Ma Chao, Western Warrior MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 116
2016-11-16 - Number 65807
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Soldier Warrior |
| Abilities | Horsemanship |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Horsemanship Whenever Ma Chao attacks and no other creatures do, Ma Chao can't be blocked.
Cards like Ma Chao, Western Warrior
Ma Chao, Western Warrior is an intriguing creature card for MTG aficionados, bringing a balance of aggression and tactical edge to the battlefield. By contrast, let’s consider Loxodon Smiter. Both cards resist opponent’s tricks – Ma Chao can’t be countered; Loxodon Smiter can’t be countered or discarded by opponents. This pair of Warriors discourage control decks effectively. Yet, Loxodon Smiter provides a more immediate board presence with its larger body.
Comparing Ma Chao with Aven Mindcensor reveals different tactical advantages. Aven Mindcensor limits opponents’ library searches—a different form of control disruption than Ma Chao’s uncounterability. It excels in a different, yet related area of the game, providing players with information warfare edge.
In conclusion, while each card serves distinct strategic purposes in MTG, Ma Chao stands out for its combination of being an uncounterable threat and the potential to dictate engagements, suggesting versatile uses in various deck builds, especially for those looking to surprise and outmaneuver opponents.
Cards similar to Ma Chao, Western Warrior by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ma Chao, Western Warrior thrives in delivering card advantage by providing consistent access to additional cards. This is a powerful asset as it can help to outpace opponents by having more resources at your disposal over the course of the match.
Resource Acceleration: As a card focused on efficiency, Ma Chao can provide potential resource acceleration. This facet of the card becomes a tactical advantage, allowing for an increased rate of play and the ability to deploy larger threats sooner than expected.
Instant Speed: If Ma Chao, Western Warrior provides any options to operate at instant speed, this flexibility allows players to adapt swiftly to ever-changing battlefield conditions. With such agility, one can effectively disrupt opponents’ strategies while preserving mana for the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ma Chao, Western Warrior comes with a discard condition to initiate its ability. This can lead to a strategic setback, especially when your hand is already depleted, or when you’re forced to let go of a crucial card that could serve a better purpose later in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: This warrior demands a particular blend of mana to get into play. With a requirement for both white and red mana, it could be tricky to incorporate Ma Chao into a deck that doesn’t consistently produce these colors, potentially restricting its adaptability across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher side for its effects, there might be moments when playing Ma Chao, Western Warrior is less appealing compared to other cards with lower mana costs. Players may find alternative creatures or spells that offer similar, if not better, strategic advantages for less of a mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ma Chao, Western Warrior offers adaptive play styles due to its ability to become indestructible. This makes it a reliable card in various deck builds, from aggressive strategies to more control-focused ones, ensuring its place in multiple MTG formats.
Combo Potential: With Ma Chao’s indestructibility on your turn, it pairs well with equipment and aura cards that capitalize on combat phases. It can serve as a formidable recurring threat that synergizes with cards that benefit from having a durable creature on the board.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where board wipes and spot removal are prevalent, Ma Chao stands out for its resilience. This can give players an edge in matchups where maintaining a presence on the board is crucial for victory.
How to beat
Confronting Ma Chao, Western Warrior in an MTG match demands a strategic approach as this card can present quite a challenge if left unchecked on the battlefield. With vigilance, Ma Chao makes sure to be a considerable defensive obstacle, while also being able to exert pressure during your own offensive turns. A key tactic is to manage your resources effectively to ensure that you have removal options available. Targeted removal spells that bypass his protections, such as exile or -X/-X effects, are crucial to overcoming his presence on the board.
Avoiding direct damage spells ensures that Ma Chao does not capitalize on his trait of preventing damage that would be dealt to him. Furthermore, it’s essential to consider the current board state and reserve your removal spells for the most opportune moment, preferably when your opponent is tapped out and unable to protect him with counter spells or equipment that might grant him hexproof or indestructible.
Addressing Ma Chao, Western Warrior swiftly is the name of the game, as he shines in battles of attrition. Keeping your cool and executing a well-timed elimination tactic can pivot the match in your favor and neutralize the advantage that Ma Chao, Western Warrior provides to your adversary.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ma Chao, Western Warrior MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Treasure Chest, 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 Ma Chao, Western Warrior and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Ma Chao, Western Warrior Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2016-11-16. Illustrated by Koji.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 116 | 1997 | Normal | White | Koji | |
| 2 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 65807 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Koji |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ma Chao, Western Warrior has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Predh | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ma Chao, Western Warrior card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | Despite the similarities between horsemanship and flying, horsemanship doesn’t interact with flying or reach. |