Goblin Psychopath MTG Card
2003-05-26 - Number 95
2022-12-02 - Number 544
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Mutant |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Whenever Goblin Psychopath attacks or blocks, flip a coin. If you lose the flip, the next time it would deal combat damage this turn, it deals that damage to you instead.
The destruction he causes is nothing next to the chaos in his mind.
Cards like Goblin Psychopath
Goblin Psychopath stands as an intriguing option among MTG’s red creatures, particularly for its flavor and ability to impact the battlefield unpredictably. It can be juxtaposed with Goblin Rabblemaster, another goblin that excels at generating tokens and amplifies attack power. However, the Psychopath’s coin flip mechanic for power fluctuation introduces a wild card element that Rabblemaster does not, creating variable attack power each turn.
Then there’s Grenzo, Havoc Raiser, who also interacts interestingly within games. While Goblin Psychopath flips for power, Grenzo diverts attention by exiling the top card of an opponent’s library and offering the choice to cast it. This provides a more controlled strategy compared to the erratic nature of Goblin Psychopath’s ability.
Assessing gameplay impact, the Psychopath adds an element of chance that can swing games, a factor enthusiast players appreciate for its ability to liven up the turn of events. Despite the inconsistency, Goblin Psychopath can be a formidable threat that aligns with the spirited chaos characteristic of red deck strategies in MTG.
Cards similar to Goblin Psychopath by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Goblin Psychopath excels at disrupting your opponent’s strategy by forcing them to discard, effectively putting you ahead in the drawn-out battles of attrition.
Resource Acceleration: With an ability to sacrifice Goblins for mana, it accelerates your resources, allowing for quicker plays and a more aggressive game plan.
Instant Speed: Its activated abilities can be used at instant speed, providing flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn and making it a versatile threat in any match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of the Goblin Psychopath is its need for you to discard a card to activate certain abilities. This cost can put you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is already depleted or each card is crucial for your strategic gameplay.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s dependence on a specific color combination for mana can be limiting. Considering that it requires both red and other mana types, incorporating the Goblin Psychopath into your deck necessitates a commitment to those colors, potentially reducing the flexibility of your deck construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that is on the higher side for its effects, the Goblin Psychopath may cause some hesitation when deck building. This is because there are alternative creatures or spells available that might provide a similar or better impact on the game for a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Psychopath finds a place in a variety of red-centered decks. Its unpredictability can swing games in your favor and serves well against decks that struggle with random effects.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes with strategies amplifying its chance to win flips, or with cards that modify or benefit from coin tosses, creating opportunities for interesting and potentially game-winning combos.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment dense with creature-based strategies, the Goblin Psychopath’s ability to potentially take down larger threats can be unexpectedly useful, disrupting your opponents’ plans.
How to beat
Goblin Psychopath is known for its unpredictability on the battlefield, becoming a double-edged sword in MTG games. Unlike straightforward attackers, this whimsical creature’s power and toughness shift with each spin of the wheel, creating a complex challenge for both the user and their opponent. Players looking to mitigate the risks posed by this capricious goblin need to focus on control elements that can subdue or bypass these erratic power swings.
One strategy is to utilize removal spells that can target creatures irrespective of their power levels. By employing instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push, players can eliminate the Psychopath before it has the chance to wreak havoc. Additionally, deploying counterspells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak when the goblin is cast can nip the potential problem in the bud, ensuring it never hits the field.
Overall, dealing with Goblin Psychopath requires a mix of pre-emptive control and on-the-fly adaptability. It’s best to handle it swiftly before its chaotic nature can dominate the game, making timing and choice of removal crucial. As with many MTG tactics, knowing when and how to play your answers can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Psychopath MTG card by a specific set like Scourge and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Psychopath 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
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Printings
The Goblin Psychopath Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-05-26 | Scourge | SCG | 95 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 544 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Psychopath has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Psychopath 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 triggers when it attacks or block and resolves before combat damage is assigned. This gives you a chance to possibly get rid of it before it hurts you. |