Azra Smokeshaper MTG Card

Azra Smokeshaper excels at protecting key creatures, enabling advantageous board states during tense matches. Its ninjutsu at instant speed offers flexible, surprising elements to gameplay, disrupting opponent strategies. While beneficial, its color-specific mana cost may restrict its inclusion to certain deck archetypes.

Azra Smokeshaper - Modern Horizons (MH1)

Modern Horizons (MH1)
2019-06-14 - Number 79

Azra Smokeshaper - Jumpstart: Historic Horizons (J21)

Jumpstart: Historic Horizons (J21)
2021-08-26 - Number 287

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Azra Ninja
Abilities	Ninjutsu
Power	3
Toughness	3

Text of card

Ninjutsu (, Return an unblocked attacker you control to hand: Put this card onto the battlefield from your hand tapped and attacking.) When Azra Smokeshaper enters the battlefield, target creature you control gains indestructible until end of turn.

Cards like Azra Smokeshaper

Azra Smokeshaper presents an intriguing set of abilities in the realm of MTG creature cards. Its primary function resembles that of cards like Ninja of the Deep Hours, which also enhances game mechanics through the ninjutsu ability, allowing players to swap an unblocked attacker for a surprise element. Azra Smokeshaper, however, introduces a slight twist by granting a protective shroud to another creature upon its entrance.

Then we have the card Vampire Hexmage, sharing a comparably low mana cost and offering an immediate impact on the battlefield. Although it lacks the ninjutsu mechanic, its ability to remove all counters from a permanent can be a game-changer in many scenarios. Further comparisons show cards like Quickling, which also offers a form of protection through its flash ability, enabling a creature to safely arrive on the board, although without the targeted shroud ability granted by Azra Smokeshaper.

Assessing these cards together, Azra Smokeshaper holds its ground with its unique combination of ninjutsu and the protective edge it provides. This blend places it favorably among creatures that offer tactical surprises and defense strategies in the vast landscape of MTG.

Ninja of the Deep Hours - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Azra Smokeshaper by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: In the arena of combat tricks, Azra Smokeshaper stands out by offering not just board presence but also the potential for card advantage as it protects key creatures in critical moments. Deploying it at the right time can swing the battle in your favor without losing creatures, effectively outpacing your opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: Although Azra Smokeshaper does not directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, its low casting cost enables a dynamic play much earlier in the game. This allows for more substantial plays later on, as resources can be conserved or better allocated across your game plan.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Azra Smokeshaper at instant speed provides a tactical advantage by safeguarding key pieces in response to threats. This flexibility also ensures that your strategy remains hidden until the moment you choose to unveil it, catching opponents off-guard and potentially disrupting their plans.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Azra Smokeshaper obligates you to return a ninja you control to your hand as part of its Ninjutsu ability, which can be a setback if your board presence is already established and you don’t want to lose momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: Its Ninjutsu activation necessitates both black and blue mana, which restricts its versatility to decks that can consistently generate both colors, potentially leaving mono-color or other deck types unable to capitalize on its potential.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a Ninjutsu cost of three mana, plus the card you need to return to your hand, Azra Smokeshaper may be viewed as a costly investment, especially when compared to other creature options that might present more immediate board impact or lower-costing ninjas fundamental to the deck’s strategy.

Reasons to Include Azra Smokeshaper in Your Collection

Versatility: The Azra Smokeshaper works seamlessly with a variety of deck types, especially those focused on ninja strategies or needing protection for valuable creatures. Its ability to protect a critical creature from removal at a crucial moment makes it a smart addition for decks that hinge on key creatures surviving.

Combo Potential: As a Ninja, Azra Smokeshaper can collaborate with other Ninjutsu cards to create powerful synergies. It can also play a role in surprise tactics, enabling unexpected swings in board state that can catch opponents off guard and turn the tides in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In matchups where instant-speed interaction is prevailing, Azra Smokeshaper’s ability shines by keeping important creatures on the board despite targeted spells or abilities. Its relevance adjusts with the shifting meta, safeguarding your key strategies and maintaining a resilient presence against various threats.

How to beat

Azra Smokeshaper presents as a crafty addition to ninja decks within the ecosystem of MTG. Recognized for its ability to protect fellow creatures upon entering the battlefield, this creature card poses a unique strategic hurdle. When assessing ways to circumvent its protective smoke, consider focusing on countering the Smokeshaper’s triggered ability rather than the creature itself. Cards with abilities that can counter when creatures enter the battlefield or spells that negate abilities can be particularly effective.

Another angle to undermine Azra Smokeshaper involves preventing it from coming into play altogether. Utilizing removal spells for control or employing board sweepers before the opponent accumulates a board presence can disrupt the synergistic plans that include Smokeshaper. Moreover, applying pressure through fast-paced aggressive tactics can also reduce the Smokeshaper’s impact by pushing the opponent on the defensive, rendering their protective measures less relevant.

Ultimately, adapting to your opponent’s strategy and maintaining flexibility in your responses can turn the tide against the cunning Azra Smokeshaper. Deck construction with foresight and inclusion of versatile answers are key in ensuring the smoke clears in your favor, allowing you to take control of the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Azra Smokeshaper MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Azra Smokeshaper and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Azra Smokeshaper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Aaron Miller.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2019-06-14	Modern Horizons	MH1		79	2015	Normal	Black	Aaron Miller
2	2021-08-26	Jumpstart: Historic Horizons	J21		287	2015	Normal	Black	Aaron Miller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Azra Smokeshaper has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Azra Smokeshaper card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2019-06-14	Although the Ninja is attacking, it was never declared as an attacking creature (for purposes of abilities that trigger whenever a creature attacks, for example).
2019-06-14	As you activate a ninjutsu ability, you reveal the Ninja card in your hand and return the attacking creature. The Ninja isn’t put onto the battlefield until the ability resolves. If it leaves your hand before then, it won’t enter the battlefield at all.
2019-06-14	If a creature in combat has first strike or double strike, you can activate the ninjutsu ability during the first-strike combat damage step. The Ninja will deal combat damage during the regular combat damage step, even if it has first strike.
2019-06-14	The creature with ninjutsu enters the battlefield attacking the same player or planeswalker that the returned creature was attacking. This is a rule specific to ninjutsu; in other cases, when a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking, that creature’s controller chooses which player or planeswalker it’s attacking.
2019-06-14	The ninjutsu ability can be activated during the declare blockers step, combat damage step, or end of combat step. If you wait until after the declare blockers step, because all combat damage is dealt at once, the Ninja won’t normally deal combat damage.
2019-06-14	The ninjutsu ability can be activated only after blockers have been declared. Before then, attacking creatures are neither blocked nor unblocked.