Whirling Strike MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-11-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Brothers' War |
| Set code | BRO |
| Number | 157 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Aaron J. Riley |
Text of card
Target creature gets +2/+0 and gains first strike and trample until end of turn.
"I will trust desert steel in Fallaji hands over a soulless machine any day." —Hajar, Mishra's bodyguard
Cards like Whirling Strike
Whirling Strike adds a dynamic layer to combat tricks within Magic: The Gathering. It stands shoulder to shoulder with tactics like Valorous Stance, which offers both creature protection and removal options. Whirling Strike differentiates itself with its ability to target multiple creatures, potentially turning the tide of a skirmish by doling out damage to more than one enemy assailant.
Comparatively, another card with similar functionality is Seismic Stomp, which, although it doesn’t directly damage creatures, it affects multiple targets, preventing them from blocking and thus allows for a significant offensive push. Whirling Strike’s multiplicity is balanced by its higher mana cost as opposed to Seismic Stomp’s more focused and affordable disruption. Adding to this category, the spell Electrickery can deal damage to multiple enemies at once, though it’s limited to one damage unless its overload cost is paid.
Assessing Whirling Strike within the MTG arsenal of multi-target spells, this card is indeed a strong competitor. It can decisively influence combat outcomes by dealing with swarms of enemy creatures, an asset when navigating the complexities of Magic’s tactical battles.
Cards similar to Whirling Strike by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Whirling Strike offers the player a unique edge by enabling them to remove an opponent’s threatening creature from play. This not only disrupts the opponent’s board state but can also be leveraged as a means to preserve or escalate card dominance within the match.
Resource Acceleration: Whirling Strike doesn’t directly offer resource acceleration in the traditional sense of providing additional mana or resources. Instead, it creates an indirect advantage by efficiently dealing with enemy threats, which in turn can save mana and resources over the course of the game that might have been devoted to dealing with those threats.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Whirling Strike at instant speed grants players significant tactical flexibility. This allows savvy players to react to their opponents’ actions with precision, potentially negating an opponent’s attack or strategically eliminating a blocker during the heat of combat. Additionally, the capability to cast the spell during an opponent’s turn keeps your game plan concealed, maintaining the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Whirling Strike necessitates pitching another card from your hand, which might not always be convenient. If your hand is already running low, this additional cost could set you back, hindering your momentum and strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana arrangement to cast. Players utilizing multicolored decks may find this requirement restrictive, potentially complicating their mana base and affecting the deck’s overall fluidity during play.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost being on the higher side for its effects, Whirling Strike might be less desirable compared to alternatives. There are cards available that provide similar benefits without the significant mana expenditure, which could lead to more efficient deck building and gameplay.
Reasons to Include Whirling Strike in Your Collection
Versatility: Whirling Strike serves as a powerful addition to decks that are seeking a combat trick with an evasion aspect. Its ability to potentially grant an unblockable status for a key creature can turn the tides in both aggressive and defensive scenarios.
Combo Potential: With decks that capitalize on dealing combat damage or triggering on-hit effects, Whirling Strike can prove invaluable. This card also works well with creatures that have abilities activated upon dealing damage to a player, making it a multi-functional piece in the right deck.
Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of MTG’s meta, being able to protect important creatures from being blocked can give players an edge. As the battlefield becomes increasingly complex, having a tool like Whirling Strike can dictate the flow of combat and help maintain board presence against formidable opponents.
How to Beat
Overcoming the challenge of Whirling Strike in Magic: The Gathering hinges on two key strategies: preparation and timing. Renowned for its ability to deal damage to multiple creatures, Whirling Strike can quickly turn the tide of battle. To counteract this, players must either limit the card’s damage potential by controlling the number of creatures on the board or safeguard their creatures with indestructibility or protection from white spells.
Timing your moves is essential. Since Whirling Strike is a sorcery, it can’t be played on an opponent’s turn. This allows for strategic planning, such as casting important creatures post-Whirling Strike or utilizing instant-speed spells that can save targeted creatures or negate the spell’s impact altogether. Counter spells are also a good defense, preventing Whirling Strike from ever taking effect. By playing smart and conservatively, players can effectively reduce the effectiveness of this sweeping damage card and maintain the upper hand.
Adopting these strategies can significantly diminish the opponent’s advantage, positioning a savvy player to take control of the game despite the potential disruption caused by a well-timed Whirling Strike.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Whirling Strike MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Whirling Strike 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 Whirling Strike has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |