Goblin Cavaliers MTG Card
1998-06-24 - Number 95
1999-07-01 - Number 98
2011-01-10 - Number 118
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Cards like Goblin Cavaliers
Goblin Cavaliers stand out in the red creature roster for their sheer simplicity and ease of play. In MTG, they are equaled in utility by Goblin Raiders, both being 2/2 creatures for a straightforward mana cost of three, which is affordable in fast-paced red decks. However, Goblin Cavaliers take a slight edge due to their slightly lower commonality in play, sometimes giving you a psychological advantage as your opponent may not be expecting them.
Comparing them further, another kin in utility is Raging Goblin. While Raging Goblin boasts haste, allowing it to attack immediately, it offers less board presence with a power and toughness of only 1/1. Conversely, Goblin Cavaliers cannot attack on the turn they are played but offer a sturdier block once they are on the battlefield. This subtle difference can affect the decision when deck building based on one’s strategy for either immediate damage or sustained board control.
For those considering adding Goblin Cavaliers to their MTG ensemble, they represent a blend of cost-efficiency and battlefield presence that finds middling competition with other goblin-class cards, making them a stable option for traditional red deck players looking for reliable creature cards.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Cavaliers offer the chance to swell your ranks, effectively giving more control over the battlefield and opening doors to various synergies within a goblin deck. This card can quickly become a force to be reckoned with, as the increase in creature count can overwhelm your opponent and boost your strategic options.
Resource Acceleration: The inclusion of Goblin Cavaliers in your deck can accelerate your resources by potentially unlocking tribal bonuses specific to goblins. Their presence may reduce the cost of other goblin spells or activate abilities that depend on the number of goblins you control, therefore speeding up your gameplay and giving you an edge over the opposition.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast certain spells linked with Goblin Cavaliers at instant speed provides a tactical advantage. It allows you to be flexible with your mana and make decisive plays in response to your opponent’s actions. This can catch opponents off guard, disrupt their strategy, and ultimately turn the tide of the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Gaining the benefits of Goblin Cavaliers comes with a drawback as players must discard a card to take full advantage of its abilities. This can put you at a disadvantage especially if your hand is already running low on cards, forcing you to make tough decisions about resource management.
Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Cavaliers requires a precise combination of mana colors to cast, which typically includes red. This narrows deck compatibility and can be restrictive for players who do not run a deck that accommodates red mana, or those looking to maintain a diverse mana base for multicolor strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment to bring Goblin Cavaliers onto the battlefield may not always align with its impact on the game. Given its mana cost, it competes with other creature cards that might offer more in terms of power, toughness, or valuable abilities at a similar or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Cavaliers bring a dynamic aspect to decks with their ability to serve multiple roles on the battlefield. They can act as early blockers or as an aggressive force to pressure your opponents from the onset.
Combo Potential: In a deck that revolves around Goblin synergies, this card can be the linchpin for triggering powerful combos. Pair it with cards that benefit from having numerous Goblins in play, and watch the magic happen.
Meta-Relevance: Against a backdrop of constantly evolving game environments, the simplicity and straightforwardness of Goblin Cavaliers make them a solid pick in various meta situations, holding their own especially well in matches where speed and creature volume are crucial.
How to beat
Goblin Cavaliers stand out in the world of MTG for their straightforward aggression and synergy with goblin-centric strategies. These creatures often come with benefits when they are included in a deck that emphasizes goblin tribal themes – supporting their kin with buffs or generating additional value with each attack.
Confronted with such relentless aggression, the key to overcoming them lies in preventing your opponent from gaining momentum. Board control is essential; using removal spells that can take out multiple creatures at once, like Wrath of God or Pyroclasm, can keep the goblins in check. Spot removal can also be invaluable, but be mindful to target goblins that offer the most synergy or could swing the tide of battle, like lords or those with potent triggered abilities. Crafting a deck with a robust early defense can also help to withstand the initial onslaught, enabling a stronger position for mid to late-game strategies.
Having a toolbox of answers will help prepare you for these swift creatures, ensuring that the tide of goblins doesn’t overrun your defenses. Adaptability and preemptive planning are paramount in securing a win against the rush of Goblin Cavaliers and their kin.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Cavaliers MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age and Starter 1999, 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 Cavaliers 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Goblin Cavaliers Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-06-24 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by DiTerlizzi.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-06-24 | Portal Second Age | P02 | 95 | 1997 | Normal | Black | DiTerlizzi | |
| 2 | 1999-07-01 | Starter 1999 | S99 | 98 | 1997 | Normal | White | DiTerlizzi | |
| 3 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 118 | 1997 | Normal | Black | DiTerlizzi |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Cavaliers has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |