Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei

Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei is a discard payoff commander that turns combat damage into card advantage. Every time he connects with an opponent, you force them to discard, which synergizes beautifully with black's traditional mill and hand-destruction strategies. The goal is to build a deck that maximizes damage output—whether through evasion, evasion effects, or multiple combat phases—so you can trigger his discard ability repeatedly and slowly grind opponents out of resources.

You'll want cheap, efficient creatures and effects that help Zhang Liao connect more reliably. Cards with menace, flying, or unblockability make him harder to stop, while anthem effects and combat lords boost his damage output. Black's removal suite keeps the board clear so your commander can attack freely, and wheels-style effects like Dark Deal punish opponents' already-depleted hands. The deck is part tempo, part control—you're disrupting everyone's plans while building a critical mass of evasive threats.

Strategy generated by Tapped Decks AI. Not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast.