Riftbound Rules Questions (Page 111)

Does a defender need to be present to have an attacker declared?

Yes, a defender must be present to have an attacker declared. According to **Rule 459.2.b** (Steps of Combat) and **RiftJudge FAQ #7651 / #10095**, the designations "Attacker" and "Defender" are only established when a **Combat** occurs. Combat specifically requires units from two opposing players to be present at the same battlefield.

Can I play Keeper's Verdict to stop a Rengar pouncing from scoring a conquest when my enemy is attacking?

Yes, you can play **Keeper's Verdict** to remove **Rengar, Pouncing** from the board, which prevents him from helping your opponent win a combat or conquering the battlefield.

Can I play it on the repeat on hard bargain to counter spell the deny?

No, you cannot use the *Repeat* execution of *Hard Bargain* to counter *Defy*. Here is why this interaction does not work as you described, based on the rules for **Repeat** and the **Chain**:

Can I use reactions to respond to when I attack or defend triggers?

Yes, you can use reactions to respond to "When I attack" and "When I defend" triggers. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #6106** and **RiftJudge FAQ #8093**, these combat triggers create a chain, and because reactions can be played in response to any trigger on the chain (or during a closed state), they are eligible targets for reaction-speed effects.

I played Akshan taking an equipment. Opponent plays Akshan taking the equipment back. I play another Akshan taking the equipment back. Opponent uses one more Akshan to take it back, but dies in combat. Who does the equipment go to?

To determine who controls the equipment, we must apply the rules of **control-change effects** and **timestamp order**. According to the rules and precedents established in **RiftJudge FAQ #8851**, **FAQ #5396**, and **FAQ #9734**:

Does Wily Newtfish keep its +1 between turns?

No, Wily Newtfish does not keep the +1 Might bonus between turns. According to the card's text, the bonus is granted "if you've gained XP **this turn**." Because this is a conditional static ability, it continuously checks whether the condition (gaining XP) was met within the current turn. Once your turn ends and a new turn begins, the game state...

If a Gear is stolen by Akshan by player A and then player B steals the same Gear, what happens when both Akshans leave the battlefield?

When both Akshans leave the battlefield, the control-change effect of each Akshan stops applying. Consequently, control of the gear reverts to its original owner (the player who brought the card into the game).

Can I respond to the temporary to return Karthus to the hand before the Deathknell is applied?

Yes, you can respond to the *Temporary* triggered ability. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #6422** and **FAQ #9384**, the *Temporary* keyword is a triggered ability that creates a chain. Because a chain is created, the game enters a **Closed State**, allowing players to play [REACTION] speed cards in response to the *Temporary* trigger.

If the opponent approves Bullet Time and I then pay the cost, can the opponent use a reaction card?

No, the opponent cannot use a reaction card after you have paid the power cost for **Bullet Time**. According to the official ruling for **Bullet Time** (referenced in the provided context from **RiftJudge FAQs #5653 and #9105**):

Can you react to Guardian Angel Gear before the recall effect resolves?

No, you cannot react to *Guardian Angel* before its recall effect resolves. Here is the breakdown of why:

When a spell 1 is countered with Abandon, does spell 1 still trigger Abandoned Hall?

No, **Spell 1** does not trigger **Abandoned Hall** if it is countered by **Abandon**. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #10217** and **Rule 425.1.b**, a spell that is countered is not considered to have been "played." Because the ability on **Abandoned Hall** triggers only after a spell has successfully completed its resolution process, a countered spell fails to meet the trigger condition.

Do you draw from Stellacorn Herder if it gets returned to hand from Star Crossed?

No, you do not draw a card from **Stellacorn Herder** when it is returned to your hand by **Star-Crossed**. ### Reasoning 1. **Recall/Return vs. Move:** According to the established rulings for *Riftbound* (notably **RiftJudge FAQ #10159** and **#10124**), the game distinguishes strictly between a "Move" and other forms of displacement, such as being recalled to your base or returned to...

If I target a 2 Might unit with Gust at Abandoned Hall, and my opponent responds with Combat Experience targeting the same unit, does the unit receive +1 Might from Abandoned Hall's trigger before Gust resolves?

Ruling: Yes. When Combat Experience finishes resolving, it triggers Abandoned Hall immediately, placing that trigger on the chain above the still-unresolved Gust. The Abandoned Hall trigger resolves next, giving the unit +1 Might (bringing it to 4 total), before Gust attempts to resolve. Since the unit now has 4 Might, it is no longer a legal target for Gust, and...

Can you play Star-Crossed in response to a Deathknell trigger to return the unit to hand and prevent the Deathknell effect?

Ruling: No. By the time a Deathknell trigger is placed on the chain, the unit has already been killed and sent to the trash. Star-Crossed requires you to target units on the board, so a unit in the trash is an illegal target.

If my opponent plays Elder Dragon, can I respond with Janna, Savior so that my unit survives?

