Ninjutsu intricacies.

[AceofAllan]

Basically my question is: when does an attacking creature become an unblocked attacker?

For example, I declare my attack with Augury Owl and have a Ninja in my hand. Before declaring blockers, my opponent responds with a Lightning Bolt. At that point, can I ninjutsu in to make his target illegal? I think I can't, but I want to make sure. Also, does this change if he has no creatures to block with?

[Esper3k]

Creatures become "unblocked" at the beginning of the Declare Blockers step if no creature is declared blocking them.

So you're correct in that if your opponent kills your creature during the Declare Attackers step, you couldn't save it via Ninjitsu. If they have no creatures to block with, then all of your attackers would be unblocked attackers.

[AceofAllan]

Thanks for the quick response. Quick follow up, though.


If they have no creatures to block with, then all of your attackers would be unblocked attackers.

Does that mean I can Ninjutsu in response to the Lightning Bolt if my opponent has no creatures that can block?

[Justin]

There is still a "Declare Blockers" step, even if your opponent has no creatures with which to block. The defending player still has an opportunity to activate a Mutavault, flash in a Snapcaster, use a removal spell, etc before that step begins. As Esper says, a creature does not become "unblocked" until the beginning of the Declare Blockers step.

So to answer your question, you cannot respond the lightning bolt with ninjitsu to save your creature unless both players have confirmed that you have moved to the Declare Blockers step or beyond.

If you are a player that runs ninjitsu cards, you should be very clear in communicating with your opponent about which combat step you are in before trying to use the ninjitsu mechanic. This will avoid a lot of confusion.

[AceofAllan]

I appreciate the clarification. This is what I expected, but I wanted to be absolutely sure.

Also agreed about the clear communication. That will be important.

[Justin]

For those interested, here is the official ruling:

509. Declare Blockers Step
509.1. First, the defending player declares blockers. This turn-based action doesn’t use the stack. To declare blockers, the defending player follows the steps below, in order. If at any point during the declaration of blockers, the defending player is unable to comply with any of the steps listed below, the declaration is illegal; the game returns to the moment before the declaration (see rule 717, “Handling Illegal Actions”).

509.1h An attacking creature with one or more creatures declared as blockers for it becomes a blocked creature; one with no creatures declared as blockers for it becomes an unblocked creature. This remains unchanged until the creature is removed from combat, an effect says that it becomes blocked or unblocked, or the combat phase ends, whichever comes first. A creature remains blocked even if all the creatures blocking it are removed from combat.

[whienot]

You could always ask in response to removal "So, no blocks?" and see what they say.

[AceofAllan]

You could always ask in response to removal "So, no blocks?" and see what they say.

Oh, that's dirty.

Also, I expect that would only work once, if at all.

[Koby]

It's best to announce the declare blockers step clearly, to remove this ambiguity.