Skinbrand Goblin MTG Card

Bloodrush provides a combat trick that can create a two-for-one scenario with instant-speed surprise. Its low casting cost supports aggressive play, giving you a strategic edge early on in the game. Versatile in various decks, Skinbrand Goblin remains relevant in certain aggressive meta environments.

Gatecrash (GTC)
2013-02-01 - Number 105

Double Masters (2XM)
2020-08-07 - Number 144

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin Warrior
Abilities	Bloodrush
Power	2
Toughness	1

Text of card

Bloodrush — , Discard Skinbrand Goblin: Target attacking creature gets +2/+1 until end of turn.

"These Gruul skin-runes—discern whether their patterns evoke streets, leylines, or both. You have four days." —Niv-Mizzet, to his assistant

Cards like Skinbrand Goblin

Skinbrand Goblin is an interesting component in the roster of low-cost creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It stands side by side with cards like Goblin Arsonist, offering a similar early game presence. What sets Skinbrand Goblin apart is its bloodthirst ability, allowing it to possibly enter the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter if an opponent was dealt damage this turn. Goblin Arsonist does not come with this potential for immediate power enhancement.

Moving onto comparisons, Rakdos Cackler is another creature that shares the bloodthirst mechanic. However, Rakdos Cackler is distinct for its unleash ability, which grants it the option to be more aggressive at the cost of losing the ability to block. Skinbrand Goblin does not carry such a trade-off, providing versatility in both offensive and defensive plays. Then there’s Foundry Street Denizen, which can grow in power with each fellow goblin or red creature you summon. Unlike Skinbrand Goblin, its power boost is temporary and dependent on creature play rather than the condition of an opponent’s life total.

In essence, when we evaluate similar creatures in terms of adaptability and impact, Skinbrand Goblin offers a fine balance for players seeking to strengthen their board early while maintaining a solid strategy of creature deployment in MTG.

Foundry Street Denizen - MTG Card versions

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

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Skinbrand Goblin doesn’t inherently provide card advantage, its bloodrush ability grants the potential for a two-for-one scenario. By using it as a combat trick, you can buff a creature to win a crucial battle or eliminate an opponent’s creature, maintaining your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Skinbrand Goblin itself doesn’t offer direct resource acceleration. However, its low casting cost makes it an efficient play, requiring only two mana. This allows for an aggressive strategy, placing pressure on your opponent while preserving resources for subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: The bloodrush ability of Skinbrand Goblin can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to surprise an opponent during combat. This unexpected boost can be strategic in taking out key threats or defending against attacks, keeping the tempo in your favor without committing the creature to the board prematurely.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Skinbrand Goblin demands discarding a card for its bloodrush ability, which can be a strategic setback when your hand size is dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost requires red mana, making it less flexible for multi-color decks that aren’t heavily invested in red.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its bloodrush ability adds to combat dynamics, the combined mana cost for casting and activating can be steep compared to other creatures or combat tricks available within the same mana range.

Reasons to Include Skinbrand Goblin in Your Collection

Versatility: Skinbrand Goblin is an adaptable card that can be slotted into a variety of decks. Its low mana cost allows for it to be played early in the game, while its bloodrush ability gives it late-game utility.

Combo Potential: The bloodrush ability of Skinbrand Goblin can amplify other creatures, setting the stage for powerful attack phases or enabling combos with cards that benefit from creature buffs or increased damage potential.

Meta-Relevance: With its flexibility and potent bloodrush ability, Skinbrand Goblin can be an asset in certain meta environments, particularly where aggressive strategies are favored and the value of creature enhancement is high.

How to beat

Skinbrand Goblin presents a versatile challenge on the battlefield with its bloodrush ability, allowing it to boost another attacking creature in a pinch. Like many creatures of its kind in Magic: The Gathering, it demands a tactical approach to mitigate its impact.

To effectively counter Skinbrand Goblin, removal spells are your best asset. Utilize instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile to dispatch the creature before its bloodrush can be activated, thus maintaining the balance of power. Keeping your removal for key moments when your opponent might rely heavily on its bloodrush can drastically sway the battle in your favor.

Board control spells also serve as a deterrent to such threats, punishing opponents for over-committing to the board. Take advantage of board wipes like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict to clear the field and reset the tempo. Remember, anticipation and timing are critical; disrupt your opponent’s strategy while setting up a resilient board state of your own to ensure victory over Skinbrand Goblin and its ilk.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skinbrand Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Double Masters, 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 Skinbrand Goblin and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Skinbrand Goblin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by Marco Nelor.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2013-02-01	Gatecrash	GTC		105	2003	Normal	Black	Marco Nelor
2	2020-08-07	Double Masters	2XM		144	2015	Normal	Black	Marco Nelor

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skinbrand Goblin has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal