Instant, X1W (2)
Uncommon
Prevent the next X damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn. For each 1 damage prevented this way, put a +1/+1 counter on that creature.
"I don't need a plan, just a goal. The rest will follow on its own."
—Gerrard
Illus. Matthew Wilson

10/4/2004: You can make X be larger than the amount of damage, but you only get one counter for each actual point of damage prevented.
10/4/2004: The +1/+1 counters do show up at the same time as any unprevented damage, which means they are there before you check for lethal damage.
Legal in Vintage (Type 1)
Legal in Legacy (Type 1.5)
Legal in Classic (MTGO)
Legal in Commander