Nosy Goblin MTG Card


Offers strategic advantage by revealing opponent’s hand, informing better game decisions. Instant speed activation can be a game changer at critical moments. While versatile, the discard requirement needs careful hand management.
Nosy Goblin - Onslaught
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin
Released2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set nameOnslaught
Set codeONS
Power 2
Toughness 1
Number220
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byThomas M. Baxa

Text of card

oc T, Sacrifice Nosy Goblin: Destroy target face-down creature.

To his surprise, Furt discovered that the strange creatures were not at all like bugs.


Cards like Nosy Goblin

The Nosy Goblin card presents intriguing dynamics in the realm of creature control for Magic: The Gathering players. Its function evokes comparisons to cards like Goblin Cratermaker, which also casts for two mana and provides a versatile utility against different card types. Unlike Goblin Cratermaker, Nosy Goblin does not have the ability to target artifacts, which narrows its focus but reinforces its role as a creature-dominant strategy card.

Considering Frenzied Goblin, we see another creature that impacts the battlefield by manipulating combat, but through restricting blockers rather than directly removing creatures. Nosy Goblin’s direct creature control can be a more definitive way to tip the scales during skirmishes. Goblin Sharpshooter is another comparable creature, capable of pinging creatures for damage and maintaining board control, though it requires the setup of other card interactions to unlock its full potential.

In assessing the landscape of goblin-themed control cards, Nosy Goblin secures a competitive spot with its singular purpose and reliable impact. It’s these focused tactics that can enhance a player’s strategy, embracing the confounding tactics that goblin cards are famous for within the MTG community.

Goblin Cratermaker - MTG Card versions
Frenzied Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sharpshooter - MTG Card versions
Goblin Cratermaker - MTG Card versions
Frenzied Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sharpshooter - MTG Card versions

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Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Nosy Goblin offers a twofold benefit by not only adding a creature to your battlefield but also potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy by peeking at their hand, which can pave the way for informed decisions and strategic planning.

Resource Acceleration: Although the Nosy Goblin itself does not directly accelerate resources, understanding your opponent’s hand can lead to more efficient resource management, ensuring that your mana and spells are used at the most opportune times.

Instant Speed: This card’s ability can be activated at instant speed, which means you can surprise your opponent by revealing their hand at a critical moment, such as right before they execute a game-changing play, granting you the upper hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nosy Goblin comes with the necessity to discard a card, potentially setting you back when your hand is already thinly stretched.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes red mana, Nosy Goblin may not fit into every deck strategy, especially those that don’t run mountains or multi-color mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a full three mana, Nosy Goblin may be a bit pricey compared to other options in the game that can accomplish similar goals for a lower investment, thus potentially slowing the pace of play for decks that prioritize efficiency.


Reasons to Include Nosy Goblin in Your Collection

Versatility: Nosy Goblin slots into various deck builds, particularly those focused on creature-based strategies and those looking to capitalize on red’s aggressive playstyle.

Combo Potential: With its ability to possibly disrupt an opponent’s top-deck strategy, this card is an excellent addition to any deck aiming to dismantle combo-driven opponents or control the pace of the match.

Meta-Relevance: Given that current trends may lean towards decks with a lot of library manipulation or top-deck synergies, Nosy Goblin’s peeking ability could provide a critical advantage by giving you insight into an opponent’s upcoming plays.


How to beat

The Nosy Goblin card introduces a dynamic twist to creature plays in Magic: The Gathering, spinning the standard goblin card on its head. This pesky creature serves as more than a mere annoyance for opponents, as it can skewer traditional strategies and shine in goblin-centric decks. Unlike other low-cost creatures that might offer a minimal threat, Nosy Goblin presents a unique challenge with its ability to sift through an opponent’s decks and tamper with their game plan.

To counteract Nosy Goblin, players should focus on swift removal. Because of its lower toughness, it can be dealt with using inexpensive spells such as Shock or Fatal Push. In addition, preemptive measures like Thoughtseize allow players to strip Nosy Goblin from an opponent’s hand before it causes any mischief. Any deck with a robust suite of instant-speed interaction can manage the mayhem that Nosy Goblin aims to incite. For those who prefer a creature-based response, fast, aggressive decks with high-powered, low-cost creatures can outpace the disruption that Nosy Goblin represents, rendering its effects negligible as you bulldoze towards victory. Beating Nosy Goblin is all about staying on the front foot and not letting its nosiness derail your deck’s structure and flow.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nosy Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Nosy Goblin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nosy Goblin has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 If the target is turned face up before the ability resolves, the creature is no longer a legal target and is not destroyed.