Goblin BurrowsHow it works & interactions with other cards

How it Works

Goblin Burrows has two distinct activated abilities. The first is a standard mana ability that taps for one colorless mana ({C}). The second is a combat-focused ability costing {1}{R} and tapping the land itself. This second ability specifically targets a creature with the 'Goblin' creature type, granting it a +2/+0 power boost until the end of the current turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

To use the buff, first ensure you have a valid target: a creature currently on the battlefield with the Goblin subtype. You pay the cost of one generic mana and one red mana, then tap Goblin Burrows. Once the ability resolves, the target gains +2 power. If the target leaves the battlefield or loses the Goblin subtype in response to the activation, the ability will fail to resolve and no bonus is granted.

Strategic Timing

Because this is an activated ability and not a sorcery, you can use it at any time you have priority. The most common time to activate it is during the Declare Blockers step after your opponent has chosen not to block a specific Goblin, or to help a Goblin survive a trade by dealing lethal damage to a blocker first. Remember that because the ability requires tapping the land, you cannot use that same land for mana in the same turn you use the buff.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to target a creature that isn't a Goblin, such as a generic Warrior or a Changeling that has lost its abilities. Additionally, players often forget that the bonus is only for power (+2/+0); it does not increase toughness, so your Goblin remains just as easy to kill with damage or effects like Disfigure.

Interaction examples

Fueling the Burrows

Command Tower

If you have Command Tower on the battlefield and your Commander is red, you can tap Command Tower for {R} and use one other land for {1} to pay the activation cost of Goblin Burrows. This allows you to buff a Goblin creature while still having Goblin Burrows available to tap for its own activation cost.

Managing Color Requirements

Exotic Orchard

If an opponent controls a Mountain, your Exotic Orchard can produce the {R} needed for the Goblin Burrows ability. You would tap the Exotic Orchard for {R}, spend one mana from another source, and tap Goblin Burrows to target a Goblin. This demonstrates how utility lands work together to manage specific color requirements for non-mana abilities.