Shang-Chi, Master of Kung FuHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unlocking Immediate Potential

Shang-Chi's primary static ability allows you to activate abilities of creatures you control as though those creatures had haste. This specifically applies to abilities that include the tap symbol or untap symbol in their activation cost. While it doesn't grant the keyword Haste for attacking purposes, it effectively removes the 'summoning sickness' barrier for any ability that requires tapping a creature.

A Master's Mana Generation

The activated ability of Shang-Chi requires him to tap to add two mana of any one color. However, this mana comes with a strict restriction: it can only be spent to activate abilities of creature sources. This includes abilities of creatures on the battlefield, but also creature cards in other zones, such as cycling from your hand or scavenge from your graveyard, as long as the source is a creature.

Common Mistake: Attacking

It is crucial to remember that Shang-Chi's first ability only applies to activating abilities. It does not grant creatures haste for the purpose of attacking. If you play a creature while Shang-Chi is on the battlefield, that creature can use its tap abilities immediately, but it cannot be declared as an attacker until your next turn unless it has the Haste keyword from another source.

When to Deploy Shang-Chi

Shang-Chi is best played early to maximize the utility of your utility creatures. By providing a source of restricted mana that pays for other creature abilities, he acts as both a ramp piece and a facilitator for complex board states. He is particularly effective in decks that rely on mana dorks or activated abilities that cost mana.

Interaction examples

The First Turn Acceleration

Llanowar Elves

With Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu already on the battlefield, you cast Llanowar Elves. Normally, the Elf would have to wait a turn to tap for mana. Because of Shang-Chi's static ability, you can immediately tap Llanowar Elves to add {G} to your mana pool the same turn it entered the battlefield.

Filtering for Flight

Birds of Paradise

You tap Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu to add two green mana. You then immediately use one of those green mana to pay for a cost or, if you have multiple creatures with activated abilities, use Shang-Chi's ability to fuel them. If you then cast Birds of Paradise, you can immediately tap the Birds of Paradise for any color of mana, as Shang-Chi allows it to ignore summoning sickness for its activated ability.