Grishnákh, Brash Instigator MTG Card


Grishnákh aids in drawing extra cards, accelerating resources, and flexible instant-speed plays. Demands a card discard, relies on red mana, and has a high activation cost. Boosts versatility, offers combo potential, and remains relevant in varied metas.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Goblin Soldier
Abilities Amass
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Grishnákh, Brash Instigator enters the battlefield, amass Orcs 2. When you do, until end of turn, gain control of target nonlegendary creature an opponent controls with power less than or equal to the amassed Army's power. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn.


Cards like Grishnákh, Brash Instigator

Grishnákh, Brash Instigator makes a unique impact on the battlefield, similar to Magic: The Gathering’s arsenal of red creature cards designed to disrupt opponents. A close relative in function and form is Goblin Rabblemaster. Both creatures have the capability of generating tokens which can be leveraged for an aggressive strategy, yet Grishnákh commands a presence with its ability to sac a Goblin to create direct damage.

Rigging Runner follows suit in this lineage of red creature cards that excel in early aggression, starting off with First Strike then leveling up after a Raid, yet it lacks the direct pressure imposed by Grishnákh’s sacrificial tactics. On a larger scale, we look at Krenko, Mob Boss, which capitalizes on multiplying your army of Goblins, aligning well with Grishnákh’s knack for growth and battlefield command but still showing a divergence in immediate offensive approach. While Krenko ramps up over time, Grishnákh is primed to disrupt right off the bat.

Evaluating these similar cards unveils how Grishnákh, Brash Instigator offers immediate tactical advantages with its distinctive damage-inflicting capability, setting it apart from its counterparts in MTG’s red strategy ensemble.

Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Rigging Runner - MTG Card versions
Krenko, Mob Boss - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Rigging Runner - MTG Card versions
Krenko, Mob Boss - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Grishnákh, Brash Instigator by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
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Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
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Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grishnákh Brash Instigator shines in offering card advantage by potentially allowing you to draw an extra card each turn when creatures you control deal combat damage to an opponent. Such a steady flow of cards keeps your hand equipped with answers and threats, crucial for outmaneuvering opponents in a match.

Resource Acceleration: Moreover, this card aids in resource acceleration, as the creatures emboldened by Grishnákh can translate combat success into additional riches, setting you up for more significant plays ahead of schedule. This can be pivotal in ramping up the pressure and overwhelming the adversary with resources they can’t match.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Grishnákh’s abilities at instant speed provides you with incredible flexibility. This trait guarantees that you can tailor your game plan on the fly, responding to your opponent’s actions with precision and keeping them guessing about your next move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Grishnákh, Brash Instigator demands players to part with another card which might be detrimental when hand size is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: The crafting of this card’s ability around a strict red mana cost can restrict deck-building flexibility since it’s geared toward red-centric decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: As players evaluate mana efficiency, the investment needed to activate Grishnákh’s abilities may outweigh the benefits when compared to other options.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Grishnákh, Brash Instigator excels in a variety of deck archetypes, offering value in aggressive strategies while enabling disruption for opponents’ plays.

Combo Potential: This card seamlessly interacts with mechanics that capitalize on damage triggers and creature removal, paving the way for powerful synergies within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Grishnákh, Brash Instigator stands out by providing both board presence and strategic advantage, making it a card to reckon with in current and future metas.


How to beat

Grishnákh, Brash Instigator is a card that encourages aggressive play, with a skill that can quickly escalate the pace of the game in a player’s favor. To effectively counter this card, a solid strategy is fundamental. Control decks come to mind as they enable you to manage the battlefield and keep Grishnákh from reaching its true potential. Removal spells are your best friend here, as they can neutralize Grishnákh before its ability becomes a problem. Consider spells that can exile, ensuring that it doesn’t return to wreak havoc.

One also shouldn’t underestimate the power of counter spells. By negating Grishnákh right as it’s cast, you can prevent it from affecting the board entirely. Remember, timing is critical, and patience can pay off when playing against an instigator like this. It’s also worth looking into creatures that can block and survive an encounter with Grishnákh or better yet, ones that deter your opponent from attacking. If you can build a stable board presence and maintain control, the impetus brought by Grishnákh, Brash Instigator will be significantly blunted and manageable.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of MTG can turn a hobby into an art. With Grishnákh, Brash Instigator enhancing your deck, you’re poised to harness card advantage and resource acceleration, pushing your strategic edge. Yet, every card has its trade-offs. Grishnákh’s specific mana needs and discard requirement ask for careful deck deliberation. When integrated wisely, it can be the linchpin of victory. For those seeking to diversify their collection or outwit opponents with innovative plays, Grishnákh beckons. Dive deeper with us, where MTG isn’t just a game, it’s a quest for glory, one card at a time.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grishnákh, Brash Instigator MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Grishnákh, Brash Instigator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grishnákh, Brash Instigator Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Victor Harmatiuk.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 1342015NormalBlackVictor Harmatiuk
22023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 5852015NormalBlackVictor Harmatiuk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grishnákh, Brash Instigator has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-06-16 Amass Zombies works the same way, except you create a 0/0 black Zombie Army creature token if you don't control an Army. If the Army creature you chose isn't already a Zombie, it becomes a Zombie in addition to its other types. By combining cards with amass Orcs and amass Zombies, you can end up with an Orc Zombie Army.
2023-06-16 Amass abilities are now written as "amass
-ubtype] N." Previous cards with amass have received errata to say "amass Zombies N."
2023-06-16 If you don't control an Army, the Orc Army token you create enters the battlefield as a 0/0 creature before receiving counters. Any abilities that trigger when a creature with a certain power enters the battlefield, such as that of Mentor of the Meek, will see the token enter as a 0/0 creature before it gets +1/+1 counters.
2023-06-16 In the rare case that you control multiple Army creatures (perhaps because you played a creature with changeling) while you amass Orcs, you choose which of your Army creatures to put the +1/+1 counters on. If that creature isn't an Orc, it becomes an Orc in addition to its other types.
2023-06-16 Some cards refer to the "amassed Army." That means the Army creature you chose to receive counters, even if no counters were placed on it for some reason.
2023-06-16 Some spells and abilities that amass Orcs may require targets. If each target chosen is an illegal target as that spell or ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve. You won't amass Orcs.
2023-06-16 To amass Orcs N, if you don't control an Army creature, create a 0/0 black Orc Army creature token. Then you choose an Army creature you control and put N +1/+1 counters on it. If that Army isn't already an Orc, it becomes an Orc in addition to its other types.
2023-06-16 You don't choose a target for Grishnákh, Brash Instigator's ability at the time it triggers. Rather, a second "reflexive" ability triggers when you amass Orcs this way. You choose a target for that ability as it goes on the stack. Each player may respond to this triggered ability as normal.