At a Sealed GPT, Naomi taps out to cast Prime Speaker Zegana, draws 6 cards from her triggered ability, then passes the turn. On Allen’s turn, he activates ‘s -7 ability, and takes FIVE (!!) extra turns. During those turns, he draws several cards, casts several spells, destroys several creatures, and attacks multiple times. Just […]
Garruk’s Wild Speaker
Abel is playing in a Modern GPT against Nick. Abel taps 2 swamps and 2 forests, declares ‘Cast ’, and puts a card from his hand into play. He then says ‘plus 1’, untaps both swamps, and passes the turn. After Nick draws for turn, he is evaluating the board state and notices that the […]
Bloody Half-Missed Triggers!
Nikolai and Andrew are playing in the fourth round of a PTQ. Nikolai is being attacked by Andrew’s ground forces for exactly lethal damage. Andrew is at 2 life. Nikolai calls the judge. “How can I help you?” Nikolai explains, “A little bit ago, I had 2 spirit tokens die with my in play. My […]
The Devil is in the Details
Abe and Norman are playing a game during a Standard GPT. Norman is at 2 life and has in play, when Abe taps 3 mountains and casts targeting Norman. Norman takes his pen and says, “So I go to one?” to which Abe replies, “No, you’re dead.” Norman just points at his Thalia and repeats, […]
Why are you splitting hairs??
Alfred is yet again playing Mr. Nigma and as usual, they have a question for you concerning life totals. After resolving that issue, you notice that Alfred has a in play with no indication that you can see to determine what was named. After asking a few questions, you determine that when Alfred played the […]
The Spiraling Vortex
Arnie and Newt are playing a tense match in Round 7 of a Legacy Grand Prix. The battlefield is cluttered with permanents, including Arnie’s and Newt’s . Arnie passes turn, and Newt reaches towards her library, points at her Sylvan Library and asks, “Draw step?” Arnie glances at his hand, then back up to Newt […]
O.A. Ahoy, Captain!
Nemo and Ahab are playing in the second to last round of a GPT at which you are the only judge. Their game is near its end, with Ahab at 3 life and Nemo at 1. Ahab controls an and will be able to attack for the win on his next turn. During his own […]
Mulch or Fiction
Amy and Nicholas are playing at a Pro Tour Qualifier, and during Amy’s turn she casts revealing the top 5 cards, which are 4 copies of and then a , in that order. Realizing her error immediately, Amy laughs and shows Nicholas a from her hand, which she was thinking about when she revealed the […]
To Proxy, or Not to Proxy? That is the question.
You are the Head Judge of a PTQ that is halfway through round 4. Amleth, a player with a 3-0 record, calls a judge over because one of his cards has become creased in the process of shuffling his deck. The judge brings you to the table, and you notice that his in play has […]
I love me some foils
Albert is a local tournament grinder in his area. He is playing his favorite mono green deck in a local PTQ and is having a great success with it. During Round 6 of the PTQ, Albert’s opponent calls for a Judge. Upon arrival he asks to speak with you away from the table. After walking […]