Goblin Banneret MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Soldier
Abilities Mentor
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Goblin Banneret’s mentor ability subtly boosts other creatures, offering a strategic edge without extra cards.
  2. Its low cost and instant speed pump ability make it a flexible threat in early and late-game phases.
  3. Be mindful of strategic hand management and mana efficiency when utilizing Goblin Banneret’s abilities.

Text of card

Mentor (Whenever this creature attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target attacking creature with lesser power.) : Goblin Banneret gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

The Boros banner stands tall even if its bearer doesn't.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Banneret’s mentor ability can be a subtle but potent form of card advantage, as it elevates the fighting capability of another creature without expending extra cards, giving you a strategic upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: The low cost efficiency of Goblin Banneret allows for a quick deployment on the battlefield, which in turn can lead to an accelerated presence of goblins or other creatures, enhancing your board position early in the game.

Instant Speed: With its ability to pump its own power instantly, Goblin Banneret can be a formidable surprise attacker during combat or a sudden blocker when least expected by your adversary, making it versatile at any phase of the turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Banneret demands a strategic approach to your hand. To take advantage of its mentor ability, you may need to discard valuable cards, which can leave you at a disadvantage if your hand is already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: As a red creature, Goblin Banneret requires red mana for casting and its ability, which could restrict deck-building options. Players not running a red mana-centric deck or with a limited mana base may struggle to play this card effectively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Upgrading Goblin Banneret’s power using its pump ability can have a steep cost, especially in the early game. Pitting its adaptability against options like casting multiple spells, it may not always be the most mana-efficient play.


Reasons to Include Goblin Banneret in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Banneret features a low mana cost and the mentor ability, making it a flexible choice for both aggressive early plays and supporting larger creatures later in the game. It slides easily into red aggro decks or any strategy favoring swift, impactful creatures.

Combo Potential: The built-in ability to pump its own power provides synergy with cards that track the number of times you’ve activated abilities or with those that benefit from high-power creatures. This makes Goblin Banneret a key component in combo decks looking to unleash devastating turns.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames evolve, a card like Goblin Banneret retains relevance due to its low cost and potential for explosive combat phases. It can quickly become a threat that opponents must answer, making it worthwhile in an environment filled with creature-based strategies.


How to beat

Goblin Banneret is a popular choice for fans of aggressive decks in MTG. As a 1/1 creature that can boost itself using mentor and mana investment, this card can quickly grow out of control. To effectively counter Goblin Banneret, consider using removal spells that can target it before it accumulates too many +1/+1 counters. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push are excellent choices because they are low-cost and can be cast in response to the mentor trigger or activation of its ability.

Another strategy is to block with creatures that are expendable or have death triggers. Since Goblin Banneret must be declared as an attacker to use its mentor ability, setting up a defense that discourages attacks is key. Cards with afterlife or similar effects can turn this downside into an advantage for you. Lastly, persistent waves of control, such as board wipes, can level the playing field and remove a multiplied Goblin Banneret along with other threats, securing your stance in the game.

Just remember, the key to beating Goblin Banneret is to stay one step ahead and eliminate it before it has a chance to capitalize on its ability to grow and empower other creatures on the board.


Cards like Goblin Banneret

Goblin Banneret offers a unique blend of aggressiveness and utility among the creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card stands alongside other one-drop creatures like Legion Loyalist, which also serves as a formidable tool for players who want to fast-track their offense. Both creatures pack a punch in the early game, but Goblin Banneret distinguishes itself through its mentor ability, allowing it to bolster another creature with each successful attack.

Comparing Goblin Banneret to Foundry Street Denizen reveals how the Banneret’s flexibility can be advantageous. While Foundry Street Denizen thrives in decks filled with red creatures, it lacks the capacity to grow like Goblin Banneret. Furthermore, Banneret’s ability to pump its own power offers an unexpected level of tactical depth, providing surprise potential during combat phases.

To summarize, Goblin Banneret not only serves as an aggressive one-drop creature in Magic: The Gathering but also boasts incremental growth and utility that can be pivotal in the heat of battle. Its mentor ability provides a scaling threat that’s beneficial in decks looking to press the advantage from the very first turn.

Legion Loyalist - MTG Card versions
Foundry Street Denizen - MTG Card versions
Legion Loyalist - Gatecrash (GTC)
Foundry Street Denizen - Gatecrash (GTC)

Cards similar to Goblin Banneret 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
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
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Waiters - MTG Card versions
Mogg Sentry - MTG Card versions
Goblin Balloon Brigade - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Hurr Jackal - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Primordial Ooze - Chronicles (CHR)
Gorilla Shaman - Alliances (ALL)
Goblin Swine-Rider - Visions (VIS)
Mons's Goblin Raiders - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Orcish Conscripts - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Mountain Goat - Portal (POR)
Jackal Pup - The List (PLST)
Flailing Soldier - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Branded Brawlers - Prophecy (PCY)
Scarred Puma - Invasion (INV)
Mogg Fanatic - Tenth Edition (10E)
Grim Lavamancer - Torment (TOR)
Kessig Wolfrider - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Skirk Prospector - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Crazed Goblin - Darksteel (DST)
Akki Avalanchers - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Mons's Goblin Waiters - Unhinged (UNH)
Mogg Sentry - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Banneret MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Double Masters 2022, 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 Banneret and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Banneret Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by Viktor Titov.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 1022015normalblackViktor Titov
22022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1102015normalblackViktor Titov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Banneret has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

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