English
The following steps must be performed in a timely manner before each game begins: If sideboarding is allowed, players may remove cards from their decks and add cards from their sideboards. Players shuffle their decks. Steps 1 and 2 may be repeated. Players present their decks to their opponents for additional shuffling. The sideboard (if […]
For the first game of a match, a designated player – the winner of a random method (such as a die roll or coin toss) during Swiss rounds, or the player ranked higher at the end of Swiss rounds during playoff matches – chooses either to play first or to play second. They must state […]
A match consists of a series of games that are played until one side has won a set number of games, usually two. Drawn games do not count toward this goal. If the round ends before a player has won the required number of games, the winner of the match is the player who has […]
Rules Enforcement Levels (REL) are a means to communicate to the players and judges what expectations they can have of the tournament in terms of rigidity of rules enforcement, technically correct play, and procedures used. The Rules Enforcement Level of a tournament generally reflects the prizes awarded and the distance a player may be expected […]
Any person physically present at a tournament and not in any other category above is a spectator. Spectators are responsible for remaining silent and passive during matches and other official tournament sections in which players are also required to be silent. If spectators believe they have observed a rules or policy violation, they are encouraged […]
Players are responsible for: Behaving in a respectful manner toward tournament officials, other tournament participants, and spectators and refraining from unsporting conduct at all times. Maintaining a clear and legal game state. Complying with announced start times and time limits. Calling attention to any rules or policy infraction they notice in their matches. Bringing to […]
The Scorekeeper ensures the correct generation of pairings and all other tournament records throughout the tournament. The Scorekeeper’s responsibilities include: Generating correct pairings each round and accurately entering the results of those rounds. Generating standings for posting before and after the final Swiss round. Other rounds may also be posted at the Head Judge’s discretion. […]
Floor judges are available to players and spectators to answer questions, deal with illegal plays, or assist with reasonable requests. They do not have to be certified. Judges will not generally assist players in determining the current game state but can answer questions about the rules, interactions between cards, or provide the Oracle™ wordings of […]
Sanctioned tournaments require the physical presence of a Head Judge during play to adjudicate disputes, interpret rules, and make other official decisions. The Head Judge is the final judicial authority at any DCI-sanctioned tournament and all tournament participants are expected to follow their interpretation. Although it is beneficial, the Head Judge does not have to […]
The Tournament Organizer of a tournament is responsible for all tournament logistics including: Sanctioning the event. Providing a site for the tournament that meets the tournament’s expected needs. Advertising the tournament in advance of the tournament date. Staffing the tournament with appropriate tournament officials. Providing all materials necessary to operate the tournament (e.g. product for […]