Zhur-Taa Goblin MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Goblin Berserker
Abilities	Riot
Released	2019-01-25
Set symbol
Set name	Ravnica Allegiance
Set code	RNA
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	215
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Wayne Reynolds

Key Takeaways

The Riot ability provides strategic flexibility, making Zhur-Taa Goblin adapt to various in-game scenarios.
It can apply early pressure or bolster board presence, suiting different deck strategies and styles.
In competitive MTG, its versatility makes it an asset in aggressive and mid-range Gruul decks.

Text of card

Riot (This creature enters the battlefield with your choice of a +1/+1 counter or haste.)

Among the Zhur-Taa Clan, goblins are the first to enter battlefury. When the battle is over, the survivors are still frothing at the mouth, looking for someone to hit.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Zhur-Taa Goblin doesn’t directly let you draw cards, its Riot ability provides versatility that can lead to indirect card advantage. You can choose to have it enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter if you’re aiming for a stronger board presence, effectively making it a better card in that moment. Alternatively, opting to give it haste can immediately impact the game, possibly eliminating an opponent’s key creature or planeswalker, thus diminishing their card resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Zhur-Taa Goblin isn’t a source of mana itself, it can serve as a potent form of resource acceleration. By giving it haste and attacking immediately, you can pressure your opponent and potentially disrupt their mana generation by forcing them to block with a creature that produces mana or one that they would have otherwise tapped for an ability.

Instant Speed: While Zhur-Taa Goblin is a creature card and not cast at instant speed, the Riot mechanic gives you a strategic immediate option similar in nature to instant speed plays. You can adapt your strategy based on the board state—choosing between haste or a +1/+1 counter right as you play the Goblin—giving you a small slice of that flexibility you get from instant speed actions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Zhur-Taa Goblin does not have a discard requirement, it’s important to consider this element when evaluating potential downsides of other cards in your deck that might synergize or conflict with it.

Specific Mana Cost: Zhur-Taa Goblin demands a precise mana combination of one red and one green to be cast, which could pose challenges in multicolor decks if mana fixing is insufficient.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is relatively standard for a creature of its stats, Zhur-Taa Goblin may compete for space in your deck against other two-mana creatures that offer greater utility or immediate impact on the game.

Reasons to Include Zhur-Taa Goblin in Your Collection

Versatility: Zhur-Taa Goblin’s flexibility comes from its Riot ability, allowing you to choose between having it enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter or with haste. This adaptability lets it fit into aggressive decks looking for speed, as well as into more mid-range strategies that benefit from beefier creatures.

Combo Potential: As a creature with an optional +1/+1 counter, Zhur-Taa Goblin works well with strategies revolving around counters, such as combining with cards that proliferate or benefit from creatures with counters. Its capability to instantly swing thanks to haste also pairs nicely with effects that benefit from attacking creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where tempo plays a critical role, having a card that can either come out of the gate charging or grow to a more formidable threat can be key. This makes Zhur-Taa Goblin a relevant choice in various meta scenarios, fitting neatly into Gruul aggro builds or other decks that value multipurpose creatures.

How to beat Zhur-Taa Goblin

Confronting Zhur-Taa Goblin on the battlefield can be a tricky affair. With its flexible Riot mechanic offering either haste or a +1/+1 counter, players need to adopt a strategic approach. The key is to limit its time on the field or to mitigate its impact immediately. Employing removal spells that can target creatures at a low mana cost proves to be effective. Options like Fatal Push or Shock can dispatch the Goblin before it gets a chance to swing for damage or grow out of control.

Another tactic is to outpace the creature’s growth. By presenting larger threats that demand immediate answers, the Zhur-Taa Goblin quickly becomes less of a concern. It’s also worth noting that without the support of other creatures or buffs, Zhur-Taa Goblin’s influence is much diminished, making a strong board presence an effective countermeasure. Lastly, keeping mana open to respond during your opponent’s turn can drastically reduce the surprise element of playing a hasty Zhur-Taa Goblin and swinging in unopposed.

Ultimately, agility in strategy and maintaining control over the pace of the match are your best assets when dealing with such a versatile creature.

Cards like Zhur-Taa Goblin

Zhur-Taa Goblin is a versatile creature card in Magic: The Gathering that’s often weighed against other two-drop creatures. When considering its counterparts, Burning-Tree Emissary stands out with its ability to essentially become mana neutral, offering a brief splash of mana to extend plays within the same turn. In contrast, Zhur-Taa Goblin offers no mana but compensates with the Riot mechanic, granting it the flexibility to be swift with haste or more durable with a +1/+1 counter.

In the realm of Gruul guild creatures, Ghor-Clan Rampager also comes into the conversation. Although it costs twice as much mana, the Rampager introduces an intriguing dynamic with its bloodrush ability, potentially giving another creature a formidable power boost and trample. Zhur-Taa Goblin doesn’t boast this combat trick utility, focusing instead on early pressure and board presence.

Critical evaluation of these cards reveals Zhur-Taa Goblin’s strength as a solid early choice in aggressive MTG decks, striking a balance between immediate board impact and longer-term value through its Riot choice, compared to its rival two-drops that lean towards more specialized roles within the game.

Burning-Tree Emissary - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zhur-Taa Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Zhur-Taa Goblin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zhur-Taa Goblin has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2019-01-25	If a creature entering the battlefield has riot but can’t have a +1/+1 counter put onto it, it gains haste.
2019-01-25	If you choose for the creature to gain haste, it gains haste indefinitely. It won’t lose it as the turn ends or as another player gains control of it.
2019-01-25	Riot is a replacement effect. Players can’t respond to your choice of +1/+1 counter or haste, and they can’t take actions while the creature is on the battlefield without one or the other.