Heiko Yamazaki, the General MTG Card


Card advantage from casting monk spells directly improves your strategic gameplay and resource flow. Resource acceleration and mana reduction enable swift, successive spell casting and fluid gameplay. Instant speed adaptability makes Heiko a tactical asset, allowing response to in-game threats on the fly.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Samurai
Abilities Trample
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Trample Whenever a Samurai or Warrior you control attacks alone, you may cast target artifact card from your graveyard this turn.

"I prefer to let my sword do the talking."


Cards like Heiko Yamazaki, the General

Heiko Yamazaki, the General, emerges as a commendable commander option in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, sharing a conceptual playground with legendary creatures like Sosuke, Son of Seshiro. They both boast abilities that bolster warrior creatures which can be pivotal in combat-oriented strategies. While Sosuke focuses solely on Snake Warriors, Heiko Yamazaki extends his influence to a broader warrior arsenal.

Analogous to Adriana, Captain of the Guard, Heiko Yamazaki also amplifies the might of his comrades during combat. Adriana’s melee ability can be vastly potent in a game packed with numerous opponents, yet Heiko’s capacity to grant indestructible to a target Warrior could be a game-changer in one-on-one confrontations or in protecting a key piece of your army.

Captain Sisay strikes as another comparative figure, offering a legendary-centric tactic that can fetch vital pieces from your deck. In contrast, Heiko Yamazaki’s strength lies in his synergy with warrior creatures, making him less versatile but potentially more focused in a tribal warrior deck build. All these commanders shine in their respective niches, offering varied strategic benefits to a player’s battlefield.

Sosuke, Son of Seshiro - MTG Card versions
Adriana, Captain of the Guard - MTG Card versions
Captain Sisay - MTG Card versions
Sosuke, Son of Seshiro - MTG Card versions
Adriana, Captain of the Guard - MTG Card versions
Captain Sisay - MTG Card versions

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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
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Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
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Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Heiko Yamazaki, the General, shines in deck strategies that look to outdraw opponents. The ability to peek at the top card of your library at any time and cast monk spells directly gives you a strategic upper hand and ensures a steady stream of resources.

Resource Acceleration: This card synergizes exceptionally well with decks that benefit from casting numerous spells. The potential mana reduction on monk spells each turn can quickly tip the scales, allowing for multiple plays in succession and fluid gameplay.

Instant Speed: Heiko stands out with its ability to operate at instant speed, offering profound tactical depth. This adaptability allows players to respond to threats immediately or optimize their own game plan on the fly, keeping opponents guessing and making Heiko a dynamic tool in any situation.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One cannot overlook the cost of having to discard a card to harness the abilities of Heiko Yamazaki, the General. This downside could leave you at a card disadvantage, particularly if your hand is already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for both blue and red mana specifically, this card slots itself firmly into Izzet decks, potentially making it a cumbersome addition for players looking to maintain a flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in with a mana value that might feel steep for its effects, some players may find Heiko Yamazaki’s cost to benefit ratio lacking when compared to other options in the format. This is particularly true when considering the competitive landscape, where speed and efficiency are often key factors in securing victory.


Reasons to Include Heiko Yamazaki, the General in Your Collection

Versatility: Heiko Yamazaki, the General, is a flexible card that can adapt to a myriad of deck strategies. With the capacity to command your forces as well as impact the board state, Heiko can fit seamlessly into an assortment of play styles, elevating the adaptability of your deck.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with a diverse array of other cards, unlocking potent combinations and enabling dynamic plays. Its specific abilities may complement and accelerate various combo strategies, giving players the edge they need to outmaneuver their opponents.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ebb and flow of the competitive environment, Heiko Yamazaki, the General, has qualities that can be particularly effective against popular deck archetypes, making it a wise choice for players aiming to stay relevant in the evolving meta.


How to beat

Heiko Yamazaki, the General, poses a unique challenge on the battlefield, demanding prompt and strategic responses. This commander’s prowess in generating card advantage while controlling the board makes it imperative for opponents to disrupt their game plan effectively. To tackle Heiko, one should focus on eliminating the artifacts and creatures that bolster their battlefield presence.

Removal spells that can target multiple types of permanents offer flexibility against Heiko’s varied arsenal. Cards like Abrade, which can destroy an artifact or deal damage to a creature, are excellent for this purpose. Additionally, board wipes such as Wrath of God clear the path by removing Heiko along with other potential threats.

Hand disruption also plays a key role, as stripping away key components from an opponent’s hand can prevent Heiko’s powerful synergies from taking off. Thoughtseize, for instance, allows you to selectively extract significant threats or support cards before they have the chance to impact the game. By leveraging these strategies, players can effectively counter Heiko Yamazaki, the General’s strategies, leveling the playing field and increasing their chances of victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Heiko Yamazaki, the General, stands as a beacon of innovative gameplay and strategic depth in MTG. Combining card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant-speed versatility, this card challenges players to think creatively and stay one step ahead. Despite the cost of discarding a card and its specific mana requirements, the potential benefits Heiko brings to the table are undeniable for any Izzet strategist. Embrace the power of monk spells, explore new combos, and adapt to the meta with Heiko in your corner. Keen to learn more about optimizing your deck with Heiko’s unique abilities? Dive deeper with us and claim victory after victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Heiko Yamazaki, the General MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Heiko Yamazaki, the General and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Heiko Yamazaki, the General Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 1462015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 3212015NormalBlackXiaji & Yangyang

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Heiko Yamazaki, the General has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 A creature attacks alone if it's the only creature declared as an attacker during the declare attackers step. For example, Heiko Yamazaki's triggered ability won't trigger if you attack with multiple creatures and all but one of them are removed from combat.
2022-02-18 You must still pay all costs and follow all normal timing rules when casting an artifact from your graveyard this way. Normally, this means you will not be able to cast that card until your post-combat main phase.