

The artwork for Smoldering Tar in the 2000 Invasion set was created by David Day. His style contributed to the dark, atmospheric aesthetic prevalent in the black and red colors during this era.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.