Illicit Auction

Sorcery, 3RR (5)
Each player may bid life for control of target creature. You start the bidding with a bid of 0. In turn order, each player may top the high bid. The bidding ends if the high bid stands. The high bidder loses life equal to the high bid and gains control of the creature. (This effect lasts indefinitely.)¹
Illus. Scott Kirschner

Gatherer Card Rulings [Nov 2009]

• 10/4/2004: This is a life loss and not a life payment so you can bid more life than you have.

Format Legality	Legal in Vintage, Legacy, MTGO Classic Banned in Extended, Standard
Printings (2/12)	Classic Sixth Edition (Rare) Mirage (Rare)