Goblin Pyromancer MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Goblin Wizard
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	206
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Edward P. Beard, Jr.

Key Takeaways

Generates card advantage by producing additional goblin tokens, greatly impacting mid to late-game play.
Provides resource acceleration, enhancing both mana efficiency and board state, especially with goblin synergies.
The card’s immediate effect upon entry makes it a formidable force, catching opponents off-guard.

Text of card

When Goblin Pyromancer comes into play, all Goblins get +3/+0 until end of turn. At end of turn, destroy all Goblins.

"The good news is, we figured out how the wand works. The bad news is, we figured out how the wand works."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The prowess of Goblin Pyromancer in MTG offers a unique edge by potentially overwhelming your opponent with a swarm of goblin tokens. These additional creatures can lead to significant card advantage, ensuring you stay ahead of your adversary during the mid to late game stages.

Resource Acceleration: Among the inherent strengths of this card is its ability to accelerate your resources. By providing a cost-effective creature that can either catalyze your board presence or enhance your mana capabilities, it’s a versatile addition to your arsenal, particularly in decks built around goblin synergies.

Instant Speed: While Goblin Pyromancer itself may not be an instant, its impact on the battlefield can be immediate, especially when paired with cards that enable instant-speed play. This means you can alter the state of play in a flash, catching an opponent unprepared and shifting the momentum to your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Goblin Pyromancer’s ability often requires you to discard another card, which can be detrimental when your hand size is already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Demanding both red and additional mana, the Goblin Pyromancer may not fit smoothly into multi-colored decks that require a balanced mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that competes with other impactful four-mana cards, the Goblin Pyromancer can be less appealing considering the tempo of the current game state and available alternatives.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Pyromancer can be a dynamic addition to red decks, particularly those that focus on creature aggro strategies. Its ability to pump creatures can turn even the smallest goblin into a significant threat.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with other goblin tribal synergies, enabling explosive turns and amplifying the damage potential of your board significantly.

Meta-Relevance: In a game dominated by creature-based combat, Goblin Pyromancer’s impact on creature strength can tip the scales in your favor, aligning it with the demands of the current competitive scene.

How to beat

Goblin Pyromancer is a creature that can create explosive turns in Magic: The Gathering, captivating players with its potential for high impact. This red card can provide a sudden burst of power to your goblin army, which can overwhelm an unprepared opponent.

To counteract the fiery onslaught of the Goblin Pyromancer, one effective strategy is to manage board threats early on. Sweepers like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can clean up an amassed goblin horde before the Pyromancer’s effect multiplies their threat. Targeted removal such as Fatal Push or Swords to Plowshares will also work well against this threat, especially since Pyromancer’s buff lasts only a single turn. It’s also prudent to disrupt your opponent’s game plan with counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak when they cast Goblin Pyromancer, possibly averting a devastating turn.

Overall, readiness and strategic use of removals or counters are key in negating the explosive turns that Goblin Pyromancer is notorious for. Keep your cool, time your responses, and the threat of the Pyromancer will burn out just as quickly as it flared up.

Cards like Goblin Pyromancer

Goblin Pyromancer stands out as a unique creature card in MTG, sharing some similarities with other goblin cards of its kind. Comparable to Embermage Goblin, both offer the ability to deal damage directly to opponents or creatures. But where Embermage Goblin demands a mana investment for its ability, the Goblin Pyromancer gives a temporary but powerful boost to all your goblins without additional mana cost the moment it hits the battlefield.

Another card to consider is the legendary Zo-Zu the Punisher. Zo-Zu punishes opponents for land play, while Goblin Pyromancer fits better in aggressive goblin decks looking to quickly overwhelm opponents with increased damage output. In terms of amplifying the Goblin tribe, Goblin Chieftain is a viable comparison, providing haste and a permanent boost. Though it lacks the explosive but fleeting impact of the Pyromancer’s enter-the-battlefield effect.

Overall, the Goblin Pyromancer can function as a game-changer in the right setup, especially when lined up against other high-impact red creatures. Its ability to augment a wide goblin strategy can lead to a swift and devastating spike in board presence and damage, distinguishing it among its goblin brethren.

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

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Pyromancer MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Pyromancer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Pyromancer has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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