When attacking a battlefield and starting a showdown, can the attacker use a reaction card (like Smoke Screen) when they have priority, or can showdowns only be started with actions?

Question

Accepted Answer

Ruling: Yes, the attacker can play reaction cards when they have priority during a showdown. You can play any appropriately timed card (action or reaction) or activate any appropriately timed ability when you have priority.

Sequence:
- Attacker moves into occupied battlefield, starting a showdown
- Attacker has first priority during the showdown
- Attacker can play reaction spells (like Smoke Screen) before passing priority
- Opponent can respond before each spell resolves

Nuances:
- The attacker can play as many reaction spells as they like before passing to the opponent
- The opponent can respond before each spell resolves