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Rules Enforcement Levels

Different types of Magic events are judged at different levels of rules enforcement. This page explains the two main Rules Enforcement Levels you will encounter at Magic events at Eudemonia, and inclues links to the official rules documents published by Wizards of the Coast.

Regular REL

This level of rules enforcment is used at Friday Night Magic, Game Day, Prerelease Events, and most other small events.

Rules are enforced according to the official “Judging at Regular REL Events” document. Players are expected to know the basic rules of the game, but these events are meant to be fun and educational for players, so mistakes are not harshly penalized.
 

Common reasons for a Match Loss:

Tardiness: Being more than 10 minutes late to your match means you have forfeited your match.

Competitive REL

This level of rules enforcement is used at Pro Tour Qualifiers, Grand Prix Trials, the first day of Grand Prix, and other large events with significant prizes.

Rules are enforced according to the official Tournament Rules and Infraction Procedure Guide. Players at competitive events are responsible for knowing the rules and being familiar with these documents. Deck lists are usually required, and warnings and higher penalties are tracked.

Common reasons for a Game Loss:

Tardiness: Being late to your match can earn you a Game Loss. More than 10 minutes late gets you disqualified.

Deck registration problems: Count your main deck (at least 60 cards) and your sideboard (optional, no more than 15 cards). Make sure you include your name and all of your cards, including basic lands, on your deck registration form. Use the full English name of each card. Write your name on your deck box, and make sure it contains only the cards in your deck or sideboard. If any problems are found, you will get a Game Loss and be required to resubmit your deck list.

At all levels of rules enforcement:

Shuffle thorougly. Pile shuffling is not sufficient by itself.

Players are responsible for maintaining a clear and legal board state. You must call for a judge if you notice any rules or policy infractions.

You are responsible for your own missed triggers. You are not responsible for your opponent’s missed triggers.

If you need a judge, raise your hand and yell “Judge!”. Keep your hand raised until a judge gets to you. You may ask to speak to the judge away from the table if you prefer.

If you are a spectator and think you have seen a rules violation, ask the players to hold on, and call for a judge.

Common reasons for Disqualification:

Tardiness: Being more than 10 minutes late to your match results in disqualification, unless you speak to a judge and they agree to make an exception.

Bribery: You may not offer something in exchange for a match result. If your opponent makes such an offer, you must report it to a judge immediately. You may offer a prize split or a draw, but never one in terms of the other.

Improperly determining the outcome of a match: Do not roll a die or toss a coin. Doing so is unfair to the other players in an event.

Lying to a judge: Always be honest.