I play a Zealot Hunter to kill an opposing Deathmaster (common play, I'm assuming).

Now, I just need some clarification on the timing on some things. If I understand the rules correctly, Forced abilities cannot be interrupted or responded to. If that's correct, the Zealot will enter play, kill an untapped Deathmaster, before my opponent can use his ability.

Can my opponent use Deathmaster IN RESPONSE to the actual playing of the Zealot, before any targets are declared?

Sorry for the poor wording if any is misinterpreted, but I think everyone gets the idea of what I'm trying to ask here.

- SF

No. Snitch cannot use his ability before the "forced" effect of the Zealot Hunter, but he can use it in response of the playing of that zealot hunter (that would mean he cannot target the Zealot hunter because he wouldn't be in play at that moment).