Dragon Whelp MTG Card


A balanced aerial threat that can be scaled for aggressive plays or defensive strategies. In multi-colored decks, the red mana requirement may limit flexibility and mana allocation. The card’s inclusion in your collection depends on meta relevance and synergy with other cards.
Card setsReleased in 25 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying oo R +1/+0 until end of turn; if more than o Ro Ro R is spent in this way, Dragon Whelp is destroyed at end of turn.

"O to be a dragon . . . of silkworm size or immense . . ." —Marianne Moore, "O to Be a Dragon"


Cards like Dragon Whelp

Dragon Whelp stands as a beloved creature among Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of flying cards. Likened to cards like Sparktongue Dragon, which also offers flying with an added ability to inflict damage, Dragon Whelp differentiates itself with its classic fire-breathing. This feature allows players to boost its power for a turn, giving it an edge in terms of flexibility and surprise potential during battle. While Sparktongue Dragon demands a higher mana investment for its damage-dealing ability, Dragon Whelp’s power can be adjusted on the fly, limited only by the player’s available mana.

Furnace Whelp is another related card that shares the fire-breathing trait but starts with less power than Dragon Whelp. However, Furnace Whelp has the same mana requirement for increasing its power, making it a similarly adaptable threat in the air. Lastly, consider Lathliss, Dragon Queen, who towers over these smaller whelps with a grander presence on the battlefield. While Lathliss requires a steeper mana investment, it compensates players with the production of Dragon tokens, offering a different strategic value.

Each card possesses its unique strengths, but for those seeking a balance of cost-effective flying and on-command power scaling, Dragon Whelp provides a compelling option in deck strategies focused on aerial dominance and tactical mana use.

Sparktongue Dragon - MTG Card versions
Furnace Whelp - MTG Card versions
Lathliss, Dragon Queen - MTG Card versions
Sparktongue Dragon - MTG Card versions
Furnace Whelp - MTG Card versions
Lathliss, Dragon Queen - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dragon Whelp by color, type and mana cost

Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Ogre Gatecrasher - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Ogre Gatecrasher - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Dragon Whelp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Izzet AggroIzzet Aggro StandardIzzet AggroJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Dragon Whelp’s flexible mana cost contributes to card advantage as it can be a formidable late-game threat while allowing for efficient use of mana throughout the game.

Resource Acceleration: As a flying creature, Dragon Whelp offers a form of indirect resource acceleration by applying consistent pressure on the opponent, possibly forcing them to allocate more resources to deal with it than they might prefer.

Instant Speed: The Whelp’s ability to increase its power at instant speed offers surprise potential, turning it into a substantial aerial threat during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Dragon Whelp card doesn’t directly demand discarding, its ability to boost its flying power comes at the risk of self-sacrifice if you’re unable to manage your mana effectively. Careless boosting could leave you with one less creature to defend your life points.

Specific Mana Cost: Dragon Whelp’s casting and fiery breath ability are tied to red mana. This isn’t a drawback in mono-red builds, but in multi-colored decks, it could strain your mana pool, making it less flexible compared to more color-fluid options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature of its size, Dragon Whelp has a relatively steep casting cost. When you consider that modern burn decks can deploy more impactful dragons with similar mana expenditures, the Whelp may not always be the best bang for your buck in a fast-paced game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dragon Whelp is a flexible choice, fitting well into a variety of red-centric decks. Its flying ability offers an aerial advantage, while its firebreathing feature allows you to adjust its power dynamically during combat.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes with decks that amplify the potency of dragons or benefit from instances of dealing damage. Its scalable attack can be a game-changer when combined with damage enhancers or duplicators.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors aggressive playstyles or has a prevalence of decks susceptible to flying creatures, Dragon Whelp can serve as a persistent threat, capable of swiftly reducing opposing life totals when left unchecked.


How to beat

Overcoming a card like Dragon Whelp in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic play and understanding its capabilities. This creature’s flying trait makes it elusive, ducking past most ground blockers with ease. Yet, its most significant threat lies in its ability to boost its attack power temporarily by spending mana. To counter this, cards with reach or those that can specifically damage or destroy flying creatures are ideal. One could also employ spell-based solutions to nullify its enhanced attack, such as instant-speed removal spells that can be cast during the combat phase before the damage is dealt.

Another route to tackle Dragon Whelp involves limiting the opponent’s mana pool since its power buff relies on available resources. Countering the Whelp isn’t just about interaction during combat but also about proactive board control. Ensuring your side of the field has a consistent means of removing threats or applying pressure can prevent an opponent from confidently investing mana into their Dragon Whelp. Set up your defenses and control the pace of the game; that’s how the mighty Dragon Whelp’s impact can be softened, and its threat managed in your Magic: The Gathering matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dragon Whelp MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Dragon Whelp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dragon Whelp Magic the Gathering card was released in 23 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1411993NormalBlackAmy Weber
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1421993NormalBlackAmy Weber
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1421993NormalWhiteAmy Weber
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1421993NormalBlackAmy Weber
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1421993NormalBlackAmy Weber
61994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1431993NormalBlackAmy Weber
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1431993NormalWhiteAmy Weber
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1431993NormalWhiteAmy Weber
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1861993NormalBlackAmy Weber
101995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1861993NormalWhiteAmy Weber
112006-10-06Time Spiral TimeshiftedTSB 591997NormalBlackAmy Weber
122008-08-29From the Vault: DragonsDRB 42003NormalBlackSteven Belledin
132009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1332003NormalBlackSteven Belledin
142010-06-18ArchenemyARC 352003NormalBlackSteven Belledin
152011-04-01Duel Decks: Knights vs. DragonsDDG 542003NormalBlackSteven Belledin
162011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1202003NormalBlackSteven Belledin
172017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 812015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
182019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9112015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
192020-09-26The ListPLST CMA-812015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
202022-09-09Dominaria United Art SeriesADMU 292015Art seriesBorderlessJokubas Uogintas
212022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 1202015NormalBlackJokubas Uogintas
222022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 4351997NormalBlackAmy Weber
232022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 1382015NormalBlackAmy Weber
242023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 3171997NormalBlackJokubas Uogintas
252023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 1162015NormalBlackJokubas Uogintas

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dragon Whelp has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PremodernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dragon Whelp card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-09-09 If the fourth (or more) time Dragon Whelp’s ability is activated during the same turn happens to be during that turn’s end step, the delayed triggered ability won’t trigger until the beginning of the next turn’s end step. You’ll have to sacrifice Dragon Whelp at that time.
2022-09-09 The first three times Dragon Whelp’s ability is activated in a turn will do nothing other than give it +1/+0 until end of turn. Any subsequent activations will also cause its delayed triggered ability to trigger. That means if you activate Dragon Whelp’s ability five times, for example, two different delayed triggered abilities will trigger at the beginning of the next end step and cause you to sacrifice Dragon Whelp.
2022-12-08 If the fourth (or subsequent) time Dragon Whelp’s ability is activated during the same turn is during that turn’s end step, the delayed triggered ability won’t trigger until the beginning of the next turn’s end step. You’ll have to sacrifice Dragon Whelp at that time.
2022-12-08 There’s no limit to the number of times you can activate Dragon Whelp’s ability in a turn. However, the fourth activation in a turn and each subsequent activation will cause a delayed triggered ability that will force you to sacrifice Dragon Whelp at the beginning of the next end step.