Brute Strength, card #35 from the 2017 Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins set. This Instant card empowers creatures with significant combat bonuses.
2017 • Magic: The Gathering • Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.14 | Guide Estimate | +7.7% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
Brute Strength serves as a powerful combat enhancer within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Released in 2017 as part of the Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins product line, this card is designated as card number 35 in the DDT set. As a Common rarity card, it is designed to be accessible to players while providing a reliable tactical option during gameplay. The card functions as an Instant with a mana cost of {1}{R}, allowing players to cast it quickly during their turn. Its primary effect targets a creature, granting it a +3/+1 boost to its power and toughness until the end of the turn. Additionally, it grants the Trample ability, which allows excess combat damage to pass through blocked creatures and hit the opposing player or planeswalker directly. This combination makes it a valuable tool for breaking through defensive lines or finishing off an opponent with low life totals. For collectors and players alike, Brute Strength represents a classic example of red mana's aggressive philosophy. The card's flavor text, "It's not the size of the rock. It's how badly you want to lift it," captures the spirit of overwhelming force that defines the color red in the game. The artwork for this card was created by Wayne Reynolds, whose distinctive style adds visual interest to the piece. In the context of the Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins series, this card offers a glimpse into the strategic depth of the Goblins faction. While the set pitted two distinct tribes against each other, cards like Brute Strength provide the raw power needed to support aggressive strategies. Collectors often seek out cards from this era to complete their sets or to build themed decks that reflect the competitive spirit of the original Duel Decks releases. The card remains a staple for those who appreciate efficient, high-impact spells in the TCG.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Brute Strength
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Wayne Reynolds
Card Stock
English
{1}{R}
Instant
R
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Target creature gets +3/+1 and gains trample until end of turn. (It can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.)
It's not the size of the rock. It's how badly you want to lift it.
FAQ
Brute Strength is an Instant card that targets a creature, giving it +3/+1 power and toughness and granting it the Trample ability until the end of the turn. This allows the creature to deal excess damage to the opponent even if it is blocked.
Brute Strength is card number 35 from the Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins set, which was released in 2017. It carries a Common rarity within this product line.
The artwork for Brute Strength was created by Wayne Reynolds. His illustration is featured on the card in the Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins release.
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