Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician MTG Card


Ib Halfheart turns lands into strategic assets and rapidly expands your goblin army. Though potent, the card requires careful planning due to its specific mana cost and play speed. This card is a must-have for red Commander decks that leverage goblin synergies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Goblin Advisor
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever another Goblin you control becomes blocked, sacrifice it. If you do, it deals 4 damage to each creature blocking it. Sacrifice two Mountains: Put two 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens into play.

"Everybody but me—CHARGE!"


Cards like Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician

Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician stands out in the goblin tribe within Magic: The Gathering. When looking at parallels, we might consider Krenko, Mob Boss for its ability to multiply the number of goblins on the field rapidly. Yet, Ib Halfheart distinguishes himself by turning each goblin into a potential threat with his explosive ability to sacrifice goblins and create destruction. Unlike Krenko, Ib Halfheart’s gameplay leans towards an aggressive strategy that can turn the tide of battle with sacrificial gambits.

Goblin Chieftain is another similar card that buffs goblins and gives them haste, though it does not interact with battlefield tactics like Ib Halfheart. It’s more straightforward, enhancing the power of your goblin army without the direct sacrifice strategy. Meanwhile, Tuktuk the Explorer stacks an individual goblin rather than an entire army, providing value even after death with a larger token creature. It complements Ib Halfheart’s doctrine but lacks the overarching tactical impact that Ib commands.

When comparing these cards, Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician’s unique ability to turn any goblin into a tactical explosive device gives him a unique seat within the Goblin tribe hierarchy in Magic: The Gathering, catering to a distinctive strategy that rewards bold and daring playstyles.

Krenko, Mob Boss - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Tuktuk the Explorer - MTG Card versions
Krenko, Mob Boss - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Tuktuk the Explorer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician’s ability to turn all your mountain cards into potent weapons not only disrupts opponents but also increases the value you get from each land you sacrifice. This synergizes exceptionally well with decks that revolve around goblins or those that capitalize on sacrificing permanents for greater benefits, as it transforms a simple land into a strategic advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Ib Halfheart doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, his unique ability to double the number of goblins you control whenever they become blocked accelerates your board presence. This rapid multiplication of resources forces opponents to weigh the risks of blocking your creatures, potentially allowing you unfettered access to their life points.

Instant Speed: Although Ib Halfheart operates at sorcery speed, his ability affects combat and board state instantly. The moment a block occurs, your goblin count potentially doubles, catching opponents off guard and tipping the scales. Moreover, the immediate transformation of mountains into explosive devices can be a game-changer, altering the battlefield in the blink of an eye.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While strategizing with Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician, players need to be mindful of its ability that requires sacrificing goblins. Having to give up creatures can often set a player back, especially when facing decks with significant creature control.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of this card includes double red, making it a less flexible option for multi-colored decks. In formats where mana consistency is crucial, this could present a challenge for deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two reds, Ib Halfheart’s abilities may come into play later than desired. In a game where speed can be critical, its high cost compared to other goblin-themed cards might slow down the momentum of a goblin deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician is a dynamic choice for red-based Commander decks that thrive on goblin synergies and sacrifice strategies. Its ability to transform land into explosive traps offers a unique line of defense.

Combo Potential: This card orchestrates powerful combos, notably with cards that benefit from goblins entering and leaving the battlefield, or ones that exploit the sacrifice mechanic for explosive effects.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-heavy strategies prevail, Ib Halfheart stands out by discouraging attacks with the threat of substantial damage, keeping opponents wary at every turn.


How to beat

Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician is a unique card in MTG that thrives on aggressive strategies, encouraging players to take bold risks with goblins. His ability to sacrifice goblins to turn them into explosive traps can turn the tide of the game quickly. If you find yourself facing off against this tactical mastermind, one of the best strategies is to control the goblin population. Board wipe spells such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the field before Ib Halfheart’s effect becomes problematic. Additionally, targeted removal like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can ensure Ib doesn’t stay on the battlefield, mitigating his tactical influence.

Enchantment removal can also play a pivotal role in disrupting synergies necessary for Ib Halfheart’s explosive plays. Disenchant or Nature’s Claim can handle problematic enchantments that grant goblins untoward power or resilience. Furthermore, combat tricks and instant-speed spells will give you an edge, allowing you to adapt and react to goblin-led assaults swiftly. Think of Instant speed spot removals like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push to keep the goblin swarms in check.

Ultimately, precision and timing are key. Hinder your opponent’s ability to generate a formidable goblin army, and you’ll neutralize Ib Halfheart’s tactical advantage, securing your path to victory in your MTG matchups.


BurnMana Recommendations

To excel in MTG, insight into cards like Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician is invaluable. His capabilities to metamorphose the battlefield make him a noteworthy addition to goblin and sacrifice-themed decks. To harness his full potential, consider integrating cards that benefit from or facilitate goblin sacrifice, and craft strategies that turn every goblin into a ticking time bomb. Ib’s impact is especially felt in Commander, where his ability to dissuade attacks and foster explosive gameplay shines. As you refine your collection and tactics, we invite you to join our community for deeper insights and strategies that will lead you to triumph.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins, 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 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 1632003NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
22007-11-16Duel Decks: Elves vs. GoblinsDD1 432003NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
32014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Elves vs. GoblinsEVG 432015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
42020-09-26The ListPLST TSP-1632003NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
52022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5542015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2006-09-25 If you don’t actually sacrifice the Goblin (because it was removed from the battlefield before the ability resolved, for example), no damage is dealt.