Kor Bladewhirl MTG Card
2015-10-02 - Number 34
2019-11-07 - Number 151
2020-09-26 - Number BFZ-34
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Kor Soldier Ally |
| Abilities | Rally |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Rally — Whenever Kor Bladewhirl or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, creatures you control gain first strike until end of turn.
The high-pitched whirl of a hook is the only battle cry she needs.
Cards like Kor Bladewhirl
Kor Bladewhirl stands out in its class as a card that impacts the board the moment it steps onto the battlefield. This swift ally joins the ranks of creatures in Magic: The Gathering that offer the tactical advantage of First Strike to your other creatures the turn it’s played. Its similarity to Thalia’s Lieutenant, which also buffs creatures upon entering the battlefield, is evident, though Thalia’s Lieutenant shines in Human-centric decks.
Comparing it to another ally, Lantern Scout, reveals a differing approach to team support. While Kor Bladewhirl equips your team with First Strike for preemptive defense, Lantern Scout offers a lifeline through its lifelink ability. And if you’re looking at instant combat tricks, the instant-speed spell, Mighty Leap, shares the idea of a sudden advantage during combat, granting flying rather than First Strike.
Considering the broader spectrum of MTG cards, Kor Bladewhirl holds its own as a reliable card in an aggressive strategy. Its unique offering of a temporary, but often crucial, combat advantage can be a pivotal point in swiftly tilting the scales in a player’s favor, much like the other cards mentioned that strengthen your board in distinct ways.
Cards similar to Kor Bladewhirl by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Kor Bladewhirl itself may not directly allow you to draw cards, its first strike ability can help you clear opposing creatures without losing your own, indirectly maintaining your board presence and saving your resources.
Resource Acceleration: Kor Bladewhirl’s synergy with other Ally creatures can lead to substantial gains in board advantage. Each ally entering the battlefield triggers rally abilities, which can act as a resource acceleration by strengthening your position and saving you from having to cast spells to achieve the same effect.
Instant Speed: The ability to give your creatures first strike at instant speed via various support cards means Kor Bladewhirl can surprise opponents during combat, potentially swinging the tide in your favor without the need for a spell casting window, thus empowering your tactical flexibility during the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One potential downside of Kor Bladewhirl is that players might find themselves needing an additional card to synergize or activate its abilities. This could lead to a situation where they are forced to discard useful cards just to make the most of Kor Bladewhirl’s potential on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Kor Bladewhirl requires a precise combination of mana to cast – specifically white mana. This requirement could restrict its inclusion primarily to white or two-color decks, reducing its versatility across the diverse array of constructed decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Kor Bladewhirl’s abilities may be beneficial, its mana cost might be considered prohibitive in faster-paced games. Players might opt for lower-cost creatures that allow for a quicker buildup or more immediate board presence, which could be a critical factor in competitive play.
Reasons to Include Kor Bladewhirl in Your Collection
Versatility: Kor Bladewhirl’s first strike ability ensures it is a formidable addition to a variety of white-based aggro or midrange decks. Its ability can give you an early advantage on the battlefield, making it a flexible choice in your deck-building endeavors.
Combo Potential: The rally ability of Kor Bladewhirl can synergize well with other allies, enhancing their capabilities and allowing for powerful combinations. Its potential to grant multiple creatures first strike on entry can turn the tide of combat in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: With the ever-changing nature of the MTG landscape, having a card that can adapt to aggressive strategies could be crucial. Kor Bladewhirl holds its ground in a meta that favors quick, impactful plays, making it a savvy pick for your collection.
How to beat Kor Bladewhirl
Kor Bladewhirl is a notable creature card that brings a tactical edge to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. With first strike during your turn, this card can swing battles in your favor by ensuring your creatures damage first. Defeating a Kor Bladewhirl requires a strategic approach. Removal spells that bypass the first strike ability, such as “Murder,” instantly dispatch it before it can become a nuisance. Additionally, sweepers like “Wrath of God” can clear the board regardless of combat advantages.
Control decks that limit creature-based strategies can also be effective by countering Kor Bladewhirl before it hits the field or by removing it with spot removal spells such as “Path to Exile.” In a pinch, overwhelming the card with multiple creatures can dilute its combat presence, making the first strike less of a threat. Utilizing cards with deathtouch or setting up a defensive front with high-toughness blockers can negate the first strike advantage as well.
Understanding your deck’s interaction with Kor Bladewhirl is key. Use your resources wisely, and remember that sometimes the best strategy is to handle it directly before it can affect the board state too much.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kor Bladewhirl MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar and Mystery Booster, 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 Kor Bladewhirl and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Kor Bladewhirl Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-10-02 | Battle for Zendikar | BFZ | 34 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 151 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | BFZ-34 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kor Bladewhirl has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kor Bladewhirl card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-08-25 | If a creature with a rally ability enters the battlefield under your control at the same time as other Allies, that ability will trigger once for each of those creatures and once for the creature with the ability itself. |
| 2015-08-25 | When an Ally enters the battlefield under your control, each rally ability of the permanents you control will trigger. You can put them on the stack in any order. The last ability you put on the stack will be the first one to resolve. |