Needlebite Trap
Card Information
Type: Instant — Trap
Mana Cost: 5
CMC: 7
Part of the Reserved List: No
Color Identity:
Set: Zendikar (ZEN)
Rarity: Uncommon
Collector Number: 105
Oracle Text
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.
Format Legalities
Card Rulings
- October 1, 2009
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.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
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}.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
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.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.
Source: wotc
Price History
To study a single card is to glimpse the heart of a spell - a frozen moment of ambition, artistry, and arcane intent. Within each glyph lies a spark: a story untold, a duel turned, a destiny altered. Treat it not as mere parchment, dear seeker, but as a shard of the Multiverse itself.