• Ding Yuan may only initiate the competition with a character who currently has more health than he does.

• When Ding Yuan wins the competition, he chooses one of the four tool cards (Coerce, Duel, Blaze, or Break) and it is immediately used on the target. He does not need to actually possess or play that card.

• The effects of the chosen card apply normally, even though the card is virtual.

• If Ding Yuan chooses Coerce, he may target a player without a weapon. However, if that player cannot or chooses not to attack, nothing further happens.

• If Ding Yuan loses the competition, his action phase ends instantly, regardless of how much of it he has completed.

• Gains access to powerful tool cards without needing to draw or keep them in hand.

• Can pressure stronger opponents by turning their health advantage into a vulnerability.

• Useful in denying stronger opponents momentum or tempo by forcing them into difficult choices.

• Only works on opponents with more health, limiting flexibility.

• Risk of losing the competition can prematurely end Ding Yuan’s turn.

• Vulnerable to characters who manipulate card values or specialize in dueling.

• Card Competition Supporters:
  Characters like Lu Su or Liu Bei who improve draw quality help Ding Yuan win more duels.

• Disruption Targets:
  Characters who rely on powerful hand cards or weapons like Huang Yueying or Sun Shangxiang are good targets for his virtual tools.

King

• • Risky, as his ability is best when he's at lower health. Could be strong with defensive support.

Loyalist

• • Can apply pressure to Rebels and protect the King through forced engagements.

Rebel

• • Ideal, as he is likely to face a stronger King and can use his power to undermine them.

Spy

• • Tricky but feasible. His virtual tools give him options in late-game manipulation.

Ding Yuan thrives when facing stronger foes, leveraging his underdog position to disrupt and disable. While his ability comes with high risk, the flexibility to use powerful tool cards without drawing them gives him serious tactical options. Best used in matches where his health can be controlled and he’s not forced into early aggression, Ding Yuan rewards smart timing and strategic targeting.

Ding Yuan was a prominent warlord and Inspector of Bing Province, tasked with suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He was known more for his authority than for military talent and is best remembered for his adopted son Lu Bu, who betrayed and murdered him at Dong Zhuo’s behest. The ability "Inverted Prestige" mirrors Ding Yuan's unstable position—commanding influence without loyalty. His option to forcibly assert control with tools like Duel and Coerce reflects the precarious exercise of authority that ultimately cost him his life.