Cunning is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +3/+3. When enchanted creature attacks or blocks, sacrifice this Aura at the beginning of the next cleanup step.

Complete guide

Cunning is a blue Aura that offers a significant power boost for a very low mana cost. While it turns any creature into a powerhouse, this surge of tactical brilliance is temporary, as the enchantment fades after the heat of battle. Mastering this card requires understanding the nuances of the cleanup step and timing your strikes effectively.

A Temporary Surge of Power

Cunning provides the enchanted creature with a static +3/+3 bonus. Unlike many combat tricks that only last until the end of a turn, Cunning remains on the battlefield as long as the creature avoids combat. However, the moment that creature is declared as an attacker or blocker, a 'delayed triggered ability' is scheduled to resolve much later in the turn.

The Cleanup Step Resolution

When the enchanted creature attacks or blocks, the ability triggers, but it does not resolve immediately. Instead, it waits until the beginning of the next cleanup step—the very last part of a turn. This means the creature keeps the +3/+3 bonus throughout the entire combat phase and the second main phase. Once the cleanup step begins, the Aura is sacrificed, and the creature returns to its original size.

Strategic Considerations

Because the sacrifice happens in the cleanup step, your creature will still have the bonus during the 'end of turn' phase. This is important for interactions with other cards that check for power or toughness. Remember that if the creature leaves the battlefield before the cleanup step, Cunning simply goes to the graveyard due to state-based actions, as it is no longer enchanting a valid permanent.

Interaction examples

Synergy with The Swarmlord

The Swarmlord

If you enchant The Swarmlord with Cunning, it gains +3/+3. When The Swarmlord attacks, the sacrifice trigger is set. During the cleanup step, Cunning is sacrificed. Note that this sacrifice does not trigger The Swarmlord's 'Xenos Cunning' ability, as the Aura is what is put into the graveyard, not the creature itself.

Unblockable Infiltration

Guild Thief

You can cast Cunning on Guild Thief to make it a 4/4. By activating the 'Cunning Action' ability of Guild Thief for {3}{U}, it becomes unblockable. When it attacks, the sacrifice trigger for the Aura is scheduled for the cleanup step. The Thief deals 4 damage to the player, receives a +1/+1 counter from its own ability, and then Cunning is sacrificed at the very end of the turn.

Resource Management

Rhystic Study

While Rhystic Study helps you draw cards when opponents cast spells, Cunning is a proactive tool to end the game quickly. If you enchant a creature and attack, you benefit from the +3/+3 for the duration of your turn. The sacrifice only occurs at the cleanup step, meaning you don't lose the power bonus during your second main phase, allowing you to survive potential post-combat damage spells.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Cunning

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

No additional ruling has been published for this card.

Interactions with other cards

These cards' text mentions Cunning.

The Swarmlord

Rapid Regeneration — The Swarmlord enters with two +1/+1 counters on it for each time you've cast your commander from the command zone this game. Xenos Cunning — Whenever a creature you control with a counter on it dies, draw a card.