Whipkeeper MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dwarf |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 228 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Key Takeaways
- Capitalize on advantage and creature control by effectively engaging Whipkeeper.
- Plan mana wisely; Whipkeeper can enhance your resource management.
- Leverage the instant speed of Whipkeeper to disrupt opponents’ plays.
Text of card
oc T: Whipkeeper deals damage to target creature equal to the damage already dealt to it this turn.
"If you don't hit your adversaries while they're down, they might get up again."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Whipkeeper is a utility player in MTG, capable of offering card advantage during crucial moments. Engaging Whipkeeper effectively can easily put you ahead, especially when combined with other synergistic cards that capitalize on creature control and manipulation.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly related to resource acceleration, Whipkeeper’s presence on the battlefield can indirectly influence your mana usage. Smart deployment can ensure you’re getting the most out of your lands each turn.
Instant Speed: One of Whipkeeper’s strengths lies in its ability to interact at instant speed, which provides a strategic edge. This characteristic allows for unexpected plays that can disrupt an opponent’s strategy, keep you nimble in response to threats, and twist the game to your favor at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Whipkeeper forces players to discard a card, a steep cost that can disrupt hand balance and strategy, especially when played early in the game where every card holds potential value for setting up plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Whipkeeper demands a precise combination of mana to play, which can be a hurdle in multicolor decks that may not always have the required colors readily available at the right moment, thus reducing its flexibility and delaying pivotal turns.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its cost, Whipkeeper might not provide an adequate return on investment when it comes to board impact, leaving players to question its value relative to other cards in the same mana range that could be more influential during a match.
Reasons to Include Whipkeeper in Your Collection
Versatility: Whipkeeper offers a unique function in multiple deck archetypes by allowing for creature control and repeatable effects that can be utilized both offensively and defensively.
Combo Potential: This card has the ability to combine with cards that benefit from tapping or untapping creatures, thereby harnessing synergies that can lead to powerful gameplay twists.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right circumstances within the MTG scene, Whipkeeper can become a strategic asset, especially in environments where maintaining creature dominance is crucial.
How to beat Whipkeeper
Whipkeeper, though not a headline-grabbing card in MTG, still poses a unique challenge due to its tapping ability. To effectively navigate against this creature, incorporating removal spells in your deck can be crucial. Direct removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile are perfect, as they can neutralize Whipkeeper before its ability becomes a nuisance. Additionally, utilizing counterspells like Cancel or Negate when Whipkeeper is cast can prevent it from entering the battlefield in the first place.
In a more creature-centric approach, swift and powerful creatures can outclass Whipkeeper in combat. These can thwart Whipkeeper’s potential influence by applying enough pressure and reducing its relevance. Moreover, evasion abilities such as flying or trample can prove invaluable, as Whipkeeper’s functionalities are limited to blocking ground creatures. By selecting an aggressive strategy or employing the right removal and counterspells, Whipkeeper can be managed effectively, helping you maintain control of the game
Finally, remember to adjust your game plan based on the specific environment and deck you are facing. Knowing when to hold back or go all out against potential threats like Whipkeeper will ensure you have the upper hand in your MTG matches.
Cards like Whipkeeper
Whipkeeper is an intriguing creature within the MTG universe, offering a blend of direct creature control and combat manipulation. Comparable cards include Icy Manipulator, which also grants the power to tap a target without engaging your own creatures. While Whipkeeper requires a creature presence on the field, Icy Manipulator is not contingent upon creature control, making it a more flexible choice.
Next in line for comparison is Opposition, a card that also allows tapping opponents’ creatures, yet this card is notable for its broader reach, able to target not just creatures but any artifact, creature, or land. This gives the player a larger canvas for control, though at the expense of maintaining a board presence to fuel its ability. In contrast, Whipkeeper demands only itself to exert control but is confined to creatures only, offering a more narrow yet cost-effective approach.
In summary, while evaluating similar utility cards in MTG, Whipkeeper offers a cost-efficient and creature-centric control that can positively influence the battlefield, making it a valued piece for players focused on maintaining combat dominance.
Cards similar to Whipkeeper by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Whipkeeper MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Whipkeeper and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Whipkeeper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Whipkeeper 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 regenerated during the turn, and thereby had all damage on it removed, the damage before it regenerated was still dealt that turn and will be counted. |
| 2004-10-04 | This counts all damage that was dealt during the turn. This does not include any damage that was prevented. |
