Goblin Matron is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
When this creature enters, you may search your library for a Goblin card, reveal that card, put it into your hand, then shuffle.
Complete guide
Goblin Matron is a cornerstone of any deck featuring red's favorite mischievous troublemakers. This tutor on a stick ensures you always have the right tool for the job by searching your library for any Goblin card. Whether you need a finisher or a utility piece, the Matron delivers exactly who you need to the front lines.
Finding Your Family
When Goblin Matron enters the battlefield, her triggered ability goes on the stack. You search your library for a card that specifically has the 'Goblin' subtype on its type line. Once you find the card, you must reveal it to all players to prove it matches the criteria, put it into your hand, and then shuffle your library.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, the Matron enters the battlefield, and the 'enters' ability triggers. Second, as the ability resolves, you choose whether or not to search your library. Third, if you search, you look for a card with the Goblin subtype. Fourth, you reveal the chosen card. Fifth, the card moves to your hand. Finally, you shuffle your library regardless of whether you found a card or chose not to find one.
Subtypes and Search Rules
A common mistake is trying to find cards that mention Goblins but are not Goblins themselves. The search only looks for the word 'Goblin' on the type line of the card. Additionally, because the search specifies a card with a specific requirement, you are legally allowed to 'fail to find' a card even if one exists in your library. You still shuffle your library in this scenario.
Strategic Timing
Play Goblin Matron when you need to bridge the gap between your early game and your win condition. Since she provides card advantage immediately upon entering, she is an excellent target for 'blink' effects or recursion, allowing you to chain multiple searches together over several turns.
Interaction examples
Roaming ThroneIf you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Goblin' as it entered, Goblin Matron's ability will trigger twice when she enters. This allows you to search for two different Goblin cards, revealing each and putting both into your hand before shuffling.
Solemn SimulacrumWhile both creatures have 'enters' triggers that search your library, they serve different roles. Solemn Simulacrum ramps you by putting a basic land directly onto the battlefield, whereas Goblin Matron provides card selection by putting a specific creature type into your hand to be cast later.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Goblin Matron
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect refers to a “[subtype] spell” or “[subtype] card,” it refers only to a spell or card that has that subtype. For example, Goblin War Party is a card that references and creates Goblins, but it isn't a Goblin card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Because the “search” requires you to find a card with certain characteristics, you don't have to find the card if you don't want to.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Goblin Matron
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.