Yuan Shao, the Indecisive MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Horsemanship |
| Released | 1999-05-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal Three Kingdoms |
| Set code | PTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 128 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | White |
| Illustred by | Inoue Junichi |
Text of card
Horsemanship Each of your creatures can't be blocked by more than one creature each turn as long as Yuan Shao is in play.
Cards like Yuan Shao, the Indecisive
Yuan Shao, the Indecisive finds its place in MTG as a unique commander option for players who enjoy a more flexible approach to combat. Its ability to make it difficult for opponents to block multiple creatures offers a different strategy compared to commanders like Marisi, Breaker of the Coil. Marisi forces opponents to battle, preventing them from playing it safe behind their blockers, drawing a clear line with Yuan Shao’s tactical combat manipulation.
Another card worth mentioning is Odric, Master Tactician. Both Odric and Yuan Shao shine in combat scenarios—Odric’s expertise is in choosing how each creature blocks or doesn’t block when you attack with at least three others. This is quite strategic but lacks the same level of indecisiveness that Yuan Shao brings. Conversely, Menace as a mechanic, found on creatures like Sonorous Howlbonder, ties closely to Yuan Shao’s theme of blocking complications, yet it’s more straightforward and less expansive in scope.
Ultimately, Yuan Shao, the Indecisive provides a unique blend of combat manipulation. It enriches games for players who enjoy causing havoc during the battle phase of MTG, distinguishing itself from similar cards with its particular brand of indecisiveness.
Cards similar to Yuan Shao, the Indecisive by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Yuan Shao, the Indecisive shines by potentially doubling up the effects of other spells, setting the stage for significant card advantage. When you’re able to cast an additional spell that draws or manipulates cards, the value this card can offer extends far beyond a single turn.
Resource Acceleration: This card encourages strategic deck building that leverages resource acceleration. With the right setup, you can use it to duplicate mana-generating spells or effects, propelling you ahead in the game and giving you the ability to cast more powerful spells sooner than your opponent.
Instant Speed: Having abilities that can be activated at instant speed makes Yuan Shao, the Indecisive a versatile card in any match. This allows you to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn or make unexpected combinations during your own, catching other players off-guard and potentially swinging the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Yuan Shao, the Indecisive introduces a challenging game mechanic where discarding becomes part of your strategy. This feature might put you at a disadvantage by depleting your hand, particularly if you’re battling an opponent with card advantage. Conserving your resources is vital, and this requirement could disrupt critical hand dynamics in longer matches.
Specific Mana Cost: Tailoring your mana base can be tough, especially with cards that demand a stringent combination of colors. With Yuan Shao, the deck must accommodate his specific mana necessities, potentially complicating your mana curve and restricting his inclusion to only those decks that can reliably produce the right colors early enough to make a difference.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the overall mana efficiency of a card, Yuan Shao may fall short. His high mana value can be a significant setback in fast-paced games where tempo is crucial. The mana invested in casting him could be directed towards other spells or creatures that yield immediate board presence or card advantage, making his cost a hefty price to fulfil for his intended strategic value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Yuan Shao, the Indecisive can adapt to various playstyles, proving to be a flexible addition to Commander decks focused on politics or decision-based gameplay.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to hinder opponents’ decision-making can be partnered with strategies that capitalize on your opponents taking longer turns or being forced into unfavorable choices.
Meta-Relevance: With a play environment that heavily features strategy and skill-intensive games, Yuan Shao can serve as a unique tool to disrupt opponents and gain a tactical advantage.
How to beat
Yuan Shao, the Indecisive, is a strategic challenge in the landscape of MTG cards. When facing this tricky card, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is key to victory. One way to counteract Yuan Shao’s flip-flopping decisions is by applying persistent pressure. This can be done by establishing a board presence that demands decisive action, essentially cornering the opponent into making suboptimal plays. Additionally, instant-speed removal or counter spells during your opponent’s turn limit its ability to affect the game, as responding to Yuan Shao’s ability requires quick and definite answers.
Moreover, employing strategies that render Yuan Shao irrelevant can be effective too. Think along the lines of using untargetable or hexproof creatures which sidestep Yuan Shao’s control effects or introducing alternative win conditions that bypass combat altogether. And let’s not forget about efficient mana use; applying pressure by playing low-cost, high-impact spells keeps your resources open for responses, making each of Yuan Shao’s decisions a potential pitfall for your opponent.
Strategically navigating the intricate tango with Yuan Shao can tilt the match in your favor, proving that indecisiveness on the battlefield might well lead to a decisive defeat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Yuan Shao, the Indecisive 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 Yuan Shao, the Indecisive 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 Yuan Shao, the Indecisive 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 Yuan Shao, the Indecisive 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. |