Impulsive Pilferer MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Pirate
Abilities Encore,Treasure
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Impulsive Pilferer enhances hand resources and momentum with its card draw upon leaving the battlefield.
  2. The card creates Treasure tokens after death, offering valuable mana acceleration for future plays.
  3. Its ability to provide resources at instant speed allows for flexible and reactive gameplay strategies.

Text of card

When Impulsive Pilferer dies, create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color.") Encore (, Exile this card from your graveyard: For each opponent, create a token copy that attacks that opponent this turn if able. They gain haste. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the next end step. Activate only as a sorcery.)


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Impulsive Pilferer provides inherent card value beyond its immediate board presence. Notably, when it leaves the battlefield, it grants you a card draw, which can be crucial for replenishing your hand and keeping up the momentum against your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: This feisty Goblin Pirate isn’t just a cheeky attacker; it’s also a font of resource acceleration. Upon death, it creates a Treasure token, efficiently fueling future gameplay by offering additional mana. Whether you’re trying to cast a crucial spell a turn earlier or needing just that bit more mana to execute your game-winning combo, the Treasure token from Impulsive Pilferer is an undeniable boon.

Instant Speed: While Impulsive Pilferer itself isn’t an instant, its ability to generate resources after demise doesn’t restrict you to sorcery speed. This permits you to play reactively; sacrificing it at the most opportune time to maximize resource acceleration when it’s most advantageous, like during an opponent’s end step, ensuring you’re ready for your next turn with additional options at your disposal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Impulsive Pilferer’s death trigger could be less impactful when your hand is wanting for cards, making it less optimal in situations where you need to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana value that demands red, this card is tailored for certain decks, potentially restricting the variety within multi-colored or colorless strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although one mana is reasonable, when you factor in the mana required to activate the treasure token’s ability, you might find yourself investing more for an effect that only marginally advances your board state, particularly when you have alternatives that provide direct mana without the need to tap or sacrifice resources.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Impulsive Pilferer has the flexibility that any deck builder would appreciate. Its ability to provide an immediate effect on board state, as well as a longer-term benefit after leaving the battlefield, makes it a valuable addition to various aggressive and midrange decks.

Combo Potential: By creating a Treasure token upon death, this little Goblin synergizes well with strategies emphasizing artifact play or sacrifice mechanics. It can also help fuel larger plays a turn earlier, paving the way for devastating combinations.

Meta-Relevance: Given the card’s low mana cost and the current preference for aggressive strategies, Impulsive Pilferer’s impact in your early game can be crucial. It’s particularly effective in games that are won by quick shifts in tempo and capitalizing on early advantages.


How to beat

Impulsive Pilferer presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering. This resourceful Goblin allows a player to gain extra mana upon death through the creation of a Treasure token, which can accelerate an opponent’s game plan. Dealing with it requires strategy—removal spells that exile it, such as Path to Exile or Leyline of the Void, can neutralize the Pilferer without triggering its ability. Playing cards that restrict graveyard interactions, like Rest in Peace or Relic of Progenitus, will also limit the advantage an opponent can gain from the Pilferer’s death-triggered effect.

Moreover, avoiding unnecessary combat where Pilferer can be used as a blocker and intentionally sacrificed ensures that you don’t contribute to your opponent’s mana pool. Focus on building board presence and prepare for an opponent who may have extra mana at their disposal. Assess the situation carefully; sometimes ignoring the Pilferer and applying pressure elsewhere can be more beneficial than confronting it head-on.

Remember, Impulsive Pilferer in MTG is not only about the card, but the strategy around it. Preempt your opponent’s plays and adapt your tactics to maintain control over the game and prevent them from capitalizing on the little Goblin’s pilfering ways.


BurnMana Recommendations

With its myriad of advantages, Impulsive Pilferer is a compelling addition to any red-centric deck in MTG. It’s a multifaceted card that not only occupies the battlefield but also has potent potential in its demise. For players who relish in building strategic advantage turn by turn, this Goblin Pirate could be the key to unlocking tremendous value. Are you ready to harness the power of this resourceful creature? Dive deeper into the strategies that could elevate your deck, and incorporate Impulsive Pilferer for a robust early game and dynamic resource management. Embrace the journey of continuous deck optimization and let us guide you through mastering the art of resource acceleration with Impulsive Pilferer. Explore more and ensure your next match heralds a well-earned victory.


Cards like Impulsive Pilferer

Impulsive Pilferer is an intriguing option for those looking to incorporate red creatures with additional benefits in their Magic: The Gathering decks. Comparable to Skirk Prospector, both cards provide mana generation through sacrificing Goblins. What makes Impulsive Pilferer stand out is its Encore ability, allowing a flurry of tokens to potentially end the game or act as a mana ramp in the later stages.

Another peer in this category is Goblin Arsonist, which also offers a direct damage feature upon death. While Arsonist targets creatures or players for immediate impact, Pilferer’s ability to create Treasure tokens grants an advantage in resource flexibility over multiple turns. Additionally, unlike Dockside Extortionist, which can potentially produce a substantial number of Treasure tokens in one move, Impulsive Pilferer’s strength is in its consistent and predictable resource generation.

In summary, while other cards may provide immediate benefits or larger amounts of resources in certain situations, Impulsive Pilferer offers a balanced combination of creature presence and resource creation, making it a card worth considering for player decks that capitalize on mana acceleration and tactical sacrifices.

Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Goblin Arsonist - MTG Card versions
Dockside Extortionist - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Goblin Arsonist - MTG Card versions
Dockside Extortionist - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Impulsive Pilferer by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Roc Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions
Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Roc Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Impulsive Pilferer MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends and Commander 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 Impulsive Pilferer and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Impulsive Pilferer Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-11-20 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 1852015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
22023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2342015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
32024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1712015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Impulsive Pilferer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Impulsive Pilferer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-11-10 Each token must attack the appropriate player if able.
2020-11-10 Exiling the card with encore is a cost to activate the ability. Once you announce that you're activating it, no player may take actions until you've finished. They can't try to remove the card from your graveyard to stop you from paying the cost.
2020-11-10 If one of the tokens can't attack for any reason (such as being tapped), then it doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having it attack, you aren't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to attack in that case either.
2020-11-10 If one of the tokens somehow is under another player's control as the delayed triggered ability resolves, you can't sacrifice that token. It remains on the battlefield indefinitely, even if you regain control of it later.
2020-11-10 Opponents who have left the game aren't counted when determining how many tokens to create.
2020-11-10 The tokens copy only what's on the original card. Effects that modified that creature when it was previously on the battlefield won't be copied.
2023-07-28 If an effect stops a token from attacking a specific player, that token can attack any player, planeswalker, or battle, or not attack at all. If the effect stops the token from attacking a specific player unless a cost is paid, you don't have to pay that cost unless you want to attack that player.

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
See more decks