Needlebite Trap

Instant - Trap, 5BB (7)

If an opponent gained life this turn, you may pay {B} rather than pay Needlebite Trap'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.

Illus. Daarken

Gatherer Card Rulings?, Legality?

• 10/1/2009: 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.
• 10/1/2009: Casting a Trap by paying its alternative cost doesn't change its mana cost or converted mana cost. The only difference is the cost you actually pay.
• 10/1/2009: Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.
• 10/1/2009: 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 he or she started the turn with -- but you can still cast Needlebite Trap by paying {B}.

• Legal in Vintage (Type 1)
• Legal in Legacy (Type 1.5)
• Legal in Extended (Type 1.X)
• Legal in Classic (MTGO)
• Legal in Commander
• Legal in Modern