when activates / at the start of X unit activation / at the start of activation phase

[Capitan a posteriori]

Could you explain if in the 3 cases the effect of the card has to be decided before the rally?

[Seth]

Hi there,

Game effects which occur at the start of a unit's Activation will occur prior to their Rally step. Refer to the Parts of the Activation Phase process for more detail; step 3a is where these game effects would be resolved, prior to Rallying during step 3b.

Game effects that occur at the start of the Activation Phase will occur before either player Activates any units; it will be the first step of the Activation Phase.

Hope this helps,
Seth