Goblin Medics MTG Card
1999-02-15 - Number 79
2023-01-13 - Number 124
2023-04-21 - Number 283
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Shaman |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever Goblin Medics becomes tapped, it deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
"First, do some harm." —Oath of Goblins
Cards like Goblin Medics
Goblin Medics is a unique card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, embodying the quirky and aggressive nature of goblin characters. Unlike other cards in its tribe, Goblin Medics deals damage through its tap ability, which triggers whenever another creature becomes tapped. This effect mirrors the functionality of cards like Psionic Gift, which allows a creature to deal damage directly to any target by tapping it. However, Goblin Medics has the distinct advantage of being triggered automatically, providing a passive way to chip away at your opponent’s life total.
When comparing further, we notice Prodigal Pyromancer, which also offers the ability to deal damage to any target by tapping. Prodigal Pyromancer provides a controlled way to inflict damage, though it doesn’t benefit from the incidental tapping of other creatures. Finally, there’s Cunning Sparkmage, a card with a similar tapping ability as Prodigal Pyromancer, but with the utility of having haste, allowing for immediate board impact.
Assessing Goblin Medics in the broader context of MTG, one can appreciate its potential in decks that frequently tap creatures, potentially causing a significant amount of damage over the course of a game. Its innate synergy within the goblin tribe could also contribute to its effectiveness in specific red-focused strategies.
Cards similar to Goblin Medics by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Medics provides a steady stream of card draw potential by enabling repeatable triggers each time it is tapped, contributing to a more consistent flow of options in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Its ability can be utilized in conjunction with cards that allow you to untap creatures, essentially ramping up your plays by giving you further opportunities to use your Goblins for mana generation or other tap effects.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Goblin Medics shines with activatable abilities that can be used at instant speed, allowing you to respond swiftly to battlefield changes and potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategies during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A tricky aspect of Goblin Medics is that it requires the player to discard a card, which can be a setback when your hand is already running on empty. This cost can hinder your game plan, especially if you need to keep all your cards for strategic plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a specific mana cost that demands red mana. For players running a multi-color deck, it’s not always easy to have the required red mana when you need it, consequently making Goblin Medics a card that may not seamlessly fit into all deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the efficiency of mana expenditure, Goblin Medics might fall short. Its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other creatures with similar abilities. For decks aiming for a lean curve, this could prove to be an inefficiency that’s hard to overlook.
Reasons to Include Goblin Medics in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Medics offer a unique blend of utility for various deck archetypes. Whether you’re playing a casual kitchen table game or a focused tribal build, their ability can disrupt opponent strategies while bolstering your own.
Combo Potential: These medics have synergy with effects that trigger upon dealing damage or when creatures become tapped, providing plenty of room for creative deck builders to explore combinations.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where life totals can swing drastically, having a card that can tip the scales ever so slightly each turn, or in response to certain actions, keeps your opponents on their toes and ensures your deck remains competitive.
How to Beat Goblin Medics
Goblin Medics is an unusual card that can catch many players off guard with its ability to deal damage whenever it becomes tapped. This quirky characteristic can deter aggressive strategies, prompting a need to consider different tactics to overcome it. Unlike other creatures that require combat to inflict damage, Goblin Medics can be a persistent nuisance even without entering the fray.
To effectively handle Goblin Medics, removal spells are key. Instant-speed removal like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile can dispatch the medics before they can be tapped for mischief. Alternatively, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation sidestep the tapping problem altogether, clearing out these medics along with any other creatures on the battlefield.
Awareness of the board and maintaining control over the pace of the game are crucial. Providing no targets for the Goblin Medics by not over-committing creatures to the board, or by simply using creatures that can withstand a damage or two, helps in reducing their impact. With careful play and strategic use of resources, outmaneuvering this pesky card becomes a manageable task that won’t disrupt your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Medics MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Dominaria Remastered, 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 Medics 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 Medics Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-02-15 | Urza's Legacy | ULG | 79 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Laubenstein | |
| 2 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 124 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Caio Monteiro | |
| 3 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 283 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Caio Monteiro |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Medics 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 Medics card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The ability does trigger when it taps to attack. |