Goblin WizardryHow it works & interactions with other cards

Making Magic with Goblins

When you cast Goblin Wizardry, you create two 1/1 red Goblin Wizard creature tokens. These tokens have Prowess, an ability that triggers whenever you cast a noncreature spell. Because Goblin Wizardry itself is an instant, it can be played on your opponent's turn to provide unexpected blockers that can scale in power if you follow up with more instant-speed magic.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you pay the mana cost of {3}{R} and place Goblin Wizardry on the stack. Once both players pass priority, the spell resolves, and two 1/1 red Goblin Wizard tokens enter the battlefield simultaneously. Note that since Goblin Wizardry is the spell creating the tokens, the tokens are not on the battlefield yet when you cast it; therefore, they do not receive a Prowess bonus from the casting of Goblin Wizardry itself.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming these tokens are just 'Goblins.' As the official rulings clarify, their name is 'Goblin Wizard Token' and they possess both the Goblin and Wizard creature types. Another error is forgetting that Prowess triggers on the cast, not the resolution. If your tokens are on the field and you cast another noncreature spell, they get +1/+1 even if that second spell is countered.

Strategic Timing

The best time to play this card is during the end step of your opponent's turn or during their combat phase. By creating blockers at instant speed, you can catch opponents off guard. If you have extra mana, you can cast additional noncreature spells immediately after the tokens are created to pump their stats and survive combat trades.

Interaction examples

Protecting Your Assets

Deflecting Swat

If you have your commander out, you can cast Goblin Wizardry to create two tokens. If an opponent tries to target one with a removal spell, you can cast Deflecting Swat for free. This will trigger the Prowess ability on both Goblin Wizard tokens, making them 2/2s, while you simultaneously redirect the threat elsewhere.

Unexpected Power Boost

Chaos Warp

After creating your tokens with Goblin Wizardry, they are ready to benefit from Prowess. If an opponent attacks into your 1/1s, you can cast Chaos Warp to remove a dangerous permanent. This triggers Prowess, turning your 1/1 Goblins into 2/2s before blockers are declared, potentially allowing them to survive the exchange.

Token Identity

Goblin Wizard

When Goblin Wizardry resolves, the Goblin Wizard tokens it creates are distinct from the card named Goblin Wizard. While they share creature types, the tokens specifically have the Prowess ability printed on them, whereas the original card has different activated abilities. Always track which is which on the battlefield!