Goblin Masons MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Released | 1999-06-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Urza's Destiny |
| Set code | UDS |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 86 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | DiTerlizzi |
Text of card
When Goblin Masons is put into a graveyard from play, destroy target Wall.
"Goblins build with true zeal—and anything else within arm's reach."
Cards like Goblin Masons
Goblin Masons is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, sharing similarities with other goblin cards. Much like the renowned Goblin Tinkerer, Goblin Masons offer utility by interacting with artifacts. While the Goblin Tinkerer has the ability to outright destroy artifacts, Goblin Masons provide a more creative advantage by enabling the player to put wall tokens into play. This offers a strategic defensive edge compared to the Tinkerer’s offensive approach.
Comparable to Embermage Goblin, another member of the goblin family endowed with damage-dealing abilities, the Masons differ by bolstering defensive strategies through the wall tokens they create. Though they lack Embermage’s direct damage capabilities, the Masons compensate by building a barrier for protection. This contrasts with Embermage Goblin’s immediate yet single-focused offensive capability.
Ultimately, Goblin Masons stand out within the pantheon of goblin-themed cards in Magic: The Gathering. While they may not possess the offensive punch of some of their counterparts, they provide a unique tactical benefit by assisting in fortifying one’s position on the battlefield, showcasing the diverse roles that goblins can play in a player’s strategy.
Cards similar to Goblin Masons by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Masons offer a tactical edge by potentially constructing additional resources every turn without sacrificing a card. This feature can swiftly tilt the scales as you establish a growing army of tokens to wield against your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: The ability of Goblin Masons to potentially churn out goblin tokens can accelerate your board presence, furnishing you with a reservoir of chump blockers or fodder for other goblin synergies. More units on the board mean more opportunities to control the game’s pace.
Instant Speed: The card’s ability to potentially generate tokens at the end of your opponent’s turn highlights its utility, keeping your resources untapped for spells or effects during your own turn. This adaptability enriches your strategic options, allowing you to react promptly to the evolving state of play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Masons require players to discard a card as part of the cost to utilize its abilities. This can be particularly burdensome during the early game or when combinations rely on maintaining a full hand to execute a strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands a mix of red and generic mana, which may be challenging to accommodate in multi-color decks that can’t always guarantee the right mana combination when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for Goblin Masons might be considered steep by some players, especially when there are alternative creatures or spells in the same cost range that provide immediate impact or have more versatility on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Goblin Masons in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Masons can seamlessly integrate into various red or goblin-themed decks. Its ability to potentially destroy walls while providing aggressive stats for its cost makes it a flexible addition to any aggressive deck strategy.
Combo Potential: In decks that exploit creatures dying or red spells that trigger upon creature death, Goblin Masons can synergize well, making it a strategic piece in combinations aimed at overwhelming opponents.
Meta-Relevance: With a meta that occasionally leans towards using defensive creatures like walls, having Goblin Masons ready can give you an edge by disrupting your opponent’s defensive plans while continuing to develop your board presence.
How to beat
Goblin Masons can be quite the resilient creature in Magic: The Gathering, bringing utility and strength to your opponent’s battlefield. This card can be particularly frustrating due to its ability to bolster other creatures’ toughness, making your task to overpower the opposing lineup a staunch challenge. To neutralize Goblin Masons, consider targeting them early with removal spells that can bypass the addition to toughness, such as those dealing with specific numbers of damage or featuring exile mechanics.
It is also effective to use spells that affect the entire field, such as board wipes, which can clear out multiple threats at once, including those pesky Goblin Masons. Additionally, countering key spells that could protect or synergize with Goblin Masons is a tactical approach. Do not forget about utilizing combat tricks and abilities that can surprise your opponent during the battle phase, eliminating Goblin Masons before it can become a larger problem.
To successfully keep control against a card like Goblin Masons, always stay ahead of the game by keeping removal options available and assessing threats accurately. A planned approach and having the right cards at your disposal will ensure that this card does not stand in the way of your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Masons MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny, 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 Masons 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Masons has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Masons card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | If there is no Wall to target, then the ability just gets removed from the stack before any player gets priority. |