Goblin Battle Jester MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Released | 2012-07-13 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2013 |
| Set code | M13 |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 135 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Steve Prescott |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a red spell, target creature can't block this turn.
Somehow goblins found a tactical advantage by sending a clown to war.
Cards like Goblin Battle Jester
Goblin Battle Jester has quickly found its niche within the goblin tribal and disruption decks in Magic: The Gathering. It has a kinship with cards like Goblin Cratermaker, which offers versatility in dealing with various permanents. While the Cratermaker allows the player to destroy colorless nonland permanents or deal damage to creatures, Goblin Battle Jester focuses on disrupting opponents during your turn with its ability to force discards when you cast a red spell.
Another resemblance can be drawn to the established Rummaging Goblin. Both operate on the axis of discard, although Rummaging Goblin provides consistent card selection at the cost of tempo. Unlike this steady approach, Goblin Battle Jester leans more towards a strategy that combines creature pressure with the incidental advantage of interrupting the opponent’s hand composition.
Considering these factors, Goblin Battle Jester can be a unique asset for MTG players looking to weave together aggressive board presence with tactical hand disruption. It might not offer the same control over the board as some of its cousins, but the jester excels in a setting that values tempo and the element of surprise.
Cards similar to Goblin Battle Jester by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Goblin Battle Jester’s ability to manipulate draws by pulling specific goblin cards when certain conditions are met is a game-changer. This ensures not just a replenishment of hand resources, but also strategic access to your deck’s synergistic elements, swaying the game’s momentum into your favor.
Resource Acceleration: As a key figure in goblin decks, this card often streamlines resource acceleration. By potentially reducing casting costs for goblin spells or providing additional actions when goblins enter the battlefield, it can accelerate your game plan, allowing for a more aggressive stance against opponents.
Instant Speed: Though Goblin Battle Jester functions at sorcery speed, integrating it with instant speed spells in your deck invites unexpected combos and interactions. The versatility added by instant speed spells can protect the Jester or capitalize on the battlefield state in response to opponents’ actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Battle Jester’s effectiveness comes with a caveat that you must discard a card to activate its ability. This can sometimes backfire, particularly if your hand is already depleted, forcing you to discard potentially crucial cards from your hand to reap the benefits of its abilities.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a combination of red mana, which means you need a mana base strongly weighted towards red to play it consistently. This requirement can make the card less flexible and harder to include in multicolored decks that also need to accommodate other mana colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the mana investment necessary to get Goblin Battle Jester on the battlefield, players need to consider if its abilities justify the cost compared to other options available. In many cases, the high mana cost can be a deterrent, especially in fast-paced games where lower-cost creatures can be more impactful in the early game stages.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Battle Jester offers a unique twist to your gameplay, fitting snugly into decks focused on disruption or aggression. Its ability to hinder opponents’ hands while advancing your board presence makes it a dynamic inclusion to any red-focused strategy.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in environments where discarding is part of your overarching strategy. It pairs well with cards that force both players to discard, amplifying the potential benefit for you. Imagine the possibilities when it synchronizes with symmetrical discard spells or madness-related cards.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature strategies are common, having a card that can potentially lock your opponent out of casting spells is a serious advantage. Against control decks, leveraging the Goblin Battle Jester’s ability can disrupt their calculated plays, giving you the upper hand in pivotal turns of the match.
How to beat
Goblin Battle Jester is a dynamic card known within the Magic: The Gathering community for its ability to disrupt opponents during gameplay. Alongside its capacity to deal damage, this creature can be a real nuisance by forcing your opponent to play with an open hand whenever damage is dealt. This transparency gives you insight into their strategy, allowing you to anticipate and counter their moves effectively.
To overcome the challenge posed by Goblin Battle Jester, strategic hand management is essential. Consider using instant-speed removal spells that target this creature before it can swing into combat. Cards with flash can also be pivotal, allowing you to act during your opponent’s turn and minimize the Jester’s impact. Keeping the pressure with creatures that can block and trade without a loss is another sound strategy. Lastly, leveraging inexpensive counterspells to negate the Jester’s cast or employing board wipes to clear out multiple threats at once, including the Jester, can tilt the balance in your favor.
In essence, beating Goblin Battle Jester requires a mix of foresight, timely removal, and the ability to keep the battlefield under control. By staying one step ahead and managing your resources smartly, you can nullify the Jester’s influence and maintain the upper hand in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Battle Jester MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013, 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 Battle Jester 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Battle Jester has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |