Rock Lobster MTG Card
Text of card
Scissors Lizards cannot attack or block.
Many take the lobster for granite.
Cards like Rock Lobster
Rock Lobster is an intriguing card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering with its unique ability to specifically target creatures of certain types. Much like Rock Lobster, Scissors Lizard operates within the same niche, focusing its ability on opposing Paper creatures. Both share the same mana cost and fit into strategies meant to counteract specific opponent strategies.
Similarly, we see Paper Tiger in this group. While Rock Lobster and Scissors Lizard have their sights set on particular creature types, Paper Tiger steps in as a counterbalance to Rock Lobster itself. These three cards form a quirky rock-paper-scissors trio, each with the power to negate the other. None of them, however, are known for their combat prowess, serving more as a meta-commentary within the game rather than as substantial battlefield threats.
Therefore, what we can derive from Rock Lobster and its counterparts is that while they may not be the first pick for a deck’s combat suite, their real value lies in their ability to disrupt specific threats in a playful and theme-oriented manner.
Cards similar to Rock Lobster by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Rock Lobster’ effect can disrupt an opponent’s deck synergy, effectively granting you an edge as they lose access to key strategies. This can lead to an indirect card advantage as it hampers the opponent’s plans while you maintain your pace.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly related to resource acceleration, the Rock Lobster can provide strategic acceleration by neutralizing opposing cards that would otherwise require a response. This helps preserve your resources for more crucial moments in the duel.
Instant Speed: The Rock Lobster may not operate at instant speed itself, but it can influence the battlefield in such a way that your instant-speed spells become more potent. By removing problematic creature types, your instants face less resistance and can be more decisive in the late game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of the Rock Lobster card is the necessity to throw away another card from your hand. This discard requirement might put players at a disadvantage, especially in situations where keeping a full hand is crucial for maintaining strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: Rock Lobster comes with a restriction on mana color, necessitating red mana for casting. This could limit the card’s inclusion only to decks that run red mana or have the means to produce multiple mana colors, thus reducing its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its relatively robust mana demand, the Rock Lobster card may fall behind in efficiency compared to other creatures or spells costing less. Players may find that the mana invested in this card could be better spent on options that provide immediate board impact or more significant long-term value.
Reasons to Include Rock Lobster in Your Collection
Versatility: Rock Lobster’s utility goes beyond the humor of its fun name. It serves as a unique tool in decks looking to disrupt opponents’ strategies that rely on specific creature types, making it a quirky sideboard option.
Combo Potential: In conjunction with other cards that key off of creature types, such as “Artificial Evolution” or “Standardize,” Rock Lobster can be part of a combo that adjusts the board state in creative and unexpected ways to your advantage.
Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in current competitive formats, Rock Lobster can be a conversation piece in casual circles and a surprising tech card in environments where “Paper Tiger” or “Scissors Lizard” unexpectedly show up, showcasing its niche impact on gameplay dynamics.
How to beat
Rock Lobster presents a quirky, yet impactful presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This peculiar card is part of the infamous trio including Paper Tiger and Scissors Lizard, which can lead to some humorous yet strategic interactions. Rock Lobster specifically targets the abilities of Scissors Lizard, neutralizing its effects, which could be crucial in a match where these cards face off.
To outmaneuver Rock Lobster, knowing the opponent’s deck components is essential. Since it only affects one specific card, it’s rarely a threat to most strategies. Players should lean towards versatile removals or simply avoid playing cards within its sphere of influence if unveiled. In practice, general battlefield control cards like Oblivion Ring or countermagic such as Counterspell can efficiently handle Rock Lobster without much fuss.
Ultimately, while Rock Lobster has its niche, the majority of MTG decks will not find it troublesome. It is more a fun collectible than a competitive staple, and simply by playing a well-rounded deck with answers to various threats, players can easily sidestep the whimsical challenge posed by this crustacean creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rock Lobster MTG card by a specific set like Unglued and Unsanctioned, 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 Rock Lobster 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
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Printings
The Rock Lobster Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-08-11 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by Heather Hudson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-08-11 | Unglued | UGL | 79 | 1997 | Normal | Silver | Heather Hudson | |
| 2 | 2020-02-29 | Unsanctioned | UND | 82 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Heather Hudson |