Goblin Turncoat MTG Card
2003-02-03 - Number 72
2023-01-13 - Number 87
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Mercenary |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Sacrifice a Goblin: Regenerate Goblin Turncoat.
"Goblins won't betray their own kind for any price. They'll do it for a very specific price." —Phage the Untouchable
Cards like Goblin Turncoat
Delving into the roster of Magic: The Gathering creatures, Goblin Turncoat offers unique characteristics that warrant a comparison with its goblin relatives. A close counterpart is the Goblin Diplomats. Both cards share a disruptive nature, but Goblin Diplomats forces all creatures to attack if able, appealing to players who enjoy dictating the pace of combat. Unlike Goblin Turncoat, the Diplomats don’t switch sides but convey a similar sense of mischief and control.
Another goblin to consider is the treacherous Goblin Assassin. Every time another goblin comes into play, each player flips a coin, potentially decimating the battlefield – a cruder, more randomized approach to disruption compared to Goblin Turncoat’s more strategic, albeit singular betrayal. Then there’s the Goblin Racketeer, who, like the Turncoat, can influence combat but through coin flipping, offering a chance-based manipulation that contrasts with the assured control that Goblin Turncoat provides.
When sizing up Goblin Turncoat against these similar goblins, it becomes evident that while all embrace the chaotic spirit goblins are known for, Goblin Turncoat offers a unique brand of control, making it a formidable option for players who favor precise influence over the game’s dynamics.
Cards similar to Goblin Turncoat by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Turncoat presents a unique opportunity to gain card advantage by potentially allowing you to reuse enter-the-battlefield effects or recover from targeted removal attempts.
Resource Acceleration: With its low casting cost and potential to disrupt your opponent’s flow, Goblin Turncoat can accelerate your resources by maintaining board presence without expending multiple cards.
Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed provides the flexibility to make stratagem adjustments based on your opponent’s actions, maximizing the impact of Goblin Turncoat when it’s most advantageous.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Goblin Turncoat card comes with the downside of having to discard a card, potentially depleting your hand when you may need those resources for future plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise combination of mana to cast, which includes red. This necessity can complicate its inclusion in multi-colored decks that might struggle with producing the right mana at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Goblin Turncoat’s casting cost can be deemed steep for its stats and abilities, particularly when evaluated against other cards with a similar cost. Given the mana investment, players may find that this card’s impact on the game isn’t as significant as other options available within the same mana range.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Turncoat brings a swift pace to any red-based deck seeking aggressive strategies. Its dual nature allows it to serve as both an early threat and a late-game tactic to turn the tides when players least expect it.
Combo Potential: Thanks to its unique abilities, this card works wonders when combined with sacrifice mechanics or ‘ping’ effects. It helps set up plays that can dismantle your opponent’s board while advancing your own position.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where quick exchanges define the outcome, Goblin Turncoat fits nicely into the current landscape. It pressures opponents by forcing them to deal with an adaptable creature that can cause disorder in their ranks.
How to beat
Goblin Turncoat is a sneaky creature that can surprise players with its allegiance-shifting antics on the battlefield. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to understand its strengths and weaknesses within the game. Unlike other traditional goblin cards, the Turncoat can pose a unique challenge due to its ability to betray its own kind for your gain.
One of the key strategies against Goblin Turncoat is to minimize the impact of its traitorous nature. This can be achieved by controlling the number of goblins in play, making its ability less potent. Another method is to ensure you have plenty of removal spells at the ready. Spells that can target and destroy the Turncoat before it has a chance to switch sides, such as “Shock” or “Fatal Push,” come in handy. Additionally, playing cards that can grant hexproof or indestructible to your creatures will safeguard them against the Turncoat’s potential treachery.
Remember, while Goblin Turncoat can be a relentless little foe, with careful planning and smart card choices, you can nullify its effect and maintain control of the game. Taking preemptive steps to mitigate the impact of such tricky cards is what distinguishes seasoned players in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Turncoat MTG card by a specific set like Legions and Dominaria Remastered, 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 Turncoat 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 Turncoat Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-02-03 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-02-03 | Legions | LGN | 72 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jim Nelson | |
| 2 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 87 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Borja Pindado |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Turncoat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Turncoat card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-08 | Activating the ability creates a replacement effect that acts like a shield, replacing the next time Goblin Turncoat would be destroyed that turn. This shield works against effects that try to destroy Goblin Turncoat or lethal damage that would be dealt to Goblin Turncoat. |
| 2022-12-08 | Goblin Turncoat can regenerate even if it isn’t in combat, it’s already tapped, or it’s undamaged. |
| 2022-12-08 | You can activate the regeneration ability even if Goblin Turncoat isn’t at risk of being destroyed. Sometimes you need to sacrifice Goblins. We understand. |