Goblin Grappler MTG Card
2003-02-03 - Number 100
2003-08-07 - Number we100
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Abilities | Provoke |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Provoke (When this attacks, you may have target creature defending player controls untap and block it if able.)
Daru soldiers learned it's better to have a clean death from a sharp blade than to tangle with a goblin's rusted chains.
Cards like Goblin Grappler
Goblin Grappler is an intriguing combat-oriented creature within the world of MTG, sharing the battlefield with other goblins that thrive in skirmishes. Its tap ability to force a creature to block it resonates with the mechanics of creatures like Provoker, wielding the same power to control opponent’s combat decisions. Unlike the Goblin Grappler, Provoker doesn’t restrict the controlled blocking to just itself but can choose any creature, offering slightly more versatility.
In a similar strategic playstyle, there is also Master Warcraft, an instant that dictates how blockers and attackers are assigned during combat, although its effect is more comprehensive than the targeted control of Goblin Grappler. Then, we pivot to the likes of Raging Goblin, a creature that, while it doesn’t control the block, does offer immediate attack potential with haste, favoring a quick damage strategy over manipulation of enemy forces.
Considering these comparisons, Goblin Grappler stands out for players who enjoy a tactical edge in manipulating combat, but it’s vital to weigh its single-target control against other cards that offer broader influence or different types of speed and aggression in MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Goblin Grappler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Goblin Grappler may not directly draw you cards, but its ability to latch onto an opponent’s creature ensures that your tactical positions can be utilized to pull ahead. Its engaging prowess can force trades that can quickly open the door to a favorable board state.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Grappler itself isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, playing this card can lead to a tempo advantage. By selectively removing blockers or potential threats, it accelerates your game plan, paving the way for more impactful plays sooner.
Instant Speed: Goblin Grappler operates at sorcery speed, but its ability is most effective when paired with effects or spells that can act at instant speed. Combining the Grappler with instant speed tricks or removal can catch an opponent off guard, upsetting their calculations and disrupting their plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Goblin Grappler does not have a direct discard requirement, its utility in gameplay can be overshadowed by cards that provide greater advantages without sacrificing hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific mana arrangement including red, which could restrict deck-building options and reduce its versatility across different strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana expenditure needed to cast Goblin Grappler may not align with the tempo of aggressive goblin-themed decks, which typically favor lower-cost creatures to maintain momentum.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Grappler is a smart pick for a variety of decks, thriving in aggressive strategies that benefit from proactive board control, specifically in red. Its lure ability can manipulate blockers, serving a tactical role in both early game aggression and late-game stalemates.
Combo Potential: Due to its unique ability to force enemy creatures into disadvantageous blocks, the Goblin Grappler can synergize well with combat trick cards or with abilities that trigger upon dealing damage, turning a simple combat phase into a strategic advantage.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state dominated by critical creature-based strategies, including the Goblin Grappler can prove instrumental. It becomes particularly effective when you’re facing off against decks reliant on key blockers or decks that seek to establish board dominance through creatures.
How to beat
Goblin Grappler presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its Provoking ability, forcing a chosen creature to block it if able. This can disrupt an opponent’s strategies, making it essential to navigate around this ability wisely. To overcome the Grappler, consider using creatures with high toughness to absorb the attack comfortably or creatures with detrimental effects when blocked, turning the Grappler’s ability against it.
Removal spells are also highly effective. Instant-speed removal like Lightning Bolt can eliminate the Grappler before it declares an attack, neutralizing the threat swiftly. Alternatively, a well-timed Counterspell when Goblin Grappler is cast can prevent its appearance altogether. Cards that grant your creatures indestructible for a turn or spells that untap your creatures post-combat can mitigate the disruption caused by the Grappler’s Provoking maneuver.
Players may also choose to adjust their combat tactics, such as holding back on attacking with high-value creatures when an untapped Goblin Grappler is on the opposing side. In short, understanding the nature of the Grappler and adapting your play to circumvent its Provocation will be key to maintaining control of the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Grappler MTG card by a specific set like Legions and World Championship Decks 2003, 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 Grappler 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 Grappler Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-02-03 and 2003-08-07. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-02-03 | Legions | LGN | 100 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | we100 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Grappler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |