Key cards
The pieces that decide the matchup
Cards from each archetype that disproportionately determine the outcome. The full key-card lists live on each archetype primer.
Sideboard plan
How each side sideboards
Goblins keeps its tribal density high so [Goblin Ringleader](/cards/goblin-ringleader/) rebuilds through [Pernicious Deed](/cards/pernicious-deed/), trimming a slow [Siege-Gang Commander](/cards/siege-gang-commander/) and leaning on [Wasteland](/cards/wasteland/) against the painland mana base; [Goblin Tinkerer](/cards/goblin-tinkerer/) or [Naturalize](/cards/naturalize/) answer a stuck Deed in the green builds. The Rock brings [Engineered Plague](/cards/engineered-plague/) naming Goblin — backbreaking against the two-toughness creatures — plus extra removal and [Ravenous Baloth](/cards/ravenous-baloth/), cutting expensive threats to survive the early board.
Sideboard mentions
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