Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 1999-05-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal Three Kingdoms |
| Set code | PTK |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 96 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | White |
| Illustred by | Li Youliang |
Text of card
When Zhang Liao successfully damages your opponent, he or she chooses and discard a card from his or her hand. (Ignore this effect if your opponent doesn't have any cards.)
Cards like Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei
As MTG enthusiasts delve into the historic aspect of the game, the Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei card stands out as a formidable representation of the Warrior archetype. In comparison, characters like Loyal Cathar carry a similar weight, known for its vigilance, although Loyal Cathar does not have the power boost based on the card types in the graveyard, a distinction that gives Zhang Liao an edge during gameplay. Yet, unlike Zhang Liao, Loyal Cathar can transform into Unhallowed Cathar, adding a different layer to its strategic use.
Another card that echoes the essence of Zhang Liao is Knight of the White Orchid. Both cards provide an advantageous battlefield presence, with the Knight’s ability to synergize with land acquisition presenting a different route for players to gain the upper hand. However, Knight of the White Orchid lacks the graveyard interaction that makes Zhang Liao unique. Additionally, Mirran Crusader offers protection from black and green, and double strike, factors absent in Zhang Liao’s skill set, but it doesn’t offer the same potential for increasing strength over time.
When evaluating these cards side by side, it becomes clear that while each has their individual merits, Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei holds a strong position among warrior-themed MTG cards, thanks to its scalable power and synergy with certain deck strategies.
Cards similar to Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In a strategic MTG game, card draw spells are critical for maintaining hand superiority, and Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei, excels at providing card advantage. When this legendary warrior deals combat damage to a player, it offers the beneficial ability to draw cards, thus restocking your hand and increasing options for future turns.
Resource Acceleration: Alongside card advantage, one of the key elements for winning games is being able to outpace your opponents with resource acceleration. While Zhang Liao may not generate additional mana directly, this card’s presence can put opponents on the back foot, effectively slowing them down and giving you the upper hand in the resource game over the course of the match.
Instant Speed: Another essential aspect of competitive MTG play is adaptability and the capacity to act at instant speed. Zhang Liao might not have instant speed himself, but his ability to draw into cards that do operate at this speed can catch opponents off guard, providing you with the flexibility to respond to threats or create your own at the most opportune times without telegraphing your moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: This card necessitates the discard of another card from your hand, which can prove to be a setback especially during the late game where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei requires a combination of black and generic mana, potentially restricting deck-building options as it demands a commitment to specific colors in your mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that could be considered steep for its provided effects, there are alternative cards that might fulfill similar roles at a lower cost, thus leading to more efficient mana usage over the course of the game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei complements a diverse array of strategies as it serves as a reliable combatant with its horsemanship ability. This quality ensures it can be a key player in decks that prioritize evasive creatures.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize well with various abilities that trigger upon dealing combat damage or when creatures remain unblocked. Its innate capability helps to enable such combos with greater consistency.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where board presence and creature-based tactics are prevalent, Zhang Liao can maintain its relevance by bypassing crowded battlefields. Given its ability to avoid being blocked by most creatures, it can be a strategic asset against decks that lack fliers or reach.
How to beat
Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei has carved out a niche amongst MTG warriors with its distinctive ability to alter the course of combat. What sets Zhang Liao apart is the protection it offers to other creatures you control by preventing all combat damage that would be dealt to them. To effectively counter this card, targeted removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can be critical, removing Zhang Liao from the battlefield before its ability becomes a factor.
Furthermore, including board wipes such as Wrath of God in your deck can clear the field of Zhang Liao and other problematic creatures simultaneously. It’s essential to have these answers ready if Zhang Liao is on the opposing side. Considering its capabilities, having strategies in place to handle this stalwart defender can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Another viable tactic is to use counterspells to prevent Zhang Liao from ever hitting the board. Spell Pierce or Negate can be particularly useful given their low mana cost. Anticipating and disrupting your opponent’s plays are crucial to ensuring that the Hero of Hefei doesn’t turn the tides against you.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei 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 Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei 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 Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Predh | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |