Whiptail Moloch MTG Card


Gives card advantage by removing opponents’ creatures, bolstering your battlefield presence. Efficient mana usage enhances deck performance and turn curving, making it cost-effective. Instant-speed-like deterrence from its first-strike, influencing opponents’ combat decisions.
Whiptail Moloch - Dissension
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Lizard
Released2006-05-05
Set symbol
Set nameDissension
Set codeDIS
Power 6
Toughness 3
Number79
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDarrell Riche

Text of card

When Whiptail Moloch comes into play, it deals 3 damage to target creature you control.

"It wags its tail when it's happy. It wags its tail when it's angry. Nope, there's no good time to be around a whiptail." —Rugar, Leaguehall Infirmary patient


Cards like Whiptail Moloch

Whiptail Moloch stands as an intriguing piece within the collection of creatures that Magic: The Gathering has to offer. Its notable attribute of being a potential surprise blocker due to its reach ability brings to mind cards like Giant Spider, a classic four-cost creature that effectively halts many flying threats. However, Whiptail Moloch diversifies your defense strategies with its additional first strike feature, giving it an edge in combat where it can destroy an attacker without receiving damage in return.

Another comparable creature is Thornweald Archer, which also offers both reach and deathtouch, rather than first strike. This combination makes it a dangerous adversary for would-be attackers, ensuring that any creature it blocks will likely be destroyed. However, Whiptail Moloch stands out due to its higher power, capable of not just blocking but aggressively eliminating larger threats.

In evaluating Whiptail Moloch against its counterparts, it garners attention for the unique blend of reach and first strike within the same card, catering to players who seek to fortify their defenses while maintaining a capability for strong offensive counters. Its distinct advantages in aerial and ground combat provide a formidable obstacle for opponents within the dynamic battlegrounds of MTG.

Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Whiptail Moloch by color, type and mana cost

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Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Whiptail Moloch might not let you draw cards outright, it possesses the potential to eliminate an opponent’s creature, preserving your army while dwindling theirs, tipping the balance of cards in your favor on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Whiptail Moloch efficiently uses your red mana. While it doesn’t ramp you up directly, it’s cost-effective for its size and the impact it can have, saving resources for more plays and allowing you to curve out your turns effectively.

Instant Speed: This is not applicable to Whiptail Moloch as it is a creature; however, its first strike ability can serve as a deterrent, making opponents think twice about attacking or blocking when it’s untapped, much like the strategic value of holding up an instant.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Whiptail Moloch’s ability necessitates the player to pitch another card, which can deplete hand resources, impacting your game especially when key strategies rely on maintaining card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a mix of both red and generic mana, Whiptail Moloch can be restrictive in decks that aren’t heavily invested in red mana sources, potentially causing inconsistencies in gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value clinging to the higher end for its effect, players might find other creatures or spells that provide a higher impact or value to the board for the same or lower investment.


Reasons to Include Whiptail Moloch in Your Collection

Versatility: The Whiptail Moloch offers adaptability as it can seamlessly integrate into various red-centric decks. Its low mana cost and ability to scale in power through the course of a game make it a convenient choice for early assaults or late-game surprises.

Combo Potential: This creature can synergize well with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters, enabling interesting combinations. It can work as a force multiplier within counter-centric builds, enhancing overall deck performance.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-evolving meta that frequently pivots towards aggressive strategies, Whiptail Moloch holds relevance. Its role in quickly pressuring life totals or offering a reliable blocker when necessary can be crucial in tipping the scales during pivotal moments of gameplay.


Understanding Whiptail Moloch

Whiptail Moloch presents itself as a unique creature in the realm of MTG, bringing a blend of aggression and tactical play to the board. Entering the arena as a cost-effective creature, it’s not just about brute force but also timing and understanding its intrinsic ability that encourages a play style surrounding damage dealing spells and effects.

How to beat

Confronting Whiptail Moloch in MTG can be a daunting task unless you employ smart strategies and appropriate counters. This creature boasts an ability that discourages chump blocking, so evading it might not be as effective as one would hope. Key to overcoming this creature is utilizing removal spells that can target it without the need for a blocker. Spells that can exile or destroy creatures at instant speed provide a clean solution, bypassing its on-block trigger. Enchantment-based removal can also lock it down, rendering its ability irrelevant. Lastly, counterspells are always an excellent preemptive measure, ensuring that Whiptail Moloch doesn’t hit the battlefield in the first place, saving you from its intimidating presence.

Whether it’s a standard duel or a complex multiplayer, Whiptail Moloch requires opponents to think beyond the usual patterns of combat. Tailor your deck with the right mix of spells, and this creature’s roar on the battlefield will be subdued, ensuring your victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Whiptail Moloch MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Whiptail Moloch and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Whiptail Moloch has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal