Arcum's Whistle MTG Card

Grants combat control, potentially leading to beneficial trades and advantageous board states in MTG. Instant speed usage can strategically disrupt enemy plays at pivotal moments during matches. Demands careful resource management, owing to the discard activation cost and specific mana requirements.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact
Released	1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Ice Age
Set code	ICE
Number	311
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Quinton Hoover

Text of card

o3,oc T: Target non-wall creature must attack. At end of turn, destroy that creature if it could not attack. Use this ability only during the creature's controller's turn before the attack. The creature's controller may counter this effect by paying X, where X is equal to the creature's casting cost. Arcum's Whistle does not affect creatures brought under their controller's control this turn.

Cards like Arcum's Whistle

Arcum’s Whistle is a unique artifact in Magic: The Gathering that provides its controller with a distinctive form of board control. When looking at other artifacts that influence the battlefield, Icy Manipulator emerges as a classic companion in this niche. Both cards have the power to affect combat, with Icy Manipulator’s ability to tap any target artifact, creature, or land, making it a flexible tool in a player’s arsenal. Unlike Arcum’s Whistle, which is more focused on deterring creature assaults by forcing attacks.

Contrasting with Icy Manipulator, Meekstone presents itself as another intriguing piece. It restricts the untapping of creatures with power 3 or greater during their controller’s untap steps, passively controlling the flow of the game. Meekstone’s passive control contrasts with Arcum’s Whistle’s active approach to managing potential threats on the board.

Each artifact has its realm where it shines, with Arcum’s Whistle slotting seamlessly into decks that aim to dictate combat phases and benefit from forcing opponents into unfavorable attacks. Its strategic value in player-directed manipulation of the field makes it a compelling choice for players looking to steer the course of engagement in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Arcum's Whistle by color, type and mana cost

Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions

Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions

Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcum’s Whistle enables you to manipulate creature combat to your benefit, potentially leading to favorable trades or board states that glean you advantage over time.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly adding to your mana pool, the strategic positioning that Arcum’s Whistle can enforce may expedite the process of eliminating opposing threats, clearing the way for your accelerated game plan.

Instant Speed: The ability to use Arcum’s Whistle at instant speed adds a layer of surprise and strategy to your game, allowing you to disrupt enemy attacks or defenses during critical phases of play.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arcum’s Whistle commands you to discard another card as part of its activation cost. This can set you back, especially if your hand is already stretched thin, hampering your overall strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Activating the abilities of Arcum’s Whistle involves a dedicated mana cost with a colorless and two white mana. This particular requirement can make it challenging to integrate into multicolored decks or those with a tight mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of three mana to bring it into play and additional two mana for each use, its activation can be costly when compared to other options. This high expense might not always equate to value, considering the alternatives available for controlling the field or protecting your creatures.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcum’s Whistle offers a unique ability to control creature combat, making it a flexible tool for decks needing defensive options or looking to manipulate the board.

Combo Potential: Its ability to force creatures to attack each turn can be paired with various cards that punish attacking creatures, orchestrating powerful and unexpected synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where aggressive creature strategies are prevalent, Arcum’s Whistle can serve as a tactical countermeasure, providing a persistent solution to recurring threats.

How to beat

Arcum’s Whistle can be an intriguing tool for control players in MTG, aimed at neutering opponent’s offensive threats by forcing their creatures to tap. This action shuffles aggro decks and disturbs combat preparations, in particular those that rely on untapped creatures to execute their game plan or activate specific effects.

To effectively counter Arcum’s Whistle, consider strategies that involve instant-speed responses that do not rely on attacking with creatures. Using direct damage spells or abilities that can target the whistle’s controller can pressure them into a defensive position. Similarly, employing creatures with haste or flash can mitigate the impact of forced tapping, enabling you to summon and attack with creatures outside of the normal combat phase. Artefact removal spells are valuable as well, as they allow you to destroy the whistle outright, minimizing its influence on the battlefield.

Considering these methods, overcoming Arcum’s Whistle requires flexibility in tactics. By diversifying your approach and anticipating your opponent’s reliance on such artefacts, you can maintain an edge and ensure your strategy unfolds with minimal hindrance.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcum's Whistle MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Arcum's Whistle and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcum's Whistle has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Arcum's Whistle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2013-09-20	If a turn has multiple combat phases, the ability can only be activated before the beginning of the declare attackers step of the first combat phase in that turn.