By: Mark Young
Greetings all.
I hope that everyone had a good holiday and a great new year.
I thought that I would start 2013 with something a little lighter than what happens at Comp events.
Also, I would like some feedback from everyone as to what they would like to see me write about as
coming up with topics from the top of my head is a little difficult some times.
Any way, I thought we could look at a few areas where I know I made mistakes in my rules
interpretations in the past or areas that I regularly see players struggle with.
The first has to do with first strike.
When a creature with first strike is involved in combat, and additional step is created in which any
creatures with first strike will deal their combat damage before creatures that do not have first
strike.
Once this combat damage step happens, giving a creature first strike will do nothing as the first
strike damage phase is now over.
If a creature had double strike it will then get to deal damage in the normal combat damage step,
otherwise its’ part in combat is now done.
Secondly, if a creature with double strike kills its blocker in the first strike damage step, the creature
is still blocked and will deal no combat damage to the defending player unless said creature has
trample.
Showing posts with label Mark Young. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Young. Show all posts
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Judge's Corner: Stepping up from Regular to Competitive Week 2
By Mark Young:
Greetings to all my fellow Magic players.
I apologise that this blog post is a bit late, but I have been busy adapting to a new work environment, which in the long run, means more money to spend on Magic!
Any how, this week I want to focus on some of the smaller things that you will encounter when playing in a Competitive (Comp) event.
The first one being perhaps being the most overlooked: the result slip.
I mentioned this last week, but basically what it is, small slip of paper with your name and the name of your opponent on it.
I apologise that this blog post is a bit late, but I have been busy adapting to a new work environment, which in the long run, means more money to spend on Magic!
Any how, this week I want to focus on some of the smaller things that you will encounter when playing in a Competitive (Comp) event.
The first one being perhaps being the most overlooked: the result slip.
I mentioned this last week, but basically what it is, small slip of paper with your name and the name of your opponent on it.
Also, you will find each others DCI numbers on it as well as
the number of points each of you have in the event so far.
There are also lines under 3 headings, Wins, Draws and Drop.
At the end of your match, you record the result on the slip.
So if you beat your opponent 2 - 1, you would put 2 next to your name on the slip and 1 next to your opponents’ name.
Then each of you have to sign the slip to show that you agree that the score is correct and then hand it in to a Judge who will give it to the score keeper.
If you wish to drop from the event, which means you desire to have no further part to play in it, you mark the line that says drop.
That lets the Scorekeeper know to drop you and you will not be paired for any of the subsequent rounds.
This leads me to the next bit of the event, the actual pairings.
Most large Comp events will print and post pairings alphabetically, which means that your name will appear twice in the pairings.
Don’t worry, you only have one opponent. Also on the pairings page will be the table number you are required to sit at for the match and the number of points you have so far in the event.
If you notice that your score is incorrect, you MUST notify the Judges immediately, if you pick up the fact that you were recorded with a loss as opposed to a win two or three rounds after the fact, it is too late and the result will not be changed.
The onus is on you to ensure your points total is correct.
At the end of your match, you record the result on the slip.
So if you beat your opponent 2 - 1, you would put 2 next to your name on the slip and 1 next to your opponents’ name.
Then each of you have to sign the slip to show that you agree that the score is correct and then hand it in to a Judge who will give it to the score keeper.
If you wish to drop from the event, which means you desire to have no further part to play in it, you mark the line that says drop.
That lets the Scorekeeper know to drop you and you will not be paired for any of the subsequent rounds.
This leads me to the next bit of the event, the actual pairings.
Most large Comp events will print and post pairings alphabetically, which means that your name will appear twice in the pairings.
Don’t worry, you only have one opponent. Also on the pairings page will be the table number you are required to sit at for the match and the number of points you have so far in the event.
If you notice that your score is incorrect, you MUST notify the Judges immediately, if you pick up the fact that you were recorded with a loss as opposed to a win two or three rounds after the fact, it is too late and the result will not be changed.
