Goblin Rimerunner MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Snow Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Released | 2006-07-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Coldsnap |
| Set code | CSP |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 83 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Christopher Rush |
Text of card
: Target creature can't block this turn. {S}: Goblin Rimerunner gains haste until end of turn. ({S} can be paid with one mana from a snow permanent.)
Rimerunners set off avalanches to immobilize foes as well as to create more challenging slopes.
Cards like Goblin Rimerunner
Goblin Rimerunner is an intriguing creature card that serves a unique role in Magic: The Gathering decks. With the ability to tap to make another creature unable to block this turn, it shares a tactical kinship with cards like Goblin Heelcutter. While Goblin Heelcutter can prevent a creature from blocking when it attacks with its Dash ability, Goblin Rimerunner’s skill can be used without entering combat, providing a subtler approach to battlefield control.
Considering the overall goblin theme, comparison can also be drawn to the likes of Goblin Cohort, which similarly benefits from other creatures being played to maintain its attacking ability. Goblin Rimerunner, however, has the strategic upper hand with its direct and recurring tactical influence over potential blockers. Frostwalla is another creature that shares a similarity with Goblin Rimerunner in terms of its snow synergy but serves a different role with its power-boosting ability in snow-heavy decks.
Goblin Rimerunner’s versatile control capability, particularly in decks that emphasize snow permanents and want to keep the way clear for critical attacks, secures its niche. Its role in enabling uninterrupted combat places it firmly in a space where strategy and creature utility converge in the art of MTG.
Cards similar to Goblin Rimerunner by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Especially valuable in aggressive red decks, Goblin Rimerunner can provide an opportunity to get more from your cards. By having the ability to tap potential blockers, it ensures your other creatures get through for damage, essentially turning each attack into a more impactful play.
Resource Acceleration: While Goblin Rimerunner itself doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, its capability to clear the path for your attackers can lead to damage that accelerates your game plan. It enables quicker victories, which is a form of resource acceleration as it forces your opponent to respond to your threats sooner than they might like.
Instant Speed: Goblin Rimerunner’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing strategic flexibility during the combat phase. This allows players to make decisions with more information, potentially waiting until the opponent has declared blockers to use the Rimerunner’s ability most advantageously. This level of control over the flow of combat can significantly tilt the scales in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Rimerunner necessitates pitching a card to utilize its ability, a trade-off that could backfire when your hand is running thin.
Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a red mana cost, this card fits exclusively within red or multi-color decks, potentially narrowing its utility across varied playstyles.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you consider its mana value against its abilities, some players might find Goblin Rimerunner costlier than other options in their arsenal offering similar or greater benefits.
Reasons to Include Goblin Rimerunner in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Rimerunner can be a flexible addition to a variety of decks, especially those revolving around snow mechanics or needing a reliable creature that can be cast for a low mana cost.
Combo Potential: With its ability to ensure that creatures without flying can’t block this turn if you control a snow land, it pairs well with other cards that capitalize on unblocked attackers, either for direct damage or triggering beneficial effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where ground forces reign and decks are slower to set up defenses, Goblin Rimerunner can provide an early game advantage and continued pressure, aligning well with aggro strategies that thrive on maintaining momentum.
How to beat
Goblin Rimerunner is a quirky presence in the realm of creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This sneaky card boasts an ability that can catch an opponent off guard, enabling it to become unblockable if a player controls a snow land. While this can be a headache, especially in a snow-focused deck, countering Goblin Rimerunner merely involves careful management of the board and strategic plays.
To reliably hold back its unblockable tendency, ensure that snow lands are kept to a minimum on your side of the board by using cards that allow you to replace an opponent’s lands or use land destruction strategies targeted at snow lands. Another approach is to incorporate enchantments that restrict creatures from attacking or use creatures with flash to disrupt the rhythm of an aggressive strategy. Lastly, focus on keeping your life total high to withstand any potential sneak attacks that slip through your defensive lineup. By addressing the unique conditions Goblin Rimerunner needs to excel, you’ll mitigate the impact it can have on the game.
Overall, while Goblin Rimerunner is designed to be a tricky threat in MTG, a blend of strategic foresight and smart deck construction can neutralize its potency, ensuring your chances of victory remain strong against this cunning goblin.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Rimerunner MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap, 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 Rimerunner 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 Rimerunner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |