Simic Ragworm is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

: Untap this creature.

Complete guide

Simic Ragworm is a fascinating utility creature that showcases the hybrid ingenuity of the Simic Combine. While its stats might seem straightforward, its ability to untap itself for just one blue mana opens up a world of tactical possibilities on the battlefield.

What It Does

At its core, Simic Ragworm is a 3/3 Worm creature that costs four mana. Its standout feature is an activated ability that costs one blue mana to untap it. Because this ability does not have a 'tap' symbol in its cost, you can activate it as many times as you have blue mana available, even if the creature has 'summoning sickness,' though it must already be tapped for the ability to have a visible effect on its status.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must have priority to activate the ability. You pay one blue mana and put the ability on the stack. When the ability resolves, Simic Ragworm changes from a tapped state to an untapped state. If the Ragworm is already untapped when the ability resolves, nothing happens, but the mana remains spent.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming that untapping the Ragworm removes it from combat. If you block with Simic Ragworm and then use its ability to untap it, it remains a blocking creature and will still deal and receive combat damage. Additionally, remember that while you can activate the ability at any time you have priority, you must be able to pay the blue mana cost each time.

When to Play It

Simic Ragworm excels in defensive scenarios. You can attack with it during your turn, and then keep a blue mana open to untap it before your opponent's combat phase, effectively giving it 'Vigilance' for a small fee. It also synergizes well with effects that require tapping a creature as a cost for other spells or abilities.

Interaction examples

Aggressive Defense

You declare Simic Ragworm as an attacker during your combat phase, which causes it to tap. Before your turn ends, you spend one blue mana to activate its ability. The Ragworm untaps, leaving you with a 3/3 blocker ready for your opponent's next turn.

Resource Management

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks you with Solemn Simulacrum, you can block with Simic Ragworm. After blockers are declared but before damage is dealt, you can untap the Ragworm. It will still destroy the Golem in combat, but it will end the combat phase untapped and ready for further utility.

Recovering from Tapped States

Eternal Witness

Suppose an opponent uses a spell to tap all your creatures. While Eternal Witness remains tapped and vulnerable, you can use a single blue mana to untap Simic Ragworm, ensuring you have at least one creature available to block or use for abilities requiring an untapped creature.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.