To answer your question: **No, healing your unit with Janna, Savior will not save it from being killed by the Elder Dragon's play effect.**

If I hook a target and an opponent uses Flurry of Blades with Elder on the board, does this hook still happen normally as it's a cost of the target, or does the unit die before hook resolves meaning hook does not have a target anymore? Can an opponent react to the targeting of hook and kill the unit and thus the hook can't resolve?

To address your questions regarding the interaction between **Baited Hook**, **Flurry of Blades**, and **Elder Dragon**, here is the ruling breakdown:

If the opponent plays Elder Dragon and chooses three of my units, and I use Not So Fast, will I protect all three units from damage or just one?

If you play **Not So Fast** in response to the "When you play me" triggered ability of **Elder Dragon**, **you will protect all three of your targeted units.**

Does Irelia Legend count as choosing also?

No, using the Irelia Legend's ability (Blade Dancer) to ready a unit does not count as "choosing" that unit. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #6528** and **#8590**: * The Irelia legend ability "Blade Dancer" does not target or choose a unit when you pay [A] to ready it. * Because the ability does not target or choose, it does not trigger...

If I activate Ravenborn Tome, does the buff of 1 bonus damage stay after the end of my turn?

No, the effect from **Ravenborn Tome** does not stay after the end of your turn. According to the card's text, it is a delayed ability that specifically applies to "the next spell you play **this turn**." Furthermore, per Rule 317.2.c, all "this turn" effects expire simultaneously during the Expiration Step of the Ending Phase. Therefore, if the effect was not...

If I control a Battlefield on my opponent's turn and then he conquers the Battlefield but then later in that same turn I ride the wind and re-conquer that same Battlefield, do I get a point?

Yes, you get a point. According to **FAQ #9424** and **FAQ #2364**, you can use *Ride the Wind* to move a unit to a battlefield, conquer it, and score a point, even if you already scored at that battlefield during your own turn. Scoring is tracked per-turn for each player, and the "once per battlefield per turn" restriction resets with...

If I use Thrill of the Hunt on a unit, will this unit enter ready when played?

No, the unit will **not** enter ready. When a unit is played via **Thrill of the Hunt**, it enters the battlefield in an exhausted state by default.

Can I use a reaction card immediately at the start of the enemy turn?

No, you cannot use a reaction card simply because your opponent's turn has begun. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #10123** and **RiftJudge FAQ #9538**, you do not receive priority at the beginning of a turn or phase. Priority is only granted to you when your opponent performs an action that creates a chain (such as playing a spell or triggering an...

When Irresistible Faefolk goes to the battlefield, am I attacking or defending?

When you move **Irresistible Faefolk** to an unoccupied (uncontrolled) battlefield, **you are the attacker**, and the enemy unit you move to that battlefield with its ability becomes the **defender**.

When does combat damage get healed?

According to the Riftbound rules and official FAQs, combat damage is healed during the **Combat Cleanup** step. Here are the key details regarding this process:

If I use a movement spell/ability on units in Vilemaw's Lair, what happens?

Whether a movement spell or ability works on units at **Vilemaw's Lair** depends entirely on the **destination** of the movement:

If Herald Of Spring holds Reconers Arena, on its turn does it score twice exp?

To determine if **Herald of Spring** scores its **Hunt** XP twice when holding at **Reckoner’s Arena**, we must analyze the interaction between the "Hold" action and the battlefield's ability.

Can I tap Kaisa for Thousand-Tailed Watcher power cost?

No, you cannot tap Kai'Sa, Daughter of the Void to pay for costs associated with Thousand-Tailed Watcher. According to her card text and the retrieved RiftJudge FAQs (specifically #5342, #2206, and #4346):

If my opponent uses Challenge, then I use Discipline, can I resolve Discipline then play another Discipline before Challenge resolves?

Yes, you can resolve the first **Discipline** to draw a card and then play a second **Discipline** before the **Challenge** resolves.

If I use Thrill of the Hunt on Darius Trifarian, does it trigger his effect to get ready and +2?

Whether using **Thrill of the Hunt** to banish and re-play **Darius, Trifarian** triggers his ability depends on whether his re-entry becomes the **second card played** during your turn.

If my opponent uses Stormbringer, does that initiate a showdown and am I allowed to use Emperor's Divide?

Yes, if your opponent uses **Stormbringer** and its effect results in a battlefield becoming contested, it will initiate a showdown.

If I have a Red Brambleback with Trinity Force and Skyfall of Areion attached, and I hold with it on Reckoner's Arena, how many points do I get?

To determine the points gained when holding at **Reckoner’s Arena** with a unit equipped with **Trinity Force** and **Skyfall of Areion**, and with **Red Brambleback** present, we must analyze the interaction between these specific cards and the rules regarding "holding" versus "conquering."

Does playing Elder Dragon initiate a Showdown?

Playing *Elder Dragon* itself does **not** initiate a showdown. A showdown is initiated by game actions that make a battlefield "Contested" (Rule 344), typically when a player moves a unit to a battlefield occupied by an opponent's unit.

Can I use Smoke and Mirrors with no targets?

No, you cannot play **Smoke and Mirrors** if you do not have at least two units at different locations. According to the card text, **Smoke and Mirrors** requires you to "Choose a unit you control and another unit you control at a different location." Because this is a requirement to play the card, you must have two such units available...

If I play Edge of Night from hidden, do I still need to pay the equip cost?

To determine whether you must pay the [Equip] cost when playing *Edge of Night* from Hidden, we must examine the rules governing the **Hidden** keyword and the specific card text.

If I have a hidden Zhonya's with a Sprite unit then it dies when it's my beginning phase. Can I react to Sprite unit's temporary and play Zhonya to base?

### The Short Answer **Yes.** You can reveal a hidden **Zhonya's Hourglass** to save a **Sprite** with the **Temporary** keyword during your Beginning Phase.

What are the playmat layouts that are legal for tournaments? I.e. placement of the main deck, rune deck, legend, champion unit etc.

To ensure clarity and prevent the accidental mixing of decks during high-level organized play (OPL), you must arrange your board according to the layout rules specified in **Tournament Rules 508**.

Can I use a Reaction at the beginning phase before the Awaken Phase?

No, you cannot use a Reaction at the beginning phase before the Awaken Phase. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #10793** and **RiftJudge FAQ #9538**, you do not receive priority simply because a turn or phase has begun. Priority is only granted to you when your opponent performs an action that creates a chain (such as playing a spell or triggering an...

Does Targon's Peak ability create a window to React?

Yes, Targon's Peak creates two distinct windows where you can play cards with the **[Reaction]** keyword: 1. **When you conquer:** Immediately after you conquer Targon's Peak, its "When I conquer" triggered ability is placed on the chain. Players may play **[Reaction]** cards at this time, before that trigger resolves. 2. **At the end of the turn:** When the delayed ability...

If I hold at a battlefield, move units out, then move units back into that battlefield that I held at, does it start a showdown?

Yes, moving your units back into that battlefield will start a **non-combat showdown**. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #7022**, **FAQ #7447**, and **Rule 323.6**, here is the breakdown of what happens:

Can Hard Bargain be played without a spell on the chain? Just to fizzle?

No, *Hard Bargain* cannot be played if there is no spell on the chain. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #9898**, *Hard Bargain* requires a target ("Counter a spell..."). To play a card, you must be able to choose a legal target at the time you place the spell on the chain. If there are no spells on the chain, there are...

I am 1 point from winning and I have Lucian Tri Force Skyfall combo, can I win with 1 Conquer?

Yes, you can win the game in this scenario. According to multiple RiftJudge FAQs (specifically **FAQ 10436**, **FAQ 10122**, and **FAQ 7390**), a player at 7 points (one point away from the 8-point Victory Score) can win the game by conquering a single battlefield with a unit equipped with both **Trinity Force** and **Skyfall of Areion**.

If I have control of 2 Battlefields with 1 creature each and an Elder Dragon enters from my opponent targeting both, if I then flash them both back to base are both my creatures alive or does my opponent get to do damage at the new location?

Both of your creatures will survive, and the Elder Dragon's ability will fail to deal damage to them. According to **RiftJudge FAQ #9919** and the accompanying **Rules FAQ Clarification (2026-04-29)**, the Elder Dragon’s "When you play me" ability has specific targeting restrictions: it allows its controller to choose **up to one** enemy unit at **each** board location.

If a blue sentinel holds in a Startipped Peak, the player channel 2 runes exhausted or the blue sentinel, it doesn't trigger the hold effects of the battlefields?

To clarify the interaction between **Blue Sentinel** and **Startipped Peak**, here is how the mechanics function according to the game rules and established FAQs:

Does Teemo Strategist have to activate his ability if Irelia moves into the battlefield?

Yes, Teemo, Strategist’s ability is mandatory, and you must place it on the chain if the conditions are met. According to his card text: *"When I defend, choose an enemy unit here and reveal the top 5 cards of your Main Deck..."*

If I use Moonfall on my opponent's 1 might unit, does it go to 0 or -1?

If you use **Moonfall** on an opponent's unit with 1 Might, its Might will become **-1**. According to **Rule 143.2.b**, a unit's Might can mathematically go below 0. While the game treats its Might as 0 for interactive purposes (like combat or checking for lethal damage), the actual Might value for calculation purposes is -1.

Can I play Star Crossed if I have no cards to send back to my hand?

No, you cannot play **Star-Crossed** if you have no friendly units on the battlefield. As established by **RiftJudge FAQ #9865**, **#10187**, and **#10769**, **Star-Crossed** specifically requires both a friendly unit and an enemy unit to be present on the board as valid targets to be played. Because the spell lacks "up to" language, both are mandatory targets. You must control...

Can I play Smoke and Mirrors while only having one unit in play?

No, you cannot play **Smoke and Mirrors** if you only have one unit in play. According to the card text and **RiftJudge FAQ #9739**, **Smoke and Mirrors** requires you to "Choose a unit you control and another unit you control at a different location." Because this is a requirement to play the card, you must have two such units available...

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