Goblin Warchief is a 2/2 uncommon goblin warrior that enables aggressive mid-game strategies. It reduces the cost of any Goblin spells by {1}, making them more accessible during the early game. Additionally, Goblins under its control gain haste, allowing for swift combat engagement.

Goblin Warchief's Synergies and Abilities

The Goblin Warchief is a formidable creature in Commander games due to its ability to grant haste to all Goblins under your control. This can lead to explosive combinations with other cards that benefit from haste.

• Goblin spells cost less: The Oracle Text states that "Goblin spells you cast cost {1} less to cast." This means any spell that has Goblin in its text (such as Goblin Piledriver) will have its mana cost reduced by one when cast. This synergy is particularly potent with red mana acceleration cards like Simian Spirit Guide.

• Haste granting: The Warchief's ability to grant haste to all Goblins under your control can be used to create aggressive, early-game combos with other red and green creatures that benefit from haste, such as Monastery Swiftspear. When combined with cards like Llanowar Elves or Fangren Reaper, the Warchief's haste-granting ability can lead to rapid development of a board presence.

Notable edge cases include:

• Goblin-specific interactions: The Warchief's abilities are tightly focused on Goblins, making it an excellent fit for Goblin-themed decks. Cards like Mogg Fanatic and Goblin Matron can take advantage of the Warchief's haste-granting ability.

• Red-green synergies: When paired with green creatures that benefit from haste or red mana acceleration, the Warchief can become a powerful force on the battlefield. Cards like Scorned Khopesh and Searing Blaze can work well alongside the Warchief in an aggressive, midrange deck.

In Commander games, it's essential to carefully consider the card's abilities and how they interact with other cards in your deck. The Goblin Warchief is a great example of a card that can be used to create complex, synergistic interactions when paired with the right cards.

Goblin Warchief is a versatile and impactful card that excels in red-based Commander decks. Its ability to make Goblin spells cost {1} less to cast allows for aggressive ramping and enables the casting of Burning Hands, Lightning Bolt, or Fireball at an accelerated rate.

This card benefits from being paired with other Goblin tokens, such as Goblin Guide or Mogg Fanatic, which can generate a large number of Goblins on the battlefield. The haste granted to these tokens makes them formidable attackers and allows for early game aggression. Pairing Goblin Warchief with Keldon Marauders creates an army of low-toughness, high-attack creatures that can overwhelm opponents quickly.

Goblin Warchief also sees play in more control-oriented decks, particularly those featuring Sarkhan, Archduke of Urza or Ralsara, Wyrm Queen. In these decks, the ability to accelerate Goblin spells serves as a secondary benefit, allowing for increased tempo and flexibility. The haste granted by Goblin Warchief can also be used in conjunction with other cards like Goblin Matador or Mogg Fanatic to create a swarm of attacking tokens.

In terms of specific strategies, Goblin Warchief is particularly well-suited for aggressive, midrange decks that focus on generating board presence and applying pressure quickly. It pairs well with token generation engines like Goblin Guide, Mogg Fanatic, or Keldon Marauders, as well as burn spells like Burning Hands or Lightning Bolt. When combined with a ramping strategy, Goblin Warchief can create an explosive early game that is difficult for opponents to recover from.

Synergies Galore

Goblin Warchief is a potent enabler for any goblin-heavy deck. Its ability to grant haste to all goblins on the battlefield creates a formidable force that can quickly overwhelm opponents. Pair it with Goblin Piledriver and you'll have an unstoppable duo, capable of trading blows with even the most aggressive threats.

But Goblin Warchief's impact extends far beyond mere creature synergies. Its ability to reduce the cost of goblin spells by one mana has a ripple effect throughout the deck. For instance, running Mogg Fanatic or Goblin Guide becomes significantly more appealing when their costs are reduced by a full mana. This can lead to an explosion in goblin card advantage.

