What it does
Goad forces a creature to attack during its controller's next combat, and it must attack a player other than you if able. You're essentially turning an opponent's creature into a weapon against the rest of the table while protecting yourself.
The most common misunderstanding: goad doesn't force the creature to attack you—it forces it to attack someone other than the goader. If you're the only opponent available, then it'll come at you, but in multiplayer it gets redirected elsewhere. Also, goad only compels the creature to attack "if able," so tappers, summoning sickness, or defensive abilities can keep it home. Goad doesn't stop the controller from blocking with it, and the effect only lasts through one combat.
In Commander, goad shines in group politics—you weaponize big threats against your rivals, slow down the board, and stay out of the crossfire while opponents trade resources.
Iconic cards with Goad
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