Warping Wurm is a 4-mana, 1/1 green-blue creature with phasing. Its key abilities allow it to phase in and out before untapping each turn and require a payment of {2}{G}{U} at the beginning of upkeep to remain. Whenever it phases in, it gains a +1/+1 counter.

This card can be used in various ways:

• As a tempo-buster: Paying for Warping Wurm's upkeep cost allows you to maintain its presence on the battlefield.
• As a potential lifegain source: The cumulative effect of gaining +1/+1 counters can increase its power and toughness over time, potentially making it a viable attacker or blocker.

In Commander decks, Warping Wurm pairs well with cards that benefit from phasing, such as Phantasmal Conjur or Griselbrand. Its potential for growth makes it suitable for combos involving +1/+1 counters.

Warping Wurm: A Phasing Creature with Unique Interactions

Warping Wurm is a rare creature from the Mirrodin set, with a mana cost of {2}{G}{U} and a power/toughness of 1/1. Its Oracle Text defines its primary behavior as phasing in or out before untapping during each untap step. While phased out, it's treated as non-existent.

Phasing Mechanics

Phasing is a unique mechanic that allows Warping Wurm to exist in a state where it's not on the battlefield but still interacts with the game. When phased in, it gains a +1/+1 counter and continues to exist on the battlefield. When phased out, it loses its counters and becomes non-existent.

At-Beginning-of-Utterance Effects

The card has an at-beginning-of-uturns effect that phases Warping Wurm out unless you pay {2}{G}{U}. This means that every time your turn starts (not when your untap step begins), the creature is removed from the game unless you pay 2G and U.

Phasing-In Effects

Whenever Warping Wurm phases in, it gains a +1/+1 counter. This interaction can be triggered by:

• Your own phasing-in effect, which can occur on an object with a phasing ability that causes Warping Wurm to phase in.
• A spell or ability that phases Warping Wurm back into existence.

Interactions and Edge Cases

• Trample: If you have multiple +1/+1 counters on Warping Wurm, it's possible to create trampling creatures with a high power. For example, if you have two identical Warping Worms with 4+1/+1 counters each, they can combine for a total of 6/2.
• Eradication: If Eradication (a spell that destroys all permanents) targets Warping Wurm while it's phased out, it will be removed from the game. However, if it phases back in before your next untap step, its +1/+1 counters will still exist.
• Counteracting Phasing: Cards like Counterspell or Abrupt Decay can disrupt phasing effects and cause Warping Wurm to phase in prematurely or fail to phase out when necessary.

Conclusion

Warping Wurm is a complex card with unique interactions. Understanding its phasing behavior, at-beginning-of-turns effect, and phasing-in effects are crucial for optimal play. Its potential for high power combined with trampling makes it an attractive addition to any Commander deck.

Warping Wurm is a rare creature card from the Mirrodin set, which combines elements of green and blue colors. It has a unique phasing ability that allows it to turn on and off at specific times during the game.

One common archetype for Warping Wurm is the "Evolving Company" deck, where it pairs well with cards like Adventurous Impulse and Helm of Obedience. The idea here is to use the phasing ability to bring out the wurm's +1/+1 counters at the right moment, allowing it to grow into a formidable force on the battlefield.

Another archetype for Warping Wurm is the "Merfolk" tribal deck. Its green-blue mana cost makes it an attractive option for Merfolk decks looking to add some more oomph to their board presence. When paired with Merfolk cards like Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit and Daxton Fults, Warping Wurm can become a hard-to-stop threat.

In general, Warping Wurm excels as a mid-game creature that rewards you for playing patiently. Its phasing ability allows it to avoid early-game threats while its +1/+1 counters make it grow stronger over time. It also responds well to card draw and tutoring effects like Nahiri's Wisdom or The Undergrowth, which can help bring out the wurm at a more opportune moment.

Overall, Warping Wurm is an excellent addition to decks that value incremental growth and mid-game aggression. Its phasing ability sets it apart from other creatures, making it a unique asset in any Commander deck looking for some extra oomph on the battlefield.

Warping Wurm is a creature that, despite its relatively modest power and toughness, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in Commander. Its phasing ability makes it extremely vulnerable to removal, but it also grants it a degree of resilience.

One way to utilize Warping Wurm's phasing ability is by combining it with cards like Sage of Shallows or Vizier of Remedies, which provide additional life and protection for the creature. This allows players to phase in their Wurm on their upkeep step, gaining a +1/+1 counter without putting themselves at risk.

