Obviously the previous comment is incorrect. It is first untap then upkeep, so whether or not you untap it during your untap phase it still taps on your upkeep if you choose not to pay one life. Still a great card that puts you one damage ahead on the clock if it connects.

  -- By Thalaric from Los Angeles on March 25, 2011

As I'm sure everybody knows, the untap step is the first step on your turn, followed by the upkeep, the drawstep and ect. Either way, Carnophage is really a must for black aggro decks. With the new Vampire Lascerator, black casual aggro is really going fast: First turn: swamp, dark ritual, 3 1 mana 2/2's ... that's really evil - just like black xD

  -- By Jens from Denmark on October 28, 2009

the phases in magic go untap upkeep draw main attack main discard. not upkeep untap... but this card rocks anyway.

  -- By Anonymous from canada on October 22, 2007

What does one damage a turn matter when you are playing a 2/2 beater for one. taking that damage is optional, making it even better. great for hatred. I would pick sarcomancy over it though.

  -- By Grayson Maxwell from Ontario, Canada on April 09, 2007

Good Card, good for easy quick points of damage, and the untap phase comes right before the upkeep phase, not after.

  -- By Max Williams from Berwyn, PA on February 13, 2005

Good but nothing special. I have at least 10 better cards in my deck. NOTTT! My weakest creature is 10 times better than that beast.

  -- By Cameron from Spirit Lake, ID USA on December 15, 2002

I like this card. Its a first turn 2/2 creature and why would anyone pay 1 life to keep it untapped? The untap phase comes directly AFTER upkeep. Plus the art is awesome.

  -- By from on January 27, 2002