• "Seize Authority" can be used on both targeted and global tool cards, as long as the user is within Sima Zhao’s attack range.

• Basic cards include Attack, Escape, Peach, and Wine and the suit must match the suit of the tool card for the ability to take effect.

• When using "Seize Authority," the tool card does not take effect at all—it is treated as if it was never played. It is is added to Sima Zhao’s hand after cancellation and can be used on his next turn.

• For "Return to Jin," Sima Zhao must make the exchange immediately after the Jin character’s discard phase.

• "Return to Jin" is similar to Sun Quan's "Reconsider", except that Sima Zhao gets to chose the cards he wants to draw back.

• Can disrupt enemy plans by neutralizing tool cards and stealing them for reuse.

• "Seize Authority" provides powerful hand advantage and tempo control.

• Gains flexibility and synergy when played as King in Jin-heavy lineups.

• "Return to Jin" allows recycling of valuable resources and turns discarded cards into opportunities.

• Requires a basic card of the correct suit, which may not always be available.

• "Seize Authority" is only effective within his attack range, making it susceptible to distance-based counters.

• Loses efficiency when Jin characters are absent or eliminated.

• "Return to Jin" relies on allies discarding meaningful cards—may not trigger every round.

• Jin Allies:
  Characters like Sima Yan, Wen Yang, and Du Yu discard many cards, helping fuel Sima Zhao’s "Return to Jin."

• Tool Users:
  Sima Zhao can act as a counter for characters that rely on using tool cards. Huang Yueying and Yuan Shao may find themselves in a difficult position.

• Range Enhancers:
  Cards and characters that extend Sima Zhao’s attack range make "Seize Authority" more impactful. Examples include Wu Guotai and equipment like -1 horses or weapons.

• Basic Card Generators:
  Characters such as Liu Bei or Guo Jia who provide basic cards can help Sima Zhao maintain enough to trigger "Seize Authority" frequently.

King

• • Very strong when supported by Jin characters. Gains immense value and tempo with "Return to Jin" and can stifle enemies using "Seize Authority."

Loyalist

• • Good at defending the King by disrupting tool cards and supporting teammates.

Rebel

• • Disruptive and dangerous to Kings who rely on tools. Can drain key resources and slow the King's tempo.

Spy

• • Flexible and resourceful, though effectiveness depends on card access and range positioning.

Sima Zhao thrives on control, disruption, and resource conversion. His ability to cancel tool cards with "Seize Authority" makes him a constant threat to strategic plays, while "Return to Jin" empowers him to recycle discarded cards and maintain hand advantage. As King, he becomes a powerful engine in Jin-centric decks, capitalizing on team synergy and punishing opponents' plans. Tactical positioning and careful hand management make Sima Zhao one of the most cerebral generals in the game.

Sima Zhao was the son of Sima Yi and father of Sima Yan. Though he never formally took the throne, he held supreme power as regent and laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Jin dynasty. His political cunning is represented through "Seize Authority," mirroring his skill in neutralizing threats and co-opting power. "Return to Jin" symbolizes his role in consolidating discarded or unused forces into strength, contributing directly to the founding of a new empire. His legacy as the final architect of the Wei-Jin transition is brought to life in his strategic and manipulative gameplay.