Introduced in Conspiracy: Take the Crown, goad is a keyword that forces creatures to attack. It's a way for players to force combat in multiplayer formats such as Commander, usually creating unfavorable attacks for opponents. 

What is Goad?

Goad is a keyword that forces a creature to attack, ideally someone other than you, and was designed for multiplayer Commander. Since its introduction, goad is now an evergreen keyword for multiplayer formats but, there are no plans to use goad in non-multiplayer sets. 

How Does Goad Work? 

Goad causes a creature to become goaded until a player's next turn. A creature that is goaded has to attack a player other than you if it can. For example with Insufferable Balladeer, you goad a creature target player controls along with the creature being unable to block that turn. The controller of a goaded creature chooses who the creature attacks, but it has to attack that turn. Summoning sickness still applies to goad, and would require the goaded creature to have haste for it to attack the same turn it entered play. 

How to Play With Goad

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when playing with goad: 

  • If a goaded creature is tapped, it cannot attack.
  • If a goaded creature has defender, it still cannot attack.
  • A goaded creature remains goaded until your next turn.
  • If there is a cost to attack with a goaded creature, the creature's controller does not have to pay the cost. If they don't, the creature doesn't have to attack. 
  • Goad is a designation a permanent can have. Goaded creatures are forced to attack and attack a player other than the player that caused it to be goaded. 

Check out all the cards with goad if you want to add any to your deck!