When a chain resolves during a showdown, does the showdown end immediately, or do players get another opportunity to play actions?

Ruling: After a chain resolves during a showdown, players get another opportunity to play actions. The showdown only ends when both players consecutively choose not to start a new chain.

Sequence:

  • Showdown begins
  • When I attack/defend triggers are added to the chain (if any) and resolve
  • Attacker gets focus and can start a chain (play actions)
  • Chain resolves completely
  • Focus passes to defender, who can start a new chain
  • Focus passes back to attacker if defender doesn't start a chain
  • This continues until both players consecutively choose not to start a chain
  • Only then does the showdown end

Nuances:

  • Focus passing automatically after a chain resolves is not the same as a player passing focus
  • Both players must consecutively NOT start a chain for the showdown to end