Crookshank Kobolds MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 141
2007-09-10 - Number 90
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kobold |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Cards like Crookshank Kobolds
Crookshank Kobolds is an intriguing creature card in the realm of MTG, inviting comparison with other zero-cost creatures. Notably, it bears a resemblance to creatures like the infamous Ornithopter, which also has the advantage of a zero mana cost. However, Ornithopter offers the additional ability of flying, which Crookshank Kobolds lacks. This gives Ornithopter an edge in evasion and defensive strategies.
Memnite is another card that shares the free-of-cost casting with Crookshank Kobolds. While both can be a strategic asset when it comes to enabling combos or accelerating board presence without any mana investment, Memnite comes out ahead with a power/toughness ratio of 1/1, which is more advantageous than Crookshank Kobolds’ 0/1.
Phyrexian Walker also enters the fray as a zero mana cost creature, but with a sturdier defense at 0/3. This makes it a better blocker than Crookshank Kobolds and can impact the board’s defensive posture. In conclusion, while Crookshank Kobolds fits well into certain niche decks, especially those focusing on storm or sacrifice strategies, other zero mana creatures offer diverse strengths that can align more closely with various players’ deck-building philosophies in MTG.
Cards similar to Crookshank Kobolds by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Crookshank Kobolds. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | WUBRG | Vintage | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-04-12 | |
 | The Epic Storm | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 12 | |
 | Naya Combo | Legacy | 2023 NA Legacy Champs |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Crookshank Kobolds card enables you to put a creature on the board without spending any mana, potentially keeping your hand full for future plays. This efficiency can contribute to card advantage over your opponents as you deploy threats while keeping resources in reserve.
Resource Acceleration: While the card itself doesn’t directly generate additional mana or resources, fielding a zero-cost creature can be pivotal in strategies that look to accelerate your game plan. Decks that synergize with creature counts or require sacrifices can leverage Crookshank Kobolds for a quick boost without tapping into your mana pool.
Instant Speed: While Crookshank Kobolds is not an instant, its zero casting cost gives it a flexibility akin to playing a spell at instant speed. You can summon the creature without tapping out, leaving your mana available to react to an opponent’s maneuvers with other instant-speed interactions on their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Players must comprehend that while Crookshank Kobolds does not require a card discard, it may compel deck builders to discard other potential card choices due to its specific synergies and roles within a deck composition.
Specific Mana Cost: Although Crookshank Kobolds can be cast for no mana, it inherently requires a deck that benefits from or supports a creature of its type, limiting its universal application compared to more flexible creature cards.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given the zero cost feature, Crookshank Kobolds may seem advantageous, yet its impact on the game is minimal without the presence of additional combo pieces or synergistic cards that could warrant dedicating space in your deck to it, as opposed to other low-cost creatures that offer more intrinsic value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Crookshank Kobolds adds value to decks that capitalize on a high creature count without demanding any mana investment. This makes it an ideal inclusion for strategies focused on storming the board or enhancing creature-based synergies.
Combo Potential: This card works seamlessly in combos, especially with cards that capitalize on sacrificing creatures for greater effects or amplifying the number of creatures you control. Its zero casting cost enables it to be a critical piece in intricate combo chains.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, decks that thrive on quick and efficient creature plays often gain an edge. Crookshank Kobolds can be a meta-relevant addition, particularly in environments where a flurry of creatures can alter the dynamics of early gameplay.
How to beat
Crookshank Kobolds may seem deceptively simple at first glance, but this quirky creature from Magic: The Gathering can be quite a handful if it’s part of a synergistic deck built around zero-cost creatures. These little red creatures can quickly pile up on the battlefield, given they have no mana cost. Dealing with them efficiently requires a good strategy.
One effective tactic to overcome decks featuring Crookshank Kobolds is using board clear spells. Cards such as Pyroclasm or Sweltering Suns can wipe out several Kobolds in one fell swoop, as these creatures have a modest toughness. Since they are often used in conjunction with other cards to build up to a formidable combo, disrupting the combo early is key. Spot removal can be less effective due to the Kobolds’ non-existent cast cost, making them easy to replace. However, countering spells that aim to capitalize on the Kobolds’ presence, such as those that amplify the power of each creature or create additional tokens, can thwart your opponent’s strategy before it gains momentum.
A blend of preemptive control and reactive board clears will help keep the diminutive yet potentially overwhelming horde of Crookshank Kobolds in check, preventing them from becoming the cornerstone of a devastating play.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crookshank Kobolds MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition, 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 Crookshank Kobolds and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Crookshank Kobolds Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Christopher Rush.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 141 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 90 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crookshank Kobolds has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Crookshank Kobolds card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-06-07 | Although originally printed with a characteristic-defining ability that defined its color, this card now has a color indicator. This color indicator can’t be affected by text-changing effects (such as the one created by Crystal Spray), although color-changing effects can still overwrite it. |