Nath's Buffoon MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin Rogue
Abilities	Protection
Released	2007-10-12
Set symbol
Set name	Lorwyn
Set code	LRW
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	129
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Thomas Denmark

Key Takeaways

Enhances hand strength by providing additional card draws at pivotal moments, increasing strategic options.
Speeds up gameplay with synergy in creature-heavy and spell-intensive decks, gaining an early advantage.
Offers flexibility and surprise tactics due to its instant-speed play, making it versatile and disruptive.

Text of card

Protection from Elves

Smik learned the elvish dance quickly enough. The most difficult, yet most important step was to stay out of Nath's sight until called to perform.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nath’s Buffoon provides a strategic edge by offering additional card draw under certain conditions, fortifying your hand and increasing options for pivotal turns ahead.

Resource Acceleration: This card synergizes with strategies that benefit from casting multiple spells or possessing numerous creatures, ultimately accelerating your resource development to outpace your opponent.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Nath’s Buffoon at instant speed offers a layer of versatility and unpredictability, allowing for surprise plays that can shift the momentum of the game in your favor or disrupt opponent strategies at crucial moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nath’s Buffoon demands that players discard a card to activate its ability. This can deplete valuable hand resources crucial for maintaining in-game advantage, especially if your strategy relies on card options to adapt to evolving play.

Specific Mana Cost: Nath’s Buffoon comes with a casting requirement steeped in green mana. This can pigeonhole it into green-focused or Golgari decks, potentially making it a less versatile pick for multicolored strategies that cannot reliably generate the necessary mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana needed to bring Nath’s Buffoon onto the battlefield is substantial when considering its impact on the game. For the same cost, players might access more influential creatures or spells that offer immediate and more significant board presence or control.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Nath’s Buffoon can easily adapt to a range of deck types, making it a smart addition if you’re looking for a card that meshes well with various strategies. Its low casting cost and the laughter counter mechanic allow for seamless integration into your game plan without overcommitting resources.

Combo Potential: This card stands out for its ability to synergize with decks focused on counters and unconventional win conditions. Its unique laughter counter interaction can be the linchpin in a creative combo, setting the stage for an unexpected victory.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where disruptive strategies are key, Nath’s Buffoon can play an important role. It can tilt the balance in matches that hinge on the strategic accumulation and use of various counters, making it a card that can pivot to meet the demands of an evolving meta.

How to Beat Nath’s Buffoon

Nath’s Buffoon, while not the most formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering, has a unique set of abilities that can trip up the unprepared. Its capacity to redirect spells similar to the classic card Misdirection gives players a tactical advantage, especially in multiplayer games. When encountering this trickster on the battlefield, the key lies in direct removal spells or abilities that can bypass its redirecting antics.

Consider using untargeted removal or board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation to deal with Nath’s Buffoon without giving your opponent a chance to use its abilities. Alternatively, spells that cause players to sacrifice creatures, such as Diabolic Edict, neatly sidestep the Buffoon’s skillset. Using spot removal when the opponent is tapped out or has a clear board also ensures that Nath’s Buffoon won’t live to see another turn. These strategies help manage this quirky creature before it can cause any serious disruption.

A well-timed play, coupled with awareness of Nath’s Buffoon’s capabilities, can easily negate its seemingly disruptive strength. By adapting to the situation and using the right spells at the right time, you can effectively neutralize this creature and maintain control of the game.

Cards like Nath's Buffoon

Nath’s Buffoon is a unique creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with other low-cost creatures designed to disrupt opponent strategies. Comparable cards like Goblin Piker and Walking Atlas both offer value as two-mana creatures. However, Nath’s Buffoon distinguishes itself with its elf synergy and ability to tap to distract an opposing creature—hiccuping their assault or defensive plans.

Another kin in its echelon of tricksters is Merfolk Trickster. While the Trickster costs more, it momentarily strips a creature’s abilities and taps it, setting up potential offensive or defensive plays. In contrast, the simplicity of Nath’s Buffoon focusing on a single tactic without additional effects provides a straightforward but effective approach to creature control.

As we consider the role of Nath’s Buffoon among its peers, we note its particular niche. It may not have the broad applications of some other creatures, but its potential in elf-themed decks and as a strategic hurdle for opponents carves out a space for Nath’s Buffoon on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Nath's Buffoon by color, type and mana cost

Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nath's Buffoon MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Nath's Buffoon and other MTG cards: