Goblin Smuggler MTG Card

Goblin Smuggler’s unblockable ability potentially turns the tide of combat in your favor. Smuggler’s specific mana requirements and discard cost could hinder deck flexibility and resource management. Dealing with the Goblin Smuggler requires strategic removal and control to mitigate its combat influence.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin Rogue
Abilities	Haste
Released	2019-07-12
Set symbol
Set name	Core Set 2020
Set code	M20
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	144
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dan Scott

Text of card

Haste (This creature can attack and as soon as it comes under your control.) : Another target creature with power 2 or less can't be blocked this turn.

"I am but a humble traveler. I have no taste for sneakery nor thiefiness."

Cards like Goblin Smuggler

The Goblin Smuggler works its charm in the realm of creature cards that manipulate combat scenarios in Magic: The Gathering. A close relative to this fiery trickster is the Goblin Tunneler, with the ability to grant another creature the power to be unblockable for a turn. Though the Tunneler targets creatures with power 2 or less, our Smuggler isn’t limited by the power of the cohort it helps sneak through enemy lines.

Skirting around the edges of resemblance, the Torch Courier also springs into mind. This swift creature shares the haste ability and has the unique offering of passing it onto another creature. However, unlike the Goblin Smuggler, which allows evasion every turn, the Courier’s ability is a one-off trick that requires sacrificing itself for the cause.

Assessing the attributes and strategic advantages of these creatures, the Goblin Smuggler stands out with its persistent potential to impact the combat phase. Its ability to continually operate under the radar makes it a commendable piece in MTG creature decks aimed at outmaneuvering opposition defenses.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Even though Goblin Smuggler doesn’t directly let you draw cards, its ability to make a creature unblockable can be integral in getting through opponent defenses. This allows you to maintain momentum and potentially capitalize on other card abilities triggered by dealing combat damage. Building up such subtle advantages can eventually tip the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Resource acceleration isn’t directly tied to the Goblin Smuggler’s abilities. However, in the right deck that synergizes with goblins or focuses on combat tricks, Goblin Smuggler can play a key role in overwhelming your opponent quickly and efficiently, acting as an important linchpin in your overall resource acceleration strategy by enabling faster and more impactful combat phases.

Instant Speed: While the Goblin Smuggler operates at sorcery speed, the fact that its ability can be activated each turn makes it a consistent threat. You’re given the flexibility to choose which creature benefits from its ability each turn, thereby applying continuous pressure on your opponent and making it harder for them to predict and mitigate your attacks.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To activate Goblin Smuggler’s ability, players face the harsh reality of discarding a card. This can become a strategic setback, especially when your hand is already dwindling and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a specific mana cost, Goblin Smuggler demands both red and generic mana to play. This can potentially restrict its integration, making it a less than ideal choice for multi-color decks seeking to maintain a flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When lined up against other cards in your arsenal, the mana investment for Goblin Smuggler could be considerable. For its abilities, the mana you spend could potentially be directed towards cards with a greater impact or more versatile in-game applications, thereby optimizing your deck’s performance.

Reasons to Include Goblin Smuggler in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Smuggler lends itself to multiple deck builds, particularly those requiring creatures with haste or looking to manipulate combat interactions. Its ability to grant another target creature the inability to be blocked that turn can be a game-changer.

Combo Potential: The card’s unique ability to make another creature unblockable pairs well with high-power creatures or those with impactful enter-the-battlefield effects, paving the way for powerful plays and unexpected victories.

Meta-Relevance: Suited for aggressive strategies common in certain metas, the smuggler’s skill set allows for swift and unpredictable damage, often tipping the scales in favor of red deck players who thrive on maintaining tempo and pressuring opponents.

How to beat

Goblin Smuggler holds a unique position in MTG as a nimble creature capable of sneaking key attackers past defenses. Its ability to give another creature unblockable for the turn makes it a tactical inclusion in red aggro decks. To tackle such a sly adversary, it’s wise to neutralize the Smuggler before the combat phase begins. Cards with instant-speed removal like Shock or Fatal Push can disrupt the Smuggler’s plans swiftly and efficiently.

Adjusting your strategy to prioritize removal of utility creatures is critical. This prevents the Smuggler from building up overwhelming board pressure. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God, are invaluable for a clean sweep if the game progresses. It’s also effective to block the Smuggler with creatures that have deathtouch or those that can sustain combat damage, as they aren’t the primary targets of the Smuggler’s ability. Lastly, countering the Smuggler upon casting is another definitive way to protect your board, making cards like Counterspell essentials in control-based matchups.

In essence, remaining vigilant and proactively controlling the board with targeted removal or strategic counters will greatly diminish the impact of a Goblin Smuggler and aid you in triumphing over red aggro strategies.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Smuggler MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2020, 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 Smuggler and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Smuggler has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2019-07-12	If the target creature’s power is greater than 2 as the activated ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn’t resolve. However, if instead the creature’s power is raised above 2 after the ability resolves, it still can’t be blocked that turn.