Goblin Piker MTG Card

Goblin Piker’s low cost and type synergy enhance board presence in goblin and warrior decks. While not a ramp tool, it fits red’s quick-pace ethos, pressuring opponents early in the game. Offers deck versatility and combo options, especially in budget and pauper formats.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Power 2
Toughness 1

Cards like Goblin Piker

Goblin Piker stands out in the realm of straightforward combat creatures for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. When it comes to two-mana creatures, it is often compared with Grizzly Bears, both offering a vanilla 2/2 body. Yet, unlike Goblin Piker with its creature type synergy, Grizzly Bears belongs to the beast category, lacking direct synergy in goblin-centered decks.

Looking at another counterpart, Raging Goblin, we see a distinction in playstyle where Raging Goblin’s haste allows for immediate impact on the board. Although both are low-cost creatures, the haste attribute on Raging Goblin can be pivotal for an aggressive start. Additionally, Goblin Patrol is similar in mana cost to Goblin Piker but also includes the haste advantage, though it carries an upkeep cost which can be a strategic drawback.

In the end, each of these two-mana creatures offers unique advantages. Goblin Piker might shine in decks where mid-game stability is preferred over early aggression. Its integration into Goblin tribal strategies might sway your decision if synergies and long-term battlefield presence take precedence over the initial quick strikes provided by its counterparts.

Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Raging Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Patrol - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Raging Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Patrol - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Despite not directly offering additional draws, Goblin Piker’s low cost makes it a viable option in decks that synergize with goblin or warrior types, effectively enhancing your on-board presence and card utility.

Resource Acceleration: While Goblin Piker itself doesn’t accelerate resources, its inclusion in red deck strategies capitalizes on the color’s ethos of fast, aggressive plays, enabling you to apply pressure and potentially divert resources from your opponent to handle this early threat.

Instant Speed: Goblin Piker operates on sorcery speed, but its mere presence can affect instant speed interactions favorably. Opponents might need to utilize instant-speed removal inefficiently out of respect for what this straightforward goblin could signify in a larger, more intricate game plan.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Goblin Piker doesn’t require discarding as a direct cost, lacking this additional effect could be seen as a missed opportunity for synergy in decks that take advantage of discarding mechanics.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Piker has a mana cost that necessitates a single red mana, potentially restricting its inclusion only in decks that can produce red mana or are red-centric.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at two mana for a simple 2/1 creature, Goblin Piker may be overshadowed by other two-mana creatures with more impactful abilities or greater stats, reducing its competitiveness in deck building.

Reasons to Include Goblin Piker in Your Collection

Versatility: Although Goblin Piker is a straightforward creature, its simplicity allows it to slide into various casual decks without fuss. Its role as a reliable two-drop creature in red helps to establish an early board presence, which is fundamental in aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: Goblin Piker may not be the centerpiece of a complex combo, but it serves as a cost-effective creature that can benefit from buffs, auras, and equipment. This synergy is vital in decks aiming to capitalize on cheap, efficient creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors low-cost creatures, Goblin Piker can be a practical addition. For players building a deck on a budget or for those in a pauper format, this card’s inclusion can contribute to a well-rounded collection that offers options without breaking the bank.

How to beat Goblin Piker

The Goblin Piker is a straightforward creature card that serves as a basic component in Magic: The Gathering’s vast arsenal. With its simple 2/1 stats for two mana, the Goblin Piker is a standard inclusion in many decks relying on early aggression. However, albeit a decent card for starting players, there are numerous ways to outplay and overcome this goblin.

Firstly, any creature with a toughness higher than one can easily block and remove the Goblin Piker without succumbing to damage themselves. Cards like Centaur Courser or Nest Robber pose significant obstacles for the Piker. Additionally, instant removal spells like Shock or Dead Weight can dispatch this creature with minimal mana investment, keeping your defenses strong and board control in your favor.

In a game where strategy is key, knowing when and how to deal with such creatures can make a difference. Maintaining board control with superior creatures or utilizing timely removals ensures that your opponent’s Goblin Piker doesn’t pester you beyond its initial appearance.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Piker MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age and Ninth Edition, 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 Piker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Piker Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 1998-06-24 and 2011-07-15. Illustrated by DiTerlizzi.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-06-24Portal Second AgeP02 1021997NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
22005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 194★2003NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
32005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1942003NormalWhiteDiTerlizzi
42007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 2092003NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
52009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1402003NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
62010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 452003NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
72010-07-16Magic 2011M11 1422003NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
82011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1412003NormalBlackDiTerlizzi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Piker has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal