When does cleanup happen in Riftbound and what does it do?

Ruling: Cleanups happen frequently throughout the game - after resolving playing anything, adding things to the chain, and various other times. They are automatic "blinks" or "game state checks" that ensure the game state is proper after actions occur, not something players actively do or consciously think about.

Sequence:

• Cleanup occurs after the resolution of playing cards and adding things to the chain
• The game checks and updates various game states (damage causing death, control assignments, etc.)
• If multiple combats/showdowns are staged, the turn player chooses which to resolve first

Nuances:

• Units already in combat don't gain attacker/defender assignment again during cleanup - they can only have it once. The assignment rule is only for units entering combat after initial moves.
• When a combat is staged during a showdown (like using Ride the Wind), cleanup just means it waits until its time to be resolved.
• Cleanups are conceptually similar to server ticks in online games or game state checks in other card games.