Sun Ce, Young ConquererHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unblockable Strategy: Horsemanship

Sun Ce possesses horsemanship, a unique keyword that functions similarly to flying but in a completely separate layer. A creature with horsemanship can only be blocked by other creatures with horsemanship. Even if an opponent has creatures with flying or reach, they cannot block Sun Ce unless they specifically have the horsemanship keyword. This makes him an incredibly reliable source of damage in most formats.

Mastering the Entry Trigger

When Sun Ce enters the battlefield, his triggered ability goes on the stack, allowing you to target any creature to return to its owner's hand. Because the ability says 'you may,' you are not forced to bounce a creature if the only valid targets are your own and you'd prefer they stay put. If the targeted creature becomes an illegal target before the ability resolves (for example, by gaining Hexproof), the ability will fail to resolve and nothing happens.

When to Deploy the Conquerer

Sun Ce is best utilized when you need to remove a problematic blocker or reset a powerful 'enters-the-battlefield' effect of your own. Since he is a legendary Human Soldier, he also benefits from various tribal synergies. Use him to clear the way for a final lethal swing, knowing that very few decks run creatures capable of blocking a rider on horseback.

Interaction examples

Value Extraction with Solemn Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

You have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield. When you cast Sun Ce, Young Conquerer, you can choose to target your own Solemn Simulacrum with his entry trigger. This returns the Golem to your hand, allowing you to cast it again later to search for another basic land and draw another card when it eventually dies.

Double Diplomacy with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne is on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Soldier' chosen, Sun Ce's entry ability will trigger twice. This allows you to select two different target creatures to return to their owners' hands, effectively clearing the opponent's board while Sun Ce prepares to attack with horsemanship.

Bypassing Modern Defenses

Sun Ce attacks an opponent who controls a creature with Flying and another creature with Reach. Because horsemanship does not interact with flying or reach, neither of those creatures can be declared as blockers. Sun Ce deals his damage directly to the player or planeswalker he is attacking.