How does Narcolepsy work?

Asked by alblaster 13 years ago

Does the creature with Narcolepsy on it only become tapped if it was previously tapped? Can a creature be untapped if it isn't tapped to begin with? My friend says Narcolepsy doesn't take effect until the creature becomes tapped. Is he right?

Prophylaxis says... Accepted answer #1

When you enchant a creature with Narcolepsy , when your turn starts, at the Beginning Phase, the first step is the Untap step. You untap the creature that is enchanted by Narcolepsy . Then the upkeep step begins. You then tap the creature with Narcolepsy .

Rulings

Narcolepsy's triggered ability has an "intervening 'if' clause." That means (1) the ability triggers only if the enchanted creature is untapped as any player's upkeep begins, and (2) the ability does nothing if the enchanted creature is already tapped by the time it resolves.

Narcolepsy doesn't keep the enchanted creature continually tapped. The creature untaps during its controller's untap step as normal, then is tapped when Narcolepsy's ability resolves during that upkeep. The creature may be tapped in response (for example, if it has an activated ability with T in its cost).

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So your friend is incorrect. I guess you are talking about Paralyzing Grasp .

December 30, 2010 3:25 p.m.

alblaster says... #2

that clears it up. Thanks.

December 31, 2010 1:14 p.m.

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