Goblin Rabblemaster MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. The Rabblemaster thrives in aggressive MTG strategies, continuously growing a goblin army for overwhelming attacks.
  2. Its requirement for red mana can limit deck versatility, making it a potential liability in diverse mana bases.
  3. Despite restriction and mana cost, the Rabblemaster’s token generation makes it a persistent threat worth including.

Text of card

Other Goblin creatures you control attack each combat if able. At the beginning of combat on your turn, create a 1/1 red Goblin creature token with haste. Whenever Goblin Rabblemaster attacks, it gets +1/+0 until end of turn for each other attacking Goblin.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Goblin Rabblemaster enhances your board presence by automatically generating a Goblin token at the beginning of each combat phase, providing continuous card advantage without further resource investment.

Resource Acceleration: Each token created can act as an additional attacker, speeding up the pace of the game, and potentially creating an overwhelming offensive that accelerates your winning resources through combat damage to your opponent.

Instant Speed: While the Goblin Rabblemaster itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with other cards that do. This can allow you to make tactical plays on your opponent’s turn, while the Rabblemaster’s increasing Goblin army applies pressure each turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Goblin Rabblemaster itself does not demand you discard cards, playing it effectively often requires a strategy that could deplete your hand rapidly. This aggressive playstyle might leave you vulnerable if you run out of fuel and haven’t secured the game.

Specific Mana Cost: As a card specifically requiring red mana, Goblin Rabblemaster integrates well into mono-red decks or those with a heavy red presence. However, this can be restrictive and less optimal in multicolored decks that struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although a cost of three mana isn’t exorbitant, for aggressive decks, every mana point counts. Considering the curve of red aggro decks, there are scenarios where playing other low-cost creatures that enhance your board presence could be a more efficient use of your mana.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Rabblemaster is not just a staple in mono-red aggro decks, its utility spans across various builds seeking an aggressive edge. It can seamlessly slot into goblin tribal decks or serve as a quick clock in red-based midrange decks.

Combo Potential: With its ability to generate a token each turn, it synergizes with effects that capitalize on creature count or sacrifice mechanics. It helps set the stage for explosive turns, especially when combined with other goblin synergistic cards.

Meta-Relevance: Due to its rapid board presence and the constant pressure it puts on opponents, Goblin Rabblemaster maintains relevance in the metagame. It’s a threat that must be answered, making it a prudent choice for competitive play as it can shift the tide of a match swiftly.


How to beat

Goblin Rabblemaster is a potent force in Magic: The Gathering, especially noted for swiftly generating an army of Goblin tokens each turn. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to manage the board with removals or board wipes. Cards such as Wrath of God or Doom Blade can disrupt Goblin Rabblemaster’s momentum by clearing out the Goblin tokens or removing the Rabblemaster itself before its token production becomes overwhelming.

Timing is also key when facing this card. Playing removal spells during the opponent’s turn limits their opportunities for benefitting from Goblin attacks and token generation. Additionally, strategies that include pinpoint removal or sacrifice effects can eliminate the immediate threat of the Rabblemaster while conserving resources for any follow-up threats. It’s essential to remain proactive in managing the Rabblemaster to prevent these Goblins from overwhelming your defences and seizing control of the game.

Overall, taking out Goblin Rabblemaster early in the match, before its token swarm becomes unmanageable, is a sound tactic. A mix of early removal spells and staying ahead on board positions can lead to tilting the match in your favor against this relentless red creature.


BurnMana Recommendations

If Goblin Rabblemaster has sparked your interest, there’s much more to explore within the vibrant world of MTG. With a knack for generating tokens and accelerating your assault, this card finds itself at home in many strategies, especially where aggression is key. Enhance your deck-building skills and discover the synergies that can make the Rabblemaster a true asset in your collection. We encourage you to learn more about incorporating this dynamic creature into your arsenal to assure that your next encounter is not just another duel, but a display of tactical prowess. Delve deeper with us and uncover more potent card interactions to raise the stakes in your MTG battles.


Cards like Goblin Rabblemaster

Goblin Rabblemaster stands out in the roster of dynamic creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its closest analog would be Legion Loyalist, which also provides a boost to your attacking team. While Legion Loyalist offers battalion and first strike benefits to your troops, Goblin Rabblemaster brings a different approach with an ever-increasing goblin horde every turn and a growth mechanism that rewards you for attacking with many creatures.

Another card that echoes the swarm strategy is Krenko, Mob Boss. Both cards are cornerstones in decks looking to capitalize on the power of goblins. Krenko, however, requires a tad more setup to become effective, as it doubles existing goblins instead of generating them unconditionally like the Rabblemaster. Additionally, Krenko’s Tap ability contrasts with the Rabblemaster’s automatic token creation triggered by the simple act of attacking.

Moreover, assessing Goblin Rabblemaster’s place in the MTG realm reveals its tactical superiority in aggressive goblin decks. It pushes an offense-oriented playstyle, bolstering your army each turn and incentivizing swift combat phases. Given this, Goblin Rabblemaster appeals to players who appreciate a continuous, aggressive buildup, showcasing why it’s a mainstay in many red deck wins strategies.

Legion Loyalist - MTG Card versions
Krenko, Mob Boss - MTG Card versions
Legion Loyalist - Gatecrash (GTC)
Krenko, Mob Boss - Magic 2013 (M13)

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

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Raging Bull - Legends (LEG)
Wall of Lava - Ice Age (ICE)
Brassclaw Orcs - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Sabretooth Tiger - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Imperial Recruiter - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Uthden Troll - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)
Nosy Goblin - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Sky Raider - Onslaught (ONS)
Cosmic Larva - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Ghost-Lit Raider - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Goblin Chariot - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Balduvian Barbarians - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Basalt Gargoyle - Time Spiral Remastered (TSR)
Goblin Chieftain - Resale Promos (PRES)
Orcish Artillery - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - Lorwyn (LRW)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Rabblemaster MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic 2015 Promos, 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 Rabblemaster and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Rabblemaster Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2014-07-17 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 538322015normalblackZoltan Boros
22014-07-17Magic 2015 PromosPM15 1452015normalblackZoltan Boros
32014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1452015normalblackSvetlin Velinov
42017-10-24Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. GoblinsDDT 462015normalblackSvetlin Velinov
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2152015normalborderlessBrandi Milne
62022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5452015normalblackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Rabblemaster has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2014-07-18 Although Goblin Rabblemaster doesn’t force itself to attack, if you control two of them, they’ll force each other to attack if able.
2014-07-18 If, during your declare attackers step, a creature that must attack if able is tapped, is affected by a spell or ability that says it can’t attack, or hasn’t been under your control continuously since the turn began (and doesn’t have haste), then it doesn’t attack. If there’s a cost associated with having a creature attack, you’re not forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t have to attack in that case either.
2014-07-18 The number of attacking Goblins is counted as the last ability resolves, and the bonus is locked in at that time.

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