The onus is on you to ensure your points total is correct.
The next thing is that you need to have a way of keeping
track of yours and your opponent’s life total.
Dice are NOT acceptable.
You either need to be writing it all down or you can use an electronic device so long as it remains visible and is accessible to both players at all times.
Dice can change if the table is bumped, leading to unnecessary arguments.
Pen and paper are easy to follow.
Dice are NOT acceptable.
You either need to be writing it all down or you can use an electronic device so long as it remains visible and is accessible to both players at all times.
Dice can change if the table is bumped, leading to unnecessary arguments.
Pen and paper are easy to follow.
The final point that I can think of for now is, never get
involved in some one else’s game.
If you see something, call a Judge!
That is why we are there and we will determine what has happened and the appropriate fix for the situation if something has indeed happened.
If you give play advice to a player, YOU will be the one punished by the judges.
Always remember that no matter what the level of play is, we are all there to have fun and enjoy ourselves. Rules are necessary in all things so that every one can enjoy the event equally.
Again if you have queries or comments, please feel free to comment below or message me on Facebook.
Till next time, keep tapping that Mana!
If you see something, call a Judge!
That is why we are there and we will determine what has happened and the appropriate fix for the situation if something has indeed happened.
If you give play advice to a player, YOU will be the one punished by the judges.
Always remember that no matter what the level of play is, we are all there to have fun and enjoy ourselves. Rules are necessary in all things so that every one can enjoy the event equally.
Again if you have queries or comments, please feel free to comment below or message me on Facebook.
Till next time, keep tapping that Mana!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Stepping up from Regular to Competitive: Part 1
By Mark Young.
Hello to everyone again.
As promised in my previous article, I am now going to focus on the progression from regular
events to competitive ones.
This may take a few articles to cover all the information, but rather that, than flood you with
it all at once.
As I mentioned previously, the rules for Magic stay the same, regardless of the event you
are playing, only the Rules Enforcement Level (REL) changes. So when you step up to a
Competitive (Comp) event from your Regular (Reg) ones, you can expect a few changes as to
what happens.
First and foremost, there should always be a judge present at a Comp level event.
Judges cannot play in a Comp event, nor can players judge. In the same light the Tournament
Organiser (TO) cannot participate in the event either.
The one thing that I want to focus on this week, is deck lists as you will be required to submit
one for every Comp level event that you play, upon registering.
So, what is a deck list?
A deck list is a piece of paper, on which you will have written down all the cards in your
deck and sideboard that you are going to use for the event.
Normally, Comp events have substantial prizes for doing well or winning, and the elevation
of the REL is in an attempt to minimize cheating.
Hello to everyone again.
As promised in my previous article, I am now going to focus on the progression from regular
events to competitive ones.
This may take a few articles to cover all the information, but rather that, than flood you with
it all at once.
As I mentioned previously, the rules for Magic stay the same, regardless of the event you
are playing, only the Rules Enforcement Level (REL) changes. So when you step up to a
Competitive (Comp) event from your Regular (Reg) ones, you can expect a few changes as to
what happens.
First and foremost, there should always be a judge present at a Comp level event.
Judges cannot play in a Comp event, nor can players judge. In the same light the Tournament
Organiser (TO) cannot participate in the event either.
The one thing that I want to focus on this week, is deck lists as you will be required to submit
one for every Comp level event that you play, upon registering.
So, what is a deck list?
A deck list is a piece of paper, on which you will have written down all the cards in your
deck and sideboard that you are going to use for the event.
Normally, Comp events have substantial prizes for doing well or winning, and the elevation
of the REL is in an attempt to minimize cheating.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Judge's Corner: The Role of a Judge and playing events at Regular
By Mark Young:
Greetings to you all,
This, being the first of what will hopefully be many blog posts, is an introduction to Judges. It details what we do and why. I explain why we might be at an event as well as what to expect while playing at normal events or “Regular REL”
So, diving right in – The reason why Judges might be present at an event is to ensure fair play and a proper application (and enforcement if needs-be) of the rules of Magic.
