Bog Hoodlums MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin Warrior
Abilities	Clash
Released	2007-10-12
Set symbol
Set name	Lorwyn
Set code	LRW
Power	4
Toughness	1
Number	100
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Brandon Dorman

Key Takeaways

Indirect card advantage gained through Bog Hoodlums can outmuscle smaller creatures and tip combat in your favor.
Tribal synergies and tactical combat interactions can magnify the impact of Bog Hoodlums in a match.
Despite its higher mana cost, the card’s power-based presence can shift the battlefield dynamic substantially.

Text of card

Bog Hoodlums can't block. When Bog Hoodlums comes into play, clash with an opponent. If you win, put a +1/+1 counter on Bog Hoodlums. (Each clashing player reveals the top card of his or her library, then puts that card on the top or bottom. A player wins if his or her card had a higher converted mana cost.)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Bog Hoodlums may not directly allow you to draw cards, this MTG card can lead to indirect card advantage. If it’s uncontested on the battlefield, its heft in power is likely to outnumber smaller creatures, potentially clearing the way for favorable trades that can deplete your opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: The key to understanding resource acceleration with Bog Hoodlums lies in its tribal affiliations. As part of a dedicated deck, it can benefit from cards that reduce the cost of casting Rogues or Warriors, leading to a faster deployment than its mana cost suggests.

Instant Speed: Bog Hoodlums doesn’t have instant speed itself, but its presence can influence combat decisions at instant speed. For example, cards that buff your team during combat can turn Bog Hoodlums into a formidable threat, forcing your opponent to think twice about their blocks and attacks, effectively giving you a tactical edge during the instant speed interactions of a match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Bog Hoodlums often demands that you sacrifice a valuable card from your hand. This can pose a significant downside during gameplay, especially when your hand size is diminishing, or you are reliant on every card to execute your strategy effectively.

Specific Mana Cost: Bog Hoodlums comes with a specific mana requirement that may not align with every deck’s mana base. With a casting cost that includes hybrid mana, those who are not playing a deck that comfortably accommodates both colors may find it a challenge to summon the Hoodlums timely onto the battlefield.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature whose strength lies in their group numbers, the mana cost for Bog Hoodlums is on the higher end. When considering the overall tempo of your play, there are alternative creatures or spells that potentially offer greater value or impact at or below the same cost threshold.

Reasons to Include Bog Hoodlums in Your Collection

Versatility: Bog Hoodlums can provide a solid impact in decks that thrive on having creatures with high power. As a creature that can consistently deliver heavy blows, it can be a key player in decks focused on aggressive strategies or those that use power-based synergies.

Combo Potential: With its unique “clash” mechanic, Bog Hoodlums can also serve as a combo enabler, especially in decks designed to manipulate the top deck or take advantage of knowing the upcoming draws. This can be particularly useful in decks that need specific conditions to trigger powerful abilities or combos.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where the battlefield often gets cluttered with smaller creatures, Bog Hoodlums can shine as a creature that easily overpowers less sizable threats. In a meta that favors quicker, smaller creatures, Bog Hoodlums can swing in as a satisfying powerhouse to turn the tide of battle in your favor.

How to beat

Bog Hoodlums may appear daunting at first glance due to its ability to dominate the battlefield in the early stages of a game. To successfully navigate around this card, a key strategy is to manage your board presence effectively. Since Bog Hoodlums can only be played if you have no other creatures on the battlefield, ensuring a sustained board presence can prevent an opponent from casting it altogether.

Removal spells are another reliable method to handle this creature. Direct removal cards like Doom Blade or Murder can effectively deal with Bog Hoodlums without much fuss. Additionally, making use of chump blockers can exhaust an unwary opponent and lead to favorable trade-offs for your side. Lastly, playing creatures with first strike or those that deal damage upon entering the battlefield can discourage attacks and provide long-term advantages.

Understanding Bog Hoodlums’ strengths and weaknesses is essential. Despite its high power, it’s the careful planning and strategic plays that turn it from a threat to a mere nuisance. Whether it’s maintaining board control, utilizing removal efficiently, or strategically plotting your creature plays, overcoming Bog Hoodlums is well within reach for the prepared player.

Cards like Bog Hoodlums

Bog Hoodlums is an intriguing creature in the world of MTG, carving out its niche among those that require a bit of tactical play. If we look at similar black cards for comparison, we can’t ignore the likes of Highway Robber. It shares the same mana cost but brings an immediate life point swing upon entering the battlefield, albeit with a less impressive power and toughness stats.

Diving into other comparisons, we find Dusk Legion Zealot, a vampire soldier with an entirely different effect. While it does allow you to draw a card upon entering the battlefield, the cost is one life, and it has significantly lower power and toughness. However, its low casting cost makes it easier to play early in the game.

Ultimately, Bog Hoodlums occupies its unique position as a high-risk, high-reward card among black creatures. Its strength comes into play particularly in formats where higher power creatures are valued and when you have a lead in creature count on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Bog Hoodlums by color, type and mana cost

Chittering Harvester - MTG Card versions

Crossway Troublemakers - MTG Card versions

Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bog Hoodlums MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Bog Hoodlums and other MTG cards: