Needlebite Trap

Zendikar (ZEN) #105 · Uncommon · Instant — Trap

Mana cost: {5}{B}{B}

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.

Illustrated by Daarken · Released October 2, 2009

Prices

Nonfoil price since August 29, 2026: down $0.02 USD (8.3%) to $0.22 USD; low $0.22 USD, high $0.24 USD.

Printings

  1. Zendikar #105 (this printing) · Uncommon · 2009 · $0.22 USD

Legality

Rulings

  1. 2009-10-01 · wotc — 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.
  2. 2009-10-01 · wotc — 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}.
  3. 2009-10-01 · wotc — 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.
  4. 2009-10-01 · wotc — Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.

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