• When Zhang Jiao uses "Lightning Strike" successfully, he is considered the source of the damage. Characters with retaliatory abilities can target Zhang Jiao when they are damaged by this ability.

• When multiple judgment manipulators are in play, the order of turns dictates who can influence the judgment first. Starting with the player that flipped the card, judgment influence moves right. Each tinkerer gets a turn, and the judgment goes into effect after one cycle. The player who flipped the judgment has the least security, as they are first to modify.

• "Dark Magic" allows Zhang Jiao to swap equipment or hand cards to change judgment cards.

• If Zhang Jiao is the king and a hero gives him an Escape or Lightning, the card is given face-up, allowing all players to see the card's identity.

• Zhang Jiao’s "Lightning Strike" acts as a strong deterrent, flipping the usual dynamic of the game. While most characters fear Attack, Zhang Jiao thrives under pressure, making players hesitant to target him.

• If enemies are chained together, Zhang Jiao can deal massive damage with a single "Lightning Strike."

• Equipping the Eight Trigrams makes Zhang Jiao significantly stronger, allowing him to trigger "Lightning Strike" more frequently.

• Zhang Jiao is particularly strong when Lightning is in play, as he can manipulate spade cards more effectively than Sima Yi, thanks to "Dark Magic," which lets him swap judgment cards with both hand and equipped cards.

• Unlike Sima Yi, Zhang Jiao retains the original judgment card when using "Dark Magic," preventing a net loss of cards.

• Zhang Jiao’s "Lightning Strike" offers no defense against abilities or cards that require playing Attacks to avoid damage.

• Zhang Jiao cannot control red judgment flips, unlike Sima Yi, who can guarantee successful outcomes for flips like Capture or Eight Trigrams.

• Once Zhang Jiao runs out of Escapes, he becomes highly vulnerable, as he has no other defensive abilities.

• The Chains tool card can backfire, as enemies can chain themselves to Zhang Jiao or his allies, making it difficult to target them without collateral damage.

• Judgment Interference:
  Sima Yi can either help or hinder Zhang Jiao’s "Lightning Strike." As an ally, he can swap unfavorable judgment cards into favorable ones, making Zhang Jiao’s attacks more deadly. However, as an enemy, Sima Yi can reverse judgments in his favor and prevent Zhang Jiao from using his ability effectively. Zhang Jiao should aim to target Sima Yi early on if they are on opposing sides.

• Supportive Ally:
  Zhen Ji’s "River Goddess" can benefit greatly from Zhang Jiao’s "Dark Magic." Zhang Jiao can swap out red judgment cards to help Zhen Ji prolong her ability. When allies, this combination allows Zhang Jiao to provide consistent judgment support, although he must be careful not to exhaust his black cards. If Zhen Ji is an enemy, Zhang Jiao can still influence her judgments but cannot directly reduce the number of cards she gains.

• Card-Generating Ally:
  Guo Jia often pairs well with Zhang Jiao, especially when Zhang Jiao is king. Enemies hesitate to attack because attacking Guo Jia gives him card draws, which could provide Zhang Jiao with more Escapes or spade cards. When Guo Jia is an enemy, Zhang Jiao must be cautious when targeting him with "Lightning Strike," as Guo Jia’s ability to draw from damage will allow him to accumulate a significant number of cards.

• Draw Power Synergy
  As a loyalist, Yuan Shu’s massive draw power makes him a great ally for Zhang Jiao. Yuan Shu’s many card draws will often yield Escapes, allowing Zhang Jiao to continue activating "Lightning Strike." However, if Yuan Shu is a rebel, this same ability makes him a dangerous opponent, as he can use his cards to disrupt Zhang Jiao.

• Tactical Manipulation:
  Zhuge Liang can be an effective ally for Zhang Jiao by manipulating judgments to help activate "Lightning Strike." However, if Zhuge Liang is placed before Zhang Jiao in seating order, he can prevent Zhang Jiao from drawing Escapes during his turn, creating difficulties.

• Duel Instigator:
  Diao Chan and Lu Bu are unpredictable allies or enemies. Diao Chan may force Zhang Jiao into a duel with another male character, while Lu Bu can help Zhang Jiao activate "Lightning Strike" twice due to his "Matchless" ability. At the same time, Lu Bu’s high attack power could be a threat to Zhang Jiao if they are on opposing sides.

• Chain Specialist:
  Pang Tong can chain Zhang Jiao to his enemies, complicating the use of "Lightning Strike" if the enemies are chained to Zhang Jiao himself. However, if they are allies, Pang Tong can chain enemies for Zhang Jiao, allowing him to hit multiple targets with his ability.

• Card Support:
  Liu Bei can give Zhang Jiao Escapes or spade cards and attack him in the same turn to trigger "Lightning Strike." This combination allows Zhang Jiao to repeatedly activate his ability without running out of cards.

• Damage Opportunists:
  Both Guan Yu and Xiahou Yuan have attack abilities that make it easier to target Zhang Jiao. These two can help Zhang Jiao trigger "Lightning Strike" more frequently when they are on the same side.

• Card Destruction Threats:
  Zhang Liao can destroy Zhang Jiao’s hand cards, limiting his ability to activate "Lightning Strike." Gan Ning is a more significant threat as a rebel, as his card destruction is more aggressive and can strip Zhang Jiao of defensive cards more quickly.

• Nemesis:
  Huang Zhong is Zhang Jiao’s greatest counter, as his ability to make attacks inescapable nullifies "Lightning Strike." Zhang Jiao must be especially wary of Huang Zhong when playing as king since Huang Zhong is often a rebel and can deal massive damage when using Wine.

• Immunity to Judgments:
  Xiao Qiao’s "Beauty" makes her immune to "Lightning Strike" by turning spade judgment cards into heart cards. This negates Zhang Jiao’s ability to deal lightning damage, and her "Fantasy" ability can further complicate matters by redirecting damage back to Zhang Jiao or his allies.

• Additional Damage Sources:
  These characters can damage Zhang Jiao through non-attack methods, making them effective enemies. Some examples are Yan Liang & Wen Chou, Xun Yu, and Dian Wei. Zhang Jiao must be careful around these opponents, as they can bypass his reliance on Escape cards for defense.

King

• • Zhang Jiao is a highly popular king pick in games with five or more players. His ability to quickly deal damage to rebels while deterring attacks makes him formidable. By holding cards, he can bluff and prevent rebels from targeting him, even without Escapes in hand.

Loyalist

• • His effectiveness diminishes when reduced to three health, limiting his hand size and judgment manipulation. He is better suited as a loyalist when the king is Liu Bei, who can supply him with Escapes and spade cards.

Rebel

• • Zhang Jiao is weaker as a rebel, especially with limited health. However, he can still be effective by targeting the king with "Lightning Strike."

Spy

• • As a spy, Zhang Jiao is a mediocre choice. His high profile and low health make him an easy target once he shows loyalty to the king, causing rebels to eliminate him swiftly.

Zhang Jiao is one of the most complex characters in Sanguosha, requiring careful play and attention to detail. He is not recommended for beginners. Keeping a strong hand to bluff rebels into thinking you have Escapes is crucial. When playing as the king, be wary of Huang Zhong and Gan Ning, as their abilities can cripple you. Conversely, if you are a rebel attacking Zhang Jiao, being to his immediate right gives you a strategic advantage since he may think you are his loyalist.

Zhang Jiao was the leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the largest uprising in Chinese history. He was a charismatic healer and religious figure who had studied the mystical arts under the guidance of an old hermit. The hermit instructed Zhang Jiao not to rebel, but he ignored this advice and rose against the Han Dynasty. As the leader of this rebellion, Zhang Jiao claimed the title of "General of Heaven" and led a massive peasant army. However, despite his efforts and mystical abilities, Zhang Jiao was killed in the rebellion. His death led to the gradual collapse of the Yellow Turbans, although the chaos they caused would persist and fuel the eventual downfall of the Han Dynasty.

Zhang Jiao’s mystical abilities in Sanguosha reflect his historical reputation as a sorcerer, with "Lightning Strike" representing his use of supernatural power to harm enemies, and "Dark Magic" reflecting his manipulation of fate through judgment cards.