Embermage Goblin MTG Card

Onslaught (ONS)
2002-10-07 - Number 200

Onslaught (ONS)
2002-10-07 - Number 200★

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Goblin Wizard
Power	1
Toughness	1

Key Takeaways

Embermage Goblin can shift games with its card draw synergy and instant-speed responses.
It excels in red-centric decks, providing early game advantage and resource acceleration.
Discarding for activation and color-specific mana cost can restrict its use in diverse decks.

Text of card

When Embermage Goblin comes into play, you may search your library for a card named Embermage Goblin, reveal it, and put it into your hand. If you do, shuffle your library. oc T: Embermage Goblin deals 1 damage to target creature or player.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: If Embermage Goblin is on the field paired with card draw mechanics, it can leverage incremental gains over the course of a game. Each activation could effectively diminish an opponent’s board presence while you maintain card flow.

Resource Acceleration: As an early drop, this creature can be pivotal in red-centric decks that aim to ramp up quickly. Utilizing low-cost spells or abilities to proliferate tokens or mana can turn the tide by enabling more significant plays earlier in the match.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating Embermage Goblin’s ability at instant speed can’t be overstated. Respond to threats or alter the state of the board on the fly, without sacrificing the tempo of your own turn, keeping opponents always guessing and on the defensive.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Embermage Goblin’s utility is constrained by the necessity to discard another card, which can hamper hand advantage, especially in prolonged gameplay where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: This goblin’s casting cost is locked into red mana, which can make it difficult to slot into multicolored decks that may not have enough red sources consistently available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Embermage Goblin offers a repeatable source of damage, its initial four mana investment can be steep, especially considering alternative cards at lower costs with similar or more impactful effects.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Embermage Goblin fits seamlessly into decks that thrive on direct damage and spell-slinging tactics. Its inherent ability to ping creatures or players adds a level of flexibility that complements various playstyles.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with effects that double damage or incrementally increase the power of instants and sorceries. The capability to set off chain reactions makes it a key piece in explosive combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: Given its prowess in disrupting creature-based strategies, Embermage Goblin holds relevance in metagames where small creature swarms or utility creatures are prevalent. By clearing the field or applying constant pressure, it can prove to be a valuable asset in your arsenal.

How to beat

Embermage Goblin stands out in MTG as a tactical force with its ability to target multiple threats at a moment’s notice. To successfully navigate against this card, it’s essential to understand its strengths and weaknesses. This goblin’s potential for accumulating +1/+1 counters makes it a growing threat, one that can quickly shift the balance of power if left unchecked.

First and foremost, fast removal is your ally. Spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are efficient ways to dispatch the Embermage before it garners too much power. Another strategy is to limit its effectiveness by controlling the board, be it through sweepers like Wrath of God or by employing creatures too robust for Embermage Goblin to handle single-handedly.

Focus on outpacing the goblin’s growth with your own strategies. By deploying creatures with hexproof or shroud, their immunity to targeting ensures that Embermage Goblin loses its edge. Lastly, capitalizing on its vulnerability when tapped out can tilt the scales in your favor. In sum, swiftness and strategic board management are keys to triumphing over the threat of Embermage Goblin in MTG.

Cards like Embermage Goblin

Embermage Goblin brings a unique twist to the realm of creature cards in MTG. This quirky goblin not only brings a blast of damage to any target but also bears a resemblance to cards like Goblin Bombardment, with its ability to hurl damage at opponents. While Goblin Bombardment is an enchantment that requires sacrificing a creature, Embermage Goblin stands on its own, providing a repeatable source of damage directly on the battlefield.

What sets Embermage Goblin apart are the notable echoes of Prodigal Pyromancer in its veins. Both tap to deal damage, but Embermage Goblin carries the potential for multikiloton strikes with its bolstering ability to pump up the power. Comparatively, Prodigal Pyromancer deals a steady one damage without any room for growth. On the battlefield, Embermage Goblin can become an increasing threat, while Pyromancer delivers consistent, but predictable, damage.

The strategic flexibility of Embermage Goblin positions it advantageously in MTG decks focused on direct damage and creature utility. Its ability to scale up in threat level offers a dynamic versus static damage dealers, carving its own niche in the arsenal of goblin-themed cards.

Cards similar to Embermage Goblin by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Embermage Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Onslaught, 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 Embermage Goblin and other MTG cards: