Brilliant Scheme 明策
Once per turn, Chen Gong can give another player an Attack or equipment card. The player can then choose to either draw one card or allow Chen Gong to choose one character in their attack range, who will then be attacked by the player receiving the card.
Delayed Wisdom 智迟
When Chen Gong is damaged outside of his turn, he becomes immune to all attacks and non-delayed tool cards for the rest of that turn.
When the second option of "Brilliant Scheme" is selected, the recipient of the card does not need to discard the card they received from Chen Gong. For example, if Chen Gong gives another character an Attack card, they can choose to let him select someone for them to attack, and the attack happens automatically, allowing the recipient to keep the Attack card.
In QSanGuoSha, the target of "Brilliant Scheme" must choose to either draw or attack before Chen Gong reveals who they would attack. In web.sanguosha.com, the target knows the character before choosing.
The attack made by the recipient in "Brilliant Scheme" is colorless and non-elemental. They can still use weapon abilities or character abilities that trigger during attacks.
Chen Gong can give equipment already equipped through "Brilliant Scheme," enabling characters to benefit from gaining and using new equipment.
"Delayed Wisdom" grants immunity to all non-delayed tool cards after Chen Gong receives damage outside his turn, regardless of whether the tool cards are beneficial or detrimental. For example, Chen Gong won’t need to respond to a Barbarians card, but he also cannot draw cards from Harvest.
"Delayed Wisdom" is enforced, meaning Chen Gong cannot choose to be affected by attacks or non-delay tool cards once it activates.
"Brilliant Scheme" can manipulate the battlefield and create powerful chain attacks. If the recipient chooses to cooperate, the ability to deal a free attack or gain equipment makes Chen Gong’s support very flexible and potent.
Chen Gong can attack characters outside of his own range by using "Brilliant Scheme" to have allies perform the attack, expanding his tactical options.
"Delayed Wisdom" provides a shield against multiple attacks during a single turn. Against characters like Zhang Fei, Tai Shi Ci, and Cao Zhang, who rely on repeated attacks, this ability can reduce damage effectively.
"Brilliant Scheme" relies heavily on cooperation. If the recipient of the card doesn’t trust Chen Gong or isn’t strategic, the power may be wasted.
"Delayed Wisdom" can be bypassed by characters who deal damage through abilities rather than attacks. Characters like Dian Wei, Xun Yu, and Zhou Yu can bypass this defense through non-attack damage.
Chen Gong is less effective when isolated or in one-on-one situations, where his reliance on teammates limits his potential.
High-Powered Attackers:
Chen Gong works well with characters who have enhanced attack abilities. Characters like Lu Bu, Xu Sheng, Ma Chao, Zhu Rong, Ma Dai, and Pan Zhang and Ma Zhong have abilities that make their attacks more dangerous. If Chen Gong grants these characters an Attack card, they can unleash devastating blows.
Equipment Swapping:
Characters who benefit from gaining and losing equipment, such as Sun Shangxiang and Ling Tong, can take advantage of Chen Gong’s "Brilliant Scheme." Chen Gong can pass equipment cards to these characters, activating their abilities like Sun Shangxiang’s "Armed Consorts" and Ling Tong’s "Whirlwind."
Endless Card Cycle:
Chen Gong can form an infinite cycle with Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong through "Brilliant Scheme." Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong can give equipment to Chen Gong, who then returns it with "Brilliant Scheme," allowing them to either attack or draw cards while repeatedly using "Direct Instruction" to continue the cycle.
Bypassing Defenses:
Certain characters can bypass Chen Gong’s "Delayed Wisdom." Zhang Chunhua’s "Unfeeling" can ignore his immunity, allowing her to get past his defenses.
Characters That Can Damage Chen Gong:
Characters like Dian Wei, Zhou Yu, Xun Yu, Ling Tong, and Zhang Jiao have abilities that can damage Chen Gong after his "Delayed Wisdom" is triggered. This allows them to exploit weaknesses in his defense, particularly if they can deal damage without using Attack cards.
Chen Gong is a moderate King, though his defenses aren’t strong enough to withstand multiple attackers. His value lies in helping his loyalists through "Brilliant Scheme" by passing equipment or attacks, but his vulnerability to sustained pressure is a weakness.
As a Loyalist, Chen Gong shines. He can strengthen the King with equipment or additional Attack cards and can coordinate attacks that extend beyond his own range.
Chen Gong is a solid Rebel, especially if paired with another Rebel who can attack the King consistently. His ability to pass Attack cards to other Rebels allows for relentless pressure on the King.
Chen Gong is a weak Spy. His abilities rely on teamwork, and while he can trick players into attacking each other, this strategy only works once before trust is lost. His defensive capabilities aren’t strong enough to handle a one-on-one fight with the King.
Chen Gong is deceptively strong when used strategically. His "Brilliant Scheme" provides immense flexibility, allowing him to give out valuable Attack and equipment cards, or even manipulate the battlefield by having allies attack out of turn. His success heavily depends on cooperation and coordination with his team. "Delayed Wisdom," while not the strongest defensive ability, is useful in staving off multiple attacks and tool cards, making him a defensive character that can endure extended engagements. Chen Gong works best with teammates who can make full use of his support while offering protection in return.
Chen Gong was a brilliant and upright strategist who initially helped Cao Cao escape after Cao Cao had fled from Dong Zhuo. Despite this, Chen Gong later became disillusioned with Cao Cao's methods and left him to serve Lu Bu. As Lu Bu's strategist, Chen Gong was instrumental in securing victories for his lord, and he tried to establish a stable base for Lu Bu’s growing power. However, Lu Bu’s refusal to heed Chen Gong’s advice led to their downfall. After Lu Bu's defeat at Xia Pi, Chen Gong was captured by Cao Cao. Although Cao Cao deeply respected him and offered him a position, Chen Gong chose to remain loyal to his principles, refusing the offer. Cao Cao, regretting the necessity, executed Chen Gong.
Chen Gong’s historical role as a strategist ties directly to his game abilities. His "Brilliant Scheme" reflects his tactical mind, as he could manipulate events and empower others to act on his behalf, just as he empowered Lu Bu. His refusal to betray his ideals in the face of death connects to his "Delayed Wisdom," which reflects his ability to endure and resist pressure, even in the face of overwhelming odds.