Can you activate Death Rocket's triggered ability when you conquer if you do not have any card in hand to discard?

Ruling: Yes, the triggered ability always activates when you conquer. On resolution, you choose whether or not to discard a card and return Death Rocket to your hand.

Sequence:

  • When you conquer while Death Rocket is in your trash, the triggered ability automatically goes on the chain
  • On resolution, you may choose to discard a card to return it to your hand, or decline

Nuances:

  • The wording "you may discard X to do Y" means the ability triggers regardless of hand state, with the discard being optional on resolution
  • This differs from "discard X to do this" or "discard X, if you do do this" where the discard would be mandatory to activate
  • The ability always creates a window/chain opportunity when you conquer, regardless of whether you have cards to discard