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Does taking an open battlefield or moving units to a battlefield you already control start a showdown?

verified
FAQ #5524·asked by 490322869763571712·January 4, 2026·Rules v1.4·Asked before Vendetta
Answer

Ruling: Taking an open battlefield starts a showdown. Moving units to a battlefield you already control does not start a showdown unless the move triggers an ability.

Sequence:

  • When units move, a cleanup occurs
  • During cleanup, any triggered abilities are processed
  • At the very end of cleanup, a showdown starts if one should start
  • Control of a battlefield being contested (even from no one) triggers a showdown

Nuances:

  • Moving to an empty battlefield counts as contesting control, so it starts a showdown
  • Moving to your own battlefield only opens a response window if the move causes an ability to trigger and create a chain
  • A cleanup after conquering only occurs if an ability was triggered due to conquering, once the chain it created is emptied
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