Kraul Whipcracker MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 364
2024-02-09 - Number 213†
2024-02-09 - Number 213
2024-02-09 - Number 425
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Insect Assassin |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Reach When Kraul Whipcracker enters the battlefield, destroy target token an opponent controls.
DO NOT APPROACH. STAY A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY, AND THEN TAKE FIVE MORE STEPS BACK.
Cards like Kraul Whipcracker
Kraul Whipcracker offers an aggressive edge to decks in Magic: The Gathering, akin to other creatures with haste like Ahn-Crop Crasher. Both cards allow players to assert immediate pressure on opponents, but the Kraul Whipcracker also bolsters your attacking insects, adding tactical versatility. Ahn-Crop Crasher, meanwhile, can disrupt defensive lines by negating potential blockers.
Another peer in this sphere is Goblin Motivator, which, similar to the Whipcracker, enables other creatures to swing into the fray without delay. The distinction lies in the Motivator’s ability to target any creature, not just insects. However, it lacks the repeatable triggering mechanism that the Whipcracker wields. Legion Loyalist is also worth mentioning, as its battalion effect not only grants haste but also offers additional combat benefits, though it doesn’t have the Whipcracker’s insect synergy.
Assessing this melee of quick-strike options in the game, Kraul Whipcracker stands out within its niche of insect tribal decks. It harnesses both the immediate impact afforded by haste and the steady enhancement of insect creatures, carving a unique functional space in the MTG creature landscape.
Cards similar to Kraul Whipcracker by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Kraul Whipcracker. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | 86#CS | |
 | Golgari Midrange | Standard | Golgari Midrange | Japan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Kraul Whipcracker enters the battlefield, its ability to potentially discard and draw a card can provide a significant edge. It’s a strategic way to filter through your deck and maintain card flow, increasing the chances of getting the right resources when you need them.
Resource Acceleration: Kraul Whipcracker can be an asset for decks looking to ramp up their resources quickly. By discarding a land card, you not only refine your hand but also trigger land-based abilities or graveyard synergies, which can accelerate your game plan and lead to explosive turns.
Instant Speed: Although Kraul Whipcracker is a creature, it synergizes well with cards that operate at instant speed. This ensures your flexibility isn’t hindered; you can play responsive spells on your opponent’s turn and summon Kraul Whipcracker when it’s most tactically favorable for you, keeping your adversaries guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Kraul Whipcracker comes with a discard condition that can be quite restrictive, especially in the late game when your hand might be nearly empty. Discarding a valuable card from your hand is not always an optimal play, reducing your options and potentially hindering your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Kraul Whipcracker includes both black and green, demanding a commitment to a Golgari deck or at least a mana base that can reliably produce both colors. This can be a challenge for players who prefer to run mono-colored decks or those without the necessary mana-fixing to support a multicolored deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes two colored mana and two generic, Kraul Whipcracker’s cost is on the higher end for its effect. When you consider the pace of some formats, there are often more mana-efficient creatures or spells that could take its place in a deck.
Reasons to Include Kraul Whipcracker in Your Collection
Versatility: Kraul Whipcracker offers a unique blend of abilities, making it a solid addition to any deck that focuses on creature strategies or need an aggressive early play.
Combo Potential: With its ability to dish out extra damage when coupled with combat tricks or abilities that increase its power, Kraul Whipcracker works well in synergistic builds that aim to close games quickly.
Meta-Relevance: As the playing field constantly evolves, having a card like Kraul Whipcracker can be a real asset against decks that rely on early-game board presence, as it can shift the balance in your favor early on.
How to beat
Kraul Whipcracker is a formidable force in Magic: The Gathering, known for its prowess in combo decks and aggressive strategies. When faced with this hard-hitting creature, consider adjusting your strategy to take it down swiftly. Incorporating removal spells in your deck can provide the answer to creatures like Kraul Whipcracker. Instant removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be pivotal in handling it before it spirals out of control. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation also clear the field effectively, countering the momentum built by creatures like the Whipcracker.
If you are on a control setup, countering the Whipcracker with a card like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto can prevent it from entering the battlefield entirely. Alternatively, you can use creature-based strategies; blockers with deathtouch, for example, are a cost-efficient way to eliminate Kraul Whipcracker without having to invest multiple cards into its removal. However, if Kraul Whipcracker is already enhancing other creatures, prioritize eliminating those buffed creatures or the Whipcracker itself to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
Planning ahead and maintaining a balance of removal spells, counters, and strategic creature placement in your game plan can ensure that Kraul Whipcracker doesn’t whip your deck into submission. In the dynamic environment of Magic: The Gathering, adaptability is key to claiming victory over potent threats like Kraul Whipcracker.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kraul Whipcracker MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Kraul Whipcracker 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
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Printings
The Kraul Whipcracker Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 364 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Robert Hovey | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 213† | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
| 3 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 213 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
| 4 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 425 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kraul Whipcracker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |