• The attacker forces the defender to make a choice (discard or draw) before the attack is resolved. This happens before the defender plays an Escape card or factors in any armor.

• The gender that matters is the one chosen for each player's general, not the gender of the actual player.

• Zhang Fei:
  Zhang Fei has a unique advantage with the Gender Swords, as he can use them multiple times per turn. Repeated attacks can punish female characters, and if Zhang Fei draws more Attack cards, he can continue the onslaught.

• Female Characters:
  Female characters benefit more from the Gender Swords since there are usually more male targets in play. This increases the effectiveness of the weapon.

• Defensive Characters:
  Characters with abilities that trigger when targeted by an attack, like Da Qiao, Yu Jin, or Liu Shan, can lessen the Gender Swords' impact by negating the attack before needing an Escape card.

The Gender Swords are highly effective when targeting characters of the opposite gender, but they have limited use otherwise. Their strength lies in consistent attacks over multiple turns, gradually depleting the opponent's hand while giving the attacker more cards. However, as the weapon becomes more effective, opponents will become more eager to destroy or steal it, so be sure to protect it well.

The Gender Swords were said to be wielded by Liu Bei, made alongside the weapons of his brothers to support the emperor during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Though they had no special power over women, they were named as twin swords, one male and one female. Their most notable battle was at Hulao Gate, where Liu Bei joined his brothers in fighting Lu Bu. Although Liu Bei was not known for his combat skills, these swords remained his personal weapons throughout his life.