Turn the Tide of Combat

Take the Bait is an instant that reads like a tactical trap for opponents who overcommit. Castable only during an opponent's combat phase it prevents combat damage to you and your planeswalkers then forces attackers to untap and strike again under goad. The card name matters in play because it rewards timing and reads plainly for players who want to manipulate attack steps and reset combat math in their favor.

In practice this card works best in decks that want to protect a vulnerable life total or a key planeswalker while converting an opponent's momentum into extra risk. It creates an additional combat phase after the current one so you can time removal or blockers and then leverage the extra attack window. The extended art fits the Murders at Karlov Manor mood with a scene that hints at a staged confrontation and clever misdirection.

Card Details:

• Mana Cost – {2}{R}{W}
• Card Type – Instant
• Subtypes –
• Card Text / Rules Text (Printed) – Cast this spell only during an opponent's turn and only during combat. Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to you and planeswalkers you control this turn. Untap all attacking creatures and goad them. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase.
• Power / Toughness –
• Loyalty –