Whipgrass Entangler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Cleric |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 26 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ben Thompson |
Text of card
: Until end of turn, target creature gains "This creature can't attack or block unless its controller pays for each Cleric in play. (This cost is paid as attackers or blockers are declared.)"
"Now that I have your attention, perhaps I can tell you of the Order."
Cards like Whipgrass Entangler
Whipgrass Entangler is an intriguing utility creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its most obvious comparison is with cards like Veteran Armorer and Court Street Denizen that influence the battlefield in unique ways. Veteran Armorer strengthens other creatures by bolstering their toughness, while Whipgrass Entangler uses its ability to control combat dynamics, skewing the outcome of battles by dictating blockers. Yet, unlike the proactive defense boost from the Armorer, the Entangler requires mana investment to activate its ability.
Another relative in terms of board impact is Deftblade Elite. Both cards share a tactical advantage, with Deftblade Elite also offering control over combat by provoking specific blockers. However, while Deftblade Elite focuses on a more aggressive strategy by pinpointing an individual threat, Whipgrass Entangler has a broader application, potentially affecting multiple creatures but at the cost of additional mana for each. This versatility can be a game-saver during crucial moments in gameplay.
Examining these creatures in the Magic landscape reveals the specialized roles they play. Whipgrass Entangler holds a distinct position, balancing between a defensive strategy and carefully executed mana management, adding an interesting layer of depth to any player’s lineup.
Cards similar to Whipgrass Entangler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The ability of Whipgrass Entangler to control multiple creatures can indirectly lead to a card advantage. By preventing the opponent’s creatures from attacking or blocking effectively, it can change the tide of battle, potentially making it so you’re the only one benefiting from trading cards in combat.
Resource Acceleration: Playing Whipgrass Entangler doesn’t accelerate your resources directly, but it can certainly protect them. By deterring attackers, it helps to safeguard your life total and key permanents, enabling you to deploy your resources for longer-term strategies and bigger plays in future turns.
Instant Speed: While Whipgrass Entangler isn’t an instant itself, its ability can be activated at instant speed. This flexibility allows for strategic depth, as you can wait until the combat phase to decide how you want to disrupt your opponent’s plan. The option to activate it whenever it’s tactically most advantageous makes Whipgrass Entangler a versatile tool in any MTG player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Whipgrass Entangler’s ability requires a critical resource management decision, as you may need to discard other valuable cards in your hand to make full use of its potential.
Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for both white and generic mana, Whipgrass Entangler demands a specific mana base that could restrict deck-building options, especially impacting those seeking to integrate it within multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the utility it brings to the battlefield, Whipgrass Entangler is regarded as having a higher mana cost. This could affect your tempo, as there might be alternative creatures or spells that provide more immediate impact or strategic flexibility with a lower investment.
Reasons to Include Whipgrass Entangler in Your Collection
Versatility: Whipgrass Entangler is not limited to a single deck archetype, making it a flexible pick for both aggressive and control strategies. Its ability to disrupt combat fits well in decks aiming to maintain board control.
Combo Potential: The Entangler pairs nicely with cards that tap creatures, helping you create lock-down combinations that can significantly hinder your opponent’s battlefield presence.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prominent, Whipgrass Entangler can serve as a crucial piece to control the pace of the game and combat, providing a tactical advantage against a wide array of decks.
How to beat
Whipgrass Entangler presents an interesting dynamic on the battlefield, compelling opponents to either deal with a mana-draining ability or face unfavorable attacks. To effectively overcome this obstacle in a game of Magic the Gathering, it’s important to prioritize removal spells. Targeted removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can swiftly deal with the Entangler before its ability becomes a nuisance. Additionally, board wipes such as Wrath of God can reset the playing field, eliminating the Entangler along with other potential threats.
Another tactic is to limit the Entangler’s influence by reducing the number of creatures it can target. This means either maintaining a minimal creature presence on your side or utilizing creatures with protection from white. Moreover, cards like Pithing Needle can shut down activated abilities and render the Entangler harmless. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the Entangler requires a substantial mana investment to fully utilize its potential, so time your plays when your opponent’s mana is tied up.
With these strategies, you can ensure that Whipgrass Entangler won’t dictate the pace of your matches, allowing you to maintain control over your game plan and press towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Whipgrass Entangler MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Whipgrass Entangler 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Whipgrass Entangler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Whipgrass Entangler 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 you use this ability on the same creature more than once, the cost is cumulative. |