Cao Cao, Lord of Wei MTG Card


Cao Cao’s targeted discard offers a strategic edge by disrupting opponent game plans at instant speed. The card is versatile and meta-relevant, fitting well into control or mid-range black decks. Effective counters exist, such as removal spells or countering Cao Cao’s casting.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Soldier
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

On your turn, before you attack, you may tap Cao Cao to force your opponent to choose and discard two cards from his or her hand. (If your opponent has only one card, he or she discards it.)


Cards like Cao Cao, Lord of Wei

Cao Cao, Lord of Wei is an iconic card that captures the essence of strategic discard mechanics in Magic: The Gathering. It can be paralleled with other notable discard-focused cards, such as Liliana’s Specter, which causes each opponent to discard a card upon entering the battlefield. However, Cao Cao allows for targeted discard, enabling a player to disrupt specific plans of an opposing player during each of their turns. This presents a more controlled and repeated effect compared to the single-instance trigger of Liliana’s Specter.

Another card to consider is Hypnotic Specter, which combines the potential for discard with combat, forcing an opponent to discard at random whenever it deals damage. While this adds an aggressive twist to the discard strategy, it contrasts with Cao Cao’s guaranteed two-card discard capability. Hypnotic Specter’s effect is conditionally based on combat success, highlighting Cao Cao’s reliability in resource denial.

Ultimately, Cao Cao, Lord of Wei stands out among discard-enabling cards due to its consistent impact and targeted approach, making it a formidable tool for controlling the ebb and flow of the game and disrupting opponent strategies turn after turn.

Liliana's Specter - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Liliana's Specter - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cao Cao, Lord of Wei enables strategic depletion of your opponent’s hand, allowing you to selectively discard two cards at a time. Not only does this disrupt their game plan, but it also bolsters your own position, giving you an informational and strategic edge.

Resource Acceleration: By diminishing an opponent’s resources while maintaining your own card count, Cao Cao effectively acts as a form of acceleration. It can pressure an opponent into using resources at a suboptimal time, indirectly benefiting your mana and resource management.

Instant Speed: The ability of Cao Cao, Lord of Wei to activate at instant speed gives you the flexibility to end your turn without committing to a particular action. You can adapt to your opponent’s moves, making the decision to disrupt their hand at the most opportune moment, often right after they draw, maximizing the uncertainty and pressure.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cao Cao, Lord of Wei requires your opponent to discard two cards which can be less impactful later in the game when the opponent has fewer cards in hand.

Specific Mana Cost: This legendary creature demands a strict two black mana in its casting cost, potentially restricting it to monoblack or heavy black decks and limiting its flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana, Cao Cao enters the battlefield later in the game. There are other cards with lower mana costs that disrupt the opponent’s hand more efficiently and quickly.


Reasons to Include Cao Cao, Lord of Wei in Your Collection

Versatility: Cao Cao, Lord of Wei offers flexibility in deck-building, fitting seamlessly into black control or mid-range decks. His ability to disrupt opponents by forcing discards makes him effective in a variety of game situations.

Combo Potential: Paired with cards that capitalize on discard mechanics or benefit from an opponent’s empty hand, Cao Cao’s targeted discard effect can be a cornerstone of potent combinations, amplifying the impact of each discarded card.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where hand advantage is crucial, Cao Cao’s repeatable disruption can be a game-changer. Having the power to strip resources from your opponent’s hand each turn keeps them at a disadvantage and can tilt matches in your favor.


How to beat

Cao Cao, Lord of Wei is a card that commands respect on the battlefield due to its ability to disrupt an opponent’s strategy by forcing them to discard. To effectively counter this legendary creature, it is essential to neutralize it swiftly. Board control spells and removal options such as Path to Exile, which exiles a creature, or Murder, which outright destroys a creature regardless of its toughness, can be highly effective. A strategic approach is to minimize the impact of Cao Cao’s ability by keeping a low hand size or by using cards with Madness, where discarding could actually turn to your advantage.

Another tactic is to prevent Cao Cao from ever entering the battlefield. Counterspells such as Cancel or Mana Leak allow you to deny your opponent the chance to use Cao Cao’s abilities while also maintaining the pace of your own gameplay. Redirecting the battlefield’s focus with such spells not only conserves your hand but also can pivot the game in your favor. When Cao Cao is on the field, prioritize these approaches to maintain a strong position in your game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cao Cao, Lord of Wei MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and From the Vault: Legends, 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 Cao Cao, Lord of Wei and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cao Cao, Lord of Wei Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2011-08-26. Illustrated by Gao Jianzhang.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-05-01Portal Three KingdomsPTK 681997NormalWhiteGao Jianzhang
22011-08-26From the Vault: LegendsV11 12003NormalBlackGao Jianzhang

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cao Cao, Lord of Wei has restrictions

FormatLegality
PredhLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-09-20 If a turn has multiple combat phases, the ability can only be activated before the beginning of the declare attackers step of the first combat phase in that turn.