• The player can only force an attack through with the Axe after the initial attack has been escaped. If the attack is voided by a defense card like Black Shield or Wood Armor, or by a character ability like Da Qiao's "Displace," the attacker does not have the option to force the attack. However, the Eight Trigrams does count as generating an escape.

• To force an attack through, the attacker may discard both hand cards and equipment, but the Axe itself cannot be discarded, as its ability is being used at that moment.

• Powerful  Attackers:
  Characters with powerful attacks benefit greatly from the Axe. A guaranteed hit can turn the tide of battle, especially when their attack is normally negated by an Escape. The stronger and more critical the attack, the more useful the Axe becomes. Examples: Xu Chu, Ma Dai, Xu Sheng.

• Discarding  Characters:
  Characters looking to empty their hand will appreciate the Axe’s ability. Not only can they discard cards, but they can also deal damage in the process. Examples: Zhuge Liang, Lu Xun, Zhang Chun Hua.

• Equipment  Discarding:
  Some characters activate special abilities when they lose equipment. Opponents may avoid triggering these effects by leaving the equipment alone. With the Axe, however, the attacker gains control—discarding their own equipment forces the attack through, dealing damage and activating the ability. Examples: Sun Shang Xiang, Ling Tong.

• Fire Zhuge Liang:
  He is particularly vulnerable when facing opponents wielding the Axe. His primary defense, Eight Trigrams, counts as an Escape, making him susceptible to repeated attacks from determined opponents willing to discard cards to force damage through.

• Wine:
  When you use Wine before attacking, ensuring that your attack lands is crucial to maximizing its damage boost. With the Axe, you can force the attack through, guaranteeing you get the full benefit from both cards.

• Silver Lion Helmet:
  The Silver Lion Helmet is one of the best pieces of equipment to discard when using the Axe. Discarding it counts as one of the required cards, and losing the helmet allows you to regain health, making it a valuable trade-off.

The Axe is a powerful weapon for ensuring damage gets through, allowing players to guarantee that Wine and other effects are used effectively. No matter how much a target resists, a determined attacker can force their way through.

However, the Axe comes with a price: it costs three cards to execute an attack and force it through defenses. Since players typically only draw two cards per turn, this results in a net loss. Over time, attackers may run out of cards and become vulnerable to counterattacks. While the Axe is highly effective in the short term, it can be difficult to sustain in longer battles.

The Axe symbolizes the mighty battle-ax wielded by Han De, a famed general from Xiliang, known for his weapon, the "Mountain Splitter." Leading a formidable force of Qiang tribesmen, Han De's strength mirrors the power of the Axe in the game. Historically, he fought valiantly against Zhao Yun during the northern expeditions. After the loss of his four sons, Han De charged out and was ultimately slain by Zhao Yun.