Wu Elite Cavalry MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 58
2009-09-07 - Number 54
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Horsemanship |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Key Takeaways
- Card draw from targeted spells gives Wu Elite Cavalry a strategic advantage over opponents.
- Efficient mana cost makes it a smooth addition without disrupting the mana curve.
- Instant-speed options with Wu Elite Cavalry keep opponents unprepared and reactive.
Text of card
Horsemanship
At the second battle of Ruxu, the brave Wu general Gan Ning raided Cao Cao's camp of 400,000 men with only 100 cavalry. Not a single man or horse was lost.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wu Elite Cavalry provides a strategic edge with its ability to grant you an extra draw when it becomes targeted. This can tip the scales in your favor by ensuring you have more options at your disposal.
Resource Acceleration: Featuring an efficient mana cost for its stats, Wu Elite Cavalry can help streamline your battlefield presence without hindering your mana curve. This efficiency allows you to deploy other threats or hold up mana for essential interactions.
Instant Speed: The flexibility offered by Wu Elite Cavalry’s mechanics can surprise opponents at instant speed. Whether it’s casting spells that target it or using it to flash in other cards that sync with its abilities, Wu Elite Cavalry aligns well with a reactive playstyle, keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One aspect that might deter players from using Wu Elite Cavalry is its discard requirement. This cost must be paid up front, putting players at a potential card disadvantage. This can be particularly punishing if your hand is already running thin, making it harder to maintain card advantage against opponents.
Specific Mana Cost: Another hurdle for players is the specific mana cost tied to Wu Elite Cavalry. The card requires a precise alignment of mana resources, which may not always align with the deck’s mana base, especially in multicolored decks. This can lead to situations where the card remains unplayable in hand due to mana restrictions.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When players evaluate the efficiency of their cards, they often look at the impact relative to the mana investment. In the case of Wu Elite Cavalry, the cost can be considered comparatively high in relation to its abilities. There are alternative cards in the game that can provide a stronger or more immediate impact on the battlefield for the same or lower mana investment, making Wu Elite Cavalry less desirable in a competitive setting.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wu Elite Cavalry offers a solid body that can serve as both an offensive threat and a defensive option in a variety of decks. Their presence on the board can be a game-changer in matches that demand a flexible strategy.
Combo Potential: As a human soldier, the card synergizes well with other human-centric or soldier strategies. Its ability to be buffed or to enable other combos gives it a valued place in synergistic deck construction.
Meta-Relevance: In games where pace and tempo dictate the flow, Wu Elite Cavalry can shine. Their inclusion can fortify your game plan against an array of popular deck types, remaining a relevant choice in various competitive formats.
How to Beat Wu Elite Cavalry
Understanding the battlefield is crucial when confronting the Wu Elite Cavalry in MTG. This card is known for its prowess in combat, often fortified by its synergies with other cards that enhance its offensive capabilities. To tackle this card effectively, consider using removal spells that can bypass its defenses or direct damage spells that can take it out before it becomes too much of a threat.
Control decks have an advantage here, as they hold an arsenal of counterspells and bounce spells, like Unsummon or Essence Scatter, that can negate the Cavalry’s initial cast or return it back to the hand, disrupting the opponent’s momentum. Additionally, utilizing chump blockers or creatures with deathtouch can neutralize this threat on the battlefield, forcing the opponent to reconsider their attacks.
Strategically, the key lies in managing your resources to handle the complications Wu Elite Cavalry presents. Always include versatile answers in your deck to address such resilient threats and maintain board control. Balancing your response between preserving your life total and eliminating key pieces of your opponent’s strategy will ensure that you stay one step ahead in the match.
Cards like Wu Elite Cavalry
The Wu Elite Cavalry card brings a strategic play to MTG fans who appreciate the vigor of creature cards. In a similar bracket, we see the likes of Benalish Cavalry which, akin to Wu Elite Cavalry, boasts a swift ability to strike with vigilance. However, Wu Elite Cavalry has an edge in certain deck builds, especially within the blue-white color combination where their abilities are more synergistic with control strategies.
Another card worth mentioning is Lone Rider which, when evaluated side by side with Wu Elite Cavalry, also presents an interesting dynamic of transformation that can lead to a more powerful creature, though it requires a bit more setup for its flip condition. Unlike Wu Elite Cavalry, Lone Rider lacks the natural vigilance but compensates with a potential lifelink ability.
Each of these cards deliver unique tactics to table, yet Wu Elite Cavalry finds its niche among those who value a consistent defense-oriented technique. It doesn’t ask players to meet specific criteria to be effective, and this simplicity can make a significant difference in the flow of a match.
Cards similar to Wu Elite Cavalry by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wu Elite Cavalry MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Masters Edition III, 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 Wu Elite Cavalry and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Wu Elite Cavalry Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Li Wang.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 58 | 1997 | Normal | White | Li Wang | |
| 2 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 54 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Li Wang |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wu Elite Cavalry has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Wu Elite Cavalry 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. |
