Goblin Commando MTG Card

Card utility is bolstered by removing an opponent’s creature, disrupting their field and strategy. Accelerates damage and resources by clearing paths for attacks without producing mana or tokens. Simulates instant-speed play, adding strategic depth to main phase actions on the battlefield.

Starter 1999 (S99)
1999-07-01 - Number 100

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 164

Jumpstart (JMP)
2020-07-17 - Number 325

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Goblin
Power	2
Toughness	2

Text of card

When Goblin Commando comes into play, it deals 2 damage to target creature.

With a commando around, somebody's gonna get hurt.

Cards like Goblin Commando

Goblin Commando stands out as an intriguing choice within the wide array of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It is often compared to other creatures like the renowned Goblin Arsonist. While both cards feature the quintessential goblin flair, Goblin Commando provides a strategic advantage with direct damage to a creature upon entering the battlefield. The Goblin Arsonist, in contrast, requires a sacrifice to deal damage, offering a different tactical angle.

Similarly, we can look at Ember Hauler, another goblin that offers direct damage capabilities. Ember Hauler can deal damage to any target, giving it broader reach, but unlike Goblin Commando, it requires a mana investment and sacrifice. Lastly, there’s the Skirk Commando, a creature with a lower mana cost and the capability of dealing direct damage if not blocked. While Skirk Commando might come into play earlier, Goblin Commando’s guaranteed damage upon entry can be pivotal in eliminating key threats immediately.

Analyzing these cards side by side, Goblin Commando carves a niche for itself among goblin creatures that can deal direct damage, thanks to its no-strings-attached impact on the board. This makes it a considerable option for players crafting decks that thrive on instantaneous creature control.

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

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Commando offers solid card utility by potentially removing an opponent’s creature from the field. This disrupts your opponent’s strategy while maintaining your own board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While Goblin Commando doesn’t produce mana or tokens directly, it can clear the way for your other creatures to attack successfully, helping to accelerate damage and potentially freeing up resources otherwise used for creature removal.

Instant Speed: Though Goblin Commando operates at sorcery speed, its EtB (Enter the Battlefield) effect simulates an instant-speed interaction, allowing you to time your plays strategically during your main phase in response to the board state.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The card comes with an obligatory discard, posing a challenge when your hand size is dwindling and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Commando requires a particular blend of mana, which may not align smoothly with all deck strategies, especially those running multiple colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a steep mana demand, this card may fall behind in tempo compared to other low-cost goblins, affecting the deck’s overall mana curve and efficiency.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Commando stands out in its ability to adapt to various play styles. Whether it’s aggressive red decks or those incorporating goblin tribal synergies, this card offers valuable tactics to a wide array of strategies.

Combo Potential: This card excels when combined with other goblins or spells that benefit from dealing direct damage or summoning multiple creatures. Its presence alone can amplify the effectiveness of your existing combos and strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of MTG, Goblin Commando can be particularly useful if the current metagame favors decks with swarm tactics or those that can benefit from direct removal abilities, making it a timely addition to keep your collection competitive.

How to beat

Goblin Commando is a card that can bring dynamism to a deck, and facing it can be a challenge due to its direct damage capability upon entering the battlefield. To effectively counteract this card, it’s crucial to have strategies or spells that can neutralize its presence. Cards that prevent creature abilities from triggering, such as Hushbringer or Torpor Orb, can effectively negate the impact of the Commando’s entry effect. Additionally, playing instant-speed removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can remove the Commando before it can deal damage.

Another effective tactic is to utilize counter spells to prevent Goblin Commando from hitting the battlefield at all. This preemptive approach stops the threat in its tracks. Control decks excel at this, carefully timing their counters like Dovin’s Veto or Negate to maximize efficiency. Moreover, establishing a board presence with creatures that have a higher toughness or providing indestructible status through spells such as Heroic Intervention can absorb the damage and diminish the Commando’s impact on the game.

Overall, minimizing the effectiveness of Goblin Commando is about anticipating its arrival and having the right measures in place. Whether that’s removal, counter spells, or board protection, maintaining control and being one step ahead can ensure that this creature’s entrance isn’t as explosive as intended.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Commando MTG card by a specific set like Starter 1999 and Vintage Masters, 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 Commando and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Commando Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-07-01 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Todd Lockwood.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1999-07-01	Starter 1999	S99	100	1997	Normal	White	Todd Lockwood
2	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA	164	2015	Normal	Black	Todd Lockwood
3	2020-07-17	Jumpstart	JMP	325	2015	Normal	Black	Todd Lockwood

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Commando has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Commander	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal