Tar Pitcher MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 193
2007-11-16 - Number 53
2013-06-07 - Number 134
2014-12-05 - Number 53
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Shaman |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
, Sacrifice a Goblin: Tar Pitcher deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
"Auntie Grub had caught a goat, a bleating doe that still squirmed in her arms. At the same time, her warren decided to share with her a sensory greeting of hot tar . . . ." —A tale of Auntie Grub
Cards like Tar Pitcher
Exploring the nuances of Goblin-themed tactics within Magic: The Gathering, Tar Pitcher emerges as a unique component. This creature bears a striking resemblance to cards like Siege-Gang Commander. Much like Tar Pitcher, the Commander offers the ability to convert Goblins into direct damage against opponents. However, the trade comes at a higher mana cost for the Commander, whereas Tar Pitcher requires tapping alongside a lower initial mana investment.
Analogous to Tar Pitcher, Skirk Prospector enables players to sacrifice a Goblin for an immediate effect. While the Prospector generates red mana, Tar Pitcher deals damage, providing a different strategic element to gameplay. Moreover, Tar Pitcher can consistently inflict damage while Skirk Prospector fuels more mana-intensive plays. Goblin Sharpshooter is another akin option, untapping every time a creature dies, potentially allowing for multiple uses in a single turn without a sacrifice, though at a cost of zero damage without additional setup.
Evaluating the field, Tar Pitcher stands out among its peers, offering MTG players a balance of cost-effective damage output and strategic creature management. It’s a card that perfectly epitomizes the ingenuity and versatility found within the vast array of options in Goblin tribal decks.
Cards similar to Tar Pitcher by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tar Pitcher offers a repeated way to use creatures, particularly Goblins, turning them into direct damage. This not only thins out expendable creatures but also allows you to reach for crucial extra points of damage to defeat an opponent or remove pesky creatures.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources in the traditional sense of mana ramp, Tar Pitcher’s ability to utilize creatures that may have otherwise been rendered ineffective, due to summoning sickness or battlefield stalls, effectively accelerates your resource utility by converting them into direct damage.
Instant Speed: Tar Pitcher’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn. This can be particularly disruptive during combat or in response to an opponent casting spells that would affect your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Tar Pitcher demands a goblin to be sacrificed for its ability to be activated. In a game where each creature can be an invaluable asset, this requirement can sometimes backfire, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Tapping into the red mana pool for activating Tar Pitcher’s ability might be restrictive, especially in multicolored decks that would benefit from a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a fair amount of mana, with one of them being specifically red, Tar Pitcher’s setup for its ability might be less economical compared to other options. This can be notably disadvantageous in faster-paced games where efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Tar Pitcher provides a unique option for decks focusing on tribal synergies, particularly with goblins. This card’s ability to fling creatures for direct damage offers an alternative win condition or a way to remove problematic creatures.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combination with cards that generate tokens or creatures that benefit from being sacrificed, allowing for a reliable damage source or an unexpected finisher in the game.
Meta-Relevance: As board states get crowded and matches drag on, Tar Pitcher’s ability to deal damage outside of combat becomes increasingly pivotal. Its relevance in matches where controlling the board is key cannot be overstated, making it a savvy addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
Tar Pitcher brings a layer of strategic complexity to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It offers players the ability to sacrifice a Goblin to deal damage to any target, making it a pesky card to deal with. However, there are several ways to topple this fiery adversary. Prioritizing the removal of Goblins to limit the ammunition for Tar Pitcher’s ability is essential. Employ cards that can wipe the board or target multiple creatures at once, such as Wrath of God or Pyroclasm, to keep the Goblins at bay.
Furthermore, cards that prevent the activation of abilities or impose additional costs on them can be game-changers. Pithing Needle, for example, can shut down Tar Pitcher completely when named correctly. Direct removal spells like Path to Exile or Beast Within can also dispatch Tar Pitcher before damage is done. Lastly, instant-speed interaction can disrupt the Tar Pitcher’s plans. Counterspells or flash creatures that can block or kill the Tar Pitcher in combat are also effective tactics.
Understanding the tempo and carefully choosing when to deploy your removal can ensure that Tar Pitcher doesn’t burn through your defenses. Tactics such as these can help keep the board clear and maintain control over the game’s flow.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tar Pitcher MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins, 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 Tar Pitcher 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 Tar Pitcher Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2014-12-05. Illustrated by Omar Rayyan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 193 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Omar Rayyan | |
| 2 | 2007-11-16 | Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins | DD1 | 53 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Omar Rayyan | |
| 3 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 134 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Omar Rayyan | |
| 4 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Elves vs. Goblins | EVG | 53 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Omar Rayyan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tar Pitcher has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |