Smash to SmithereensHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

For two mana, Smash to Smithereens targets and destroys a single artifact. As part of the same effect, it deals 3 damage to the player who controlled that artifact when it was destroyed. Note that the spell only has one target: the artifact itself.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you cast the spell and choose a legal target artifact. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal. If it is, the artifact is moved to the graveyard, and the game identifies who controlled it to deal 3 damage to them. If the artifact is indestructible, it isn't destroyed, but the 3 damage is still dealt because the destruction was attempted.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is misunderstanding the targeting requirements. Because the spell does not target a player, effects that give a player Hexproof will not prevent the 3 damage. However, if the artifact itself leaves the battlefield or gains Hexproof before the spell resolves, the entire spell fails and no damage is dealt at all.

When to Play It

This card is best utilized in aggressive decks that want to remove blockers like artifact creatures or utility pieces like mana rocks. Since it is an instant, you can use it during an opponent's end step or in response to them activating an artifact's ability.

Interaction examples

The Missing Target

Chaos Warp

You cast Smash to Smithereens targeting an opponent's artifact. In response, the opponent casts Chaos Warp on their own artifact. When Smash to Smithereens tries to resolve, its target is gone. The spell is removed from the stack with no effect, meaning the opponent takes 0 damage.

Redirecting the Smash

Deflecting Swat

You cast Smash to Smithereens targeting an opponent's artifact. The opponent casts Deflecting Swat and chooses to change the target to an artifact you control. When the spell resolves, your artifact is destroyed and you (the controller of the new target) take the 3 damage instead.