Whirling Dervish 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
Protection from black At the beginning of each end step, if this creature dealt damage to an opponent this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on it.
Complete guide
Whirling Dervish is a classic green creature that represents the relentless growth of a skilled warrior. With built-in protection and a reliable way to scale in power, it serves as a persistent threat against black-aligned decks. Understanding its timing is key to maximizing its potential on the battlefield.
What It Does
Whirling Dervish is a 1/1 creature with two distinct abilities. First, it has protection from black, meaning it cannot be blocked, targeted, dealt damage, or enchanted by anything black. Second, it features a triggered ability that rewards you with a +1/+1 counter if the Dervish successfully dealt damage to an opponent during the current turn.
Step-by-Step Resolution
The growth ability triggers at the beginning of each end step. First, the game checks if Whirling Dervish dealt damage to an opponent of its current controller during the turn. If it did, the ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you place a single +1/+1 counter on the creature. Note that even if it dealt damage multiple times (like through double strike) or to multiple opponents, it only receives one counter per end step.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error involves control changes. The ability checks if damage was dealt to an opponent of the *current* controller. If the Dervish deals damage to Player B, and then Player B takes control of it before the end step, the ability will not trigger because Player B is not their own opponent. Additionally, remember that the damage does not have to be combat damage; any damage dealt to an opponent satisfies the condition.
When to Play It
Whirling Dervish is most effective when played early to start accumulating counters. Because it costs two green mana, it benefits from fast mana sources to hit the board on turn two. It is an excellent blocker against black creatures and an unblockable attacker against decks relying solely on black creatures for defense.
Interaction examples
Llanowar ElvesOn turn one, you play Llanowar Elves. On turn two, you tap the Elf and a Forest to cast Whirling Dervish. Because the Dervish is played a turn early, you can begin attacking on turn three, ensuring the creature starts growing into a larger threat as soon as possible.
Birds of ParadiseWhirling Dervish requires two green mana ({G}{G}). If you are playing a multi-color deck, Birds of Paradise provides the necessary color fixing. By tapping Birds of Paradise for green mana, you ensure you can cast the Dervish even if your lands are producing other colors, allowing you to maintain its presence as a protection-heavy threat.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Whirling Dervish
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Whirling Dervish's triggered ability gives it at most one +1/+1 counter each turn, regardless of how many opponents were dealt damage beyond the first.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
If Dunerider Outlaw dealt damage to an opponent who later left the game before that turn's end step, its ability still gives it a +1/+1 counter.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
Whirling Dervish's triggered ability checks to see if it dealt damage during the turn to an opponent of its current controller. If it dealt damage to player A, then player A takes control of it, the ability doesn't trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Whirling Dervish
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