If I play a unit with Ambush in response to a Deathknell trigger during combat cleanup, does it start a new showdown?

Ruling: Yes. When you play a unit via Ambush in response to a Deathknell trigger during combat cleanup, the unit enters the battlefield before the "determine combat result" step. If both players now have units present, the combat ends in "No Result" and a new combat is staged at that battlefield.

Sequence:

  • Combat cleanup occurs; your unit dies and its Deathknell trigger goes on the chain; opponent's unit heals
  • You play a unit with Ambush in response to the Deathknell trigger
  • Chain resolves: Ambush unit enters the battlefield, then Deathknell resolves
  • Determine combat result: both players have units present, so "No Result" occurs
  • A new combat is staged with the remaining units

Nuances:

  • The Ambush unit gains the same designation (Attacker or Defender) as the player who played it, which matches the designation of the unit that died
  • Player designations persist throughout the combat phase, so the Ambush unit retains this designation into the newly staged combat
FAQ #10841June 4, 2026Rule 461.1Rule 461.1.a.1Rule 461.3.dRule 461.3.d.1Rule 323.2.a