In a showdown, if a player has focus and priority, uses an action to start a chain, and that chain resolves, does focus automatically pass to the opponent or can the original player start another chain?

Ruling: After a chain resolves in a showdown, focus automatically passes to the opponent in turn order. The player who started the chain cannot start another chain consecutively unless the opponent chooses not to act.

Sequence:

  • Player with focus starts a chain with an action
  • Chain resolves and closes
  • Focus automatically moves to the opponent
  • Opponent now has permission to start a new chain

Nuances:

  • Focus can be thought of as "the permission to start a chain during a showdown"
  • A player does not choose whether to pass focus after their chain resolves - it passes automatically
  • Neither player can start two chains consecutively unless the opponent agrees by not doing anything