Hobgoblin Captain MTG Card
2021-07-23 - Number 148
2022-07-07 - Number 183
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Barbarian |
| Abilities | Pack tactics |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Pack tactics — Whenever Hobgoblin Captain attacks, if you attacked with creatures with total power 6 or greater this combat, Hobgoblin Captain gains first strike until end of turn.
Hobgoblins do not fear death, for those who fall in battle have gained glory eternal.
Cards like Hobgoblin Captain
Hobgoblin Captain stands out in the arena of aggressive creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It shares a battlefield presence with cards like Goblin Instigator which also delivers offensive potency notably by creating another creature token. Where Hobgoblin Captain primarily differs is its First Strike ability, allowing it to strike both swiftly and without immediate retaliation, as opposed to Goblin Instigator’s more swarm-based strategy.
Moving along, Fervent Champion is another warrior that echoes the Captain’s rush into combat. It offers First Strike as well but is further bolstered by haste and synergies with other knights you might be commanding. Though it doesn’t come with the pack mentality of a card like Goblin Instigator or the standalone power boost after turn two like Hobgoblin Captain.
In the scope of MTG’s creature cards, Hobgoblin Captain is a valuable combatant in an aggressive red deck, especially for those who appreciate the ability to deal damage more strategically thanks to First Strike. Its capability to become more formidable after your second main phase further cements its role as a robust aggressor on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Hobgoblin Captain by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hobgoblin Captain ensures a steady flow of threats on the battlefield, applying pressure to your opponent and paving the way for potential card advantage as each successful attack chips away at their resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing resource acceleration, the presence of Hobgoblin Captain can lead to advantageous trades and preserve your more crucial mana assets for impactful game swings.
Instant Speed: Hobgoblin Captain may not function at instant speed, but are a potent play during your main phase, establishing a presence that must be addressed by your opponent promptly, potentially disrupting their tempo and plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hobgoblin Captain does not itself have a discard requirement; however, it may necessitate holding onto other cards to maximize its effectiveness, thereby indirectly applying pressure to your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card has a designated mana requirement that fits into red deck strategies, potentially restricting its integration in multicolored decks that cannot consistently generate the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its specific mana cost, Hobgoblin Captain may compete with other cards at the same mana value, which could offer more immediate board presence or impactful abilities, potentially making it a less optimal choice in certain deck builds.
Reasons to Include Hobgoblin Captain in Your Collection
Versatility: Hobgoblin Captain is a card that can be easily slotted into a variety of red decks. Its low mana cost makes it a solid early game play, capable of applying pressure in aggressive strategies or serving as a reliable blocker in more controlled builds.
Combo Potential: With the ability to deal double strike damage under certain conditions, Hobgoblin Captain partners well with equipment and auras that boost its power. This creates opportunities for quick eliminations and synergizes with strategies that capitalize on combat tricks.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment leaning towards creature-based tactics or where early board presence is crucial, Hobgoblin Captain stands out. Its immediate impact on the battlefield can sway the tempo of the game, making it a relevant choice for decks looking to maintain a competitive edge.
How to beat
Hobgoblin Captain is a formidable presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This aggressive creature often comes out swinging with its pack tactics ability, which can quickly escalate the board state in favor of its controller. To counteract the Captain’s strength, it’s crucial to manage your resources efficiently and opt for strategic removal.
Instant removal spells like Shock or Fatal Push are effective ways to dispatch Hobgoblin Captain before its pack tactics trigger. Timely intervention is key. Utilize board wipes such as Wrath of God to reset the board if the Captain is amid a wider aggressive strategy. Alternatively, blocking with creatures that have high toughness can stall the Captain’s assaults, allowing you to establish a stronger board presence and edge out the competition.
Remember, staying one step ahead of the Captain’s tactics by anticipating and disrupting your opponent’s plays will lead to a strategic advantage. Navigate the game with a plan, leveraging removal or control elements to dismantle threats and consistently hinder the Captain’s charge.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hobgoblin Captain MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Hobgoblin Captain 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 Hobgoblin Captain Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Karl Kopinski.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 148 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski | |
| 2 | 2022-07-07 | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate | HBG | 183 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hobgoblin Captain 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 |
| Timeless | Legal |