Sneak
| Sneak | |
|---|---|
| Keyword Ability | |
| Type | Static |
| Introduced | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles |
| Last used | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles |
| Reminder Text | Sneak [cost] (You may cast this spell for its Sneak cost if you also return an unblocked attacker you control to hand during the declare blockers step.) |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Sneak is a keyword ability that will be introduced in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It is a variant of Ninjutsu that is more restrictive in its timing but allows for non-creature cards to use it.
Description
Like ninjutsu, sneak allows a creature that attacks and isn't blocked to be exchanged with another card in the controlling player's hand. If that swap involves a creature card from hand, that creature enters tapped, attacking and unblocked.[1] You also may cast a non-creature spell for its Sneak cost if you return an unblocked attacker you control to hand during the declare blockers step.
Compared to ninjutsu, Sneak isn't flavorfully restricted to use on Ninjas creatures and has been expanded for use on noncreature cards. Its design cleans up a few of the unintuitive design elements that ninjutsu has. While ninjutsu is an activated ability, sneak is an alternative cost, allowing players to trigger any "on cast" effects and allowing it to work with commanders from the command zone.[2] Sneak spells can be countered, unlike ninjutsu-ed creatures which require Stifle-like effects to counter the activated ability.
You can activate ninjutsu at any point after a creature has not been blocked. So, immediately after blockers have (not) been declared, in the Declare Blockers step. After damage has been assigned and dealt in the Combat Damage step. And at the End of Combat Step. If First Strike was involved, you could even Ninjutsu after First Strike damage. Sneak has you cast the creature spell, which enters tapped and attacking. And you can only do it in the Declare Blockers step.
Examples
Example 1
Leonardo, Sewer Samurai 
Legendary Creature — Mutant Ninja Turtle Samurai
3/3
Sneak 
Double strike
During your turn, you may cast creature spells with power or toughness 1 or less from your graveyard. If you cast a spell this way, that creature enters with a finality counter on it. (If a creature with a finality counter on it would die, exile it instead.)
Example 2
Raphael's Technique 
Instant
Sneak (You may cast this spell for if you also return an unblocked attacker you control to hand during the declare blockers step.)
Each player may discard their hand and draw seven cards.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 11, 2025). "If I cast a creature using its sneak cost, does it enter tapped and attacking?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 10, 2025). "Is it presumptuous to assume that Sneak is an attempt to make a version of Ninjutsu that doesn't require the card attached to be a Ninja?". Blogatog. Tumblr.