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316. Action Phase

316.1. When all steps of the Start of Turn have been completed, the Action Phase begins.

316.2. The Action Phase has no defined structure.

316.2.a. A player may take any number of Discretionary Actions they are able to perform during this phase. See_rule_REF_398.1_DOT Discretionary Actions for more information.
316.2.b. This is denoted as a Neutral Open State , and only the Turn Player has the ability to play spells or activate abilities. See rule 307. States of the Turn for more information.
316.2.b.1. In Modes of Play with teammates, the Turn Player's teammates may play spells and activate abilities, including ones without Action or Reaction.
316.2.c. In Modes of Play with Teammates, spells may be played by Teammates of the Turn Player during this time, but the actions of the Turn Player take precedence.

316.3. As a result of a player taking Discretionary Actions , one or more structured phases may occur.

316.4. Combat

316.4.a. A Combat phase occurs as a result of Units controlled by opposing players being present at the same Battlefield .
316.4.b. This could be the result of a Standard Move Standard Action , a Spell , or other Game Effect.
316.4.c. The source effect does not change the structure or flow of Combat once initiated.
316.4.d. A Combat can only occur between two players. See rule 437. Combat for more information.
316.4.e. Play proceeds following the steps of combat. See rule 441. Steps of Combat for more information.
316.4.f. Combat will also include a Showdown.

316.5. Showdowns

316.5.a. A Showdown occurs when a Combat occurs.
316.5.a.1. Showdowns that occur as a result of Combat are a Sub-Phase of Combat.
316.5.b. A Showdown is marked as Staged at a Battlefield when the Contested status is applied to a Battlefield with no current controller.
316.5.b.1. Showdowns that occur as a result of a player moving to an empty Battlefield are a stand-alone Phase and do not create a Combat.
316.5.c. A Showdown is a structured Window of Opportunity where Players may play cards and activate abilities with Action or Reaction. See rule 337. Showdowns for more information.

316.6. When a player has no more Discretionary Actions they wish to execute, they must indicate they are ending their turn.

316.6.a. This ends the Action Phase.
316.6.b. Play proceeds to the End of Turn.
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