Patchwork Gnomes MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 299
2001-10-01 - Number 306
2015-05-06 - Number 229
2018-12-07 - Number 231
2021-06-18 - Number 299
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Gnome |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Choose and discard a card: Regenerate Patchwork Gnomes.
"Just when I get them working, they always start fighting and tearing at each other for spare parts." —Hanna, *Weatherlight* navigator
Cards like Patchwork Gnomes
Patchwork Gnomes find their niche within the myriad of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. They share similarities with other quirky cards like Torchling or Morphling, which are also known for their ability to modify their characteristics on the fly. Just as Patchwork Gnomes can discard a card to regenerate, Torchling and Morphling offer a range of abilities that require mana investment to enhance their versatility on the battlefield.
Another card worth comparing is the Endless Scream enchantment, which permits an increase in power at the cost of reduced defense. Unlike the Gnomes, which offer a defensive edge through regeneration, Endless Scream pushes for a more aggressive strategy. Yet, the Gnomes’ ability to avoid destruction by discarding a card allows for crucial endurance, especially in drawn-out matches.
In the realm of tactical survival and flexibility, Patchwork Gnomes stand out with their simple yet effective regenerate ability. Although they may not have the array of options some of their counterparts possess, their place in the ecosystem of MTG cards is solidified through their resilience and the strategic depth they add to gameplay.
Cards similar to Patchwork Gnomes by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Patchwork Gnomes offer players the opportunity to repeatedly discard a card to regenerate, keeping them on the battlefield and maintaining board presence against removal. This acts as card protection rather than outright card advantage, keeping your creature assets intact to press your strategy forward.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, the Gnomes’ discard ability can synergize with graveyard-strategy decks. Cards that benefit from being in the graveyard or that trigger when a card is discarded can indirectly accelerate your resource advantage, be it through reanimate tactics or threshold bonuses.
Instant Speed: The regeneration ability of Patchwork Gnomes can be activated at instant speed. This allows for dynamic play, making it possible to protect the Gnomes impulsively in response to threats. It gives you a resilient blocker that can be poised to survive combat or removal spells sprung during your opponent’s turn, providing a layer of tactical defense.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Patchwork Gnomes demand a card to be discarded in order to activate its ability. This can result in a disadvantageous trade-off, especially when your hand is already running low on valuable cards or if you are not running a strategy built around utilizing the graveyard.
Specific Mana Cost: While Patchwork Gnomes only costs three mana, the requirement of one blue mana may not align with all deck themes or mana bases. Decks that don’t focus on blue might find including this card a strain on their mana resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Patchwork Gnomes falls on the higher side for a creature with its modest stats. When evaluated against other cards with similar capabilities or roles in a deck, Patchwork Gnomes could be seen as a less efficient option for players aiming to optimize their gameplay.
Reasons to Include Patchwork Gnomes in Your Collection
Versatility: Patchwork Gnomes provide a level of adaptability in decks that focus on graveyard mechanics. Its ability to discard a card at will makes it a useful tool in strategies that leverage the graveyard for various effects.
Combo Potential: This card can be used in tandem with abilities that trigger upon discarding or cycling cards, potentially unlocking powerful combinations and synergy within a deck.
Meta-Relevance: Considering a meta with prevalent control decks, the Patchwork Gnomes fit well as they can help maintain a hand state resistant to opponent disruption. Moreover, its recursive nature from the graveyard ensures it remains a persistent threat on the battlefield.
How to beat
Patchwork Gnomes present an unusual challenge on the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. Known for their resilience, these creatures can escape detrimental effects by temporarily exiting the battlefield. Facing Patchwork Gnomes requires a strategy that anticipates their regeneration ability. Effective techniques include using removal spells that don’t destroy, such as those that exile or force sacrifices. This works around the Gnomes’ discard ability.
Moreover, controlling the pace of the game is key. Employing graveyard hate cards can interrupt the utility of the Patchwork Gnomes, making it harder for your opponent to leverage their discard regeneration. Counterspells could also prove useful by preventing the Gnomes from landing on the field initially or by countering key spells that synergize with the Gnomes’ ability. It’s all about predicting your opponent’s moves and cutting off their options.
In the intricate dance of MTG, knowing your opponent’s deck and predicting their strategy can turn the tide. Patchwork Gnomes might seem tough with their crafty ability, but like any card, they have their vulnerabilities, and with the right tactics, they can be readily outmaneuvered.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Patchwork Gnomes MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Odyssey, 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 Patchwork Gnomes 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Patchwork Gnomes Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2021-06-18. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 299 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mike Raabe | |
| 2 | 2001-10-01 | Odyssey | ODY | 306 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jerry Tiritilli | |
| 3 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 229 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Raabe | |
| 4 | 2018-12-07 | Ultimate Masters | UMA | 231 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
| 5 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 299 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Patchwork Gnomes has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Patchwork Gnomes card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-06-18 | Activating the ability creates a replacement effect that acts like a shield, replacing the next time Patchwork Gnomes would be destroyed that turn. This shield works against effects that try to destroy Patchwork Gnomes or lethal damage that would be dealt to Patchwork Gnomes. |
| 2021-06-18 | Patchwork Gnomes can regenerate even if it isn't in combat, it's already tapped, or it's undamaged. |
| 2021-06-18 | You can activate the regeneration ability even if Patchwork Gnomes isn't at risk of being destroyed. Sometimes you need to discard cards. We understand. |