Torch the Witness
Sorcery
Torch the Witness deals twice X damage to target creature. If excess damage was dealt to that creature this way, investigate. (Create a Clue token. It's an artifact with "
, Sacrifice this token: Draw a card.")
- CMC
- 1
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- R
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Set
- Murders at Karlov Manor
- Price
- $0.09
- EDHREC rank
- #16400
Torch the Witness deals damage equal to a spell's power to a creature or planeswalker and draws a card — relevant impact stapled to card replacement for three mana. Outside of Imodane, the Pyrohammer decks where the spell's power skyrockets, that rate isn't good enough to make most Commander lists.
Best Commanders
Commanders with the highest synergy
Imodane, the Pyrohammer
Imodane, the Pyrohammer copies single-target instant and sorcery damage spells for each other creature the effect could hit, so Torch the Witness enters the game already holding a massive power number — suddenly you're dealing that inflated damage to a problem permanent and drawing a card while the copies clean up the table.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | legal |
| standard | legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | not legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
Torch the Witness is legal across Commander, Legacy, Modern, Pioneer, Standard, and Vintage, but only Commander gives it a real home. In 60-card formats, three mana for a conditional removal spell that requires a creature on board is too slow and too narrow to compete with cheaper, unconditional options. Commander is where the card finds its niche: Imodane, the Pyrohammer decks run it as a high-power spell that doubles as card draw, and that specific synergy is the only context where Torch the Witness earns its slot.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
$0.09 bulk tier
At $0.09, Torch the Witness is deep bulk — you're not paying for the card, you're paying for the sleeve. Bulk rares this narrow rarely climb without a breakout deck, so there's no reason to stock up beyond your immediate need.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.