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Needlebite Trap

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Needlebite Trap

Mana cost{5}{B}{B} Mana value7TypeInstant — Trap Color identity{B} Black RarityUncommon SetZendikar (ZEN) ArtistDaarken Price€0.15 · foil €0.67 · $0.22

Needlebite Trap {5}{B}{B}

Instant — Trap
If an opponent gained life this turn, you may pay {B} rather than pay this spell's mana cost.
Target player loses 5 life and you gain 5 life.

The traps around the vampire city of Malakir hint at the thirst of its inhabitants.

Legality

CommanderLegalStandardNot legalPioneerNot legalModernLegalLegacyLegalVintageLegalPauperNot legalBrawlNot legalOathbreakerLegalHistoricNot legalTimelessNot legalPenny DreadfulLegal

Rulings

2009-10-01
You may ignore a Trap's alternative cost condition and simply cast it for its normal mana cost. This is true even if its alternative cost condition has been met.

2009-10-01
Casting a Trap by paying its alternative cost doesn't change its mana cost or mana value. The only difference is the cost you actually pay.

2009-10-01
Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.

2009-10-01
Needlebite Trap's alternative cost condition checks only whether life was gained. It doesn't care whether life was also lost. For example, if an opponent gained 4 life and lost 6 life during the turn, that player will have a lower life total than they started the turn with — but you can still cast Needlebite Trap by paying {B}.