After passing initially in a showdown, if the opponent plays a reaction (En Garde) that resolves, is there another open state where the first player can play an action/reaction?

Ruling: Yes, there is another open state after En Garde resolves where you can activate a card like Cleave. Passing does not lock you out of future actions in the showdown.

Sequence:

  • Attacker action/reaction
  • Defender reaction, then attacker reaction (back and forth)
  • Resolve chain
  • Defender action/reaction
  • Attacker reaction, then defender reaction (back and forth)
  • Resolve chain
  • This continues until both players pass in a row

Nuances:

  • Both players must pass consecutively (in a row) to end the showdown
  • If you pass, then your opponent plays an action that resolves, you can still play another action afterward
  • Passing once does not prevent you from taking actions later in the same showdown