When Malzahar's ability is activated during a Showdown to kill a unit with Deathknell, does the Deathknell trigger cause focus to pass before the player can take further actions?

Ruling: Malzahar's Add ability generates resources without using the chain (can only be activated during an open state). When it kills a Deathknell unit, both the intended action being paid for and the Deathknell trigger go pending together, then both finalize. Focus passes to the opponent only after the entire chain resolves.

Sequence:

• Player activates Malzahar's ability during an open state (typically when paying for an action)
• Malzahar's ability generates power immediately without using the chain
• If a Deathknell unit dies, the trigger goes pending along with the action being paid for
• Both items finalize on the chain
• The chain resolves
• Focus passes to opponent

Nuances:

• The Add ability can only be activated during an open state, preventing use at reaction speed
• This prevents the Deathknell trigger from causing premature focus passing
• The exact mechanics await CRD revision for full technical support