Last Updated: 2026-07-16
316.8. Showdowns
316.8.a. A Showdown occurs when a Combat occurs.
316.8.a.1. Showdowns that occur as a result of Combat are a Sub-Phase of Combat.
316.8.b. A Showdown is marked as Staged at a Battlefield in the cleanup after the Contested status is applied to that Battlefield.
316.8.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.
316.8.b.1.a. These Showdowns are called Non-Combat Showdowns. During the proceedings of a Non-Combat Showdown, units controlled by a different player may become present at the Battlefield where the Showdown is ongoing. This will cause the Showdown to become a Combat Showdown in the following cleanup.