Wu Longbowman MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 61
2009-09-07 - Number 55
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier Archer |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Wu Longbowman provides consistent damage and valuable board control with its activated ability.
- Relatively low casting cost for quick board presence, offset by the specific mana requirement of blue.
- Its instant speed activation delivers flexible defenses, albeit with the cost of sacrificing the creature.
Text of card
On your turn, before you attack, you may tap Wu Longbowman to have it deal 1 damage to any one creature or player.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wu Longbowman has the potential to deal consistent damage over multiple turns, effectively managing smaller threats on the board and providing continual value.
Resource Acceleration: The low casting cost of Wu Longbowman allows for early board presence without slowing down your mana curve, enabling the deployment of other strategies with minimal resource setback.
Instant Speed: Wu Longbowman’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, offering flexibility during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, keeping your options open while maintaining threats.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The ability of Wu Longbowman can only be activated if you sacrifice it, which effectively removes the card from play. This requirement can be disadvantageous as it diminishes your board presence and may not always be a beneficial trade.
Specific Mana Cost: Wu Longbowman’s casting cost includes blue mana, making it less flexible for decks that are not aligned with blue’s mana pool. This restricts the card’s utility to specific deck types focused around blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost setting you back three mana, including one blue, Wu Longbowman is considered to have a high cost for its relatively low stats and singular ability. There are other creatures or spells at similar or lower mana costs offering equal or more competitive advantages.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wu Longbowman is a useful addition to any collection due to its ability to plug into various deck archetypes. Its archer classification and ranged prowess can enhance decks focusing on creature control, while also being an asset in combat.
Combo Potential: Wu Longbowman’s tap ability can be seamlessly integrated into combos that capitalize on dealing damage without entering combat. You can explore interactions with cards that untap creatures or modify damage output for strategic advantage.
Meta-Relevance: With the ever-shifting dynamics of the game, having a creature that can serve both as a deterrent and a tactical asset is invaluable. Wu Longbowman fits well into a meta where small creature strategies are prevalent, providing reach and leveraging its ability to outmaneuver opponents’ defenses.
How to beat
Wu Longbowman presents an interesting challenge with its activated ability to deal damage directly to target attacking or blocking creature. This ability makes it a persistent deterrence against combat strategies. When facing off against this card, strategies that limit its activation are crucial. An example of a suitable response is to use instant speed removal spells before attackers are declared or in response to the activation of its ability. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push are efficient at this task, removing the Longbowman from the field before it can impact your combat plans.
Another effective approach is to employ creature spells that can withstand the Longbowman’s ping ability. Creatures with high toughness or indestructible attributes can nullify the Longbowman’s effectiveness. Additionally, enchantments that prevent the activation of abilities, such as Suppression Bonds or cards that prevent targeting like Swiftfoot Boots, can provide a blanket solution by shutting down the ability entirely.
Ultimately, dealing with Wu Longbowman requires a bit of forethought and control over when and how your creatures engage in battle. By timing your spells correctly and using protective measures, you can nullify the Longbowman’s advantage and maintain a strong battlefield presence.
Cards like Wu Longbowman
Wu Longbowman is a unique card within the realm of creature spells in Magic: The Gathering. Much like its counterparts, such as the classic Prodigal Sorcerer, it allows players to deal direct damage to creatures or players. What makes Wu Longbowman notable is its ability to deal this damage while tapping, which is reminiscent of Prodigal Sorcerer’s famed “Tim” ability. However, Wu Longbowman requires a white mana to activate this ability, which places it in a slightly different strategic position compared to the mono-blue Prodigal Sorcerer.
Another similar card, Razorfoot Griffin, shares the flying ability with Wu Longbowman but lacks the tap-damage ability, pivoting more on defense than offense. Crossbow Infantry, while also a white creature with a direct damage ability, must tap and only targets flying creatures, marking a more situational use compared to the more versatile Wu Longbowman.
When considering cards that offer direct damage functionalities, Wu Longbowman holds its ground with a decent blend of control and versatility. Its requirement for white mana for activation means it fits well into decks that can accommodate such costs, allowing it to serve as both a defensive and offensive tool in the right circumstances.
Cards similar to Wu Longbowman by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wu Longbowman MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Masters Edition III, 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 Wu Longbowman and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Wu Longbowman Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Xu Tan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 61 | 1997 | Normal | White | Xu Tan | |
| 2 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 55 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Xu Tan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wu Longbowman has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Wu Longbowman 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. |
