Lobber Crew MTG Card


Lobber Crew delivers consistent turn-by-turn damage, creating a strategic edge in games. Its untapping feature aligns with resource acceleration and maximizes damage without extra costs. Unlike some cards, Lobber Crew’s flexibility allows for defensive and offensive play strategies.
Lobber Crew - Return to Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Abilities Defender
Released2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameReturn to Ravnica
Set codeRTR
Power 0
Toughness 4
Number99
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byGreg Staples

Text of card

Defender : Lobber Crew deals 1 damage to each opponent. Whenever you cast a multicolored spell, untap Lobber Crew.

It's easier to just aim at everything.


Cards like Lobber Crew

Lobber Crew stands as an intriguing option within Magic: The Gathering for players looking to deal incremental damage while locking down the board. With its ability to ping any opponent for one damage just by tapping, it draws a parallel to the well-known Prodigal Pyromancer. However, Lobber Crew has the added benefit of untapping whenever you cast a multicolored spell, providing potential for multiple activations in a single turn cycle.

Akin to Lobber Crew’s untapping mechanic, the card Gelectrode also offers the ability to deal damage multiple times in a turn, although it requires you to play an instant or sorcery to untap. While Gelectrode can target creatures as well, it doesn’t have the defensively-statded body that Lobber Crew offers. There’s also Cunning Sparkmage, which, much like our focal card, pings for one damage, but lacks the capacity to untap and reuse the ability in quick succession.

Evaluating these cards, Lobber Crew fits a specific role in Magic: The Gathering, especially in decks that capitalize on multicolored spells. Its versatility in both defense and offense, plus its potential for repeated use within a turn, makes it a unique and valuable tool in a player’s arsenal.

Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lobber Crew by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
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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: Lobber Crew enables repeated ping to each opponent, effectively whittling down life totals turn after turn. This consistent damage application can result in a subtle yet significant advantage, especially in multiplayer formats.

Resource Acceleration: The card’s ability to untap whenever you cast a red spell aligns with resource acceleration by allowing multiple activations in a single turn cycle. This can translate to increased damage output without further investment of cards or mana.

Instant Speed: Although Lobber Crew does not operate at instant speed, its ability activates during any player’s turn, offering flexibility akin to instant-speed interactions. It can dissuade attacks or be used strategically during an opponent’s end step, ensuring your resources are relevant at all times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Lobber Crew’s activation doesn’t have a discard requirement, but its inclusion in a deck means you’re foregoing a card that could potentially offer direct card advantage or other utilities.

Specific Mana Cost: Lobber Crew requires red mana in its casting cost, which can restrict its integration in multi-color decks that may not prioritize red mana or have a limited red mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one red, Lobber Crew competes with other three-drop creatures or spells that could provide greater immediate impact or value to the board state.


Reasons to Include Lobber Crew in Your Collection

Versatility: Lobber Crew is a multifaceted card that fits into various deck archetypes. Its ability to deal damage to each opponent complements red’s aggressive strategy, while its defender status can bolster a defensive gameplay.

Combo Potential: This card can be part of infinite damage combos, a distinguished feature for players fond of intricate gameplay. By untapping it multiple times in a turn, you can significantly impact the board state.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state dominated by creature-heavy decks, Lobber Crew provides consistent damage and a reliable board presence, making it a relevant pick for several magic formats.


How to Beat Lobber Crew

Lobber Crew has earned its place in the realm of defender creatures with a useful tap ability that chips away at your opponent’s life total each turn. This card presents an unassuming challenge; however, even walls have weaknesses. When facing Lobber Crew, consider employing removal spells that can bypass its defender status. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder are straightforward solutions to utterly destroy the creature, regardless of its ability to block.

Strategic silencing or countering is another effective approach. For instance, turning to cards like Pacifism can render Lobber Crew harmless, while Essence Scatter can counter it outright when it’s cast. Moreover, if Lobber Crew is part of an intricate combo in your opponent’s deck, leveraging hand disruption such as Thoughtseize can dismantle these strategies before they unfold. Addressing the card directly or targeting the synergies it relies on can effectively neutralize its impact on the game.

The key takeaway here is to stay one step ahead. Whether that means removing Lobber Crew from play immediately, or undermining the strategies that support it, ensure you have a response ready to keep the crew from lobbing its way to your defeat.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dedicated MTG players understand that Lobber Crew is a versatile card that might just be the missing piece in a strategy focusing on passive damage and defender synergy. With its potential to fit into various red and multicolored strategies, it’s a card worth considering for your collection. Are you aiming to amplify your deck’s strategic reach, or searching for combo pieces that can drastically alter your game’s landscape? Lobber Crew may offer the incremental edge you need. For insights on how to optimize its use and integrate it into your existing decks, we encourage you to join us and explore the full potential of this unique card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lobber Crew MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Lobber Crew and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lobber Crew has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-10-01 The hybrid spells in the Return to Ravnica set are multicolored, even if you cast them with one color of mana.
2012-10-01 You’ll untap Lobber Crew before that spell resolves.