Hearthfire Hobgoblin MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 141
2009-09-04 - Number 102
2015-05-22 - Number 194
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Soldier |
| Abilities | Double strike |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Efficient mana cost and double strike make the hobgoblin a formidable aggressive pick for red and white decks.
- Double strike capability enhances combat potential and synergizes with equipment and aura cards.
- In comparison with similar cards, it stands out for its balanced cost-to-power ratio and on-board threat.
Text of card
Double strike
Hobgoblins are best left alone. They sharpen their farm implements far more than is necessary for their work in the fields.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Hearthfire Hobgoblin doesn’t give card draw, its double strike feature means it can potentially take out two creatures in one combat phase, effectively working as a card advantage by removing multiple threats.
Resource Acceleration: While Hearthfire Hobgoblin itself does not provide direct mana acceleration, its efficient mana cost to power ratio makes it a quick offensive addition. This allows players to deploy further threats or hold mana for reactive plays, optimizing resource allocation during the game.
Instant Speed: Hearthfire Hobgoblin is a creature card and thus not playable at instant speed. However, its presence prompts instant-speed responses from opponents aiming to neutralize its significant combat impact, subtly shifting the pace and resource expenditure of the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hearthfire Hobgoblin doesn’t necessitate a card discard, bolstering its reliability in maintaining hand advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Coming at a precise cost of two red and a white mana makes the Hearthfire Hobgoblin a potentially challenging fit in multicolored decks that aren’t focused on these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a converted mana cost of three for a 2/2 creature, Hearthfire Hobgoblin’s mana efficiency is questionable when compared to creatures of similar cost that may offer additional abilities or higher power and toughness.
Reasons to Include Hearthfire Hobgoblin in Your Collection
Versatility: Hearthfire Hobgoblin boasts a double strike ability, allowing it to fit well into aggressive decks seeking to deal damage swiftly. Its absence of color requirements beyond red and white also makes it a flexible choice for multicolored decks.
Combo Potential: With double strike, this hobgoblin synergizes effectively with equipments and auras that boost its attack, potentially turning it into a formidable force capable of eliminating opponents quickly when combined with the right cards.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Hearthfire Hobgoblin stands out as a potent threat that can pressure control decks and trade efficiently in combat with other creatures, making it relevant in various MTG metagames.
How to beat
Hearthfire Hobgoblin is a card echoing the distinguished Boros ethic of strength and relentless attack in Magic: The Gathering. This efficient creature stands out with its double strike capability, making it a formidable force in early combat exchanges. To effectively counter this red and white menace, consider employing removal spells that can deal with creatures regardless of their size or abilities. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are particularly adept at removing creatures like Hearthfire Hobgoblin before they can inflict significant damage.
Counteracting Hearthfire Hobgoblin also involves taking control of the battlefield. Strategies such as controlling the pace of the game with board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, giving you a chance to stabilize. Alternatively, outpacing your opponent with your own creature threats that exceed Hearthfire Hobgoblin in power and toughness can be a decisive approach, as well. Ultimately, neutralizing this creature often hinges on immediate and decisive action, diminishing its impact and maintaining the upper hand in your duels.
In summary, while Hearthfire Hobgoblin can be an early-game powerhouse, there are various strategies and cards that can deftly neutralize its threat, ensuring your survival and paving the way toward victory in your Magic: The Gathering clashes.
Cards like Hearthfire Hobgoblin
Hearthfire Hobgoblin stands out in the realm of double strike creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This particular red and white creature presents an immediate threat on board with its ability to deal damage twice in combat. Let’s draw a comparison to Skyhunter Skirmisher, a creature which also boasts the double strike ability and flies over the battlefield, bypassing many potential ground-based blockers.
Another card that shares a similar aggressive double strike trait is Fencing Ace. Although it starts with one less power than Hearthfire Hobgoblin, it costs only two mana, making it slightly easier to cast early in the game. Focusing on the Boros color combination, we can’t overlook Boros Swiftblade which, like Hearthfire Hobgoblin, benefits from being in both red and white, yet it arrives at a lower initial power and toughness.
These comparisons highlight Hearthfire Hobgoblin’s competitive edge among double strikers, with its balanced cost-to-power ratio and solid presence on the battlefield. It’s a formidable card for players looking to amplify their combat damage and apply pressure on opponents from the early stages of the game.
Cards similar to Hearthfire Hobgoblin by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hearthfire Hobgoblin MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Planechase, 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 Hearthfire Hobgoblin and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Hearthfire Hobgoblin Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 141 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 2 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 102 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 3 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 194 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hearthfire Hobgoblin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
