Goblin Picker MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Goblin |
Released | 2022-09-09 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Dominaria United |
Set code | DMU |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 2 |
Number | 128 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Vladimir Krisetskiy |
Text of card
, , Discard a card: Draw a card.
Countless generations of Shivan goblins have worked on the Mana Rig, giving them an unparalleled eye for useful relics.
Cards like Goblin Picker
Goblin Picker introduces unique tactics to the red creature roster in Magic: The Gathering. This card can be likened to Goblin Arsonist for its goblin tribal synergies, yet it trades the direct damage ability for a more nuanced artifact retrieval mechanic. While Goblin Arsonist is a simple means to chip away at an opponent’s life total or to take out key creatures, Goblin Picker’s focus is on recycling valuable pieces of equipment or other artifacts from your graveyard.
In comparison, Treasure Hunter shares the same artifact recovery theme but differs in creature type and mana cost. While Goblin Picker is comfortably situated at a lower mana curve, ideal for early plays, Treasure Hunter requires more investment and doesn’t benefit from goblin tribal synergies. It’s key to consider how these differences align with your deck strategy and the importance of tribal bonuses versus the card’s immediacy and utility.
Examining the card’s role within its archetype, Goblin Picker stands out for its capacity to meld seamlessly into goblin-centered decks that prize synergy and incremental advantages, especially when artifacts form a core component of the strategy. Its precise function may vary, but its tribal identity and unique mechanic secure its spot in the lineage of distinctive MTG goblin cards.
Cards similar to Goblin Picker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Picker shines by providing a strategic edge through card selection. By enabling you to sift through the top cards of your library, it offers the potential to draw exactly the Goblin card you need, enhancing the consistency of your plays.
Resource Acceleration: This card efficiently accelerates your resources by potentially placing a valuable Goblin onto the battlefield at a reduced cost. The ability to cheat mana costs, even if slightly, can quickly tilt the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of Goblin Picker being an instant cannot be overstated. Reacting to your opponent’s moves, deploying threats, or creating surprise blockers during their turn adds a layer of tactical depth to your game plan.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When deploying Goblin Picker, one constraint is the need to discard another card. This trade-off can prove to be a setback, especially during moments when maintaining hand advantage is crucial. Reducing your options too early on could potentially impair your strategic position in the game, leaving you vulnerable to opponent strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: The specificity of Goblin Picker’s mana cost might pose a restriction for deck building. Requiring a precise combination of mana limits its integration into decks that run multiple colors or those that cannot reliably generate the necessary mana types early on in the game. This can impact its flexibility and overall utility across different deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When compared to other cards within the same category, Goblin Picker’s mana expenditure could be considered on the higher side for the utility it brings to the table. Players might find themselves contemplating whether its effect justifies the cost or if their mana would be better invested in more impactful cards that can potentially alter the state of play more significantly.
Reasons to Include Goblin Picker in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Picker is a utility player in red aggressive decks and fits seamlessly into Goblin tribal themes. Its ability to manipulate the top cards of your deck ensures that you have a steady stream of options, smoothing out your plays each turn.
Combo Potential: This card excels in combinations with cards that care about the number of Goblins you control or cards that trigger upon casting Goblin spells, enhancing synergies and leading to potentially game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: Given that fast-paced aggro strategies often have a place in the constantly evolving MTG meta, Goblin Picker holds its weight in matches by contributing to early board presence and maintaining card advantage against slower decks.
How to Beat
Goblin Picker has emerged as a unique threat in the world of Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies. Despite its potential, there are effective ways to circumvent the challenges posed by this card. One strategy is to eliminate it swiftly using removal spells. Since Goblin Picker tends to have a lower toughness, spells like Shock or Fatal Push can take it out before it starts picking off your crucial creature cards.
Alternatively, evasion tactics can render Goblin Picker’s abilities ineffective. Cards that provide protection from creatures or specific colors can safeguard your valuable creatures from being targeted. Moreover, utilizing instant-speed spells during an opponent’s turn can surprise a Goblin Picker player, as they rely on using its ability at a calculated time. Lastly, simply outpacing the Goblin Picker user with a faster, more aggressive deck can overwhelm them before they can establish a presence. By incorporating these strategies into your game plan, you’ll improve your chances of overcoming the obstacle that is Goblin Picker and push towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Picker MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United, 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 Picker 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 Picker has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |