wotc
This is a triggered ability, not an activated ability. It doesn't allow you to tap the creature whenever you want; rather, you need some other way of tapping it, such as by attacking with the creature.
MTG · Card
◇ Catalog #92
Surgespanner
lrw·#92·rare·nonfoil
Illus. Warren Mahy
—
in vault
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for trade
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wishlisted
Oct '07
18 yr ago
Value
$1.31+$0 (+6.5%)
30 days high $1.31 · low $1.22
Volatility · moderate
EUR€0.59USD$1.31TIX0.02 tix
Where to buy / sell
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Played in EDH
EDHrec rank #8,667 · Niche pick
Variants
Gameplay
Creature — Merfolk Wizard
Whenever this creature becomes tapped, you may pay {1}{U}. If you do, return target permanent to its owner's hand.
They ride on waves of Æther, washing out anything that might pollute the Merrow Lanes.
2/2
Legalities
tlrnot legal
duellegal
brawlnot legal
pennylegal
PreDH
Rulings · 2
wotc
For the ability to trigger, the creature has to actually change from untapped to tapped. If an effect attempts to tap the creature, but it was already tapped at the time, this ability won't trigger.
Notes
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Magic: The Gathering · ™ & © Wizards of the Coast · Illus. Warren Mahy
Card data via Scryfall. Rarix is fan-made; not endorsed by the rights holders.