Goblin Cannon MTG Card


Goblin Cannon delivers direct damage, offering tactical advantages in controlling the battlefield. Its activation at instant speed provides flexibility and strategic opportunities for players. The Cannon’s self-sacrifice and specific mana needs may limit its inclusion in some decks.
Goblin Cannon - Fifth Dawn
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Released2004-06-04
Set symbol
Set nameFifth Dawn
Set code5DN
Number125
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDoug Chaffee

Text of card

: Goblin Cannon deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Sacrifice Goblin Cannon.

Goblin cannon crews are known not for their aim but for their ability to dive for cover.


Cards like Goblin Cannon

The Goblin Cannon is a unique artifact card within the world of Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to deal damage in small increments. This card draws parallels with the likes of Rocket Launcher and Acorn Catapult. Both are artifacts that also allow players to invest mana for the purpose of dealing direct damage to creatures or opponents. However, Goblin Cannon distinguishes itself by providing the ability to potentially deliver multiple damage instances in a single turn, as long as the mana pool allows for it. Unlike Rocket Launcher, which requires a one-turn wait due to summoning sickness and destroys itself after usage, the Cannon can be utilized right away if the mana is available, though it does self-destruct with each activation.

Comparatively, there’s Triskelavus, an artifact creature with a similar modular damage-dealing effect. Triskelavus comes with the added advantage of leaving behind creatures upon activation. Yet, it’s worth noting that Goblin Cannon offers a more straightforward, albeit single-use, damage output without the need for a supporting board presence. When considering the potential for immediate, unblockable damage, Goblin Cannon can be a game-ending card in decks that can amass a large amount of mana.

Considering these factors, for players aiming for a direct and potentially game-finishing artifact, Goblin Cannon secures a niche spot characterized by its immediate use and straightforward damage potential.

Rocket Launcher - MTG Card versions
Acorn Catapult - MTG Card versions
Triskelavus - MTG Card versions
Rocket Launcher - MTG Card versions
Acorn Catapult - MTG Card versions
Triskelavus - MTG Card versions

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Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Eye of Doom - MTG Card versions
Well of Lost Dreams - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Cannon’s ability to deal damage directly to any target offers a tactical edge, allowing for the gradual attrition of an opponent’s life total or the removal of key creatures while preserving your own cards in hand.

Resource Acceleration: In a deck designed around artifacts or infinite mana combos, this card can function as a crucial engine, turning an abundance of resources into exponential damage output, and propelling you toward a swift victory.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating Goblin Cannon’s ability at instant speed enables adept players to unfurl their strategy with precision, reacting to threats, outmaneuvering counterspells, and capitalizing on the perfect moment to secure their triumph.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Cannon’s functionality necessitates the sacrifice of the card itself to unleash its effect. This self-destruct mechanism can be a significant drawback when striving to maintain a presence on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana setup demanding colorless mana, Goblin Cannon may not always be the optimal pick in decks that heavily rely on colored mana synergy, thus potentially hindering its versatility in various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a mana investment of four to cast, Goblin Cannon faces competition from other artifacts or spells within the same cost bracket that may offer more impactful and immediate board presence or utility without the risk of self-expenditure.


Reasons to Include Goblin Cannon in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Cannon offers a unique flexibility to fit into a variety of decks that capitalize on both direct damage and the sacrifice of permanents. With its ability to deal damage in increments, it can adapt to different game states effectively.

Combo Potential: This card can be a key component in combos that utilize untap mechanics or effects that duplicate activated abilities, potentially leading to game-ending plays.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games tend to stretch into longer battles of attrition, Goblin Cannon’s capacity to deal damage without needing to attack can make it a persistent threat on the board.


How to Beat

Goblin Cannon presents an intriguing challenge on the MTG battlefield, serving as a mana sink that can relentlessly pick off opponents’ life totals or decimate their creature army. To overcome this continuous threat, it’s crucial to enact a strategy that dismantles or circumvents its ability to deal damage. Artifact removal spells like Naturalize or Abrade are immediate solvents, stripping your adversary of their explosive apparatus. Additionally, countering the card upon casting can prevent its potential havoc entirely, and blue mages would do well to hold a Negate or Cancel for such occasions.

Another tactic is to starve the opponent of the resources necessary to fuel the Goblin Cannon’s ability. Strategies that restrict a player’s mana generation, such as land destruction or taxing effects like those found with Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, can be effective. In summary, staying one step ahead of your opponent’s game plan, packing your deck with versatile answers and executing them at the right moment will dismantle the threat of a Goblin Cannon and keep you in command of the match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Cannon MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Goblin Cannon and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Cannon has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Cannon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-12-01 You can activate Goblin Cannon’s ability multiple times in response to the first activation. Goblin Cannon will be sacrificed the first time the ability resolves, but each activation still deals damage when it resolves.