The same cards can win or lose depending on order. Before you act, ask three questions.
Can this wait for a Showdown? Only Action[Action] and Reaction[Reaction] cards can be played in one. A unit can't. If its "when you play me" matters, play it first.
When is it checked? Some cards look at the board as they resolve. If a card cares where your units stand, put them there first.
Who has to commit first? A spell on the Chain can be answered by a Reaction[Reaction]. If you play first, they answer. If you pass and passing already wins the fight for you, they have to act first.
Pit Rookie: a unit. Its buff only happens when you play it, so it can't wait for the fight.
En Garde: Reaction[Reaction]. Extra Might if the target is alone, checked as it resolves.
Discipline: Reaction[Reaction]. If they hold it with runes open, your spell can be answered.
Quick check
You hold Hextech Ray. Your opponent has two ready runes and a Reaction[Reaction] in hand, and your fight already wins if nothing changes. What's the best first move in the Showdown?
Predict
You hold Pit Rookie, and your Vanguard Sergeant only ties their unit at A. What's the order that wins?
The order you play your cards and moves in. The same cards can win or lose depending on it.
From the Core Rules (2026-10-09): 341 — Showdowns · 327 — Chains · 813 — Reaction · 806 — Action
Try it on the table
3 drills
1Rookie First
You're on 7 and B is already scored. Darius's Noxus Hopeful (4) holds A, and your Vanguard Sergeant (4) would only tie it. Pit Rookie buffs another friendly unit when you play it (+1 Might), but units can't be played during a Showdown. Get the order right.
Need a hint?
Play Pit Rookie and buff your Vanguard Sergeant. Then move the Sergeant to A.
You're on 7 and B is already scored. Darius's Vanguard Sergeant (4) holds A. Your Stellacorn Herder (3) waits at base beside your exhausted Crackshot Corsair. You hold En Garde (1 Energy, Reaction[Reaction]: +1 Might this turn, +1 more if it's the only unit you control there). Where is the Herder alone? Take A.
Need a hint?
Move the Herder to A first. When you have Focus in the Showdown, play En Garde on it.
You're on 7 and B is already scored. Leona holds A with an Adaptatron (3) and a Stellacorn Herder (3); your Magma Wurm (8) beats them 8 to 6, and you hold Hextech Ray (Action[Action]: deal 3 to a unit at a battlefield). She kept two Calm runes ready with one card in hand, and she played Discipline (Reaction[Reaction], 2 Energy: +2 Might this turn) earlier this game. Take A: who should play first?
Need a hint?
Move the Wurm to A and pass. Let Leona play her card. When Focus comes back, Ray the unit she didn't buff.
