Hamato Ninpō

Hamato Ninpō is a cheap, efficient combat trick-removal spell: 4 damage at instant speed for 1W, which cleanly answers many attackers and blockers in combat. Its best use is as a tempo play in white aggressive or midrange decks, where it can protect your attacks, blow out blocks, or remove a key creature before damage. It gets better when you can force combat, give your creatures vigilance, or repeatedly create favorable attack/block decisions. It pairs well with cards that tap or tax blockers, lure attacks, or benefit from combat damage matters. The main drawback is that it only hits attacking or blocking creatures, so it’s strongest in decks that want to play around combat rather than in pure control shells.