Let’s simplify the sometimes perplexing rules of Magic with a deep dive into the goad mechanic. We’ll walk you through this fantastic feature, clear up any common misconceptions, and explore its fascinating history.
First off, let’s define the goad mechanic. When a creature is “goaded,” it must attack a player other than the one who goaded it on their next combat step. This creates a thrilling dynamic where players can manipulate their opponents’ attacks and defenses.
Goad Summary
The Goad mechanic is an action keyword in Magic: The Gathering that impacts creatures. When a creature is goaded, it must attack a player other than the one who applied the goad, if able. That’s all there is to it. If you goad your opponent, their creatures are compelled to attack a player other than you, if possible.
What is Goad in MTG?
Goad is a fascinating keyword action that impacts creatures in Magic: The Gathering. If a creature is affected by goad, it must attack a player other than the one who applied goad, provided it’s able to do so. This simple yet powerful mechanic adds an exciting layer of strategy to gameplay.
While applying goad to your opponent’s creatures may sound straightforward, the “if able” scenarios can sometimes create confusion. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We’ll delve into these situations in just a moment.
Goad was first introduced in the Conspiracy: Take the Crown set in 2016, a supplemental set featuring other political intrigue and shifting alliances. The mechanic fit perfectly with the theme, forcing players to consider their targets and outmaneuver their opponents carefully.
Since then, goad has only made a couple of appearances, mostly in Commander supplementary sets. The most recent appearance was in Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate, where it was featured on 14 cards. It’s clear that WotC has intentionally kept goad out of mainstream cards, likely reserving it for niche sets and Commander cards.
There are 15 cards with the goad keyword, and they’re not limited to any particular color. While most goad cards are found in red and blue, goad has also shown up in each of Magic’s five colors. There’s even an artifact card that features goad.
In terms of flavor, goad does seem to fit well with the emotional taunting connotations of the color red. However, goad’s strategic element also makes it a good fit for blue, which often focuses on controlling opponents and manipulating the battlefield. Ultimately, goad is a versatile mechanic that can fit in well with a variety of playstyles and color combinations.
Nuances of Goad
When a creature is goaded in Magic: The Gathering, it must attack a player other than the one who applied the goad effect, if able. This means that, under normal circumstances, a goaded creature cannot attack a planeswalker, as it’s not a player. However, if the creature is unable to attack a player for some reason, such as being blocked by other creatures, it could then attack a planeswalker to meet its “must attack” requirement.
What if there are Multiple Instances of Goad?
Multiple instances of goad from the same player don’t have any additional effect. However, if multiple players goad the same creature, the effect is cumulative, and the goaded creature cannot attack those players.
How Does Propaganda Affect Goad?
If a creature affected by a Propaganda-type card is goaded, the player doesn’t have to pay the cost for the creature to attack. Propaganda prevents creatures from attacking unless a cost is paid, but since goad forces the creature to attack, the player can choose not to pay the cost, which means the creature cannot attack.
How Does Disrupt Decorum Impact Goad?
Only creatures that were on the battlefield when Disrupt Decorum was cast are affected by goad. Any creatures that enter the battlefield after Disrupt Decorum has resolved will not be affected by goad.
Goad Combos
Since goad is a specific and uncommon mechanic in Magic: The Gathering, few great combos utilize it. Goad is mostly relevant in multiplayer games, where players can manipulate their opponents’ attacks and defenses. However, there are still a few interesting and even cruel combos that can be used with goad.
One example is using Bedlam in an aggressive-style goad Commander deck. You can goad other players and creatures that can’t be blocked, creating mayhem on the battlefield and finishing off the last player standing.
Another cruel combo involves using Tainted Strike. You can force your opponents to attack each other with goad and then pump an unblocked creature with infect and other effects to finish them off. This will quickly make you the favorite player at the table.
It would also be interesting to goad players and give them Karona, False God, which can switch allegiances and cause chaos on the battlefield.
Other cards that could be effective with goad include Goblin War Drums, Caterwauling Boggart, Berserk, Lightmine Field, Aetherize, Aetherspouts, and Powerstone Minefield.
If you want to build a goad-focused Commander deck, Marisi and Tahngarth are great starting points. So go ahead and experiment with goad to create unique and exciting gameplay experiences!
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on our breakdown of the goad mechanic in Magic: The Gathering! While it’s not a very common keyword, it does add an exciting layer of strategy to gameplay. And who knows, there might be a goad lover out there who can’t get enough of it!
FAQ
Q: Can a Creature That’s Goaded Attack a Planeswalker?
A: Not usually. A goaded creature must attack a player other than the player that goaded it. But if it can’t attack an appropriate player for some reason, it could then attack a planeswalker to at least meet its “must attack” requirement.
Q: Do Multiple Instances of Goad Have an Additional Effect?
A: Not from the same player. But if multiple players goad the same creature, then the effect is cumulative and those players can’t be attacked.
Q: If a Creature Is Affected by a Propaganda-Type Card, Does a Goaded Player Have to Pay the Cost for Its Creature to Attack?
A: No, the player isn’t required to pay that affect. Since Propaganda prevents creatures from attacking unless a cost is paid, the player can choose not to pay it, which means the creature can’t attack.
Q: Would a Creature That Comes Into the Battlefield After Disrupt Decorum Was Cast Be Affected by Goad?
A: No, only creatures that were on the battlefield when Disrupt Decorum was cast are affected by goad.
Q: What Colors are Goad Cards Focused on?
A: There are 15 cards with the goad keyword. The majority of them are in red and blue, but it has showed up in each of Magic’s five colors. There’s even an artifact with goad. Goad’s flavor does feel red to me, though, mostly because of the emotional taunting connotations of goading someone or something.
