Bullwhip MTG Card

Bullwhip allows creature control by forcing combat, pivotal for gaining an upper hand. Instant speed usage of Bullwhip offers tactical flexibility, disrupting opponent strategies. Despite its utility, Bullwhip’s cost and card discard requirement may limit its play.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact
Released	1998-03-02
Set symbol
Set name	Stronghold
Set code	STH
Number	132
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Brom

Text of card

, oc T: Bullwhip deals 1 damage to target creature. That creature attacks this turn if able.

"Pain is a crude way to enforce obedience, but it is cheap and plentiful." —Volrath

Cards like Bullwhip

Bullwhip is an intriguing artifact card with a unique position in the Magic: The Gathering gameplay experience. It allows players to ping creatures for a minor amount of damage and compel them into combat. This card is somewhat reminiscent of cards such as Throwing Knife, which also provides the ability to damage a creature. However, Bullwhip’s utility extends beyond simply dealing damage, as the forced attack can disrupt an opponent’s strategy significantly.

Analogous to Bullwhip, AEther Sting shares a similar disruptiveness by imposing damage upon the casting of creature spells. While it doesn’t force creatures to attack, it does pose a constant threat to opponents. Then we have Goblin Diplomats, a more direct comparison, which also forces creatures to attack each turn if chosen. Even though it doesn’t deal damage directly like Bullwhip, the diplomat’s ability can provoke unfavorable attacks for your adversary.

Considering the strategic advantages and potential for interference in opponents’ battle plans, Bullwhip holds a specialized role. It is not just about applying damage; it’s about controlling the tempo and flow of combat within the game, which can be pivotal to victory.

Cards similar to Bullwhip by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bullwhip gives players the leverage to control the battlefield by forcing creatures to engage in combat. This subtle yet effective mechanism can tip the scales by dealing with potential threats before they accumulate or by disrupting opponent’s strategies, creating openings for gaining card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Bullwhip doesn’t directly increase your mana pool, but it can accelerate your game plan by removing blockers or potential threats. This allows you to press the advantage with your own creatures, potentially clearing the way for successful attacks and faster victories.

Instant Speed: The ability to use Bullwhip at instant speed grants players flexibility, enabling reactive plays to surprise opponents. Engaging a creature in unexpected combat or thwarting an opponent’s combat plans can pivot the game in your favor, all done on their turn without sacrificing your own tempo.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bullwhip necessitates that you toss away another card to deploy it. This can set you back, particularly when your hand is already running thin on spells or you are endeavoring to maintain a healthy card advantage over your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: With a cost that demands both generic and red mana, Bullwhip can be restrictive and not as versatile for inclusion in multicolored deck strategies. This makes it less desirable for decks seeking to maintain a flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment to cast Bullwhip is not insubstantial. Despite its potential to control creatures, the initial four mana could be a hefty price, especially when faster or more impactful board control options might be available for the same, or even less, mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bullwhip offers flexibility to your deck with its capability to disrupt opponent creatures. Whether you need to remove blockers or attackers, this artifact can adapt to various in-game situations, making it a strategic addition to any deck.

Combo Potential: Integrating Bullwhip into your arsenal enhances the synergy with cards that benefit from tapping or untapping creatures. It can set up or disrupt combos, proving its proficiency in a wide array of strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the evolving meta, having Bullwhip in your collection can offer you an edge. Its potential to control combat and manipulate creature states is invaluable against decks that rely heavily on creature-based strategies.

How to beat

Bullwhip is a unique artifact card that brings a mix of control and aggression to the table in Magic: The Gathering. To effectively counter the Bullwhip’s impact, one must focus on strategic removals or incorporate anti-artifact measures. Bringing in removal spells like Naturalize or cards with the ability to shatter artifacts such as Disenchant can be a gamechanger. When you’re up against Bullwhip, it’s important to stay a step ahead by keeping removals at the ready, minimizing the chance for your opponent to gain the upper hand with its tap ability.

Building a deck that is resilient to tapping strategies will also prove beneficial. Incorporating creatures with hexproof or shroud can eliminate the Bullwhip’s potential targets, thus negating its board influence. Understanding when to expect such artifacts in play, especially in formats where Bullwhip is prevalent, allows a player to maintain enough mana for instant-speed responses. Efficient deck management ensures artifacts like Bullwhip become less daunting and more of a minor inconvenience.

In essence, overcoming Bullwhip in MTG is about preparedness and prompt action. Keeping artifact removal and hexproof-shrouded creatures in your strategy can shield you from the whip’s crack and lead you to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bullwhip MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold, 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 Bullwhip and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bullwhip 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 Bullwhip card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2004-10-04	If the creature can attack, it must. If it cannot, then nothing happens.