this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2026
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[rules] Sneak timing and Maze of Ith (szmer.info)
submitted 2 weeks ago by dreiwert@szmer.info to c/mtg@mtgzone.com
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The attacking player attacks with some creature. The defending player doesn't block, so the attacking player plays [[Michelangelo, Improviser]] using his first ability (sneak). The defending player targets Michelangelo using a [[Maze of Ith]].

Can the defending player target Michelangelo using the Maze (probably yes, since it enters attacking), and is it possible early enough to prevent it from dealing damage (thus also preventing his second ability from triggering)?

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[–] TehPers@beehaw.org 2 points 2 weeks ago

Worth calling out here is the opponent can still sneak/ninjutsu in response if they have another card that can in hand. If you suspect that the opponent plays more than one card with sneak/ninjutsu and has untapped mana, you might want to consider that possibility before targeting the creature.

As an example:

  • Opponent declares some creature as an attacker.
  • You declare no blockers.
  • Opponent casts Michelangelo, returning the attacker to hand, and it resolves.
  • You target it with Maze of Ith to remove it from combat. The ability is on the stack, but not yet resolved.
  • Opponent casts Donatello, Gadget Master for his sneak cost, returning Michangelo to hand. It resolves.
  • Maze of Ith's target is invalid. The ability does nothing.
  • Your opponent passes priority, then you pass priority. In the damage step, Donatello deals combat damage to you and triggers.

Basically, during the declare blockers step, sneak/ninjutsu lets you juggle creatures around at instant speed as long as you have the mana.