Hotfoot Gnome MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Gnome |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 154 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Svetlin Velinov |
Text of card
Haste : Another target creature gains haste until end of turn.
As the surface-dwellers became bolder in their intrusions, Oltec artificers began to repurpose courier gnomes for intelligence gathering and distraction.
Cards like Hotfoot Gnome
Hotfoot Gnome carves its own niche in the pantheon of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. When stacked against its peers, one can draw comparisons to other creatures like Goblin Arsonist. Both serve as early-game plays that can impact the board with damage-dealing effects upon leaving the battlefield. However, Hotfoot Gnome provides a continuous choice each turn to either become a menace to planeswalkers or to serve as a thorn in your opponent’s side directly.
Another card worth mentioning is Fanatical Firebrand, which offers both haste and a one-off opportunity to deal damage when it’s sacrificed, akin to the Gnome’s potential damage output. Nevertheless, the Gnome’s ability to repeatedly threaten and redirect damage each turn without needing to be sacrificed can edge it out in terms of board presence over time. Then there’s Torch Courier, bringing haste to the table and sharing it when sacrificed; however, it lacks the Gnome’s consistent damage capability each turn.
Though not a powerhouse, Hotfoot Gnome certainly shines in its versatility and persistence, potentially offering more strategic options turn after turn when compared to other comparable single-use creatures.
Cards similar to Hotfoot Gnome by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gaining card advantage is crucial in MTG, as it determines who has more resources to outmaneuver their opponent. Hotfoot Gnome might not directly let you draw cards, but it can repeatedly deal minor damage, potentially drawing out game-changing spells from your opponent or whittling down their life force.
Resource Acceleration: While Hotfoot Gnome doesn’t directly produce additional mana, it’s a low-cost creature. Its cheap deployment fee allows players to flood the battlefield quickly and reserve mana for other strategic plays or responses during the match.
Instant Speed: As a creature, Hotfoot Gnome can’t be cast at instant speed. However, its ability can often be activated on your opponent’s turn, providing a form of constant pressure and interaction during their gameplay, which can disrupt their strategy or force them into unfavorable actions at suboptimal times.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Hotfoot Gnome requires precise timing, as failure to utilize the card effectively could force you into unnecessary card loss, leaving you at a disadvantage when in need of a robust hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands red mana, which could pose a challenge for multi-color deck strategies where mana flexibility is key to a well-executed game plan.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When weighing the benefits against the cost, Hotfoot Gnome’s mana expenditure appears excessive. Players may find other cards with lower mana demands or with abilities providing greater strategic value to their gameplay.
Reasons to Include Hotfoot Gnome in Your Collection
Versatility: Hotfoot Gnome finds its place across a wide array of decks, particularly those keen on strategies that benefit from continuous creature pressure or artifacts. Its ability to impact the board every turn makes it a consistent threat that can adapt to various situations in a game.
Combo Potential: This card holds combo potential by synergizing with artifacts and damage-increasing effects. Utilizing Hotfoot Gnome could unlock new avenues for creative combo decks, leveraging its repeatable ability to deal damage and working well with effects that trigger upon damage or when creatures tap.
Meta-Relevance: Hotfoot Gnome’s relevance in the current meta can rise with the prevalence of decks that are susceptible to incremental damage or can be disrupted by artifacts. Its low-cost and persistent presence on the battlefield make it a handy tool against specific metagame challenges.
How to beat
The Hotfoot Gnome presents an intriguing dynamic on the battleground of Magic: The Gathering. It’s a card that demands immediate attention; its ability to nullify the lifelink ability makes it a unique counter in today’s meta. To overrun this pesky creature, a straightforward strategy is to target it with cheap removal spells. These will help ensure that your pivotal creatures with lifelink can perform unhindered, securing your life total against aggressive decks.
Another tactic would be to outpace the Gnome by flooding the board with numerous creatures. This way, the Gnome’s single-target ability becomes less impactful, allowing your horde to swing in. Additionally, using spells that grant your creatures indestructible for a turn can temporarily invalidate the Gnome’s efforts, giving you a clear window to attack or defend as needed, without losing the precious lifelink advantage. In essence, quick removal or overwhelming presence are key to nullifying the Gnome’s pesky ability.
Ultimately, Hotfoot Gnome commands respect in Magic: The Gathering for its unique disrupting abilities. However, with a concise game plan and the proper spells, besting this card and keeping your lifelinkers in play is a manageable feat—keeping your strategy intact and your health points on the rise.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hotfoot Gnome MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Hotfoot Gnome 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hotfoot Gnome has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |