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.
MTG · Card
◇ Catalog #105
Needlebite Trap
zen·#105·uncommon·foil
Illus. Daarken
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in vault
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for trade
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wishlisted
Oct '09
16 yr ago
Value
$4.04+$0 (+0.0%)
30 days high $4.04 · low $4.04
Volatility · stable
EUR€0.73USD$4.04TIX0.03 tix
Where to buy / sell
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Buy this card
Played in EDH
EDHrec rank #22,052 · Fringe play
Variants
Gameplay
Instant — Trap
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.
Legalities
tlrnot legal
duellegal
brawlnot legal
pennynot legal
PreDHlegal
Rulings · 4
wotc
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}.
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.
Notes
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Magic: The Gathering · ™ & © Wizards of the Coast · Illus. Daarken
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