Swarming GoblinsHow it works & interactions with other cards

Rolling the Die

When Swarming Goblins enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. You do not roll the d20 until the ability resolves. Once it resolves, you roll a single twenty-sided die (d20) and check the result against the three possible outcomes listed on the card. This determines exactly how many 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens are created.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, the Swarming Goblins spell resolves and the creature enters the battlefield. This triggers its 'enters' ability. Second, players have a chance to respond with instants or abilities. Third, as the ability resolves, you roll the d20. Finally, you create one, two, or three tokens simultaneously based on the result. If an effect modifies how many tokens you create, it applies to the specific number determined by your roll.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is thinking you can wait to see the roll result before deciding to counter the creature or the ability. Once the die is rolled, the ability is already resolving and it is too late for players to take actions. Another mistake is forgetting that the tokens are also Goblins, which can trigger other abilities that care about that specific creature type entering the battlefield.

When to Play It

This card is best utilized in decks that benefit from having a high volume of creatures or specifically Goblin-themed synergies. Because it provides multiple bodies for a single card, it is excellent for 'go-wide' strategies or as fuel for sacrifice costs. It also pairs exceptionally well with cards that allow you to roll multiple dice or trigger 'enters-the-battlefield' abilities multiple times.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Horde

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield and chose 'Goblin' as its type, Swarming Goblins will trigger twice when it enters. You will roll a d20 for the first trigger and create the resulting tokens, then roll another d20 for the second trigger and create those tokens. This could result in up to six Goblin tokens total!

Standard Value Play

Goblin

When Swarming Goblins enters, you roll a 15. The '10-19' bracket applies, so you place two 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens onto the battlefield. You now have a total of three creatures (the original 4/3 and two 1/1 tokens) for the price of one card.

Sequencing Enters-the-Battlefield Abilities

Solemn Simulacrum

If you cast both creatures in the same turn, they do not interact directly, but they represent a 'mid-range' curve. Solemn Simulacrum helps you reach the five mana needed for Swarming Goblins while thinning your deck, ensuring you have the resources to support your growing army of tokens.