Satoru Umezawa MTG Card


Offers card advantage by allowing creatures to enter play without paying mana costs, enhancing hand efficiency. Instant speed ninjutsu ability provides combat surprise and trading leverage, increasing deck versatility. Demands careful mana base planning and hand resource management due to specific mana and discard requirements.
Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Ninja
Power 2
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever you activate a ninjutsu ability, look at the top three cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in any order. This ability triggers only once each turn. Each creature card in your hand has ninjutsu .


Cards like Satoru Umezawa

Satoru Umezawa is a standout creature in Magic: The Gathering that shares some attributes with other notable ninjas in the game. Noteworthy for its ability to give other ninjas you control deathtouch, Satoru Umezawa provides a tactical advantage reminiscent of Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni. While Ink-Eyes can reanimate defeated creatures, Satoru offers more consistent battlefield control through deathtouch.

Yuriko, the Tiger’s Shadow is another ninja that draws a comparison with its ability to manipulate the top of the deck and deal damage based on the mana value of cards. Though Yuriko excels in dealing damage and card advantage, Satoru Umezawa’s capability to bring creatures straight onto the battlefield from your hand presents a unique and powerful form of resource bypass.

To encapsulate, Satoru Umezawa carves its own niche in Magic: The Gathering’s array of ninjas. It parallels other creatures in certain abilities but remains distinct through its unique blend of board influence and surprise factor, making Satoru Umezawa a force to be reckoned with in the right deck.

Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni - MTG Card versions
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - MTG Card versions
Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni - MTG Card versions
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Satoru Umezawa by color, type and mana cost

Phyrexian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
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Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - MTG Card versions
Thief of Sanity - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Psychatog - MTG Card versions
Master of Death - MTG Card versions
Urborg Emissary - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Dimir Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Cemetery Puca - MTG Card versions
Gravelgill Duo - MTG Card versions
Wasp Lancer - MTG Card versions
Shore Snapper - MTG Card versions
Harbor Bandit - MTG Card versions
Nightveil Specter - MTG Card versions
Jorubai Murk Lurker - MTG Card versions
Mindmelter - MTG Card versions
Diregraf Captain - MTG Card versions
Prized Amalgam - MTG Card versions
Rona, Disciple of Gix - MTG Card versions
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - MTG Card versions
Thief of Sanity - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Satoru Umezawa. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Sultai AggroSultai Aggro StandardSultai Ninjas16 Day2

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Satoru Umezawa excels at providing card advantage through his unique ability to cheat creatures onto the battlefield. This effectively bypasses their mana cost, keeping your hand full while deploying threats.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct ramp, Satoru Umezawa offers an indirect form of resource acceleration by enabling the play of high-cost creatures earlier than usual, which can lead to a significant tempo gain over the opponent.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Satoru Umezawa’s ninjutsu ability at instant speed gives players the powerful option to surprise opponents during combat, potentially turning a blocked or unblocked attacker into an unexpected threat and creating opportunities for advantageous trades or direct damage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Satoru Umezawa demands a card to be discarded to utilize its ability, a setback when your hand is already depleted, or you need to maintain specific cards for strategic plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This legendary creature comes with a precise mana cost that requires both black and blue mana. This can restrict the card’s integration into decks that aren’t tailored for such a mana base, potentially excluding it from a variety of mono-colored or other two-color combinations that don’t include both of these mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Satoru Umezawa’s effectiveness must be gauged against its mana value. With a mana cost that is on the higher side, players must consider the opportunity cost. There may be alternatives that provide similar levels of board impact or utility without the same investment of resources, potentially offering more flexibility during crucial turns.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Satoru Umezawa brings considerable flexibility to a variety of decks with his ability to access any card type from your graveyard. This makes him a powerful asset in strategies that rely on a range of card synergies.

Combo Potential: This card’s capability to set up and execute powerful combos is noteworthy. It can work especially well with cards that have potent enter-the-battlefield effects or those that benefit from being recast.

Meta-Relevance: In a constantly shifting MTG landscape, Satoru Umezawa maintains relevance by his potential to counter or implement various popular deck types, ensuring his place in the current competitive scene.


How to beat Satoru Umezawa

Satoru Umezawa brings a unique challenge to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. His ability to cheat creatures into play bypassing their mana cost can quickly overwhelm any opponent. To effectively counter this potent ability, players should emphasize instant-speed removal or counter spells. Cards such as Swords to Plowshares offer a one-mana solution that exiles creatures before Satoru’s effect can take hold.

Furthermore, leveraging graveyard disruption can significantly diminish Satoru’s impact. Graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze can cleanse the graveyard, cutting off Satoru’s resource pool. Additionally, instant-speed board wipes like Cyclonic Rift allow players to respond to the creature’s entry, thus mitigating the potential board swing in your adversary’s favor.

Employing these tactics creates a robust defense against Satoru Umezawa’s formidable ability. By disrupting his strategy directly at its source, you can preserve the balance of the game and maintain the upper hand. Knowledge of these strategic counters will ensure you’re well-equipped to triumph over this powerful MTG card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricacies of Satoru Umezawa can catapult your gameplay to formidable heights in MTG. With his dynamic entrance and the subtle art of ninjutsu, Satoru becomes more than a creature; he’s a game-changer capable of turning tides in your favor. As you dive deeper into your MTG endeavors, consider the full spectrum of possibilities Satoru provides. Harnessing his potential can yield a card advantage and resource acceleration that are pivotal in clinching victory. Ready to sneak past your opponents or looking to refine your covert strategies? Explore more strategies with us and secure your next triumph with Satoru Umezawa in your arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Satoru Umezawa MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Satoru Umezawa and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Satoru Umezawa Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 980792015NormalBlackAnna Pavleeva
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 980812015NormalBlackYoji Shinkawa
32022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 5072015NormalBorderlessYoji Shinkawa
42022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2342015NormalBlackAnna Pavleeva
52022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 234s2015NormalBlackAnna Pavleeva
62022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 234p2015NormalBlackAnna Pavleeva
72022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 742015Art seriesBorderless
82022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4932015NormalBlackAnna Pavleeva
92022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4262015NormalBlackRaita Kazama
102022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 732015Art seriesBorderless
112022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 3522015NormalBlackRaita Kazama

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Satoru Umezawa has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 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).
2022-02-18 As you activate a ninjutsu ability, you reveal the Ninja card in your hand and return the attacking creature. The Ninja card stays revealed and 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.
2022-02-18 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.
2022-02-18 Once you activate a ninjutsu ability, no player can affect that ability by removing Satoru Umezawa from the battlefield. Even if Satoru leaves the battlefield before it resolves, you'll still be able to put the creature onto the battlefield tapped and attacking.
2022-02-18 Puff of smoke not included.
2022-02-18 Satoru Umezawa's triggered ability triggers whenever you activate a ninjustsu ability, and it will resolve before that ability resolves. The card with ninjustsu will still be in your hand while resolving the ability and must remain revealed until the ninjutsu ability resolves or is otherwise removed from the stack.
2022-02-18 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.
2022-02-18 The ninjutsu ability can be activated during the declare blockers step, combat damage step, or end of combat step. In most cases (see below), if you wait until the combatdamage step or end of combat step, it will be after combat damage has been dealt, so the Ninja won't deal combat damage.
2022-02-18 The ninjutsu ability can be activated only after blockers have been declared. Before then, attacking creatures are neither blocked nor unblocked.