Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage MTG Card

Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)

Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
1999-05-01 - Number 165

Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage - Treasure Chest (PZ2)

Treasure Chest (PZ2)
2016-11-16 - Number 65805

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Human Advisor
Abilities	Hexproof
Power	1
Toughness	2

Key Takeaways

Zuo Ci excels in generating card advantage, allowing for rapid hand replenishment and versatile play.
The sage’s capability of instant-speed play introduces strategic layers and unexpected gameplay twists.
Utilizing Zuo Ci can accelerate resources, bypassing mana costs to outpace opponents effectively.

Text of card

Zuo Ci can't be blocked by creatures with horsemanship. Whenever your opponent chooses a creature in play, he or she can't choose Zuo Ci.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage, is a catalyst for generating card advantage. With its ability to play cards from your hand without paying their mana costs, it can quickly refill your hand while leaving your resources untapped for other plays.

Resource Acceleration: As a key component in enabling faster and more efficient plays, Zuo Ci can serve as a means of resource acceleration. This is because he allows you to bypass conventional mana costs, effectively speeding up your game plan and potentially leaving your opponents struggling to keep pace.

Instant Speed: The capability to utilize spells and abilities at instant speed with Zuo Ci’s guidance adds a strategic dimension to gameplay. Deploying threats or answers on an opponent’s turn can yield surprising turnarounds and provide you with a significant edge during intricate match-ups. This card offers flexibility and can result in unexpected swings, keeping opponents on their toes.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage necessitates a forfeiture of a card from your hand to unleash its potential, a stipulation that can be onerous when your hand is already depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost is particularly stringent, demanding three green mana. This inflexibility could encumber deck-building options and potentially exclude it from a variety of multi-colored strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that is toward the higher end of the spectrum, Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage may not be the most mana-efficient option relative to other cards within the same mana bracket that could provide similar or greater value.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage is a card that brings flexibility to the table. Its ability to grant unblockable to creatures with a certain power threshold means it can be adapted to a variety of decks, fitting snugly into strategies that capitalize on evasive creatures.

Combo Potential: This card offers combo possibilities with numerous cards that benefit from dealing combat damage to a player. From enabling consistent hits for cards that require it, to accompanying cipher spells which could be recast, it’s a lynchpin for intricate plays.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where board states can be cluttered and stalemates common, having a tool like Zuo Ci can tip the scales by bypassing potential blockers entirely, making it a savvy addition for anyone looking to outmaneuver opponent defenses.

How to beat

Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage presents a unique skill set for players in the world of Magic: The Gathering that can pose quite a challenge on the battlefield. Known for replicating activated abilities of other creatures, this sage brings versatility and unpredictability to your matches. Yet, this doesn’t make it unbeatable.

To effectively counter Zuo Ci, one must keep creature control strategies in hand. Removal spells that bypass hexproof or shroud effects, such as board wipes, are invaluable in this scenario. Consider utilizing spells like Wrath of God or Damnation to reset the board without targeting specific creatures. On the other hand, effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature can be highly effective as they do not target Zuo Ci directly. Think along the lines of Liliana of the Veil or Diabolic Edict for efficient answers.

Remaining vigilant about which creatures are in play and their activated abilities is also key. Limiting the potent abilities that Zuo Ci can copy by controlling the battlefield landscape can diminish its impact. Overall, strategic planning and the right removal spells are crucial in gaining the upper hand against Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage, and maintaining control of the game.

Cards like Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage

Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage offers a unique twist on creature design for Magic: The Gathering players. Similar to figures like Prodigal Sorcerer, Zuo Ci has the ability to directly deal damage, yet it’s the sage’s immunity to being targeted that truly distinguishes him. Prodigal Sorcerer doesn’t share this protective trait, leaving it vulnerable to removal spells.

Comparison can also be drawn with Norin the Wary. Like Zuo Ci, Norin has an evasive ability that keeps him out of harm’s way by exiling himself. However, Norin’s ability is triggered by combat or spells, making it less predictable than Zuo Ci’s consistent hexproof ability. Additionally, Zuo Ci’s potential to nullify an opponent’s creature spells with the same name is unmatched, elevating its strategic value.

To round out the discussion, Thrun, the Last Troll is another notable mention. It shares the untargetable characteristic with Zuo Ci, granting it resilience against control strategies. Additionally, Thrun can regenerate, adding another layer of durability. Yet, Zuo Ci stands out with its ability to affect the opponent’s spell choices, adding a psychological angle to the gameplay.

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage 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 Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zuo Ci, the Mocking Sage Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2016-11-16. Illustrated by Wang Yuqun.