NINJAS

Ninjas excel at amplifying the strengths of other factions, particularly those with minions that boast potent on-play abilities. However, their utility takes a hit when paired with predictable factions or when opponents can glimpse your hand. Teaming up with a powerful faction allows Ninjas to seize the initiative when bases are scored. They also form strong alliances with factions that specialize in destroying minions and actions. The Aliens make for a compelling match, as their Invader minions grant a free victory point when played, making them ideal candidates for Disguise's bouncing effect. Scout's ability to return to your hand after a base scores makes it a prime target for Hidden Ninja. Meanwhile, Master Ninja and Tiger Assassin can be devastating when combined with Abduction and Beam Up. Dinosaurs bring a surge of power to the table, complementing the Ninjas' swift and stealthy nature. This duo proves formidable, as opponents struggle to withstand their combined might. Robots, on the other hand, offer a unique synergy with Hidden Ninja, enabling a surprise swarm on a base about to score. Master Ninja can also destroy Nukebot, triggering its ability and setting up a cunning combo where you play a Nukebot, let an opponent destroy it, and then use Hidden Ninja to sweep the base. The Bear Cavalry and Ninjas form a nearly unstoppable force, cutting down opponents with ease. Vampires, too, benefit from the Ninjas' penchant for destruction, as The Count and Opportunist thrive in such an environment. Thieves, meanwhile, can reuse their abilities by bouncing Pickpockets and Fences, while the Ninjas provide ample opportunities for destruction to earn more treasure. Werewolves offer a powerful complement to the Ninjas, as their strength peaks when the Ninjas' utility is most valuable. While the Ninjas don't augment minion power, their ability to reduce opponents' power gives them an edge. Mythic Horses bring additional raw power to the table, with Starlyte and Encouragement Power making for potent combinations. Seastar, in particular, is a great target for Disguise or Hidden Ninja. Sharks, with their love of destruction, find a natural ally in the Ninjas. Mega Troopers, meanwhile, trigger their special abilities just as the Ninjas are playing Shinobi and Hidden Ninja, creating a powerful synergy. The Samurai, with their abilities triggering when minions are discarded, find a willing partner in the Ninjas' destructive tendencies. Final Haiku followed by Master Ninja or Tiger Assassin can be a devastating combination. Lastly, the Teens offer a fascinating match, as their ability to fetch and power up minions makes Shinobi exceptionally useful. With Prep, New Kid, Brain, Booty Trap, Rebel, and Slacker, the Teens can create a formidable force, and the Ninjas are happy to provide the finishing touch.

To maximize the potential of the Ninjas faction, it's crucial to master the art of deception and misdirection. By keeping your hand hidden, you can unleash your Ninjas at unexpected moments, catching your opponents off guard and gaining a strategic advantage. However, experienced players will be aware of the Ninjas' tactics and take measures to protect their minions and bases. To counter this, focus on using your Ninjas to secure bases through surprise attacks and clever manipulation. Ninja minions have a standard power distribution, lacking any significant boosts. Instead, they excel at catching opponents off balance with well-timed on-play abilities. To make the most of this, aim to break bases when the power contributions are evenly distributed among players. With fewer players in the game, the Ninjas' control and flexibility increase. One of the Ninjas' greatest strengths lies in their ability to eliminate high-value targets. Utilize Poison to support your assassination attempts, allowing you to dictate which actions your opponents can and cannot take. Infiltrate is also a valuable tool for destroying pesky play-on-base actions. When using Assassination, keep in mind that the destruction occurs at the end of the turn, so it's essential to time it correctly to maximize its impact. New players may be tempted to destroy enemy minions and actions indiscriminately, but this approach can backfire. The Ninjas are not designed to annihilate all opposition; instead, focus on thinning out your opponents' forces to gain a strategic advantage. By doing so, you can increase your chances of winning bases without overextending yourself. The Ninjas have two powerful tools for playing extra minions after a base breaks: Shinobi and Hidden Ninja. Shinobi can be played as a standard power-3 minion or saved for a surprise power boost. Hidden Ninja, on the other hand, offers more versatility, allowing you to play a minion with higher power or an on-play ability. Combining both cards can lead to a devastating surprise attack. Ninjas can also return minions to their hand and play new ones in their place, making it possible to reuse on-play abilities without changing the overall minion count. This can be achieved through cards like Ninja Acolyte, which must be played as a setup for a future switch, and Disguise, which offers more flexibility and options. By mastering these abilities, you can outmaneuver your opponents and secure vital bases. Ultimately, the key to success with the Ninjas lies in their ability to adapt and manipulate the game state. By using their unique abilities and cards in conjunction with clever strategy, you can turn the tables on your opponents and emerge victorious.