In a showdown, does the attacker or defender get focus first, and how does the action/reaction card speed system work when passing focus?

Ruling: The attacker always gains focus first in a showdown. When a player passes focus without playing a card, the opponent can then start a chain with either action or reaction cards, but the passing player can only respond with reaction cards.

Sequence:

  • Attacker declares showdown and gains focus first
  • Attacker can play action or reaction speed cards
  • If attacker plays a card, defender can only respond with reaction cards
  • If attacker passes focus, defender can then play action or reaction cards
  • When defender starts a chain after attacker passes, attacker can only respond with reaction cards

Nuances:

  • The ability to play action speed cards is only available to the player who currently has focus and hasn't passed it yet
  • Once you pass focus, you can only respond with reaction speed cards to any chains your opponent starts