Rules Tricks

One often-overlooked aspect of Goblin Warchief is its ability to create an army of 2/2 haste creatures. On paper, this might seem underwhelming, but the reality is that these small creatures can be extremely potent when paired with other cards. Consider combining it with Krenko's Command or Sacrifice the Weak. Suddenly, a 1-drop like Goblin Warchief becomes a game-changer.

Combos and Interactions

Goblin Warchief also pairs well with certain artifacts that synergize with its haste-granting ability. Take Dwarven Blastmaster as an example – when you're playing a goblin-heavy list, this card's potential for explosive damage multiplies. Additionally, consider slotting in Mogg Strider, which will benefit from the reduced cost of your spells.

Goblin Aggro

Finally, Goblin Warchief is a crucial component of any aggressive goblin deck. Its mana cost and ability to generate an army of 2/2 creatures make it an ideal fit for lists built around Goblin Guide or Mogg Fanatic. Don't be afraid to include it as a key enabler in your aggro strategy – its power is too great to overlook.

When combined with these cards, Goblin Warchief becomes the linchpin of a well-oiled goblin machine.

Goblin Warchief is a versatile and powerful creature that can be a game-changer in Commander decks. However, there are several common mistakes players make when playing this card.

Poor Synergies with Other Creatures

• When paired with Mogg Fanatic, the Goblin Warchief's haste ability becomes less impactful due to the low power and toughness of Mogg Fanatic.
• Combining it with Goblin Rabblemaster doesn't take advantage of the Rabblemaster's ability, as the Warchief's haste is already activated.

Misunderstood Rules

• Some players may think that Goblin Warchief's ability only applies to spells cast during its own turn, but it actually affects all spells cast by Goblins, regardless of the turn they were cast.
• Others might assume that the "Goblin spells you cast" condition refers solely to creatures with the keyword, ignoring that any spell played by a Goblin will reduce the cost.

Timing Issues

• Failing to take advantage of the Warchief's ability early on can lead to missed opportunities for aggressive play and potential game-winning advantages.
• Not timing Goblin spells correctly to maximize the cost reduction can result in wasting the ability's full potential.

Other Considerations

• In a red-white deck, Sarkhan the Masterless or Emrakul, the Aeons Torn would be much better pairings with Goblin Warchief than Mogg Fanatic.
• The synergy between Goblin Warchief and Rackling Cacophony doesn't seem to benefit from each other's presence.

By being aware of these common pitfalls, players can better optimize their decks and make the most out of Goblin Warchief's abilities in Commander.

Goblin Warchief is a solid uncommon creature that can bring some much-needed aggression to your red decks. Its 2/2 power and toughness make it a decent attacker on its own, but its real value lies in its abilities.

The oracle text allows any goblin spells cast to cost one less mana to cast, making Goblin Piledriver or Shatter a great fit for this card's synergies. This reduction in cost can be significant, especially when casting multiple goblins in a turn.

The haste ability granted by the Warchief is also valuable, allowing your goblin tokens to attack immediately and potentially swing the game in your favor.

In Commander, Goblin Warchief is a great inclusion for any red-based tribal or aggressive deck. It pairs well with cards like Krenko, Mob Boss or Mogg Fanatic to create an onslaught of low-cost, high-impact attacks. The Warchief also complements more expensive goblin creatures like Krenko, Master of Strings, making it easier to cast them on subsequent turns.

In terms of which decks to include Goblin Warchief in, consider any aggressive or tribal builds centered around the red or goblin colors. It's an excellent addition to more casual Commander decks that focus on straightforward attacks and token generation. However, if your deck is heavily focused on control, finesse, or more expensive spells, it might be best left out.

In terms of pricing, Goblin Warchief remains relatively affordable, with a Tix value of $0.04 and an USD price of $1.14. Its availability makes it an attractive option for players looking to build aggressive or tribal decks without breaking the bank.

