When is the turn considered to be in a Neutral State?

A turn is considered to be in a Neutral State when it is not in a Showdown. In this context, a Showdown refers to a specific phase of the turn where players are directly contesting for control or making significant decisions that affect the outcome of the game. When the game is in a Neutral State, it implies that there is no active competition or immediate conflict occurring over strategic elements, allowing players to consider their options without the intensity of a Showdown affecting their choices.

The other choices suggest situations that either imply active engagement or specific moments within the game that do not represent the Neutral State. For instance, a paused game does not necessarily indicate a Neutral State as gameplay is halted. Similarly, an actively contested turn and an opponent's turn both involve dynamics that move away from neutrality, as they are characterized by direct interaction or conflict between players. Therefore, recognizing that a turn is in a Neutral State specifically refers to the absence of a Showdown is key to understanding the mechanics of gameplay in this context.