Vorel of the Hull Clade — ruling 1

The effect of Vorel's ability will essentially double the counters on the target artifact, creature, or land. For example, if a creature has three +1/+1 counters and a divinity counter on it before the ability resolves, it will have six +1/+1 counters and two divinity counters on it after the ability resolves.

Vorel of the Hull Clade : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Vorel of the Hull Clade is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

, : Double the number of each kind of counter on target artifact, creature, or land.

Complete guide

Meet Vorel of the Hull Clade, a legendary leader who embodies the Simic Combine's obsession with growth and evolution. This Human Merfolk specialist excels at amplifying existing strengths by doubling the counters on your most important permanents.

What It Does

Vorel of the Hull Clade features an activated ability that costs one green mana, one blue mana, and tapping Vorel. It allows you to select a target artifact, creature, or land and double every single type of counter currently on that permanent. This includes positive counters like +1/+1 counters, but also utility counters like charge, divinity, or even negative counters if they happen to be present.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, activate the ability by paying {G}{U} and tapping Vorel of the Hull Clade, choosing a valid target. Upon resolution, the game checks the number and types of counters on that target. For every counter of a specific type found, Vorel adds another counter of that exact same type. For instance, a permanent with two +1/+1 counters and one charge counter will end up with four +1/+1 counters and two charge counters.

Common Mistakes

A frequent misconception is that Vorel can target any permanent; however, the Oracle text specifies only artifacts, creatures, or lands. This means Vorel cannot double counters on Planeswalkers (unless they have been turned into creatures or artifacts) or enchantments. Additionally, remember that 'doubling' is treated as placing counters, which may trigger other abilities that care about counters being put on a permanent.

When to Play It

Vorel is most effective in decks that rely on incremental growth or artifacts with charge counters. It is best to activate Vorel at the end of your opponent's turn to maximize your mana usage, or during combat to surprise an opponent by suddenly doubling the size of your attacking or blocking creatures.

Interaction examples

Boosting the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield and an effect has placed a +1/+1 counter on it, you can activate Vorel of the Hull Clade targeting the Golem. Since it is an artifact creature, it is a valid target. Vorel's ability resolves and places an additional +1/+1 counter on it, doubling its count from one to two.

Scaling the Shaman

Sakura-Tribe Elder

While Sakura-Tribe Elder usually provides mana ramp, if it gains a +1/+1 counter through a spell or another ability, Vorel of the Hull Clade can target it. Upon resolution, the single +1/+1 counter becomes two. Note that if you sacrifice the Elder in response to Vorel's ability, the ability will fizzle as the target is no longer on the battlefield.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Vorel of the Hull Clade

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1April 15, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
The effect of Vorel's ability will essentially double the counters on the target artifact, creature, or land. For example, if a creature has three +1/+1 counters and a divinity counter on it before the ability resolves, it will have six +1/+1 counters and two divinity counters on it after the ability resolves.
No other card is named in this ruling.