Kor Bladewhirl MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Kor Soldier Ally
Abilities Rally
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Kor Bladewhirl excels in ally synergistic decks, boosting combat capabilities via rally abilities.
  2. Despite its strengths, deck building restrictions may limit its play due to specific mana needs.
  3. The card’s adaptability makes it a competitive choice for any collection aiming for meta relevance.

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.


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.


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.

Thalia's Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Lantern Scout - MTG Card versions
Mighty Leap - MTG Card versions
Thalia's Lieutenant - Shadows over Innistrad Promos (PSOI)
Lantern Scout - Battle for Zendikar Promos (PBFZ)
Mighty Leap - Magic 2011 (M11)

Cards similar to Kor Bladewhirl by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
Soul Shepherd - Weatherlight (WTH)
Soltari Monk - Tempest (TMP)
Talon Sliver - Tempest (TMP)
Keeper of the Light - Exodus (EXO)
Faith Healer - Urza's Saga (USG)
Angelic Page - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Avenger en-Dal - Nemesis (NEM)
Spirit Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Voice of the Blessed - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Stoneforge Mystic - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Drannith Magistrate - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Leonin Lightscribe - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silver Knight - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Longbow Archer - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Flumph - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Cloudreach Cavalry - Legions (LGN)
Samite Healer - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Kor Firewalker - Mystery Booster (MB1)

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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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.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 342015normalblackSteven Belledin
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 1512015normalblackSteven Belledin
32020-09-26The ListPLST BFZ-342015normalblackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kor Bladewhirl has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

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.

DateText
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.

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