Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms MTG Card


Despite lacking card draw, Lu Bu’s powerful attacks create a beneficial board state, indirectly providing card advantage. Its haste allows immediate game impact, similar to instant effects, surprising opponents and altering the board quickly. Mana-intensive with color specificity, Lu Bu requires careful deck construction but rewards with a strong battlefield presence.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Soldier Warrior
Abilities Haste,Horsemanship
Power 4
Toughness 3

Text of card

Haste; horsemanship (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with horsemanship.)

"Dong Zhuo's man, Lu Bu, warrior without peer, / Far surpassed the champions of his sphere."


Cards like Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms

Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms represents a unique niche in MTG as a legendary creature with formidable aggression and strategic depth. When eyeing cards similar to Lu Bu, we can’t help but draw parallels with cards like Aurelia, the Warleader. Both are legendary creatures that amplify combat phases, yet Aurelia provides a repeating benefit, offering a second combat phase, while Lu Bu’s strength lies in his immediate impact on the board with horsemanship, making him difficult to block.

In terms of raw power, there’s a likeness between Lu Bu and creatures like Gisela, Blade of Goldnight, another heavy hitter with the potential to change the state of the game quickly. While Gisela doubles damage to opponents and halving damage to you, Lu Bu comes across as a more straightforward offensive play with lesser defenses but similar potential for swift and devastating attacks.

In conclusion, Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms stands out amongst MTG cards for its aggressive playstyle and evasive ability. Although alternatives may offer some form of combat enhancement, Lu Bu’s unique horsemanship trait and significant power level carve out a specialized, formidable space for him in red creature decks, making him a force that can catch opponents off guard with his unblockable prowess.

Aurelia, the Warleader - MTG Card versions
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - MTG Card versions
Aurelia, the Warleader - MTG Card versions
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms by color, type and mana cost

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Iron-Barb Hellion - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions
Patron of the Akki - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Frost Giant - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Iron-Barb Hellion - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions
Patron of the Akki - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Frost Giant - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms doesn’t directly let you draw additional cards, its significant combat prowess can lead to advantageous board states. Eliminating opposing creatures can effectively serve as card advantage when it translates to maintaining more cards in play than your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Commanding a hefty six mana to cast, Lu Bu doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration. However, its presence on the battlefield can deter opponents from engaging in battles, potentially allowing you to develop your resources unhindered and utilize mana spent on other spells more efficiently.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Lu Bu’s hastening ability means it can impact the game immediately upon being cast. This can surprise an unprepared opponent and offers a tactical advantage akin to instant speed interaction, as it can swing life totals or eliminate key threats right away.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms is the necessity to discard another card when you cast it. This can be particularly taxing in gameplay situations where your hand is already depleted, thus potentially putting you at a disadvantage by further reducing your options.

Specific Mana Cost: Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms requires a specific combination of mana colors to cast, which can be restrictive. This can complicate deck-building for players who wish to integrate Lu Bu into multi-color decks, possibly forcing alterations in mana base or strategy to accommodate this card’s inclusion.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding a significant chunk of your mana resources, this card comes with a high cost that may impact your ability to play other spells in the same turn. Considering the competitive environment of MTG, where optimal resource use is crucial, there might be more mana-efficient options available for achieving similar or better effects, potentially limiting Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms’ playability in fast-paced games.


Reasons to Include Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms in Your Collection

Versatility: Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms is a dynamic card that can be easily slotted into various deck archetypes. Its impressive power level can turn the tides in aggressive strategies as well as offering significant board presence in midrange builds.

Combo Potential: With abilities that synergize well with equipment and aura spells, Lu Bu can be the centerpiece of powerful combo decks. Its potential to become a commanding force with the right support cards makes it a fearsome contender in many matches.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors creatures with high impact and immediate board influence, Lu Bu stands out as a card that can compete with top-tier threats. Its ability to challenge opponents and demand answers upon entry makes it a game-changer in the current dynamic of competitive play.


How to beat

Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms is a powerful creature in MTG that comes with an impressive combination of abilities, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield. One key to overcoming this card lies in understanding that Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms’ strength is his offense rather than his defense. Thus, strategies that remove or neutralize him before he can declare an attack are typically most effective.

Removal spells are your best line of defense against Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms. Instant-speed removal like “Path to Exile” or “Terminate” allow you to handle him during your opponent’s turn or in response to an attack. Board wipes such as “Wrath of God” can also clear the battlefield of threats like Lu Bu, irrespective of how many creatures your opponent has amassed.

Controlling the game’s pace is crucial. Counterspells prevent Lu Bu from entering the battlefield at all. If he does manage to get into play, enchantments or abilities that tap him down or prevent combat damage can strip him of his power temporarily, turning the tide of battle. With the right mix of control and removal, you can ensure that Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms’ tenure on the battlefield is short-lived.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms MTG card by a specific set like Portal: Three Kingdoms Promos and 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 Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Gao Jianzhang.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-05-01Portal: Three Kingdoms PromosPPTK 115a1997NormalWhiteGao Jianzhang
21999-05-01Portal Three KingdomsPTK 1151997NormalWhiteGao Jianzhang
31999-05-01Portal: Three Kingdoms PromosPPTK 115b1997NormalWhiteGao Jianzhang
42002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 361301997NormalBlackGao Jianzhang
52009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 1081997NormalBlackGao Jianzhang

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms 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.