Goblin Warchief Synergy Overview

The Goblin Warchief is a powerful uncommon creature that can accelerate the development of your goblin tribal decks. Its ability to reduce costs for goblin spells by one and grant haste to goblins under your control makes it an excellent enabler for aggressive strategies.

Commanders and Color Identities

Goblin Warchief works well in red-colored decks, particularly those focused on goblin tribal or aggressive burn strategies. Some suitable Commanders include:

• Krenko, Mob Boss: A classic goblin-themed Commander that synergizes perfectly with Goblin Warchief.
• Gorbag Wrathgut: Another aggressive Commander that benefits from the reduced cost of casting goblin spells and haste granted by Goblin Warchief.
• Chandra, Torch of Defiance: While not traditionally a goblin Commander, Chandra's ability to generate card advantage and accelerate her own gameplan makes her an interesting pairing with Goblin Warchief.

Themes and Engines

Goblin Warchief excels in the following themes:

• Aggressive burn: With its haste-granting ability, Goblin Warchief enables you to quickly attack your opponent with goblins and follow up with burn spells like Lightning Bolt or Fireball.
• Goblin tribal: As a key component of goblin tribal decks, Goblin Warchief reduces the cost of casting goblin spells and allows for more aggressive development.

Synergy Cards

Some specific cards that pair well with Goblin Warchief include:

• Goblin Piledriver: A cheap goblin creature that benefits from both haste and reduced spell costs.
• Rage Sacrifice: A sacrifice outlet that can be enabled by Goblin Warchief's haste-granting ability, generating card advantage for your deck.
• Burning Hands: A more expensive burn spell that becomes more manageable in cost thanks to Goblin Warchief's ability.

Combo Notes

Goblin Warchief can also enable more complex combos, such as:

• Goblin token swarm: With haste-granted goblins and reduced spell costs for goblin spells, you can quickly generate a large number of goblin tokens and overwhelm your opponent.
• Burn-heavy combo: Pairing Goblin Warchief with aggressive burn spells like Lightning Bolt or Fireball, and sacrifice outlets like Rage Sacrifice can create explosive combos that clear the board in a single turn.

Commander Format

Goblin Warchief is a staple in aggressive Red-based decks that want to accelerate into the late game quickly. Its ability to give goblins haste is particularly powerful in conjunction with [Sarkhan Vol(https://mtg.gamepedia.com/Sarkhan_Vol)], allowing for swift destruction of opponents' life totals.

In this format, it's highly competitive when paired with other cheap, aggressive creatures and burn spells like Lightning Bolt or Fireball. When combined with a Goblin-themed deck featuring Mogg Fanatic, Goblin Piledriver, and [Keldon Marauders, the synergy is immense.

Casual Format

In casual play, where opponents are more focused on having fun rather than adhering to strict deck archetypes or competitive strategies, Goblin Warchief remains a solid choice due to its straightforward ability to accelerate spells and give goblins haste.

Its relatively low power and toughness make it less viable in situations where dealing with large threats is necessary. However, in smaller games or against more casual opponents who don't exploit this card's potential as well, it can still offer significant benefits.

Other Formats

Goblin Warchief is legal in other formats like Modern and Pioneer but remains somewhat niche due to its narrow power window. It might find a home in aggressive deck archetypes that aim to quickly transition into the late game or utilize Goblin tribal synergies, similar to Commander decks. However, it's unlikely to be as impactful without additional support from more expensive cards.

Banned/Restricted

Goblin Warchief has never been banned or restricted due to its relatively low power level and situational impact in competitive play. Its potential for abuse lies in large Goblin tribal strategies, which are not typically seen at the top tables of Commander events.

In terms of its price point, it's considered a fair value for its rarity, being more expensive than other uncommons but still reasonable considering its role and functionality within aggressive Red-based decks.

