Standby Phase

The Standby Phase occurs after the Draw Phase but before Main Phase 1. Some cards have effects that will activate in this phase. Most would be cards with continuous effects or maintenance costs, such as Archfiends. Players have the option to activate Trap Cards, Quick-Play Spell Cards, and monster Quick Effects in this phase. If neither player activates a card and all effects that automatically activate have activated, the game will automatically progress to the Main Phase 1.