Goblin Secret Agent MTG Card


Goblin Secret Agent - Unhinged
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Rogue
Abilities First strike
Released2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set nameUnhinged
Set codeUNH
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number79
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byTony Szczudlo
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. Its unique mechanic can indirectly result in card advantage by diverting removal spells.
  2. Supports aggressive Goblin strategies, complementing decks with its disruptive presence.
  3. The card’s quirkiness adds flavor to gameplay, enhancing the fun factor in casual play.

Text of card

First strike At the beginning of your upkeep, reveal a card from your hand at random.

SECRET AGENT PD042198 LICENSE TO BE KILLED


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Goblin Secret Agent itself doesn’t draw cards, it forces attention. The agent’s distinctive ability can indirectly lead to card advantage as opponents may use removal spells on it, preserving your more critical creatures.

Resource Acceleration: Any deck harnessing the power of Goblins knows the importance of a fast start. Goblin Secret Agent may not provide direct resource acceleration, but its mere presence supports aggressive Goblin strategies that overwhelm opponents quickly.

Instant Speed: This particular Goblin may not operate at instant speed, but his role in MTG strategies often complements cards with instant speed interactions, allowing for a dynamic play style that keeps opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Secret Agent forces a player to discard a card if their secrecy is broken. This can be unfavorable in situations where your hand is already scarce or contains key pieces for your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a particular arrangement of mana to cast, one red and one black. This costs may not align well with decks lacking a reliable mana base that supports both colors equally.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two that are color-specific, there are alternative creatures that may be more cost-effective. In a fast-paced game, the mana invested in the Goblin Secret Agent could often be allocated to a more impactful play.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Secret Agent fits into a variety of red-based decks, offering both an element of fun and strategic depth. Its ability to disrupt your opponent’s hand makes it a useful card in casual play.

Combo Potential: This card can work in tandem with cards that benefit from creatures with the Spy subtype or those that capitalize on the discard mechanic, allowing for interesting and potent combinations.

Meta-Relevance: In game formats where hand information is crucial and opponents rely on specific cards, the Goblin Secret Agent can be a niche but effective tool to gain the upper hand.


How to beat

Goblin Secret Agent is a card that demands attention on the battlefield. As a creature that can harm its controller if not utilized carefully, overcoming this sneaky agent is about exploiting its downside. With its built-in card revealing mechanic, it leaves your opponent transparent about their next moves. Keeping your hand stocked with removal spells is the key to managing this card. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can promptly handle this undercover threat before any secret missions commence. Timing is also crucial; remove it during your opponent’s upkeep to ensure they reveal a card without gaining any battlefield advantage.

Additionally, control strategies shine against Goblin Secret Agent. Implementing constant board wipes or using effects that limit creature abilities will render this Agent ineffective. Cards such as Wrath of God or Languish sweep away this pesky goblin along with any backup it has. Control decks that prioritize countering creatures also pose a significant blockade to the Agent’s enterprises on the table. By maintaining a strong defense and immediate answers, this MTG rogue won’t compromise your mission to victory.



Where to buy

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

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