Shu Elite Infantry MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 1999-05-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal Three Kingdoms |
| Set code | PTK |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 22 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | White |
| Illustred by | Song Shikai |
Cards like Shu Elite Infantry
When exploring the landscape of powerful combat creatures, Shu Elite Infantry emerges as a unique option among Magic: The Gathering’s red-aligned cards. Its comparison can be drawn with Loyal Pegasus, for instance, which also requires a partnered attack but flies above ground-based blockers. Yet, Shu Elite Infantry stands out with its horsemanship ability, making it unblockable by non-horsemanship creatures, an advantage that Loyal Pegasus does not possess.
Another analogous card is Gustcloak Skirmisher, which also has the potential to dodge unfavorable blocks. However, the Skirmisher must return to the player’s hand, while Shu Elite Infantry can repeatedly attack unblocked thanks to horsemanship. The Skirmisher can be more mana-intensive and doesn’t have the straightforward aggression offered by Shu Elite Infantry.
Considering all factors, Shu Elite Infantry holds its place with distinct capabilities among MTG creatures. It carves a niche with its unblockability within red’s combat-focused strategies, affirming its relevance in decks that prioritize direct and repeated attacks.
Cards similar to Shu Elite Infantry by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Shu Elite Infantry may not directly allow you to draw cards, its value comes from its resilience on the battlefield. By surviving multiple battles, it effectively denies your opponent the card advantage they would gain from removing your creature, keeping your board state strong.
Resource Acceleration: The Shu Elite Infantry doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in the traditional sense of providing mana or reducing costs. Its strength lies in efficient mana usage. Deploying a robust unit for a low mana cost can free up your resources for other strategic plays in the same turn.
Instant Speed: One of the hallmarks of proficient play is the ability to respond to an opponent’s actions effectively. Although Shu Elite Infantry is a creature and not an instant, incorporating creatures that can be played at any speed, such as those with flash, can keep opponents guessing and give you the element of surprise. Remember to complement your infantry with instant-speed interaction to maintain control of the game tempo.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Shu Elite Infantry’s ability may come with a price, wherein you might need to discard another card to utilize its full potential. This could be particularly detrimental in a tight match where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific combination of mana colors to cast. If your deck isn’t built to consistently produce the necessary colors, you could find the Shu Elite Infantry stranded in your hand, unusable at crucial moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering the mana investment for the stats and abilities provided by the Shu Elite Infantry, it may not be the most mana-efficient choice for your deck. There are alternative creatures that could offer similar or better functionality at a lower mana cost, thereby optimizing your deck’s performance.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shu Elite Infantry is flexible enough to be a useful piece in various deck builds. Its combination of modest mana cost, horsemanship ability, and decent power make it a card that can adapt to multiple situations on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: While not a combo piece in the traditional sense, Shu Elite Infantry’s horsemanship allows it to synergize well with other cards that benefit from creatures that are hard to block, potentially leading to unexpected combat wins.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where evasive creatures are key, Shu Elite Infantry stands out. Its horsemanship trait, uncommon among creatures, can make it particularly relevant in games where aerial or unblockable strategies dominate.
How to beat
The Shu Elite Infantry brings a unique dimension to battlefield strategy in Magic: The Gathering. Known for its horsemanship ability, this card can be tricky to block for those unfamiliar with the nuances of this lesser-known mechanic. Horsemanship allows the creature to avoid being blocked except by other creatures with horsemanship, a quality rarely seen in the average deck.
To effectively combat the Shu Elite Infantry, consider using direct removal spells that don’t rely on blocking. Spells like Path to Exile or Murder can dispose of the creature regardless of its horsemanship. Alternatively, global effects that decrease the toughness of all creatures, such as Pyroclasm or Infest, can be just as effective in clearing the Shu Elite Infantry from the board without engaging in combat. Utilizing these strategies can level the playing field and allow you to maintain control of the game.
Understanding and preparing for the horsemanship ability can turn the tide of battle in your favor, mitigating the advantage this card provides. With the right approach, Shu Elite Infantry’s impact can be minimized, keeping your strategy intact and your path to victory clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shu Elite Infantry 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 Elite Infantry 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shu Elite Infantry has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |