Ground Pounder MTG Card


Ground Pounder - Unstable
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Released2017-12-08
Set symbol
Set nameUnstable
Set codeUST
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number110
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Bordersilver
Illustred byWarren Mahy
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. Ground Pounder grows with gameplay, creating pressure and card advantage over opponents.
  2. Instant speed ability of this card introduces unexpected threats during combat phases.
  3. Its restrictive mana and discard requirements might limit deck inclusion versatility.

Text of card

: Roll a six-sided die. Ground Pounder gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the result. Whenever you roll a 5 or higher on a die, Ground Pounder gains trample until end of turn.

People came from miles away just to see the head of the hammer.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ground Pounder offers a persistent battlefield presence which can translate into card advantage. As a creature that can potentially grow stronger over time, it lets you maintain a solid board state, often forcing opponents to use more resources to deal with it.

Resource Acceleration: This card enables considerable resource acceleration by potentially increasing your damage output each turn without further investment. Its ability may increase power and toughness at an efficient cost, enhancing your board’s potency quickly and giving you an edge, especially in the early to mid-game.

Instant Speed: With Ground Pounder’s ability to increase its strength at instant speed, it offers a tactical advantage, allowing you to adapt to the game’s flow. This can pose a surprise threat to opponents during combat, possibly turning the tide in your favor when they least expect it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ground Pounder’s ability necessitates discarding a card, which could deplete your hand and leave you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires exclusively green mana, which can restrict its playability to mono-green or specific multi-colored decks that support green.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its casting cost is relatively steep, especially when considering alternatives that might provide greater board presence or utility for the same or less investment.


Reasons to Include Ground Pounder in Your Collection

Versatility: Ground Pounder’s ability to grow in power and toughness makes it a dynamic choice for any deck looking to capitalize on +1/+1 counters. Its adaptability in various game situations ensures it’s never just a dead draw.

Combo Potential: This card’s scaling strength can be exploited in tandem with effects that double the number of counters, or to feed into mechanics that benefit from creatures with high power. Coupled with trample-enabling cards, Ground Pounder becomes a formidable force.

Meta-Relevance: In a game often dominated by creatures, Ground Pounder holds its ground well. Its potential for exponential growth aligns with creature-focused or counter-centric strategies that are prevalent in many gaming circles. Its presence can impact board states greatly, especially in games that stretch into longer battles, allowing Ground Pounder time to reach its full lethal potential.


How to beat

Dealing with the robust and aggressive Ground Pounder card in MTG requires a strategy that mitigates its brute force. As a creature that thrives on the battlefield, players must note its potential for exponential growth through its self-buffing ability. Thwarting it early in the game is crucial to prevent it from becoming an unstoppable force.

One way to counter Ground Pounder is through removal spells that can take it out before it becomes too large. Spells like Murder or Doom Blade are effective, being both direct and low-cost. Moreover, the use of utility creatures with the ability to block and destroy creatures upon death, such as Doomed Dissenter, can also be a practical measure to negate the threat posed by Ground Pounder.

Tactical control measures are also a significant means to handle Ground Pounder. Counterspells or bounce spells like Essence Scatter or Unsummon disrupt the momentum gained by your opponent, giving you the upper hand. By implementing these strategies, you can manage the threat of Ground Pounder and maintain control of the game’s pace, ultimately leading to a position of strength in the match.


Cards like Ground Pounder

Ground Pounder is a creature card that invites comparisons with other noteworthy creatures within MTG due to its unique ability to boost its power through a dice roll. Daring to be different, it kindles memories of Alpine Grizzly, a creature card offering a flat power and toughness without the gambling element. Alpine Grizzly provides certainty in battle, but lacks the potential upside Ground Pounder has with a lucky roll.

Other creatures like Rubblebelt Maaka resonate with MTG enthusiasts for their simple yet effective abilities. While Maaka’s bloodrush ability provides a temporary power spike, Ground Pounder’s potential growth remains as long as it’s on the battlefield, offering an ongoing threat to opponents. Comparatively, Zhur-Taa Druid presents an interesting divergence with its mana production skill, a feature absent in Ground Pounder. However, the Druid falls short in combat prowess without the luck-imbued growth potential.

In essence, while other creatures may offer consistency or utility, Ground Pounder catches the eye of players who appreciate the thrill of variability and the chance to substantially swing the board in their favor with each roll of the dice.

Alpine Grizzly - MTG Card versions
Rubblebelt Maaka - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Druid - MTG Card versions
Alpine Grizzly - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)
Rubblebelt Maaka - Dragon's Maze (DGM)
Zhur-Taa Druid - Dragon's Maze (DGM)

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Priest of Titania - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)
Quirion Elves - Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition (DDE)
Blurred Mongoose - Invasion (INV)
Llanowar Loamspeaker - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
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Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Scavenging Ooze - Modern Masters 2017 (MM3)
Heir of the Wilds - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Wren's Run Vanquisher - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Muscle Sliver - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
Ayula, Queen Among Bears - Fallout (PIP)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ground Pounder MTG card by a specific set like Unstable, 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 Ground Pounder and other MTG cards:

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