CR / RELEASE 2026-07-24
Rule 428.1.a.1
Active Kill is when the action is taken when instructed by a game effect or as a cost for a card or ability.
Rule hierarchy
Direct children
428.1.a.1.aThis is referred to as a Kill Instruction.428.1.a.1.bWhen a unit with a Deathknell or other ability that triggers on its own death is to be put in the Trash due to a Kill Instruction, it first has any such ability added to the chain as a Pending Item. Note the unit’s location, attributes, and other relevant information to process those abilities when finalized before completing this Kill Instruction. Example: Draven, Audacious reads in part “When I die in combat, choose an opponent. They gain 1 point.” The ability triggers when Draven himself dies, so it will go on the chain first when a kill instruction is performed on Draven, before he is put in the trash.