Goblin Goon MTG Card
2003-02-03 - Number 99
2014-06-16 - Number 166
2016-11-16 - Number 65857
2017-10-24 - Number 44
2020-07-17 - Number 326
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Mutant |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Goblin Goon can't attack unless you control more creatures than defending player. Goblin Goon can't block unless you control more creatures than attacking player.
Giant-sized body. Goblin-sized brain.
Cards like Goblin Goon
Goblin Goon stands out in the tribe of goblin creatures in Magic: The Gathering much like a giant among goblins. This monstrosity requires you to have more creatures than your opponent to attack and block, a trait that shares its spirit with cards like Goblin Rabblemaster. Bot, while Rabblemaster creates its own army of goblins, Goblin Goon relies on an already present troop muster.
Moving to another kin, we have the Foundry Street Denizen. It gets stronger every time another red creature enters the battlefield—perfect for a swarm strategy but unlike our Goon, it doesn’t impose any restrictions on attacking or blocking. Similarly, the infamous Raging Goblin offers speed with its haste ability, allowing for quick hits, notwithstanding the lesser muscle compared to Goblin Goon’s dominating power.
Reflection on these card dynamics shows Goblin Goon’s unique position in MTG as a formidable force under the right circumstances. It shines in a deck brimming with creatures, making it a powerhouse in goblin-themed decks that easily outnumber the opponent’s creatures.
Cards similar to Goblin Goon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Goon may not directly offer card draw, but its imposing presence on the board often forces the opponent to dedicate multiple cards to deal with it. This differential can inadvertently create card advantage for the player as opponents struggle to find an answer.
Resource Acceleration: Although Goblin Goon doesn’t produce mana or treasure tokens, its reasonably low cost compared to its high power makes it an efficient resource deployment. This allows players to pressurize opponents quickly while still developing their board with other threats or supporting spells.
Instant Speed: While the Goblin Goon operates at sorcery speed, being a creature, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells. Casting removal or combat tricks during your opponent’s turn can clear the path for your Goon, ensuring it can attack with its full potential unabated.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Goon requires you to have more creatures on the battlefield than your opponents in order to attack or block. This can be limiting if you’re facing a deck that quickly populates the field, leaving the Goon unable to swing in or defend when you need it most.
Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Goon’s casting cost of four mana, including double red, makes it restrictive to play unless you’re running a heavily red-based mana pool. Its particular requirement may not fit seamlessly into multicolored or mana-flexible decks, narrowing its versatility across various builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of 3R, Goblin Goon is on the higher end for creatures with similar abilities. The mana investment can be critical in the early to mid-game phases where speed is of the essence. While it packs a punch with its power and toughness, you might opt for alternatives that offer utility or lower-cost creatures that contribute to your board presence more immediately.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Goblin Goon can be a powerful addition to various aggressive decks that desire quick and impactful plays. Its substantial power makes it a strong contender in matches where board presence is critical.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that focus on wide board states, amplifying its effectiveness when paired with numerous creatures that keep it unblocked and on the offensive.
Meta-Relevance: Against decks that lack early creature deployment, Goblin Goon can dominate the battlefield. Its relevance escalates particularly in a meta where slower, control-oriented decks are prevalent, enabling it to apply pressure before opponents can establish their game plan.
How to beat
Goblin Goon offers an aggressive challenge on the battlefield. Its power lies in its formidable size, boasting a notable 6/6 for a mere four mana. But, as commanding as this creature can be, its Achilles’ heel lies in its unique inability to attack or block alone. To circumvent its strengths, control the number of creatures on both sides of the battlefield. Board wipes or targeted removals are your best allies against this muscle-bound menace.
When planning your strategy, consider cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile that can selectively remove other creatures, thereby limiting the Goon’s capabilities. Small creature tokens can also be a cost-effective solution to chump block and eliminate the threat without any significant loss. In essence, keeping the board clean or ensuring you have small expendable creatures can effortlessly negate the Goon’s potential and leave your opponent’s grand plan in tatters.
Ultimately, while Goblin Goon may look intimidating at first glance, a well-thought-out tactic centered around board management can easily turn the tide. By understanding and exploiting its dependency on other creatures, you can dismantle a key feature of your adversary’s offense and defend your position effectively.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Goon MTG card by a specific set like Legions 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 Goon 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
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Printings
The Goblin Goon Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2003-02-03 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-02-03 | Legions | LGN | 99 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 2 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 166 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 3 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 65857 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 4 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 44 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 5 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 326 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Goon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |