Goblin Bird-Grabber MTG Card

Goblin Bird-Grabber creates card advantage through combat and synergistic interactions with other cards. Its artifact control ability offers strategic resource acceleration and disruption to opponents. Flexibility in combat, as its flying ability can be activated unexpectedly, making it a surprise threat.
Goblin Bird-Grabber - Core Set 2020
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin
Released2019-07-12
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2020
Set codeM20
Power 2
Toughness 1
Number142
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAnna Podedworna

Text of card

: Goblin Bird-Grabber gains flying until end of turn. Activate this ability only if you control a creature with flying.

"I opens my mouth to catches the bugs!"

Cards like Goblin Bird-Grabber

Goblin Bird-Grabber is an interesting creature card in Magic: The Gathering that has its niche in the red creature lineup. It finds similarities with fellow goblin creatures such as Goblin Motivator, which also provides a combat advantage by bestowing haste to another creature. Yet, Goblin Bird-Grabber has a unique angle as it grants itself the ability to fly for a turn, under the condition of controlling an artifact.

Comparatively, Reckless Fireweaver incorporates an artifact synergy as well but impacts the game differently. While it doesn’t enhance its combat capabilities, it does deal damage to the opponent each time an artifact enters the battlefield under your control. This card creates direct value with artifacts but lacks the surprise aerial offense that Goblin Bird-Grabber offers.

Moreover, Tuktuk Rubblefort facilitates a similar haste-granting function to surrounding creatures without a cost but is static in nature and limits interaction during combat. Goblin Bird-Grabber represents a dynamic gameplay option for those looking to control artifacts and seek an opportunistic skyward assault.

When comparing within the realm of goblin and creature-interaction cards in Magic: The Gathering, Goblin Bird-Grabber holds a distinctive position with its conditional flying ability, setting it apart in scenarios where aerial offense is pivotal.

Goblin Motivator - MTG Card versions
Reckless Fireweaver - MTG Card versions
Tuktuk Rubblefort - MTG Card versions
Goblin Motivator - MTG Card versions
Reckless Fireweaver - MTG Card versions
Tuktuk Rubblefort - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though the Goblin Bird-Grabber itself doesn’t directly allow you to draw multiple cards, its synergy with other cards can potentially lead to card advantage. For instance, enabling flying creatures you control to get through defenses can translate into drawing extra cards if you have certain raid or combat damage triggered abilities in your deck.

Resource Acceleration: The ability to tap and gain control of artifacts or treasure tokens could help you ramp up, giving you an edge in resource acceleration. Additionally, it can indirectly contribute by attacking as a flyer, potentially undermining your opponent’s plans and keeping their resources at bay.

Instant Speed: While the Goblin Bird-Grabber’s abilities don’t function at instant speed, playing this creature wisely can still provide tactical advantages. You can activate its flying ability at the last moment before attackers are declared, making it a deceptively flexible combatant in the skies.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Bird-Grabber requires both red mana and additional generic mana to cast, potentially restricting playability to decks that generate enough red mana consistently.

Discard Requirement: This motor does not call for card discard as an inherent cost, thus it cannot be assessed against it in this context.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Goblin Bird-Grabber’s mana cost is not exorbitant, it is important to consider other cards at a similar cost that may offer more impactful board presence or abilities.

Reasons to Include Goblin Bird-Grabber in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Bird-Grabber can swiftly adapt to various board states, offering both an aggressive option for fast-paced matches and an efficient blocker when needed. Its ability to gain flying can be critical in bypassing grounded defenders or reaching over to disrupt planeswalkers.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, this card can become a key piece in red-based combo decks. Its interaction with equipment or auras that grant +1/+1 counters can turn it into a significant threat in the air, surprising an unprepared opponent.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where fliers are prevalent, having a low-cost creature like Goblin Bird-Grabber can provide an edge, allowing for quick adaptation to combat or evade air threats. Its ability to harness the power of flight without hefty investment makes it a practical choice in evolving game environments.

How to beat

Goblin Bird-Grabber is a whimsical card that can catch opponents off guard in Magic: The Gathering, especially when it gains flying. For a mere two mana, this card provides a creature that can potentially pose a threat to your aerial defenses or get past them to deal damage. To effectively neutralize this pesky goblin, controlling the board is key.

Removal spells that can target creatures regardless of their flying status are highly effective. Cards like Murder or Shock will take Goblin Bird-Grabber out of the sky swiftly. Furthermore, if it’s the reach ability you’re worried about, enchantments or spells that strip abilities can be deployed, like Lignify or Turn to Frog. These will take away the grabber’s capability to gain flying and stop it from being an aerial menace.

It’s critical to remember that while Goblin Bird-Grabber is an enabler for direct strategies, its power lies in its activated ability. Focus on denying your opponent the chance to grant it flying, and the Goblin Bird-Grabber becomes far less intimidating. Prioritizing the removal of creatures that grant flying or quickly dispatching the grabber itself should ensure clear skies and a stable path to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Bird-Grabber MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2020, 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 Bird-Grabber and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Bird-Grabber has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-07-12 The only time that Goblin Bird-Grabber’s ability checks whether you control a creature with flying is the moment you activate that ability. It’s not checked again as the ability resolves or any time later in the turn.