Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle MTG Card


Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle - Unstable
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Released2017-12-08
Set symbol
Set nameUnstable
Set codeUST
Number141
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Bordersilver
Illustred byMark A. Nelson
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. Card advantage is significant, as it allows you to draw whenever you summon a creature.
  2. Resource acceleration is enhanced with each trigger, granting various additional benefits.
  3. The instant speed activation offers tactical flexibility, letting you react adaptively to plays.

Text of card

As Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle enters the battlefield, you and an opponent each secretly choose Whack or Doodle. Then those choices are revealed. If the choices match, Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle has that ability. Otherwise, it has Buzz. • Whack — : Target player loses 2 life. • Doodle — : You gain 3 life. • Buzz — , : Draw a card.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle ensures that your hand stays filled with options. Drawing a card whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control keeps the momentum on your side, making each creature play more impactful.

Resource Acceleration: This card provides a unique form of resource acceleration. Whenever it triggers, not only do you get a card, but you also get an additional benefit that can vary depending on the creature played. This could range from mana ramp to life gain, effectively accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle’s effect at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions. Whether you’re disrupting their strategy or simply maximizing your mana usage efficiently, instant speed keeps you one step ahead.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle necessitates that a player discard one of their cards. This could potentially put the player at a significant disadvantage, particularly in a game’s later stages when every card in hand counts towards strategizing for victory.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise combination of mana to play, which can be challenging in multicolor decks. If the colors don’t align with your current mana base, it might sit uselessly in your hand until the appropriate lands are drawn.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a steeper mana investment than some other options in the same category, Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle might not be the optimal choice when efficiency is key. In many scenarios, the mana could be better spent on cards with immediate effect or those that contribute to a longer-term game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The uniqueness of Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle lends itself to diverse deck builds. Its quirky abilities can adapt to numerous play styles, enhancing both fun and competitive decks.

Combo Potential: As a card that can disrupt traditional strategies, Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle can work wonders in combo setups. It can be a surprise element that enables players to turn the tide of the game in unexpected ways.

Meta-Relevance: Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle might shine in a meta where unconventional plays throw off opponents. Its capability to create unforeseen scenarios ensures it remains a relevant choice in an ever-evolving battlefield.


How to beat

The Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle card presents players with a unique challenge in the world of MTG. Tackling it requires a blend of strategy, timing, and resource management. To outplay an opponent wielding this card, one effective method is to limit the triggers that activate its abilities. This often involves maintaining a minimal board presence, which in turn reduces the Whack-a-Doodle’s impact on the game.

Control decks excel in this situation since they can manage the game’s tempo and deal with threats as they arise. Utilizing spells that counteract the summoning of Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle or swiftly remove it from the battlefield are key tactics. Additionally, cards that allow you to bypass or neutralize your opponent’s creatures can be instrumental in gaining the upper hand against this card.

Moreover, incorporating graveyard manipulation strategies helps diminish the recurrence of Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle’s abilities, especially in formats where it might see resurgence from the graveyard. Assessing and deploying these strategies will bolster your defense and give you the winning edge against this eccentric yet formidable card.


Cards like Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle

The Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle is a unique creature in the ever-evolving world of Magic: The Gathering. Reminiscent of the whimsical Norin the Wary, both cards have a quirky mechanism for temporarily avoiding danger. Norin, famed for his disappearing act in response to any spell or attack, shares a similar, albeit more hypersensitive evasion tactic when compared to our buzzing friend. Yet, Norin’s triggers happen more consistently, being virtually guaranteed on every turn, making his antics somewhat predictable.

Another card with a distinct ability is Fblthp, the Lost. It provides players with a draw upon its entrance or if it’s shuffled into a library from the battlefield, marking Fblthp’s way of capturing value in the face of chaos. Meanwhile, Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle’s offering is a blend of surprise and sustainability, often causing opponents to second-guess their strategies.

What makes Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle stand out is its atypical and unpredictable nature, offering a layer of excitement and bluffing to the game. The card finds its niche among players who relish controlling the board with a mix of whimsy and strategy. Though it may not be a mainstay in every deck, its presence signifies a player who loves an unconventional approach.

Norin the Wary - MTG Card versions
Fblthp, the Lost - MTG Card versions
Norin the Wary - Time Spiral (TSP)
Fblthp, the Lost - War of the Spark (WAR)

Cards similar to Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle by color, type and mana cost

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Bottled Cloister - Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)
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Scrapbasket - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Magnetic Mine - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)
Eye of Doom - Commander 2013 (C13)
Well of Lost Dreams - The List (PLST)
Coercive Portal - Conspiracy (CNS)
Aetherworks Marvel - Kaladesh Promos (PKLD)
Nevinyrral's Disk - Modern Horizons 2 Promos (PMH2)
Sword of the Paruns - Commander Anthology (CMA)
Grappling Hook - Commander 2017 (C17)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle MTG card by a specific set like Unstable, 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 Buzzing Whack-a-Doodle and other MTG cards:

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