Goblin Ski Patrol MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Goblin Ski Patrol offers card efficiency, possibly saving hand resources used for board control.
  2. Its instant speed ability can be a tempo game-changer when activated during combat.
  3. Despite its quirky mechanics, the Patrol’s high mana cost and discard requirement may deter players.

Text of card

o1oo R Flying and +2/+0. At end of turn, bury Goblin Ski Patrol. Use this ability only once and only if you control any snow-covered mountains.

"AIIIEEEE!" —Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While not traditionally viewed as a card advantage engine, Goblin Ski Patrol can offer indirect card efficiency. Since it can survive initial engagements thanks to its activated ability—potentially taking down larger threats—it may effectively save cards in your hand that would otherwise be used for board control.

Resource Acceleration: Goblin Ski Patrol itself doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration. However, in a deck synergizing with goblins or snow mechanics, it could indirectly enable faster plays and synergies. Integrating it with cards that reward you for playing goblins, or using snow lands and spells, makes this skiing goblin a part of a resource-accelerating strategy.

Instant Speed: The key to Goblin Ski Patrol’s effectiveness is its activated ability, which can be used at instant speed. This allows a savvy player to activate it right after blockers are declared, potentially surprising an opponent and turning the tides of combat in your favor. This unexpected tempo can be a game-changer in close matches.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside of Goblin Ski Patrol is its activation cost, which necessitates discarding a card from your hand. This can be a steep price to pay in the late game when hand size is critical for maintaining a strategic edge.

Specific Mana Cost: The card has a specific mana requirement which may not always align with the versatile needs of multi-colored or splash decks, potentially restricting its inclusion to red-heavy or mono-red builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that leans towards the higher end for its effect, players might find that Goblin Ski Patrol competes with other more impactful four-mana creatures or spells that could provide immediate benefits or more powerful board presence.


Reasons to Include Goblin Ski Patrol in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Ski Patrol is a unique inclusion in decks that focus on red’s aggressive playstyle, providing an unexpected angle of attack on the slopes of gameplay. Its ability to gain flying temporarily can be a game-changer during combat.

Combo Potential: This card has the ability to self-destruct after a few turns, which could be synergized with decks that capitalize on creature sacrifice or death triggers. It enables interesting interactions with cards that benefit from creatures dying.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where flying creatures are prevalent, the Patrol’s temporary flying can offer a defensive or offensive option depending on the situation. Its budget-friendly nature and surprise factor can give it a place in fun and competitive red decks alike.


How to beat

Goblin Ski Patrol adds a whimsical, tactical element to your opponent’s deck in MTG. This ski troupe is best known for its quirky ability to gain flying until end of turn, something you might not expect from a ground-based goblin unit. To effectively counter this card, it’s essential to put it on ice before it takes to the skies. Removal spells are a tried-and-true method, dispatching these slope shredders before they can swoop over your defenses. Damage spells also work wonders, like Shock or Lightning Bolt, targeting them as soon as they hit the battlefield or before they declare an attack.

Moreover, since Goblin Ski Patrol requires time to gain momentum—two snow mana to activate its ability—utilize it to your advantage by maintaining a pace of play that keeps them from accumulating the necessary resources. Board control is key here; establish a strong defensive line with creatures that have reach or those that can tap to deal damage. Once your defenses are up, this jolly band of goblins will find it tough to carve their way through the snow and onto your life points.


Cards like Goblin Ski Patrol

Goblin Ski Patrol is a whimsical addition to the collection of creatures in Magic: The Gathering. When we look at goblin-themed cards, Goblin Ski Patrol can be likened to cards like Mogg Raider. Both feed into the goblin tribal theme but with differing mechanics. Mogg Raider focuses on sacrificing a Goblin to bolster another, while Goblin Ski Patrol has a more unusual approach with its skiing ability that after two turns, forces a self-sacrifice for a temporary power boost.

Exploring further, we spot similarities with Goblin Ski Patrol in Ember Hauler – a card known for its direct damage capability. Ember Hauler costs two mana and has the ability to deal damage to any target, providing versatility. In contrast, Goblin Ski Patrol offers a conditional power spike, which can be seen as either a limitation or a strategic play depending on the game scenario. Then there’s the comparison with Tuktuk the Explorer. Tuktuk, like Goblin Ski Patrol, has an in-built mechanism of self-sacrifice but leaves behind a valuable token. This ability can turn a seemingly negative aspect into a positional advantage.

Assessing these cards for their utility and synergies in goblin decks, Goblin Ski Patrol definitely stands out for its unique characteristics and potential for unexpected plays within Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of goblin cards.

Mogg Raider - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Tuktuk the Explorer - MTG Card versions
Mogg Raider - Tempest (TMP)
Ember Hauler - Magic 2011 (M11)
Tuktuk the Explorer - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)

Cards similar to Goblin Ski Patrol by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ironclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Goblin Raider - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Utvara Scalper - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)
Ironclaw Orcs - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Dwarven Weaponsmith - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Goblin Rock Sled - The Dark (DRK)
Dwarven Lieutenant - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Goblin Recruiter - Visions (VIS)
Heart Sliver - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Flunkies - Stronghold (STH)
Goblin Elite Infantry - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Fireslinger - Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra (JVC)
Skittish Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Rage Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Minotaur Explorer - Odyssey (ODY)
Sparksmith - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Lookout - Legions (LGN)
Skirk Marauder - Legions (LGN)
Goblin Raider - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Hellspark Elemental - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Utvara Scalper - Dissension (DIS)
Storm Entity - Future Sight (FUT)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Ski Patrol MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Masters Edition II, 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 Ski Patrol and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Ski Patrol Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Mark Poole.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 1901993normalblackMark Poole
22008-09-22Masters Edition IIME2 1281997normalblackMark Poole

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Ski Patrol has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2008-10-01 Goblin Ski Patrol’s ability may be activated only once in the entire game. If its ability is activated and then it changes controllers, its ability may not be activated again, and its new controller will still have to sacrifice it at the beginning of the End step.

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