The rules of Magic are the same, no matter what type of event you may be playing. The Rules Enforcement Level (REL), however, changes depending on the type of event but that will be covered in more depth in my next article.
Most players who move from playing around the kitchen table to competitive events, have
a general knowledge of the rules and are able to get by in such games. What sometimes
tends to happen though, is that these players are not always up to date with new cards or
game mechanics and so, when they make the transition from casual “Kitchen” Magic to
competitive events, there can be quite a bit of confusion as to what is allowed and what is not.
As an example, there have been many instances where a player has arrived at an event after a
few years away from Magic. Then while playing has called me over asking about Mana Burn,
only to be surprised when I tell them that that rule disappeared in 2010 and is no longer a
feature of game play.
Another example is that between assigning damage in the Declare Blockers step and actually
dealing the combat damage, there is no longer a step in which players can cast spells and
activate abilities. These small things can help re-acclimatise a less skilled or out-of-date
player into the current Magic scene.
Being a Judge is more than just about knowing the rules. We also have a part to play in the
community by nurturing it to ensure its growth and to keep it healthy.
Just as with a child that grows, there will be play groups as well as individual players that
need to be guided along the way to a place where they are comfortable.
Our task is one of guidance towards this state – from their introduction to the game, to them
learning a few more of the intricacies of the rules and finally letting them run out on their
own, confident in their own abilities and with sufficient knowledge of the rules to keep going.
Do good Magic players make good Judges or are all Judges good players?
No. One does not necessarily follow the other. You might have been playing Magic for a
number of years but just that fact alone does not mean that you will pass your Judge exam
first time around.
Similarly, just because we know more about the rules does not make us better players. I often
tend to find myself focusing on the rules rather than the play and make errors in games in
which I may be involved.
Being a Judge means that not only do you have to know what is happening, you need to be
able to know why and when and how to fix it when there has been a mistake.
Now at your Friday Night Magic (FNM) event, you will not have a great need for a Judge
due to the relaxed and, hopefully, educational nature of the event. FNM is a place where all
players should be able to come and learn. Mistakes should be expected and there should be
no need to fear reprisal or censure.
At FNM there are no penalties for any rule violations. All that will happen is that you will
be told “Naughty, naughty. Don’t do that again. Rather do it this way or that way”. You can
have the problem fixed with – at worst – little more than a finger waved at you and then be
left to carry on with your game.
Only if you have committed a serious offence - such as having deliberately cheated,
threatened physical violence or stolen something - will you normally be disqualified from
the event. This shows how open FNM events are to allowing mistakes and providing
opportunities to learn from them.
Sadly I have been at an event where a casual player had decided to come play for the first
time and met with undue harshness. This player had cards in his deck that were not legal
for the format - which is quite an understandable error at that level. While this could have
been a great opportunity for teaching it became, instead, a situation where he was incorrectly
disqualified.
At that stage I had not passed my level 1 exam and in addition as a player in the event, I was
not in any position to say anything. Thus both the poor player and I had to suffer in silence.
Judges are there to make sure that, as far as is possible, those things do not happen. We are
there to teach and guide players (and sometimes even Tournament Organisers) to ensure that
a fun time is had by all.
Not every Regular event will have a judge present as most players will have a general rules
knowledge sufficient to help out new players or to tend to any serious questions that might
arise. If push comes to shove, phone a judge to get an answer. We are always willing to help
wherer needed. My mobile is always on!
At higher levels of play the enforcement of rules changes and penalties come into effect. This
is, however, something that I will cover in my next article titled “Stepping up from Regular to
Competitive level events”
If you have any comments or questions, or any suggestions as to what you would like to hear
about from the Judge's Corner, please leave a comment.
Until next time, have fun slinging those spells.
Greetings to you all,
This, being the first of what will hopefully be many blog posts, is an introduction to Judges. It details what we do and why. I explain why we might be at an event as well as what to expect while playing at normal events or “Regular REL”
So, diving right in – The reason why Judges might be present at an event is to ensure fair play and a proper application (and enforcement if needs-be) of the rules of Magic.
The rules of Magic are the same, no matter what type of event you may be playing. The Rules Enforcement Level (REL), however, changes depending on the type of event but that will be covered in more depth in my next article.
Most players who move from playing around the kitchen table to competitive events, have
a general knowledge of the rules and are able to get by in such games. What sometimes
tends to happen though, is that these players are not always up to date with new cards or
game mechanics and so, when they make the transition from casual “Kitchen” Magic to
competitive events, there can be quite a bit of confusion as to what is allowed and what is not.
As an example, there have been many instances where a player has arrived at an event after a
few years away from Magic. Then while playing has called me over asking about Mana Burn,
only to be surprised when I tell them that that rule disappeared in 2010 and is no longer a
feature of game play.
Another example is that between assigning damage in the Declare Blockers step and actually
dealing the combat damage, there is no longer a step in which players can cast spells and
activate abilities. These small things can help re-acclimatise a less skilled or out-of-date
player into the current Magic scene.
Being a Judge is more than just about knowing the rules. We also have a part to play in the
community by nurturing it to ensure its growth and to keep it healthy.
Just as with a child that grows, there will be play groups as well as individual players that
need to be guided along the way to a place where they are comfortable.
Our task is one of guidance towards this state – from their introduction to the game, to them
learning a few more of the intricacies of the rules and finally letting them run out on their
own, confident in their own abilities and with sufficient knowledge of the rules to keep going.
Do good Magic players make good Judges or are all Judges good players?
No. One does not necessarily follow the other. You might have been playing Magic for a
number of years but just that fact alone does not mean that you will pass your Judge exam
first time around.
Similarly, just because we know more about the rules does not make us better players. I often
tend to find myself focusing on the rules rather than the play and make errors in games in
which I may be involved.
Being a Judge means that not only do you have to know what is happening, you need to be
able to know why and when and how to fix it when there has been a mistake.
Now at your Friday Night Magic (FNM) event, you will not have a great need for a Judge
due to the relaxed and, hopefully, educational nature of the event. FNM is a place where all
players should be able to come and learn. Mistakes should be expected and there should be
no need to fear reprisal or censure.
At FNM there are no penalties for any rule violations. All that will happen is that you will
be told “Naughty, naughty. Don’t do that again. Rather do it this way or that way”. You can
have the problem fixed with – at worst – little more than a finger waved at you and then be
left to carry on with your game.
Only if you have committed a serious offence - such as having deliberately cheated,
threatened physical violence or stolen something - will you normally be disqualified from
the event. This shows how open FNM events are to allowing mistakes and providing
opportunities to learn from them.
Sadly I have been at an event where a casual player had decided to come play for the first
time and met with undue harshness. This player had cards in his deck that were not legal
for the format - which is quite an understandable error at that level. While this could have
been a great opportunity for teaching it became, instead, a situation where he was incorrectly
disqualified.
At that stage I had not passed my level 1 exam and in addition as a player in the event, I was
not in any position to say anything. Thus both the poor player and I had to suffer in silence.
Judges are there to make sure that, as far as is possible, those things do not happen. We are
there to teach and guide players (and sometimes even Tournament Organisers) to ensure that
a fun time is had by all.
Not every Regular event will have a judge present as most players will have a general rules
knowledge sufficient to help out new players or to tend to any serious questions that might
arise. If push comes to shove, phone a judge to get an answer. We are always willing to help
wherer needed. My mobile is always on!
At higher levels of play the enforcement of rules changes and penalties come into effect. This
is, however, something that I will cover in my next article titled “Stepping up from Regular to
Competitive level events”
If you have any comments or questions, or any suggestions as to what you would like to hear
about from the Judge's Corner, please leave a comment.
Until next time, have fun slinging those spells.
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