Goblin Warchief in a Red Aggro Deck

In a aggressive red deck focused on dealing damage quickly, Goblin Warchief excels at both the early and late game. Its ability to give goblins haste makes it a great enabler for creatures like Goblin Guide and Mogg Fanatic, allowing them to attack on the first turn. Additionally, its reduced casting cost for red spells helps to accelerate the development of the board and puts pressure on opponents faster.

Combo Potential with Goblin Piledriver

When paired with Goblin Piledriver in a deck focused on Goblin tribal synergies, Goblin Warchief can create explosive plays by giving Piledriver haste. This allows for the possibility of dealing significant damage on the same turn that Piledriver's ability triggers, potentially winning the game before opponents have a chance to react.

Struggling in Multiplayer and Control Decks

However, in multiplayer games or control decks with heavy removal spells, Goblin Warchief struggles to make an impact. Its relatively low power and toughness compared to other creatures makes it vulnerable to targeted removals like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, which can easily take out the Warchief before it has a chance to contribute significantly.

Board Presence in Midrange Decks

In midrange decks that aim for a balanced board presence, Goblin Warchief's value is more situational. Its ability to give goblins haste and reduce casting costs for red spells is beneficial when paired with other aggressive creatures like Monastery Swiftspear, but its impact is limited compared to more versatile creatures or cards with more substantial effects.

Goblin Warchief has been a staple in many decks since its introduction in the original Dominaria set. As an Uncommon 2/2 creature with haste, it provides a solid presence on the battlefield and an advantage to Goblin players through its ability to reduce the cost of casting Goblin spells.

In terms of printings, Goblin Warchief has appeared in the following sets: Original Dominaria (DD1), Revised Edition (REB), and Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DDG). It's worth noting that it was also reprinted in the 2013 Masterpiece Series: Dominaria Masters set.

EDHREC data shows Goblin Warchief as a common inclusion in Goblin-based EDH decks, with 13% of all Goblin EDH decks featuring this card. It often finds its way into combo and aggressive decks alongside Goblin Piledriver and Searing Blaze, taking advantage of its haste ability to quickly attack opponents.

Iconic decks that have showcased Goblin Warchief's potential include the infamous "Mono Red Burn" archetype, which leverages the creature's speed and Goblin cost reduction to rapidly generate card advantage. The deck's aggressive strategy relies on Goblin Guide and Searing Blaze to quickly burn down life totals while Goblin Warchief provides a flexible and formidable attacking presence.

In competitive Magic tournaments, Goblin Warchief has seen play in various formats over the years. While it may not be as dominant as some of its more powerful counterparts, its ability to provide card advantage and accelerate aggression makes it a staple in many aggressive decks.

In the scorching deserts of the Rakdos-affiliated region, a peculiar tribe of goblins has risen to prominence. These Red-handed warriors are led by their Warchief, a battle-hardened veteran with a taste for chaos and a talent for strategy. The Goblin Warchief's presence on the battlefield is a harbinger of doom for its enemies, as it inspires its comrades to fight with reckless abandon.

The Goblin Warchief's influence extends beyond mere combat prowess; its very existence seems to imbue nearby goblins with a sense of urgency and haste. When this creature is on the field, Burning Hands and other Red spells become even more formidable tools in the Goblin player's arsenal. By reducing the cost of these spells by a single mana, the Warchief enables its allies to unleash devastating volleys with increased frequency.

In terms of combat statistics, the Goblin Warchief is no slouch, boasting 2/2 power and toughness. However, it's not about brute strength; this creature excels at supporting its comrades and amplifying their abilities. In a game where Demonic Consultation can already create chaos on the board, the Goblin Warchief proves to be an invaluable addition to any Red-based deck seeking to maximize damage output.

The presence of the Goblin Warchief in a deck hints at a more aggressive, Red-heavy strategy that leverages low-cost spells and hasty creatures to overwhelm opponents. It's a testament to the versatility of Rakdos as a color, where seemingly disparate elements like chaos magic and goblinoid ferocity can coalesce into a cohesive whole.