Can you react with a hidden Zhonya to a unit dying during combat damage assignment, or must it be revealed during the showdown chain before damage is assigned?

verified
FAQ #8150·asked by 160234128883580928·January 4, 2026·Rules v1.4·Asked before Vendetta
Answer

Ruling: If Zhonya is hidden when both players pass during showdown, it stays hidden until cleanup finishes. You cannot react to combat damage being assigned - once both players pass, no one can play anything until cleanup finishes.

Sequence:

  • Both players pass during showdown
  • Combat damage is assigned (no reactions possible)
  • Cleanup occurs
  • Hidden cards remain hidden throughout this process

Nuances:

  • This means with multiple defending units, you don't get to choose which unit to save unless multiple targets are dying
  • You can flip Zhonya earlier in the showdown chain before passing, but this reveals it and may affect your opponent's targeting decision

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