Shu Defender MTG Card

Provides card advantage and pivotal defense with its ability to summon blockers. Accelerates resources by acting as an additional source of mana. Instant speed play of Shu Defender can surprise opponents, altering the game’s flow.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Released	1999-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Portal Three Kingdoms
Set code	PTK
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	20
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	White
Illustred by	Sun Nan

Text of card

When Shu Defender blocks, it gets +0/+2 until the end of the turn.

Confronting Cao Cao's army at Steepslope Bridge, Zhang Fei bellowed, "I am Zhang Fei of Yan! Who dares fight me to the death?" Cao Cao's army cowered and fled.

Cards like Shu Defender

Shu Defender is a unique creature card within Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of other defensive stalwarts in the game. This card echoes the traits of cards like Wall of Omens, which also serves as a durable defender while offering an additional benefit upon entering the battlefield in the form of card drawing. Wall of Omens, however, doesn’t have the same capability to buff creatures as Shu Defender does.

Another similar card to consider is Wall of Blossoms, standing in the same vein of providing a solid defense and a card draw upon its arrival on the battlefield. But again, it lacks the kinship effect that Shu Defender provides, enhancing the power of other creatures you control. Also comparable is Benevolent Ancestor, a card with a robust defensive posture and the ability to prevent damage. Despite its protective qualities, it still doesn’t contribute to the overall strength of your creatures as Shu Defender does.

Evaluating these cards holistically, Shu Defender not only holds its own as a formidable defense card in Magic: The Gathering but also offers the strategic advantage of empowering your creature lineup, making it a versatile pick for any player focusing on synergy and defense.

Cards similar to Shu Defender by color, type and mana cost

Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shu Defender provides decisive board presence by allowing the summoning of multiple blockers, effectively deterring attacks and maintaining your defensive position. This maneuver can easily shift the balance of card advantage in your favor by nullifying your opponent’s threats.

Resource Acceleration: The ability of Shu Defender to tap for mana can be a form of resource acceleration. It helps develop your mana base by acting as a source of mana itself, which is crucial for casting more impactful spells earlier in the game and outpacing your opponents.

Instant Speed: Shu Defender’s ability to be summoned at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react dynamically to the game’s state. This strategic advantage means you can wait until the most opportune moment to introduce Shu Defender to the battlefield, catching your opponent off guard and preserving your resources for the most effective use.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shu Defender necessitates the discard of another card to activate its key abilities. This cost could deplete your hand quickly, leaving you vulnerable in the long game.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that calls for both white and green mana, Shu Defender might not seamlessly fit into multi-colored decks, potentially limiting its versatility in various strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Shu Defender’s demanding mana requirements could slow you down, especially in a format where speed and efficiency are crucial to outpacing opponents.

Reasons to Include Shu Defender in Your Collection

Versatility: Shu Defender can be a great addition to various deck archetypes, particularly those requiring a robust defensive unit. Its ability to bolster your lines and act as an efficient blocker makes it useful in both aggressive and control-based strategies.

Combo Potential: This card has potential synergy with strategies that thrive on defender creatures or those that capitalize on life gain. When used in tandem with cards that unlock the ability for defenders to attack, it can become a surprising offensive force as well.

Meta-Relevance: Given its utility in thwarting aggressive strategies, including Shu Defender in your deck can provide significant advantages against creature-heavy or aggro decks that dominate the playing field.

How to beat

Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest, emerges as a commander capable of explosive turns in the right deck. Facing Shu Yun requires precision and strategy due to the double strike ability he can grant, potentially leading to a swift defeat. An effective method to counter this threat revolves around proactive removal spells. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can disrupt the tempo and remove the threat before it manifests a significant impact on the game.

Control elements are also necessary when contending with Shu Yun’s prowess. Counterspells come in handy to deny key spells that could empower or protect him. Additionally, playing around Shu Yun’s triggers is critical. Cards with the ability to prevent combat damage or that have multiple blockers under your control can help survive through the assault. Ensnaring Bridge is an option, limiting the opponent’s ability to attack based on the number of cards in their hand.

Ultimately, winning against Shu Yun demands a blend of foresight and flexibility in your strategy, ensuring that his mastery of quietude doesn’t become your downfall. Whether it’s through targeted removal, strategic blocking, or controlling the stack, a prepared player can navigate this storm and emerge victorious.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shu Defender MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms, 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 Shu Defender and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shu Defender has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal