Goatnapper MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Rogue |
| Released | 2007-10-12 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Lorwyn |
| Set code | LRW |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 172 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Key Takeaways
- Goatnapper’s disrupting effect swings momentum by temporarily seizing an opponent’s creature.
- This sorcery-speed card’s niche role requires precise deck conditions to flourish.
- Its humor and uniqueness add a creative twist to casual MTG gameplay.
Text of card
When Goatnapper comes into play, untap target Goat and gain control of it until end of turn. It gains haste until end of turn.
Kith goats are just for practice. The real prize, of course, is a giant's cloudgoat.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goatnapper may not directly influence card draw, but by seizing a key creature from your opponent, it temporarily disrupts their game plan, allowing you to capitalize on their loss.
Resource Acceleration: Although it does not generate additional mana, Goatnapper can shift the board state to your favor without spending extra resources, as you’re effectively gaining a creature while your opponent is losing one.
Instant Speed: Goatnapper operates at sorcery speed, which encourages strategic deployment. However, its effect becomes a surprise element during your turn, potentially leading to advantageous combat situations.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goatnapper necessitates a specific setup to be effective. Without a goat to target, it becomes a card with a limited role in your hand, thus potentially a dead draw if the conditions aren’t met.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a red mana commitment, which could restrict its inclusion to decks that can easily generate that type of resource, potentially excluding it from more versatile or multicolored deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, including two red, for its unique effect, Goatnapper has a niche application that may not align with the general strategy of your deck. There are other creatures in the same mana range that could impact the board more consistently.
Reasons to Include Goatnapper in Your Collection
Versatility: At first glance, Goatnapper may seem niche, but this quirky card can adapt to various red-centric decks. With a creature type of Rogue, it opens up tribal synergies in goblin or rogue decks, providing unexpected utility and fun interactions.
Combo Potential: Goatnapper’s ability to hijack a goat resonates well with sacrifice and steal strategies. Pair it with cards that benefit from sacrificing creatures to maximize the impact of your pilfered livestock.
Meta-Relevance: While Goatnapper may not be a mainstay in competitive environments, its potential shines in casual and commander formats where themes and creativity are embraced. Moreover, with the popularity of quirky and thematic decks, the card can be a silver bullet against opponents using ‘Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker’ and the like.
How to beat
Goatnapper presents a quirky challenge in Magic: The Gathering with its unique ability to temporarily abduct opposing goats. Effective counters are crucial when dealing with this nimble thief. As with any card that targets specific creatures, Goatnapper becomes less of a threat when its objectives are sparse or protected. Therefore, including fewer goats in your deck or employing shroud-enabling artifacts or enchantments to shield your creatures can significantly decrease Goatnapper’s impact. Remember, Goatnapper requires a non-human attacker to activate its ability; thus, strategies that use tap-downs or summoning sickness can neutralize its thieving tactics before it strikes.
Another approach to beat Goatnapper’s mischief is through instant-speed removals or exile spells. By removing Goatnapper from the battlefield before the attack phase or in response to the kidnapping trigger, the furry hostages remain safely under your control. Having robust creature control spells handy maintains the balance and ensures your creatures, goats or otherwise, stay out of the grasp of those with kleptomaniacal tendencies, especially in formats where Goatnapper could roam.
In conclusion, while Goatnapper’s ability might seem narrow or lighthearted, having the right game plan and counters in place is essential for keeping your herd intact and your strategy unimpeded within the vast realm of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards like Goatnapper
Goatnapper from Magic: The Gathering occupies a unique niche within the realm of creature control spells. This card may remind seasoned players of Act of Treason, which also temporarily seizes control of an opponent’s creature. The significant distinction lies in Goatnapper’s specificity, targeting only creatures of the Goat subtype, thus making it a highly situational choice compared to Act of Treason’s broader utility.
Alongside Goatnapper, we see other theme-specific control cards like Enthralling Victor, which affects only creatures with power 2 or less when it enters the battlefield. While not as narrow in scope as Goatnapper, Enthralling Victor boasts a similar flavor of commandeering creatures with specific attributes. Nevertheless, none quite capture the quirky and humorous specificity of stealing goats, demonstrating Goatnapper’s singular role in creature control dynamics.
Considering the card’s individuality and limited scope, Goatnapper might not be as universally applicable as some other control options. Its appeal lies within its potential for creating memorable game moments rather than a go-to for strategic deck building. Its blend of humor and highly conditional utility lends it an unconventional charm that keeps it relevant in casual circles within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Goatnapper by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goatnapper 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 Goatnapper and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goatnapper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goatnapper card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-10-01 | Yes, target Goat. Goat is a creature type. Keep in mind that each permanent with changeling is a Goat, as is any permanent affected by a spell or ability that gives it every creature type. |
