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Complete list of everything that can be reacted to
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Short answer: you can react to anything that stays on the Chain as a finalized item. Reaction isn't about "responding" to arbitrary events — it's a permission to play/activate during a Closed State, so a window only exists if something is sitting on the chain.
Reactable:
- Spells — they linger on the chain after finalizing (Rule 359.3), so opponents get priority before resolution.
- Triggered abilities of any sort — "When you play me," "When I attack/defend," "When I move," Deathknell, reflexive triggers, etc. (Rule 383).
- Activated abilities, including Equip and any gear/unit/legend ability with
[Reaction][>]or[Action][>](Rule 818.1). Reactions can also stack on other Reactions. - Any of the above during a Combat Showdown, as well as combat triggers like "When I attack."
Not reactable:
- Playing a unit or gear — permanents leave the chain the moment they finalize, so no window exists (Rule 359.2). You can react to any "When you play me" trigger the permanent creates.
- Hiding a card — discretionary, no chain.
- Discretionary actions that don't use the chain: Standard Move, Recalls, scoring/Conquer/Hold, combat damage, cleanup steps (FAQ #5996, #2835).
- Add abilities and tapping runes for mana — these finalize and resolve immediately, even mid-resolution, so nothing lingers to respond to (Rule 429.2, FAQ #3799).
One practical note: Reaction isn't strictly "responding." On your own turn you can play a Reaction with an empty chain just like an Action spell; it's only priority that limits you on an opponent's turn (FAQ #11498).
References
Suggested answer — derived from the references below
Rules
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