• If Cao Cao activates "Tribute" while flipped face down, he can still draw one card from each character and then flip his character card face up.

• "Tribute" activates on a per-damage basis. For example, if Cao Cao receives two units of damage in one instance, he can take one card from each character, flip his character card face down, then take another card and flip back face up.

• "Tribute" allows Cao Cao to take any type of card from each character: hand cards, equipped cards, or even pending judgement cards.

• "Flying Shadow" provides Cao Cao the benefit of a +1 horse. He can further equip an additional +1 horse to gain a total physical bonus of +2.

• Cao Cao thrives in games with many players. Receiving damage is often beneficial, as "Tribute" allows him to draw cards from each player, with a high probability of acquiring Peaches to heal himself. He can also flip his character card back upright after using the ability, allowing for repeated use.

• Cao Cao is particularly strong with the Crossbow, as "Tribute" gives him the opportunity to gain multiple Attack cards. He can even use the ability to acquire this weapon from another player if necessary.

• This ability adds an extra layer of protection against tool cards like Steal, as it increases the distance required for enemies to target him.

• "Tribute" and "Flying Shadow" don’t always synergize well. Enemies will often avoid attacking Cao Cao to prevent activating "Tribute," while "Flying Shadow" makes it harder for allies to help Cao Cao by playing Attack cards.

• Cao Cao is weak to Capture, despite "Tribute" increasing his odds of obtaining a Negate. Without it, he may lose most or all of the cards he gained.

• As characters die, "Tribute" becomes significantly weaker since fewer characters are available to take cards from. This leaves Cao Cao vulnerable in one-on-one situations, where "Tribute" loses much of its effectiveness.

• Allies That Help Cao Cao Flip:
  Cao Pi’s "Exile" is extremely useful when paired with Cao Cao, as it allows Cao Cao to flip face up quickly after using "Tribute," enabling him to continue playing aggressively.

• Card-Collecting Partners:
  Characters like Zhang Hong & Zhang Zhao and Cao Zhi benefit from cards discarded during Cao Cao’s discard phases. These characters can capitalize on Cao Cao’s large hand size after using "Tribute," providing synergy when on his team but acting as a disadvantage if they are enemies.

• Opponents Who Steal Cards:
  SP Star Diao Chan is one of Cao Cao’s most dangerous enemies. Her "Soul Surrender" ability allows her to steal all of Cao Cao’s cards after he uses "Tribute," turning his strength against him and his team.

• Damage Without Tribute Activation:
  Zhang Chunhua’s "Unfeeling" ability allows her to deal damage to Cao Cao without activating "Tribute," making her a troublesome opponent.

• Tool Card Specialists:
  Da Qiao’s "Country Scene" makes it easier to Capture Cao Cao, forcing him to waste all the cards he accumulated from "Tribute."

King

• • Cao Cao is one of the best choices for King, especially in larger games. Rebels face a difficult dilemma—attacking Cao Cao will trigger "Tribute," allowing him to grow stronger. Because of his power, the QSanGuoSha developers forbade him from being used as King in official play.

Loyalist

• • Cao Cao is a strong loyalist, especially in games with multiple rebels. "Tribute" allows him to gather many cards quickly, making him an effective counter to rebel forces.

Rebel

• • Cao Cao performs well as a rebel. His ability to steal cards through "Tribute" can severely weaken the King by removing critical equipment and tools, giving Cao Cao the upper hand.

Spy

• • Cao Cao is a solid choice for Spy, but he must act cautiously. As characters die, "Tribute" loses its potency. Cao Cao should aim to acquire the Crossbow and kill the last few characters on his turn, avoiding a direct confrontation with the King until the right moment.

Cao Cao stands out as one of the most powerful demigod characters in Sanguosha. His "Tribute" ability is remarkably versatile, providing an opportunity to gather cards from every player, especially in large games. When using Cao Cao, it’s often advantageous to take damage intentionally, such as during a Barbarian or Hail of Arrows attack, to activate "Tribute." It’s also important to keep Negates on hand to defend against Capture, one of his greatest weaknesses. Strategically, even using a Blaze on himself to activate "Tribute" can be a valid tactic, provided he has a way to heal afterward. If facing Cao Cao, the best strategy is often to ignore him. Without damage, "Tribute" remains inactive, and Cao Cao cannot utilize his full potential. When forced to kill him, focus on eliminating his allies first, then confront Cao Cao when his power has weakened in the late game.

Cao Cao’s card abilities tie in closely with his historical and novel legacy as a cunning and resourceful warlord who manipulated the political system to his advantage. After rescuing the Han emperor, Cao Cao relocated the capital to Xu Chang, effectively controlling the imperial court. He used the emperor as a figurehead to command other warlords, positioning himself as the true power behind the throne.

Cao Cao’s "Tribute" ability in the game reflects his strategic mastery over his enemies and allies alike. Just as he collected tribute and loyalty through political maneuvering, his in-game ability allows him to take cards from all other players after receiving damage, symbolizing his ability to turn adverse situations to his advantage. His "Flying Shadow" ability mirrors his prowess in battlefield mobility and protection, always staying a step ahead of those who sought to steal his influence. Through both the historical records and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao is remembered for his relentless ambition and strategic brilliance, which are well-reflected in his gameplay mechanics.