Rummaging Goblin MTG Card


A versatile cycle mechanism that offers consistent deck filtering, essential for finding key cards. Activates combos and synergies, fitting multiple strategies that utilize graveyard tactics. Despite its limitations, it shapes deck adaptability in dynamic game environments.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Rogue
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

, Discard a card: Draw a card.

To a goblin, value is based on the four S's: shiny, stabby, smelly, and super smelly.


Cards like Rummaging Goblin

Rummaging Goblin is a staple in the pantheon of red card selection tools in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives in terms of functionality are cards like Mad Prophet and Merfolk Looter, both of which allow for the conversion of one resource into another, more preferred resource. Mad Prophet brings haste to the table, permitting immediate use of its ability, but does so at a higher mana cost. In contrast, Rummaging Goblin requires a setup, as it lacks haste but comes with a lower mana cost.

Examining Tormenting Voice and Cathartic Reunion offers another perspective. These spells provide similar red card filtering opportunities at sorcery speed. Tormenting Voice draws two cards for the same cost as the Goblin but requires an immediate discard as part of the casting cost; Cathartic Reunion ups the ante with three cards drawn for the discard of two. These comparisons reflect differing strategic preferences and game plans for players opting for the consistent, albeit slower, potential of Rummaging Goblin over the one-shot alternatives that can’t be interrupted by removal.

In the realm of red card selection spells, Rummaging Goblin presents a dependable option for long-term card quality improvement, proving its worth in formats where a player values resource flexibility over the immediate impact.

Mad Prophet - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Looter - MTG Card versions
Tormenting Voice - MTG Card versions
Cathartic Reunion - MTG Card versions
Mad Prophet - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Looter - MTG Card versions
Tormenting Voice - MTG Card versions
Cathartic Reunion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rummaging Goblin 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
Goblin Rabblemaster - 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
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
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
Goblin Rabblemaster - 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
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Rummaging Goblin lets you cycle through your deck by discarding and drawing cards, helping you sift for key pieces or answers, keeping you ahead in the card selection game.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or treasures, this card helps you discard less useful cards in the hope of drawing into more impactful spells or lands, indirectly speeding up your access to resources.

Instant Speed: Although the Rummaging Goblin’s ability isn’t at instant speed, its presence can influence opponents’ decisions, making them wary of your potential draws and the unknown cards you could be holding.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When activating Rummaging Goblin’s ability, players must discard a card which can be problematic if holding onto key pieces of a strategy. This self-inflicted reduction in hand size might not always align with a player’s game plan, potentially putting them at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Rummaging Goblin requires a mix of one red and two generic mana to cast. This specific mana cost confines it mostly to red-based or multicolored decks, potentially limiting its versatility in the broader deck-building landscape.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its mana cost of three for a 1/1 creature with a looting effect, Rummaging Goblin may not be the most mana-efficient option available. It competes with other cards that could offer either improved board presence or more immediate card selection for a similar or lower investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rummaging Goblin provides a consistent way to cycle through your deck, allowing you to discard less useful cards in the hope of finding the tools you need for victory. This feature makes it a flexible addition to a variety of deck archetypes that are looking to optimize their draw.

Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that take advantage of the graveyard or those that trigger when you discard or draw cards. With Rummaging Goblin, you can set up your plays or enable synergies with other cards, enhancing your overall strategy.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to help you sift through your deck for key pieces, Rummaging Goblin can be particularly useful in a meta where adaptability is crucial. It’s a solid option for decks that need to respond to various threats or that aim to assemble combo pieces quickly.


How to beat

Rummaging Goblin presents an interesting challenge for MTG players looking to navigate its discard and draw ability. As a creature that enables you to essentially cycle through your deck, disrupting this synergy can be key to overcoming this card’s influence in the game. To effectively counter Rummaging Goblin, you’ll want to remove it promptly from the battlefield. Spot removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch it quickly and prevent your opponent from gaining card advantage.

Additionally, taking advantage of the turn the Goblin taps to activate its ability by using that opportunity to execute offensive strategies helps to shift the tide of the game in your favor. It is also beneficial to attack your opponent’s hand directly, with cards like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek, reducing the effectiveness of the rummaging ability by limiting the choices available. By integrating these tactics, you can lessen the potentially constant card quality improvement that Rummaging Goblin could provide to your opponent throughout the game.

Focusing on these strategies will equip you well in mitigating the impact of Rummaging Goblin, ensuring that this particular card doesn’t become the cornerstone of your opponent’s game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring MTG’s vast array of cards is essential for crafting an unbeatable deck. With our insights into the Rummaging Goblin’s strengths and weaknesses, you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions for your gameplay. Whether you’re aiming to optimize your draw, look for graveyard synergy, or precisely navigate the current meta, knowledge is power. Your journey towards mastery is continuous, and every card choice can shape your path to victory. Dive deeper with us, expand your MTG strategy, and gather the tools you need to not just play, but truly outplay. Let’s take your MTG experience to the next level together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rummaging Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and Magic 2015, 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 Rummaging Goblin and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rummaging Goblin Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-07-13Magic 2013M13 1462003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
22014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1592015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
32017-09-29IxalanXLN 1602015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 10462015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
52020-09-26The ListPLST XLN-1602015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
62020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 1982015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
72022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5912015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rummaging Goblin has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-07-01 Discarding a card is part of the cost to activate Rummaging Goblin's ability. If you don't have a card in your hand, you can't pay this part of the cost and you can't activate the ability.