Goblin Cadets MTG Card

Goblin Cadets encourage thoughtful combat engagement, as it can offer card advantage when blocked. Its ability to change control can disrupt opponents but requires careful play to avoid self-disadvantage. The card shines in red-focused decks that exploit its unique mechanics for unforeseen plays.

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 189

Commander 2011 (CMD)
2011-06-17 - Number 125

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

Text of card

Whenever Goblin Cadets blocks or becomes blocked, target opponent gains control of it. (This removes Goblin Cadets from combat.)

"If you kids don't stop that racket, I'm turning this expedition around *right now!*"

Cards like Goblin Cadets

Goblin Cadets is a unique creature card within the vibrant universe of MTG. It exhibits a niche within the goblin archetype, similar in some respects to cards like Mogg War Marshal. Both introduce low-cost creatures to the battlefield, but Goblin Cadets presents an unusual twist with its ability to transfer control to an opponent under certain conditions. This is a tactic not commonly seen in goblin decks, which are typically focused on swarming and direct damage.

Looking at other cards within the same mana cost range, we see Raging Goblin, which, unlike our Cadets, grants haste, allowing for immediate impact on the game. Furthermore, Tin Street Dodger has a similar mana cost and offers the potential for unblockability, which is a different form of tactical advantage compared to the Cadets’ conditional control change ability.

Ultimately, Goblin Cadets shines as a tool for players who appreciate strategic depth and the prospect of manipulating the board state in unconventional ways. Its ability can be a clever addition to player’s decks that thrive on the element of surprise and complex interactions, setting it apart from other goblin tribe members.

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

Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions

Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Cadets offer a unique interaction by allowing players to potentially draw a card every time it becomes blocked. This can deter opponents from engaging in combat and provide a subtle edge in card economy over the course of a game.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or treasure, Goblin Cadets can pressure opponents into making unfavorable blocks, indirectly accelerating your board state by keeping their resources at bay.

Instant Speed: While Goblin Cadets don’t have abilities that operate at instant speed inherently, this creature can benefit from instant speed spells and effects from other cards in a deck, making it a versatile combat trick to exploit during the combat phase.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Cadets comes with a caveat that when it becomes blocked, you must pass it to an opponent. This condition can lead to an unwanted card exchange, stripping you of control over the creature at a crucial moment, which can disrupt your battlefield strategy and momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Cadets’ casting cost requires a precise arrangement of mana, including one red mana. This can pose deck-building restrictions, particularly in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key to a consistent game play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of one generic and one red mana for a 2/1 creature, Goblin Cadets may come off as an expensive investment. In the current meta, there are numerous options for two-mana creatures with more impactful abilities or superior stats, potentially offering more value and versatility to a deck.

Reasons to Include Goblin Cadets in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Cadets is an adaptable card that can find a home in various deck types. Its low casting cost and ability to provide card advantage when donating it to your opponent makes it particularly useful in red-based aggressive or midrange decks.

Combo Potential: This card has an interesting interaction with effects that control ownership or block specific creatures. In decks that manipulate these effects, Goblin Cadets becomes a key piece, leading to dynamic and potentially game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that sees a lot of creature-based strategies, the potential to either disrupt opponent plays by gifting the Cadets, or simply to use it as a blocker that can deter attacks, adds strategic depth to the card’s relevance in your collection.

How to beat

Goblin Cadets can become quite the conundrum on the battlefield. This peculiar creature has the potential to swing the tide of the game by cleverly handing off control whenever it takes damage. Despite its seemingly disadvantageous ability, overcoming this card requires thoughtful play. Strategic blocking is not advisable unless you’re willing to grant your opponent an extra creature. Instead, removal spells that don’t deal damage or effects that force the owner to sacrifice it are more efficient. These methods ensure that you won’t unintentionally enhance the opposing forces.

Another effective tactic is leveraging effects that negate the Cadets’ ability. By utilizing cards that will strip it of its abilities or by including instant spells that prevent damage, you can thwart its tricky nature. Creatures with the deathtouch keyword could also discourage attacks since they ensure its destruction without transferring control. With careful consideration and the right countermeasures, getting past Goblin Cadets is entirely feasible.

Lastly, remember that time is an essential factor. As the game advances, the value of a single creature diminishes. Thus, maintaining board control and advancing your strategy can ultimately outpace the temporary set-back posed by Goblin Cadets. It’s all about playing smart and pivoting your strategies as needed.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Cadets MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Commander 2011, 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 Cadets and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Cadets Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2011-06-17. Illustrated by Jerry Tiritilli.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG		189	1997	Normal	Black	Jerry Tiritilli
2	2011-06-17	Commander 2011	CMD		125	2003	Normal	Black	Jerry Tiritilli

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Cadets has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal