In Magic, cards matter. Along with your life total, the number of cards you have is one of the most fundamental resources in the game.

As a result, judges take drawing an extra card very seriously, even if it happens accidentally. Because the potential for advantage is so large, and because it can often be hard for your opponent to notice that you’ve drawn an extra card, drawing an additional card carries a default penalty of a Game Loss. This is true even if you drew an extra card because you misinterpreted how a spell works (like drawing four cards from Blast of Genius, because in your head you’ve mixed it up with Thoughtflare) or because you’re resolving an ability that no longer exists (perhaps because there used to be a Howling Mine in play, but someone blew it up).

As scary as this is, there’s a very simple way to avoid getting a Game Loss for drawing an extra card, and that’s by confirming all card draws with your opponent before you put any cards into your hand. Examples of this include saying “draw for Elvish Visionary?” when there’s a Humility on the battlefield, which would prevent the elf’s ability from triggering, or asking your opponent “draw three for Divination?” If your opponent responds in the affirmative (like “sure” or “yes”) to your question, and then you draw a card, you’ve committed a rules infraction — but you won’t be penalized with a Game Loss anymore when it’s discovered.

By confirming your draws with your opponent, you’ve given your opponent a chance to catch the error. As a result, it no longer makes philosophical sense to give you a Game Loss in this situation. Instead, a judge will treat the error like any other game rule violation — by giving you a Warning, then trying to rewind the game state if possible.

So, to be safe, always confirm with your opponent before you draw! Cards matter, so be careful whenever you draw them!

Today’s Tournament Tip Written by Paul Baranay