In a showdown, do the opponent's Deathknell units' effects resolve first, or do friendly ones?

In a showdown, when multiple Deathknell abilities trigger simultaneously (such as when units from both players die at the same time during combat), the order in which they are placed on the chain is determined by turn order, starting with the Turn Player.

Once all Deathknell triggers are placed on the chain, they resolve in Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) order. Therefore, the player who places their triggers last will have their effects resolve first.

Regarding the Timing Contradiction

I acknowledge the conflicting information in the provided FAQs regarding the timing of Deathknell relative to healing.

• FAQ #9244 states Deathknell effects occur before units are healed.
• FAQs #9514, #10061, and #10157 state Deathknell triggers resolve after units are healed.

Ruling: When FAQs contradict, I must prioritize the most recent information and the formal sequence provided by the game's core rules and consolidated FAQs. According to the sequence defined in FAQ #10157 (and supported by #9514, #9786, and #10061), the sequence is:

1. Triggering: Lethal damage units trigger Deathknell (added to the chain as pending items).
2. Killing: Units with lethal damage are moved to the trash.
3. Healing: Surviving units are healed.
4. Resolution: The game returns to FEPR, and the Deathknell triggers on the chain resolve.

Therefore, practically speaking, the effects of Deathknell resolve after surviving units have been healed. Any previous FAQ suggesting they resolve before healing is considered superseded by this more recent and consistent clarification in the game's current ruleset.

Summary of the Sequencing Process:

1. Triggering: Units die simultaneously. Both players’ Deathknell abilities trigger.
2. Ordering on the Chain: Starting with the Turn Player, each player orders their own Deathknell triggers on the chain.
   • If you are the Turn Player, you place your triggers first. The opponent then places theirs.
   • If you are the non-turn player, the opponent places theirs first, then you place yours.
3. Healing: Surviving units on the battlefield are healed.
4. Resolution: The chain resolves (LIFO). Because the triggers added last (by the non-turn player, if applicable) resolve first, the non-turn player's Deathknell effects will typically resolve before the Turn Player's.