Another potential application lies in combining Warping Wurm with cards that trigger during the opponent's turn, such as Sword of Feast and Famine or Warp World. By phasing out their Wurm before untapping, players can prevent opponents from targeting it on their turn. When their own turn arrives, they can phase back in their Wurm, gaining a +1/+1 counter while keeping the opponent's removal spells at bay.

In more advanced combinations, Warping Wurm can be paired with cards that generate card advantage or create additional creatures. For instance, Bloom Miser or Luminous Bonds can provide an influx of card draw and mana acceleration, allowing players to phase in their Wurm more frequently. Alternatively, combining it with Karametra's Acolyte or Grapple with the Past enables players to generate additional creatures or token generation.

In terms of defensive strategies, Warping Wurm can be used as a "bait" creature to lure out opponent's removal spells and other targeted effects. By phasing in and out strategically, players can create an illusion of vulnerability while actually protecting their more valuable assets.

It is worth noting that the +1/+1 counter granted by Warping Wurm's ability makes it an attractive target for cards like Maelstrom Pulse or Kozilek's Return, which can be used to blast out the creature and prevent its potential growth.

Common Mistakes with Warping Wurm

In Commander, players often underestimate the potential of Warping Wurm or misuse its phasing ability. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Failing to pay the upkeep cost: Players sometimes forget to pay {2}{G}{U} at the beginning of their upkeep, causing Warping Wurm to phase out and lose its +1/+1 counters. This can be avoided by setting reminders or using cards like Mnajat's Blessing that help with upkeep costs.
• Not utilizing its phasing ability: Some players overlook the fact that Warping Wurm phases in at the beginning of their untap step, allowing them to gain a +1/+1 counter immediately. This can be a great opportunity to take advantage of its power and toughness boost.
• Poor synergies with other cards: Warping Wurm's phasing ability doesn't work well with cards like Eternal Witness or Serra's Guardian, which rely on creatures dying to trigger their effects. Similarly, using Vivender, Kudo of the Red Sword with Warping Wurm can lead to inconsistent results.
• Misunderstanding its interaction with other phasing creatures: Some players assume that Warping Wurm's phasing ability interacts similarly with other phasing creatures like Sarkhan, Firelord. However, this is not the case: while both cards have phasing abilities, they are triggered at different times and can lead to confusing interactions.
• Not taking advantage of its 1/1 power/toughness: Warping Wurm's low power and toughness make it a prime target for removal spells. Players should consider using creatures with protection from red or white, such as Serra, Skyshroud Sage or Arahbo, Roar of the World, to protect their Warping Wurms.

By being aware of these common mistakes, players can optimize their use of Warping Wurm and get the most out of this powerful creature in Commander.

Conclusion

Warping Wurm is a versatile and powerful creature that can be a valuable addition to any Commander deck. Its unique phasing ability allows it to phase in and out before untapping each turn, making it a great tempo-buster and potential lifegain source.

One of the key benefits of Warping Wurm is its cumulative effect: whenever it phases in, it gains a +1/+1 counter, allowing it to grow stronger over time. This makes it an attractive option for decks that value incremental growth and mid-game aggression.

In terms of strategic applications, Warping Wurm pairs well with cards that benefit from phasing, such as Phantasmal Conjur or Griselbrand. Its potential for high power combined with trampling makes it a great addition to any Commander deck looking to add some extra oomph on the battlefield.

When used correctly, Warping Wurm can be a game-changer in Commander decks. However, its phasing ability requires careful consideration and planning to utilize effectively. Players should take advantage of its potential by combining it with cards that generate card advantage or create additional creatures.

Some common mistakes to watch out for when playing with Warping Wurm include:

• Failing to pay the upkeep cost at the beginning of your upkeep
• Not utilizing its phasing ability to gain a +1/+1 counter immediately
• Poor synergies with other cards, such as Eternal Witness or Serra's Guardian
• Misunderstanding its interaction with other phasing creatures

By being aware of these common mistakes and optimizing their use of Warping Wurm, players can unlock its full potential in Commander decks.

Recommendation

Warping Wurm is a great addition to any Commander deck looking for a versatile and powerful creature. Its unique phasing ability makes it an attractive option for decks that value incremental growth and mid-game aggression.

When building with Warping Wurm, consider pairing it with cards that benefit from phasing, such as Phantasmal Conjur or Griselbrand. Additionally, take advantage of its potential by combining it with cards that generate card advantage or create additional creatures.

Overall, Warping Wurm is a valuable asset in any Commander deck looking to add some extra oomph on the battlefield. With careful consideration and planning, players can unlock its full potential and take their gameplay to the next level.