Magic is a game of decisions, like when to attack, or with which creatures, or when to play that crucial trick in your hand. Making the right decisions usually is the difference between winning and losing. The game wants to reward those who makes more of these “correct” decisions, and this is why we don’t allow any outside help during a sanctioned game of Magic.

Now, there is a line between “helping you play” and “being helpful” that Wizards wants to draw. Being the lovely company that they are, they also want to build community and have a friendly demeanor for newer players.

That’s why, only during Regular REL, it’s actually legal for a player (let’s call him “Jeremy Judgemental”) to give out hints on how build a deck to others. But this is only at Regular REL when not using deck lists (which is the vast majority of Regular REL events). At Competitive or Professional REL events, Jeremy will be receiving an Outside Assistance penalty for such an infraction. Remember that Jeremy will also not be able to speak or give assistance during a match of Magic he’s not playing, or during any draft, at any REL.

So the point is, feel free to help each other out with advice when building decks at your prerelease, as long as you aren’t trading cards! (Unless the Head Judge indicates that it won’t be allowed for the event, of course. The Head Judge always has the final say, so be respectful of that.)

Today’s Tournament Tip written by Eddie Cheung