Tar Snare is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Target creature gets -3/-2 until end of turn.
Complete guide
Tar Snare is a straightforward black instant that provides a significant reduction to a creature's stats. Whether you are looking to remove a small utility creature or weaken a large attacker, this spell offers versatile combat utility at instant speed.
What It Does
Tar Snare applies a -3/-2 modifier to a single target creature until the end of the current turn. Because it reduces toughness, it can destroy creatures even if they have Indestructible, as a creature with 0 toughness is put into its owner's graveyard as a state-based action.
How It Resolves Step by Step
First, you cast the spell and choose a target creature. Once the spell resolves, the target immediately receives the -3/-2 penalty. This penalty persists through all phases of the turn, affecting the creature's damage output and its ability to survive further damage or other stat-reducing effects.
Common Mistakes
A common error is forgetting that Tar Snare affects both power and toughness differently. While it reduces power by 3, it only reduces toughness by 2. Players must also remember that if the target creature leaves the battlefield or gains Hexproof before Tar Snare resolves, the spell will fail to resolve and have no effect.
When to Play It
Tar Snare is best used during the declare blockers step to tip combat in your favor, or in response to an opponent's spell to ensure a creature dies. It is particularly effective against creatures with high power but low toughness.
Interaction examples
You cast Tar Snare targeting a 2/2 creature. Upon resolution, the creature becomes a -1/0. Since its toughness is 0 or less, it is immediately put into the graveyard.
Deadly DisputeIf your opponent casts Deadly Dispute and chooses a 3/3 creature to sacrifice as a cost, you cannot stop the sacrifice with Tar Snare. The sacrifice happens immediately as the cost is paid, before you get a chance to cast your spell.
Deadly RollickIf you target a massive creature with Tar Snare to reduce its damage but then decide it must be gone entirely, you can cast Deadly Rollick afterward. Tar Snare weakens it for the turn, but Deadly Rollick will exile it regardless of its current power or toughness.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Tar Snare
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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Meta decks with Tar Snare
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