Goblin Bully MTG Card

Goblin Bully influences board advantage by pressuring opponents into costly defense or card usage. Its low cost and synergies make Goblin Bully a nimble and strategic choice in goblin decks. Though potent, the card’s red mana specificity and potential hand depletion are notable cons.

Portal (POR)
1997-05-01 - Number 131

Masters Edition IV (ME4)
2011-01-10 - Number 117

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin
Power	2
Toughness	1

Cards like Goblin Bully

Goblin Bully finds its place among the aggressive one-drop creatures within the universe of Magic: The Gathering. Similar in vein to cards like Goblin Guide, a well-known staple in red aggro decks, Goblin Bully presents itself as another option for the early game onslaught. While Goblin Guide has the advantage of a higher attack value, it also grants opponents potential card advantage by revealing the top card of their library if it’s a land card.

Raging Goblin, another comparable one-drop with haste, lets players deal immediate damage without the downside of giving opponents extra information. However, Goblin Bully stands out with its unique mechanics that can sometimes be more preferable in decks that leverage goblin synergies. Then we have Fanatical Firebrand, offering players not just an attack but also a tactical option to sacrifice for direct damage, making it versatile in different situations.

Assessing the impact of these cards in a MTG Goblin-themed deck, Goblin Bully might not always outshine its peers with raw power or utility. Still, its specific traits may align well with strategies that benefit from a vast horde of goblins, making it a card worth considering for the right deck construction.

Cards similar to Goblin Bully by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Bully might not directly provide card draw, but it supports card advantage through its aggressive board presence, pressuring your opponent into unfavorable trades or card usage to handle it.

Resource Acceleration: While the Goblin Bully itself may not accelerate resources in traditional ways, it can pave the way for other goblin synergistic cards that do, creating a snowball effect of resource advantage in goblin-themed decks.

Instant Speed: Although Goblin Bully doesn’t operate at instant speed, its low casting cost makes it a nimble addition to your battlefield. This allows for rapid deployment alongside other instant speed spells, keeping your mana usage versatile during gameplay.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Bully may necessitate discarding another card, depleting your hand and potentially disrupting your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s requirement for red mana can restrict it to red-centric or multicolor decks, reducing its versatility across various archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its impact on the board, the mana investment for Goblin Bully can be considered steep, particularly when other goblin options could be more mana-efficient.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Bully can be a dynamic addition to numerous deck archetypes, ranging from aggressive red decks to more synergistic goblin tribal forms. Its low mana cost allows for an efficient early game presence.

Combo Potential: The card has inherent synergy with mechanics that capitalize on the presence of goblin creatures, such as sacrificial effects or those that amplify damage based on the number of goblins you control.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right environment, Goblin Bully can shine against decks that stumble in the early game, enabling you to maintain pressure and control the pace of the match while building a formidable board presence.

How to beat

Goblin Bully is a persistent threat on the battlefield, emblematic of the aggressive and synergistic nature of Goblin decks in Magic: The Gathering. Players often find themselves scrambling to deal with the onslaught that Goblins, particularly Goblin Bully, can bring to the table early in the game. Its synergy with other Goblin tribe members makes it a card to watch out for.

To outmaneuver Goblin Bully, consider cards that can manage multiple creatures at once. Board clearing spells like Wrath of God or Damnation effectively reset the playing field, leveling the overwhelming numbers advantage that Goblins tend to build. Targeted removal, while useful, is often a short-term solution; comprehensive strategies work best against tribal aggro decks.

Playing defensively can also counter Goblin decks. Cards that provide life gain, like Authority of the Consuls, slow down the assault and provides a buffer for you to establish a formidable defensive position. Remember, the goal is to curb the relentless tide of Goblins and turn the match back to your favor by dismantling the synergies that cards like Goblin Bully bank on.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Bully MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Masters Edition IV, 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 Bully and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Bully Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by Pete Venters.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1997-05-01	Portal	POR		131	1997	Normal	Black	Pete Venters
2	2011-01-10	Masters Edition IV	ME4		117	1997	Normal	Black	Pete Venters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Bully has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal