Goblin Sappers MTG Card

Goblin Sappers offer strategic advantage by disrupting land, forcing opponents to play defensively. Its ability to trigger during your opponent’s turn adds unpredictable flexibility to the game. However, the card’s specific mana and discard requirements may limit its deck compatibility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin
Released	1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Ice Age
Set code	ICE
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	189
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jeff A. Menges

Text of card

o Ro R,oc T: Target creature you control cannot be blocked this turn. At end of combat, destroy that creature and Goblin Sappers. o Ro Ro Ro R,oc T: Target creature you control cannot be blocked this turn. At end of combat, destroy that creature.

Cards like Goblin Sappers

Goblin Sappers is a niche yet captivating component in the realm of creature abilities in MTG. Its distinctive power to destroy lands at the cost of sacrificing a Goblin resonates with the mechanics of cards like Goblin Grenade, which also requires the sacrifice of a Goblin but deals damage to any target instead. What sets Goblin Sappers apart is its strategic role in resource denial, a tactic which Goblin Grenade does not directly impact.

Delving into comparisons, we encounter Raze, another land destruction spell. Unlike Goblin Sappers, which relies on the presence of a Goblin and several mana to activate its ability, Raze flatly demands the sacrifice of one land for its casting, bringing instant effect at a one mana value. Moreover, Caterwauling Boggart presents a different utility by impacting the combat phase, buffing Goblins, and affecting the flow of battle rather than the control of resources.

Assessing the landscape of similar MTG cards, Goblin Sappers holds a unique position. Its conditional land destruction potential and the requirement for both creature and mana investment make it a more situational but potentially game-swinging choice in decks that capitalize on land control strategies.

Caterwauling Boggart - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Goblin Sappers by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Sappers can give you the upper hand by disrupting your opponent’s land management, potentially leading to a card advantage as they struggle to recover.

Resource Acceleration: Efficiently costed, Goblin Sappers require minimal investment for their land destruction ability, leaving you with mana open to deploy other threats on the board swiftly. This drives your game forward by constraining your opponent’s resources while you develop your board state.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, its activated ability can be used at a similar pace, being triggered during your opponent’s turn. This flexibility allows savvy players to utilize it when opponents least expect it, tapping into the strategic advantage of surprise akin to instant speed plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Goblin Sappers is the necessity to discard a card to activate its ability. For players who may already be struggling to maintain card advantage, this can amplify the issue, as each activation reduces your hand size, potentially leaving you with fewer options down the line.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Sappers requires red mana to both cast and use its ability. This specific mana requirement restricts its inclusion to red or multicolored decks, potentially excluding it from a variety of other deck builds where it might have synergy if it had a more flexible mana requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that may be on the higher side for its effect, Goblin Sappers could be considered inefficient when compared with other low-cost creatures or spells that offer similar or greater board impact. Players might find that investing in Goblin Sappers doesn’t quite match up to the expected utility or the strategic advantages provided by other cards within the same mana range.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Sappers can be a flexible addition to decks that thrive on battlefield tactics, adapting to various game states by either decimating opponent’s land bases or creating strategic blockades against larger creatures.

Combo Potential: In combination with cards that control or manipulate land, Goblin Sappers offer opportunities to craft unexpected and devastating plays, forcing opponents to think twice about their land deployment.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of land-focused decks within the current meta, incorporating a utility creature like Goblin Sappers could disrupt common strategies and give players an edge during matches.

How to beat

Goblin Sappers harnesses the playful and chaotic essence that goblin cards are known for in Magic: The Gathering. This unique card brings a sense of strategy to the battlefield, encouraging players to outmaneuver their opponents with clever land destruction. To effectively counteract Goblin Sappers, it’s essential to minimize the number of lands tapped when Sappers are a potential threat. This requires a careful balance between advancing your board and conserving resources.

Utilizing instant-speed land untappers and cards that allow land plays on your opponent’s turn can significantly obstruct the Sappers’ ability to wreak havoc. Additionally, keeping removal spells at the ready ensures you can respond to their presence swiftly. Alternative strategies might include overwhelming the Sappers with creatures that can block without tapping or employing effects that nullify activated abilities. It’s also wise to consider the pace at which you play out your lands, potentially holding extras in hand as reserves against their destructive touch.

As you adapt to the presence of Goblin Sappers, remember that a measured and composed game plan can prevent the disruption they seek to cause, maintaining the integrity of your land-based strategies while undermining their sly maneuvers on the field.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Sappers MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Sappers and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Sappers has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Sappers card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2013-04-15	If you activate the ability during the end of combat step, the creature will be destroyed at the beginning of the next end of combat step, even if that step occurs during a different turn.