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Needlebite Trap

Black

1 printing listed in our catalog, from newest to oldest.

Needlebite Trap, Zendikar printing
Zendikar ZEN · No. 105 2009-10-02

Card text

{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.
EDHREC rank #22999 Uncommon Not on the Reserved List
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Standard ∅ Not legal
Pioneer ∅ Not legal
Modern ✓ Legal
Legacy ✓ Legal
Vintage ✓ Legal
Pauper ∅ Not legal
Commander ✓ Legal
Oathbreaker ✓ Legal
Brawl ∅ Not legal
Historic ∅ Not legal
Timeless ∅ Not legal
Alchemy ∅ Not legal
Explorer ∅ Not legal
Gladiator ∅ Not legal
Penny ✓ Legal
Duel ✓ Legal

Official rulings

4 rulings · in English, source Scryfall

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 · Wizards of the Coast

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}.

2009-10-01 · Wizards of the Coast

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 · Wizards of the Coast

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

2009-10-01 · Wizards of the Coast

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