Goblin Marshal MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Goblin Warrior
Abilities	Echo
Released	1999-06-07
Set symbol
Set name	Urza's Destiny
Set code	UDS
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	85
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	DiTerlizzi

Key Takeaways

Offers strong card advantage by creating goblin tokens upon entering and exiting the battlefield.
Acts as a resource accelerator with token synergies, supporting aggressive play strategies.
Instant speed interaction with tokens adds a layer of dynamic play to red decks.

Text of card

Echo Whenever Goblin Marshal comes into play or is put into a graveyard from play, put two 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens into play.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Marshal shines at providing card advantage in any red-based aggro or midrange deck. By summoning multiple Goblin tokens upon entering and leaving the battlefield, this card ensures you maintain a presence on the board even in the face of removal spells. It essentially replaces itself with other creatures, making it a resilient threat that can lead to overwhelming card presence against your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: When paired with sacrifice outlets or other effects that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or dying, Goblin Marshal becomes a source of resource acceleration. This can lead to explosive turns where you generate a significant amount of mana or trigger abilities that put you ahead, fueling your aggressive game plan and keeping the pressure on your opponents consistently.

Instant Speed: Although Goblin Marshal itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the tokens it creates can be utilized with effects that take advantage of creatures at instant speed. Confounding opponents during their turn with unexpected blockers or surprise interactions helps maintain a dynamic and adaptable board state, leveraging timing to your advantage in the heat of battle.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Marshal asks you to discard a card when you play it, which can be particularly taxing when your hand is already running low on options.

Specific Mana Cost: It requires a significant red mana investment, which can be limiting if your MTG deck isn’t constructed with a heavy red mana base or if your lands are not aligned with the demands of this card during gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, you may find that Goblin Marshal’s effect can be somewhat costly compared to other creatures or spells that could offer similar or greater board presence or utility for the same or less mana expenditure.

Reasons to Include Goblin Marshal in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Marshal is a dynamic card that can be easily integrated into a variety of deck builds. Whether in a dedicated goblin deck or a red-based aggro strategy, its ability to generate multiple creature tokens can be invaluable for overwhelming opponents and establishing board presence.

Combo Potential: This card excels in synergistic plays, interacting favorably with effects that capitalize on creature deaths or enters the battlefield triggers. Its token production lends itself to combos with sacrifice outlets, enabling chain reactions that can lead to devastating turns.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where aggressive decks are prominent, Goblin Marshal’s ability to rapidly populate the board and recover from board wipes makes it a strong contender. Given its potential for explosive plays, it remains a relevant choice for players aiming to stay competitive.

How to beat Goblin Marshal

Goblin Marshal is a notable force in the goblins’ arsenal within MTG, delivering a surge of creatures upon entering the battlefield and again when it leaves. Similar to other cards that flood the board, Goblin Marshal can quickly overwhelm an opponent if left unchecked.

To counteract Goblin Marshal, removal spells that can exile or deal damage in a sweep are highly effective, such as Wrath of God or Anger of the Gods. These spells prevent the subsequent creation of tokens that typically arises when the Marshal perishes. Additionally, pinpoint removals like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can help manage the tokens and other goblins summoned by Goblin Marshal, though the efficiency of these spells depends on the game situation.

Another strategic move against Goblin Marshal is manipulation of the stack. Using counterspells such as Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto can prevent Goblin Marshal from ever hitting the field, negating its ability to produce tokens entirely. Managing resources and maintaining control of the board are crucial in pacing the game in your favor against a Goblin Marshal onslaught.

Cards like Goblin Marshal

Goblin Marshal enters the vast pantheon of MTG’s red creatures, providing a unique twist in the goblin tribal dynamic. Its closest relatives include Goblin Chief, which also offers a boost to goblin creature types, yet lacks the self-recurring ability intrinsic to Goblin Marshal. Where Goblin Chief may edge out is its lower casting cost, allowing for earlier play and potentially faster tribal synergy.

Warren Instigator is another card that shares Goblin Marshal’s goblin-centric theme. It grants the player an advantage by enabling the player to cheat goblins onto the battlefield upon dealing combat damage, thus sidestepping Goblin Marshal’s higher mana investment. Conversely, Goblin Marshal’s entrance and death triggers can swarm the battlefield with tokens in a way Warren Instigator can’t directly replicate.

Wrapping up the comparison, while Goblin Marshal may be a higher investment than some of its kin, its unique ability to self-replicate makes it a potent force in goblin tribal decks. Its place in MTG’s rich tapestry of goblin cards is one of high value, particularly in strategies that capitalize on creature sacrifice and exponential token generation.

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

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Marshal MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny, 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 Marshal and other MTG cards: