MAGIC: THE GATHERING® TOURNAMENT RULES
Effective July 1, 2009
Introduction	3
1.  Tournament Fundamentals	3
1.1	Tournament Types	3
1.2	Publishing Event Information	4
1.3	Tournament Roles	4
1.4	Participation Eligibility	4
1.5	DCI Membership Number	5
1.6	Tournament Organizer	5
1.7	Head Judge	5
1.8	Floor Judges	5
1.9	Scorekeeper	6
1.10	Players	6
1.11	Spectators	7
2.  Tournament Mechanics	7
2.1	Match Structure	7
2.2	Play/Draw Rule	7
2.3	Pregame Procedures	8
2.4	Conceding or Intentionally Drawing Games or Matches	8
2.5	End-of-Match Procedure	8
2.6	Time Extensions	8
2.7	Deck Registration	9
2.8	Deck Checks	9
2.9	Taking Notes	9
2.10	Withdrawing from an Event	9
2.11	Electronic Devices	10
2.12	Appeals to the Head Judge	10
3.  Tournament Rules	10
3.1	Tiebreakers	10
3.2	Format and Ratings Categories	10
3.3	Authorized Cards	11
3.4	Proxy Cards	12
3.5	Card Interpretation	12
3.6	New Releases	12
3.7	Game Markers	13
3.8	Card Shuffling	13
3.9	Sleeves	13
3.10	Marked Cards	14
3.11	Hidden Information	14
3.12	Tapped/Flipped Cards	14
3.13	Graveyard Order	14
3.14	Sideboard	14
4.  Communication	15
4.1	Player Communication	15
4.2	Tournament Shortcuts	16
4.3	Out-of-Order Sequencing	17
4.4	Team/Multiplayer Communication	17
5.  Tournament Violations	17
5.1	Cheating	17
5.2	Collusion and Bribery	17
5.3	Wagering	18
5.4	Unsporting Conduct	18
5.5	Slow Play	18
6.  Constructed Tournament Rules	19
6.1	Deck Construction Restrictions	19
6.2	Sideboard Use	19
6.3	Standard Format Deck Construction	19
6.4	Extended Format Deck Construction	20
6.5	Vintage Format Deck Construction	21
6.6	Legacy Format Deck Construction	22
6.7	Block Constructed Format Deck Construction	23
7.  Limited Tournament Rules	24
7.1	Deck Construction Restrictions	24
7.2	Sideboard Use	24
7.3.	Card Use in Limited Tournaments	24
7.4	Abnormal Product	25
7.5	Sealed Deck Swap	25
7.6	Draft Pod Assembly	25
7.7	Booster Draft Procedures	25
8.  Team Tournament Rules	26
8.1	Team Names	26
8.2	Team Composition and Identification	26
8.3	Team Ratings	26
8.4	Team Communication Rules	26
8.5	Unified Deck Construction Rules	26
8.6	Team Rochester Draft Tournaments	26
8.7	Team Sealed Deck Tournaments	27
9.  Two-Headed Giant Tournament Rules	28
9.1	Match Structure	28
9.2	Communication Rules	28
9.3	Play-Draw Rule	28
9.4	Pregame Procedure	28
9.5	Two-Headed Giant Constructed Rules	28
9.6	Rules for Two-Headed Giant Limited Tournaments	28
9.7	Two-Headed Giant Booster Draft Tournaments	29
10.  Sanctioning Rules	29
10.1	Participation Minimums	29
10.2	Number of Rounds	29
10.3	Invitation-Only Tournaments	29
10.4	Pairing Algorithm	30
Appendix A – Changes From Previous Versions	30
Appendix B –Time Limits	30
Booster Draft Timing	31
Rochester Draft Timing	31
Multiplayer Draft Timing	32
Appendix C—DCI Rating and Ranking Systems	32
ELO Ratings System	32
Appendix D – Tiebreak Explanation	33
Match Points	33
Game Points	33
Opponents’ match-win percentage	33
Opponents’ game-win percentages	34
Byes	34
Appendix E – Recommended Booster Mix for Limited Tournaments	35
Appendix F – Recommended Number of Rounds in Swiss Tournaments	35

Introduction
The DCI is a worldwide organization dedicated to organized play. It promotes, enforces, and develops rules and policies using the goals and philosophies defined in this document and the Magic: The Gathering Infraction Procedure Guide. It constantly reviews these rules and policies to ensure its goals are met.
The purpose of this document is to provide the infrastructure used to run Magic: The Gathering (“Magic”) tournaments by defining appropriate rules, responsibilities, and procedures to be followed in all sanctioned Magic tournaments. DCI-sanctioned tournaments are to be run consistently regardless of their location. This ensures equal treatment of players in different regions and also enables their smooth transition to international tournaments.
All players are treated equally and share responsibilities according to the Rules Enforcement Level (REL) of the event. For more information about Rules Enforcement Levels, see the Infraction Procedure Guide at http://www.thedci.com/docs. Both players and officials should cooperate to achieve their common goal of running a proper DCI-sanctioned tournament. Players and officials must treat each other in a fair and respectful manner, following both the rules and the spirit in which those rules were created. They are responsible for following the most current version of the Magic Tournament Rules and any other applicable regulatory documents, including the Comprehensive Rules and the Infraction Procedure Guide. Spectators have their own set of responsibilities. Individuals violating DCI rules are subject to the appropriate provisions of the Infraction Procedure Guide.
Information in this document may contradict (or have information not contained in) the Magic Comprehensive Rules. In such cases, this document takes precedence.
Event fact sheets for specific events may define alternative or additional policies or procedures. If a contradiction exists between this document and a fact sheet, the information in the fact sheet takes precedence.
1.  Tournament Fundamentals
1.1	Tournament Types
Sanctioned tournaments are divided into two types: Premier and non-Premier. Premier events are run by Wizards of the Coast or select Tournament Organizers. They have unique names and features. Non-Premier events are tournaments that are not explicitly Premier.
There are two major tournament formats – Limited and Constructed. Each has rules specific to their format. In Limited tournaments, all product for play is provided during the tournament. In Constructed tournaments, players prepare decks beforehand and compete using those. Some Premier tournaments may consist of multiple formats within the same tournament.
1.2	Publishing Event Information
Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to publish DCI-sanctioned event information at any time (including during the tournament). Event information includes, but is not limited to, the contents of one or more players' decks, descriptions of strategies or play, transcripts, and video reproductions. Tournament Organizers are also allowed to publish this information.
Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to publish penalty and suspension information.
1.3	Tournament Roles
The following roles are defined for tournament purposes:
* Tournament Organizer
* Head Judge
* Floor Judge
* Scorekeeper
* Player
* Spectator
The first four roles above are considered Tournament Officials. The Head Judge and Floor Judges are collectively considered judges. A single individual may act in any combination of Tournament Official roles. Individuals who are not judges at a tournament are acting as spectators in any match they are not playing in. Individuals who participated as players in a tournament may not act as tournament officials for any part of it. Press are also considered to be spectators.
1.4	Participation Eligibility
Anyone is eligible to participate as a player in a DCI-sanctioned tournament with the exception of:
* Tournament officials and other staff utilized in the tournament.
* Individuals currently suspended by the DCI. The current DCI suspended player list is located at http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dci/suspended. Individuals currently suspended from the DCI may not act as tournament officials.
* Other players specifically prohibited from participation by DCI or Wizards of the Coast policy.
* Anyone prohibited by local laws, the rules of the Tournament Organizer, or the venue’s management.
* Any person, including temporary and contract workers, whose place of employment is a Wizards of the Coast or Hasbro office.
* Immediate family members of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro employees
* Former Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro corporate employees until thirty days after their last day of employment. Former corporate employees may not play in Prerelease events until 6 months after their last day of employment with Wizards of the Coast or Hasbro.
* Employees of distribution (or similar) companies responsible for organized play in a region. (for example, Devir.)
* Certain employees of companies identified by the DCI as strategic business partners.
Play testers, reviewers and other business partners with significant knowledge of a card set may not play in Prerelease tournaments for that card set.
Some events have additional criteria regarding player eligibility (e.g. invitation-only tournaments, such as Pro Tour events).
The Premier Event Invitation Policy defines specific eligibility rules with regards to certain types of invitation-only Premier Events (e.g. Pro Tours).
Individuals with questions regarding their tournament eligibility should contact the DCI policy manager (Scott.Larabee@wizards.com).
1.5	DCI Membership Number
Tournament participants must provide their DCI number to the Scorekeeper during registration. Players without a DCI number must request one from the Tournament Organizer. There is no cost associated with joining the DCI, but members are only allowed one DCI number. Results containing temporary player numbers, temporary player names, or placeholders may not be reported to the DCI.
1.6	Tournament Organizer
The Tournament Organizer of an event is responsible for all tournament logistics including:
* Securing a sanctioning number from the DCI before the event.
* Providing a site for the event that meets the tournament’s expected needs.
* Advertising the tournament in advance of the event date.
* Staffing the tournament with appropriate Tournament Officials.
* Providing all materials necessary to operate the event (e.g. product for limited format events).
* Reporting the event results to the DCI.
1.7	Head Judge
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 his or her interpretations. Although it is beneficial, the Head Judge does not have to be DCI-certified.
The Head Judge’s responsibilities include:
* Ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to deal with game or policy rule violations that they notice or are brought to their attention.
* Issuing the final ruling in all appeals, potentially overturning the ruling of a floor judge.
* Coordinating and delegating tasks to floor judges as needed. 
If necessary, the Head Judge may temporarily transfer his or her duties to any judge if he or she is unable to fulfill them for a period of time. Also, in exceptional circumstances where the tournament’s integrity will be damaged, the Tournament Organizer may replace the Head Judge.
Certain premier events have multiple Head Judges and/or different Head Judges for different portions of the event. All Head Judges share the same responsibilities and exercise the same authority while they are serving as a Head Judge. 
1.8	Floor Judges
Floor judges assist in running the tournament. They do not have to be DCI-certified; anyone may be appointed a floor judge at any time provided they have not participated in the tournament as a player. Their responsibilities include:
* Completing tasks assigned to them by other Tournament Officials.
* Dealing with game rule or policy violations that they notice or are brought to their attention.
* Investigating any cheating suspicions and informing the Head Judge if needed.
* Intervening in cases of non-in-game infractions
Judges are available to players and spectators to answer questions, deal with illegal plays, or assist with reasonable requests. Players may not request specific judges to answer their calls, but may request a Tournament Official to help translate. This request may be honored at the discretion of the floor judge. 
Judges will not generally assist players in determining the current game state but can answer questions about the rules, interactions between cards, or the official wordings of relevant cards (found in OracleTM for Magic: The Gathering). At Regular REL, the judge may assist the player in understanding the game state in the interest of education. If a player wishes to ask their question away from the table, the request should usually be honored.
Judges do not intervene in a game to prevent illegal actions, but do intervene as soon as a rule has been broken to prevent the situation from escalating, to restore game integrity, and to assess any required penalties. 
1.9	Scorekeeper
The Scorekeeper ensures the correct generation of pairings and all other event records throughout the tournament. The Scorekeeper’s responsibilities include:
* Generating correct pairings each round and accurately entering the results of those rounds.
* Solving all scorekeeping problems that arise in consultation with the Head Judge. 
* Making sure all necessary information is included in the tournament’s report to be submitted to the DCI. 
The Head Judge has the final authority in determining corrective action for scorekeeping errors.
1.10	Players
Players are responsible for:
* Behaving in a respectful manner towards 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.
* Bringing to a judge’s attention any rules or policy infraction they notice in their matches. 
* Bringing to a judge’s attention any discrepancies in their tournament match record.
* Informing the DCI of any discrepancies in their overall match history, rankings, or ratings as soon as they become aware of it. If players believe there is an anomaly in their match history, rating, or ranking they should refer to the DCI Appeals Policy, located at http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dci/appeals.
* Having a single DCI membership number. Individuals holding more than one number must contact Wizards of the Coast Customer Service at http://wizards.custhelp.com/ so that their numbers can be merged.
* Refraining from enrolling in tournaments they are not allowed by policy to participate in (e.g. the winner of a Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour Qualifier is barred from playing in further Pro Tour Qualifiers that season).
* Being familiar with the rules contained within this document.
A player must bring the following items to a tournament in order to participate:
* A physical, visible, and reliable method to maintain and record game information (tokens, score counters, pen and paper, and so on).
* A valid DCI number registered in the participant’s name. New players may register for DCI membership when enrolling in the tournament.
* Any materials specifically required for a particular tournament format, such as assembled decks and/or decklists for constructed tournaments.
Players retain their responsibilities even if a judge provided them with extra assistance. 
The individual members of a team are considered players, and are equally responsible for required tournament procedures, such as accurately filling out their match result slips. However, players are only responsible for the games they play themselves and not separate games being played by their teammates.
Players who do not fulfill their responsibilities may be subject to penalties and review by the DCI. Wizards of the Coast and the DCI reserve the right to suspend or revoke a player's membership without prior notice for any reason deemed necessary.
1.11	Spectators
Spectators are responsible for:
* Remaining silent and passive during matches and other official tournament sections, such as Limited deck construction.
* Informing a judge if they believe they have observed a rules or policy violation. At Regular or Competitive REL, spectators are permitted to ask the players to pause the match while they get the judge. At Professional REL, spectators must not interfere with the match directly.
Players may request that a spectator not observe their matches. Such requests must be made through a judge. Tournament officials may also instruct a spectator not observe a match or matches.
2.  Tournament Mechanics
2.1	Match Structure
A Magic match consists of a series of games that are played until one side has won an announced number. Drawn games do not count towards this goal, and the match continues for as many games as necessary or until time ends for the round, in which case the winner of the match is the player who has won the most games at that point. If both players have equal game wins, the match is a draw. The default number of games required for winning a match is two. The Tournament Organizer may define single-elimination final rounds to be played until one player has won at least three games, but this choice must be announced before the tournament begins. Match results, not individual game results, are reported to the DCI for the purpose of inclusion in worldwide ratings and rankings.
2.2	Play/Draw Rule
For the first game of a match, the winner of a random method (such as a die roll or coin toss) chooses either to play first or to play second. The winner must state this choice before looking at his or her hand. If the winner states no choice, it is assumed that he or she is playing first. The player who plays first skips the draw step of his or her first turn. This is referred to as the play/draw rule.
After each game in a match, the loser of that game decides whether to play first in the next game. They may wait until after sideboarding to make the decision. If the game was a draw, the player who decided to play or draw at the beginning of that game chooses.
2.3	Pregame Procedures
Before each game, players may not use more than three minutes to perform all pregame procedures. Players then present their decks to their opponents. Any pregame procedures that take place after that, such as mulligans, must be performed in a timely fashion.
The following steps must be performed before each game begins:
1. Players may exchange cards in their decks for cards in their sideboards (only after the first or subsequent game of the match). The number of cards exchanged does not need to be announced.
2. Players shuffle their decks. Steps 1 and 2 may be repeated.
3. Players present their decks to their opponents for additional shuffling and cutting.
4. If the opponent has shuffled the player’s deck, that player may make one final cut.
5. Each player draws seven cards. Optionally, these cards may be dealt face down on the table.
6. Each player, in turn order, decides whether to mulligan. (Rules on mulligans can be found in the Magic Comprehensive rules, Section 101.4)
The game is considered to have begun once all players have resolved their mulligans. Pregame procedures may be performed before time for the match has officially begun.
2.4	Conceding or Intentionally Drawing Games or Matches
If a game or match is not completed, players may concede or mutually agree to a draw that game or match at any time. Players may not concede or draw games that have already been completed and may not reach an agreement in exchange for any reward or incentive. If a player refuses to play, it is assumed that he or she has conceded the match. 
2.5	End-of-Match Procedure
If the match time limit is reached before a winner is determined, the player whose turn it is finishes his or her turn and five additional turns are played in total. This usually means that one player takes three turns and the other two, but a player taking additional turns may modify this. Team events featuring multiple players playing together (such as Two-headed Giant) use three turns instead of five.
If the game is incomplete at the end of additional turns, the game is considered a draw.
If a judge assigned a time or turn extension (because of a long ruling, deck check, or other reason), the end-of-match procedure does not begin until the end of the time or turn extension.
In single-elimination rounds, matches may not end in a draw. If all players have equal game wins, the player with the highest life total wins the current game. In the event all players have equal life totals (or are between games and the game wins are tied), the game/match continues until the first life total change that results in one player having a lower life total than the other. Two-headed Giant teams are treated as a single player for determining a match winner.
2.6	Time Extensions
If a judge pauses a match for more than one minute while the round clock is running, he or she should extend the match time appropriately. If the match was interrupted to perform a deck check, players are awarded time equal to the time the deck check took plus three minutes. 
2.7	Deck Registration
Players are required to register their decks and sideboards (if applicable) in Competitive and Professional REL tournaments. The Head Judge may require registration in Regular REL tournaments. 
Players in individual Limited events using decklists must refrain from communicating with, or revealing hidden information to, any players or spectators until after they hand in their decklists. 
Registered decklists record the original compositions of each deck and sideboard (if applicable). Once decklist submission has closed, the decklist may not be altered.
Players have the right to request to see their decklist between matches. Such a request will be honored if logistically possible.
Decklists are not public information and are not shared with other players during an event. However, in some multi-day, Professional REL events, to offset any advantage one or more players may gain from outside publication of deck lists for development or media purposes, the Head Judge may elect to distribute copies of all remaining players' deck lists at some point, usually during the single elimination playoff rounds.
2.8	Deck Checks
Deck checks must be performed at all Competitive and Professional REL tournaments, and the Head Judge has the option to perform deck checks at Regular REL tournaments. The DCI recommends that at least ten percent of all decks be checked over the course of the tournament. If a player has drawn an opening hand and potentially made mulligan decisions, the contents of the hand will be preserved unless a game loss is issued as a result of the deck check. Players may not sideboard after a deck check, though they may continue to mulligan if they had not finished the process.
2.9	Taking Notes
Players are allowed to take written notes during a match and may refer to those notes while that match is in progress. At the beginning of a match, each player’s note sheet must be empty and must remain visible throughout the match. Players do not have to explain or reveal notes to other players. Judges may ask to see a player’s notes and/or request that the player explain his or her notes. Players may not refer to outside notes during games. This includes notes from previous matches.
Between games, players may refer to a brief set of notes made before the match. These notes must be removed from the play area before the beginning of the next game. Excessive quantities of notes – more than a sheet or two - are not allowed and may be penalized as slow play.
Players and spectators (exception: authorized press) may not make notes while drafting or registering a card pool. However, they are allowed to do so when constructing a deck. 
Artistic modifications to cards that indirectly provide minor strategic information are acceptable. The Head Judge is the final arbiter on what cards and notes are acceptable for a tournament.
2.10	Withdrawing from an Event
Players choosing to withdraw (drop) from an event must inform the Scorekeeper by the means provided for that tournament before the pairings for the next round are generated. Players wanting to withdraw after the Scorekeeper begins pairing for the next round will be paired for that round. If a player does not show up for their match, they will be automatically dropped from the tournament unless they report to the Scorekeeper.
If a player withdraws from a tournament after a cut has been made, such as a cut to the top 8 in a Magic Pro Tour Qualifier, no other player is advanced as a replacement. That player’s opponent receives a bye for the round. A cut is considered to have been made once the cut itself or pairings for the round following the cut have been posted or announced. 
Players who have withdrawn may reenter a tournament at the discretion of the Head Judge. Players may not reenter a portion of the tournament that requires a deck they did not draft or build. Players may not reenter a tournament after any cut has been made.
At Limited events, players that withdraw during the time between a draft or deck construction and the beginning of the next round receive a match loss for that round unless the player receives a bye for that round,
2.11	Electronic Devices
The Head Judge may choose not to allow players to use electronic devices (such as cellular phones, headphones, pagers, and/or portable audio units) while they are playing, and/or may ask players to set these devices to silent mode.
2.12	Appeals to the Head Judge
If a player disagrees with a judge’s ruling, he or she may appeal the ruling to the Head Judge. Players may not appeal before the full ruling is made by the responding floor judge. Under unusual circumstances the Head Judge may appoint another senior judge as his or her proxy to issue a second ruling. Players still retain the right to appeal to the Head Judge.
3.  Tournament Rules
3.1	Tiebreakers
The following tiebreakers are used to determine how a player ranks in a tournament:
1. Match points
2. Opponents’ match-win percentage
3. Game-win percentage
4. Opponents’ game-win percentage
Definitions of these tiebreakers can be found in Appendix D. Not all of these tiebreakers may be used in formats with single-game matches.
3.2	Format and Ratings Categories
The DCI sanctions the following formats as individual, two-person team, three-person team, or Two-Headed Giant tournaments:
Constructed Formats
* Standard
* Extended
* Block Constructed
Eternal Constructed Formats
* Vintage
* Legacy
Limited Formats
* Sealed Deck
* Booster Draft (individual and Two-Headed Giant only)
* Rochester Draft (three-person team only)
The DCI maintains the following ratings categories:
Individual
* Constructed (includes all Standard, Extended, and Block Constructed individual matches)
* Eternal (includes all Vintage and Legacy individual matches)
* Limited (includes all Limited individual matches)
* Total (includes all Constructed, Eternal, and Limited individual matches)
* Composite (the average of a players Constructed and Limited individual matches)
Two-Player Teams
* Pairs – Classic
* Pairs – Constructed
* Pairs – Limited
Three-Player Teams
* Trios – Classic
* Trios – Constructed
* Trios – Limited
Two-Headed Giant
* Two Headed Giant – Constructed
* Two Headed Giant – Limited
In the team tournaments (Team Constructed, Team Limited), each team member plays a one-on-one match against a member of the other team, and the individual results comprise the team’s collective match result. In a multiplayer tournament, all players from the two teams play in the same game.
3.3	Authorized Cards
Players may use any cards from special sets, supplements, and promotional printings that, unaltered, meet the following conditions:
* The card is published by Wizards of the Coast
* The card has a standard Magic back
* The card does not have squared corners
* The card has black or white borders
* The card is not damaged or modified in a way that might make it marked
* The card is otherwise legal for the tournament as defined by the format
Unglued and Unhinged basic land cards are allowed in sanctioned Magic tournaments.
Players may use cards from the Alpha printing only if the deck is in opaque sleeves.
Players may use otherwise-legal non-English and/or misprinted cards provided they are not using them to create an advantage by using misleading text or pictures. Official promotional textless spells are allowed in DCI-sanctioned Magic tournaments in which they would otherwise be legal. Artistic modifications are acceptable, provided that the modifications do not make the card unrecognizable or contain substantial strategic advice.
The Head Judge is the final authority on acceptable cards for a tournament.
3.4	Proxy Cards
A proxy card is used during competition to represent another card that has been accidentally damaged or excessively worn in the current tournament (including damaged or misprinted Limited product) at the discretion of the Head Judge. Proxies are not provided for cards damaged intentionally or through negligence.
Players may not create proxies. When a judge creates a proxy, it is included in the player’s deck. The original card is kept nearby during the match and replaces the proxy while in play as long as it is recognizable. 
The term “proxy” includes counterfeit cards or any card that is not a genuine game card. Counterfeit cards and other counterfeit game materials are prohibited in all DCI-sanctioned tournaments. Counterfeiters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
3.5	Card Interpretation
The official text of the card is the Oracle™ text corresponding to the name of the card. Players have the right to request access to the official wording of a card only if they can uniquely identify that card, although the card does not necessarily have to be identified by name. That request will be honored if logistically possible.
Players may not use errors or omissions in Oracle to abuse the rules. The Head Judge is the final authority for card interpretations, and he or she may overrule the Oracle if an error is discovered.
Certain cards refer to “a card (or cards) you own from outside the game.” In tournament play, "a card you own from outside the game" is a card in that player’s sideboard.
3.6	New Releases
Card sets scheduled for release during 2009 become tournament legal for sanctioned tournaments on the following dates:
* Magic 2010™		July 17, 2009
* Zendikar™			October 2, 2009
For certain Limited tournaments, such as official Prereleases and Launch Party tournaments (including their side events), new sets are legal for use before the official format legal date.
These dates may be subject to change. Any changes will be announced at http://www.thedci.com/.
3.7	Game Markers
Small items (i.e. glass beads) may be used as markers and placed on top of a player’s own library or graveyard as a reminder for in-game effects. These markers may not disguise the number of cards remaining in that zone nor completely obscure the top card.
Players using markers to represent in-game components (e.g. permanents) must have a way of clearly representing any in-game status, such as whether a permanent is tapped. Sleeves or card backs that appear similar to any player’s sleeves or card backs may not be used as markers. A Tournament Official may disallow the use of game markers that can cause confusion or that are deemed inappropriate or offensive.
3.8	Card Shuffling
Decks must be randomized using some form of riffle shuffle at the start of every game and whenever an instruction requires it. Randomization is defined as bringing the deck to a state where no player can have any information regarding the order or position of cards in any portion of the deck. Pile shuffling alone is not sufficiently random.
Once the deck is randomized, it must be presented to an opponent. By this action, players state that their decks are legal and randomized. The opponent may then shuffle it additionally. Cards and sleeves must not be in danger of being damaged during this process. If the opponent does not believe the player made a reasonable effort to randomize his or her deck, the opponent must notify a judge. Players may request to have a judge shuffle their cards rather than the opponent; this request will be honored only at a judge’s discretion.
If a player has had the opportunity to see any of the card faces of the deck being shuffled, the deck is considered ordered and must be shuffled again.
At Competitive and Professional REL events, players must always shuffle their opponents’ decks. The Head Judge can require this at Regular REL events as well.
3.9	Sleeves
Players may use plastic card sleeves or other protective devices on cards. If a player chooses to use card sleeves, all sleeves must be identical and all cards in his or her deck must be placed in the sleeves in an identical manner. If the sleeves feature holograms or other similar markings, cards must be inserted into the sleeves so these markings appear only on the faces of the cards.
During a match, a player may request that a judge inspect an opponent’s card sleeves. The judge may disallow the card sleeves if he or she believes they are marked, worn, or otherwise in a condition or of a design that interferes with shuffling or game play. In the interest of efficiency, the judge may choose to delay any change of sleeves until the end of the match.
Competitive and Professional tournaments impose additional restrictions on sleeves. Highly reflective backs are not allowed; sleeves with artwork on their backs are only acceptable if there is a single color at the sleeves’ edges; sleeves with holograms across some or all of the sleeve front or back are not allowed.
The Head Judge is the final authority on what sleeves are allowed.
3.10	Marked Cards
Players are responsible for ensuring that their cards and/or card sleeves are not marked during the course of the tournament. A card or sleeve is considered marked if it bears something that makes it possible to identify the card without seeing its face, including scratches, discoloration, and bends. 
If a player’s cards are sleeved, the cards must be examined while in the sleeves to determine if they are marked. Players should use care when sleeving their decks and should randomize their decks prior to sleeving them to reduce the possibility of cards becoming marked with a pattern. Players should also keep in mind that cards or sleeves may become worn and potentially marked through play during the course of a tournament.
The Head Judge has the authority to determine if a card in a player’s deck is marked. Judges may request that a player remove his or her current sleeves or replace any of the deck’s current sleeves immediately, or before the next round. 
If a player is required to replace a card in their deck and is unable or unwilling to find a replacement, they may replace the card with a basic land of their choice. Once they do this, they may not revert back to the original configuration, even if they find an acceptable replacement. This also applies to cards that are lost.
3.11	Hidden Information
Throughout the match, a draft, and pregame procedures, players are responsible for keeping their cards above the level of the playing surface and for making reasonable efforts to prevent hidden information from being revealed. However, players may choose to reveal their hands or any other hidden information available only to them, unless specifically prohibited by the rules. Players must not actively attempt to gain information hidden from them.
3.12	Tapped/Flipped Cards
If a card must be tapped or flipped, it must be turned approximately 90 degrees (tapped) or 180 degrees (flipped), whichever is appropriate.
3.13	Graveyard Order
In formats involving only cards from Urza’s Saga™ and later, players may change the order of their graveyard at any time. When looking at an opponent’s graveyard, a player may not change the order.
3.14	Sideboard
A sideboard consists of a set of cards that are resources for the player outside of the contents of the main deck. They may use these cards in their main deck during all games after the first one in a match.
Restrictions on the composition of a sideboard can be found in the deck construction rules for a particular format type. Players are expected to keep their sideboard visibly distinct from cards in their deck at all times during the match.
4.  Communication
4.1	Player Communication
Communication between players is essential to the successful play of any game that involves virtual objects or hidden information. While bluffing may be an aspect of games, there need to be clear lines as to what is, and is not, acceptable for players to say or otherwise represent. Officials and highly competitive players should understand the line between bluffing and fraud. This will confirm expectations of both sporting and competitive players during a game.
The philosophy of the DCI is that a player should have an advantage due to better understanding of the rules of a game, greater awareness of the interactions in the current game state, and superior tactical planning. Players are under no obligation to assist their opponents in playing the game. Regardless of anything else, players are expected to treat their opponents politely and with respect. Failure to do so may lead to Unsporting Conduct penalties.
There are three categories of information: free, derived and private.
Free information is so called because all players are entitled access to this information without contamination or omissions made by his or her opponent. If a player is ever unable or unwilling to provide free information to an opponent that has requested it, he or she should call a judge and explain the situation. Free Information includes:
* Details of current game actions and past game actions that still affect the game state. 
* The name of any object in a public zone.
* The physical status (tapped/flipped) and current zone of any object.
* Player life totals and the game score of the current match.
Derived information is information to which all players are permitted, but opponents are not obliged to assist in determining and may require some skill or calculation to determine. Derived Information includes: 
* The number of any type of objects present in any game zone.
* All characteristics of objects in public zones that are not defined as free information.
* Game Rules, Tournament Policy, Oracle content and any other official information pertaining to the current event. Cards are considered to have their Oracle text printed on them.
Private information is so called because players have access to this information only if they are able to determine it from the current visual game state or their own record of previous game actions.
* Any information that is not free or derived is automatically private information.
The following rules govern player communication:
* Players must answer all questions asked of them by a judge completely and honestly, regardless of the type of information requested. Players may request to do so away from the match.
* Players may not represent derived or free information incorrectly.
* Players must answer completely and honestly any specific questions pertaining to free information.
* At Regular REL, all derived information is instead considered free.
Judges are encouraged to help players in determining free information, but must avoid assisting players with derived information about the game state.
4.2	Tournament Shortcuts
A tournament shortcut is an action taken by players to skip parts of the technical play sequence without explicitly announcing them. Tournament shortcuts are essential for the smooth play of a game, as they allow players to play in a clear fashion without getting bogged down in the minutia of the rules. Most tournament shortcuts involve skipping one or more priority passes to the mutual understanding of all players; if a player wishes to demonstrate or use a new tournament shortcut entailing any number of priority passes, he or she must be clear where the game state will end up as part of the request.
A player may interrupt a tournament shortcut by explaining how he or she is deviating from it or at which point in the middle he or she wishes to take an action. If the players are confused by the use of a tournament shortcut, they should be backed up to the beginning of the shortcut and no penalty should be issued (though they should be reminded to play more clearly). A player is not allowed to use a previously undeclared tournament shortcut, or to modify an in-use tournament shortcut without announcing the modification, in order to create ambiguity in the game.
A player may not request priority and take no action with it. If he or she decides they do not wish to do anything, the request is nullified and priority is returned to the player that originally had it.
Certain conventional tournament shortcuts used in Magic are detailed below. If a player wishes to deviate from these, he or she should be explicit about doing so. Note that some of these are exceptions to the policy above in that they do cause non-explicit priority passes.
* The statement "Go" (and equivalents such as "Your turn" and "Done") offers to keep passing priority until an opponent has priority in the End of Turn step. Opponents are assumed to be acting then unless they specify otherwise. 
* A statement such as "I'm ready for combat" or "Declare attackers?" offers to keep passing priority until an opponent has priority in the Beginning of Combat step. Opponents are assumed to be acting then unless they specify otherwise. 
* Whenever a player adds an object to the stack, he or she is assumed to be passing priority unless he or she explicitly announces that he or she intend to retain it. If he or she adds a group of objects to the stack without explicitly retaining priority and a player wishes to take an action at a point in the middle, the actions should be reversed up to that point. 
* "No attacks" or similar statements by the active player during combat offers to pass priority until an opponent has priority in the end of combat step. 
* If a player announces an X spell without specifying the value of X, it is assumed to be for all mana currently available in his or her pool. 
* If a player plays a spell or ability and announces choices for it that aren’t normally made until resolution, the player must adhere to those choices unless an opponent responds to it. If an opponent inquires about choices made during resolution, that player is assumed to be passing priority and allowing the spell to resolve. 
* A player is assumed to have paid any cost of 0 unless they announce otherwise. 
* A player is assumed to have assigned all trample damage possible to the defending player unless stated otherwise. 
* A spell or ability that targets an object on the stack is assumed to target the legal target closest to the top of the stack unless they specify otherwise. 
* A Player is assumed to be attacking another player and not any planeswalkers that player may control unless they specify otherwise. 
* In the Two-Headed Giant format, the player to which combat damage is being assigned is undefined by default. If it is relevant, it is up to the team that knows it may be relevant to ask for clarification or to propose an alternate shortcut.
4.3	Out-of-Order Sequencing
Due to the complexity of accurately representing a game of Magic, it is acceptable for players to engage in a block of actions that, while technically in an incorrect order, arrive at a legal and clearly understood game state once they are complete.
All actions taken must be legal if they were executed in the correct order, and any opponent can ask the player to do the actions in the correct sequence so that they can respond at the appropriate time (at which point players will not be held to any still-pending actions).
Players may not try to use opponent's reactions to some portion of an out-of-order sequence to see if they should modify actions or try to take additional ones. Nor may players use out-of-order sequencing to try to retroactively take an action they missed at the appropriate time. In general, any substantial pause is an indication that all actions have been taken, the sequence is complete and the game has moved to the appropriate point at the end of the sequence.
Examples
1. A player discards a card to pay for Masticore’s upkeep cost before untapping their land.
2. A player resolves Harrow and puts the card into their graveyard, then searches.
3. While resolving Restore Balance, a player discards before sacrificing lands and creatures.
4. A player with two creatures being put into the graveyard due to state-based effects resolves the leaves play trigger on one of them before putting the other creature in the graveyard.
5. A player declares a blocker, then activates a Treetop Village to block as well.
4.4	Team/Multiplayer Communication
Members of the same team may at all times communicate between one another verbally. This includes during play, during drafting, and during deck construction of Limited tournaments. However, team members that have an opportunity to acquire hidden information (e.g. by speaking to spectators following their own match while a teammate is still playing), are restricted from communicating with teammates for the duration of that match.
Prohibitions against written notes of any kind during drafts apply to team drafts as well.
5.  Tournament Violations
5.1	Cheating
Cheating will not be tolerated. The Head Judge reviews all cheating allegations, and if he or she believes that a player has cheated, he or she will issue the appropriate penalty based on the Infraction Procedure Guide. All disqualifications are subject to DCI review and further penalties may be assessed.

5.2	Collusion and Bribery
The decision to withdraw, concede, or agree to an intentional draw cannot be made in exchange for or influenced by the offer of any reward or incentive. Making such an offer is prohibited. Unless the player receiving such an offer calls for a judge immediately, both players will be penalized in the same manner.
Players are allowed to share prizes they have won or will receive in the current tournament as they wish and may agree as such before or during their match, as long as any such sharing does not occur in exchange for any game or match result or the withdrawing of a player from the tournament.
The result of a match or game may not be randomly or arbitrarily determined through any means other than the normal progress of the game in play. Examples include (but are not limited to) rolling a die, flipping a coin, arm wrestling, or playing any other game.
Players may not reach an agreement in conjunction with other matches. Players can make use of information regarding match or game scores of other tables. However, players are not allowed to leave their seats during their match nor are they allowed to ask spectators for such information.
Players in the single-elimination rounds of a tournament offering only cash and/or unopened product as prizes may, with the permission of the Tournament Organizer, agree to split the prizes evenly. The players may end the tournament at that point, or continue to play with only ratings points at stake. All players still in the tournament must agree to the arrangement.
Example: Before the semifinals of a tournament (in which first place gets 12 packs, second place gets 8 packs and 3rd and 4th get 4 packs each) begins, the players may get permission from the Tournament Organizer to end the tournament, with each player receiving 7 packs.
Players in the announced last round of the single-elimination portion of a tournament may agree to divide tournament prizes as they wish. In that case, one of the players at each table must agree to withdraw from the event. Players are then awarded prizes according to their resulting ranking. DCI ratings will not be affected because no match will have been played. Such an agreement may never include a concession or an intentional draw.
Example: In the final of a 1-slot Pro Tour Qualifier that offers a travel award and an invitation to the winner, the two finalists may agree to split the tournament prizes, but this agreement cannot alter the results of the match. One player must withdraw from the event, leaving the travel award and the invitation to the player who did not withdraw from the event. That player is then free to split the remainder of the prizes as agreed upon. The travel award and invitation are a single item and may not be split.
5.3	Wagering
Tournament participants, tournament officials, and spectators may not wager, ante, or bet on the outcome of any portion of a tournament, match, game or any portion of a tournament, match, or game.
5.4	Unsporting Conduct
Unsporting conduct will not be tolerated at any time. Tournament participants must behave in a polite and respectful manner. Unsporting conduct includes, but is not limited to:
* Using profanity
* Acting in a threatening manner
* Arguing with, acting belligerently toward, or harassing tournament officials, players or spectators.
* Failure to follow the instructions of a tournament official.
All incidents of unsporting conduct are subject to further DCI review.
5.5	Slow Play
Players must take their turns in a timely fashion regardless of the complexity of the play situation and adhere to time limits specified for the tournament. Players must maintain a pace to allow the match to be finished in the announced time limit. Stalling is not acceptable. Players may ask a judge to watch their game for slow play; such a request will be granted if feasible.
6.  Constructed Tournament Rules
6.1	Deck Construction Restrictions
Constructed decks must contain a minimum of sixty cards. There is no maximum deck size. If a player chooses to use a sideboard, it must contain exactly fifteen cards.
With the exception of cards with the Basic supertype or cards with text that specifies otherwise, a player’s combined deck and sideboard may not contain more than four of any individual card, counted by its English card title
A card may only be used in a particular format if the card is from a set that is legal in that format or has the same name as a card from a set that is legal in that format.
Cards banned in a specific format may not be used in decks for that format. Cards restricted in a specific format may only have one copy in a deck, including sideboard.
6.2	Sideboard Use
Before each game begins, players must present their sideboard (face down) and, if requested, allow their opponents to count the number of cards in their sideboard. Players may look at their own sideboard during a game as long as the sideboard remains clearly distinguishable from other cards. The sideboard must be clearly identified and separated from all other cards in the play area.
Before the beginning of the second or subsequent game in a match, players may change the composition of their decks by exchanging cards from their deck for cards in their sideboard. Any card exchange between deck and sideboard must be made on a one-for-one basis to ensure that the sideboard remains at exactly fifteen cards. There are no restrictions on the number of cards a player may exchange this way. Players are not required to reveal how many cards they are sideboarding.
The deck and sideboard must each be returned to their original compositions before the first game of each match. If a penalty causes a player to lose the first game in a match before that game has begun, neither player may use cards from his or her sideboard for the second game.
6.3	Standard Format Deck Construction
The following card sets are permitted in Standard tournaments:
* Tenth Edition™ (Until July 17, 2009)
* Lorwyn™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Morningtide™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Shadowmoor™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Eventide™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Shards of Alara™
* Conflux™
* Alara Reborn™
* Magic 2010™ (Effective July 17, 2009)
* Zendikar™ (Effective October 2, 2009)
There are currently no cards banned in Standard tournaments.

6.4	Extended Format Deck Construction
The following card sets are permitted in Extended tournaments:
* Eighth Edition™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Ninth Edition™
* Tenth Edition
* Onslaught™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Legions® (Until October 2, 2009)
* Scourge™ (Until October 2, 2009)
* Mirrodin®
* Darksteel®
* Fifth Dawn™ 
* Champions of Kamigawa™
* Betrayers of Kamigawa™
* Saviors of Kamigawa™
* Ravnica: City of Guilds™
* Guildpact™
* Dissension™
* Coldsnap™
* Time Spiral™
* Planar Chaos™
* Future Sight™
* Lorwyn™
* Morningtide™
* Shadowmoor™
* Eventide™
* Shards of Alara™
* Conflux™
* Alara Reborn™
* Magic 2010™  (Effective July 17, 2009)
* Zendikar™  (Effective October 2, 2009)
The following cards are banned in Extended tournaments:
* Æther Vial
* Disciple of the Vault 
* Sensei’s Divining Top
* Skullclamp


6.5	Vintage Format Deck Construction
Vintage decks may consist of cards from all Magic card sets, any edition of the core set, and all promotional cards released by Wizards of the Coast.
The following cards are banned in Vintage:
* Amulet of Quoz
* Bronze Tablet
* Chaos Orb
* Contract from Below
* Darkpact
* Demonic Attorney
* Falling Star
* Jeweled Bird
* Rebirth
* Shahrazad
* Tempest Efreet
* Timmerian Fiends
The following cards are restricted in Vintage tournaments: 
* 
* Ancestral Recall
* Balance
* Black Lotus
* Brainstorm 
* Burning Wish
* Channel
* Crop Rotation (unrestricted, effective July 1, 2009)
* Demonic Consultation
* Demonic Tutor
* Enlightened Tutor (unrestricted, effective July 1, 2009)
* Entomb (unrestricted, effective July 1, 2009)
* Fact or Fiction
* Fastbond
* Flash 
* Frantic Search
* Gifts Ungiven
* Grim Monolith (unrestricted, effective July 1, 2009)
* Gush 
* Imperial Seal
* Library of Alexandria
* Lion’s Eye Diamond
* Lotus Petal
* Mana Crypt
* Mana Vault
* Memory Jar
* Merchant Scroll 
* Mind’s Desire
* Mox Emerald 
* Mox Jet 
* Mox Pearl 
* Mox Ruby 
* Mox Sapphire 
* Mystical Tutor
* Necropotence
* Ponder 
* Regrowth
* Sol Ring
* Strip Mine
* Thirst for Knowledge (effective July 1, 2009)
* Time Vault
* Time Walk
* Timetwister
* Tinker
* Tolarian Academy
* Trinisphere
* Vampiric Tutor
* Wheel of Fortune
* Windfall
* Yawgmoth’s Bargain
* Yawgmoth’s Will


6.6	Legacy Format Deck Construction
Legacy decks may consist of cards from all Magic card sets, any edition of the core set, and all promotional cards released by Wizards of the Coast.
The following cards are banned in Legacy tournaments:

* Amulet of Quoz
* Ancestral Recall
* Balance
* Bazaar of Baghdad
* Black Lotus
* Black Vise
* Bronze Tablet
* Channel
* Chaos Orb
* Contract from Below
* Darkpact
* Demonic Attorney
* Demonic Consultation
* Demonic Tutor
* Dream Halls
* Earthcraft
* Entomb
* Falling Star
* Fastbond
* Flash 
* Frantic Search
* Goblin Recruiter
* Grim Monolith
* Gush
* Hermit Druid
* Illusionary Mask
* Imperial Seal
* Jeweled Bird
* Land Tax
* Library of Alexandria
* Mana Crypt
* Mana Drain
* Mana Vault
* Memory Jar
* Metalworker
* Mind Twist
* Mind’s Desire
* Mishra’s Workshop
* Mox Emerald
* Mox Jet
* Mox Pearl
* Mox Ruby
* Mox Sapphire
* Necropotence
* Oath of Druids
* Rebirth
* Shahrazad
* Skullclamp
* Sol Ring
* Strip Mine
* Tempest Efreet
* Time Spiral
* Time Vault
* Time Walk
* Timetwister
* Timmerian Fiends
* Tinker
* Tolarian Academy
* Vampiric Tutor
* Wheel of Fortune
* Windfall
* Worldgorger Dragon
* Yawgmoth’s Bargain
* Yawgmoth’s Will



6.7	Block Constructed Format Deck Construction
Block Constructed decks consist of cards taken from a restricted set of expansions.
 The DCI sanctions the following Block Constructed formats:
* Shards of Alara™ Block (Shards of Alara™, Conflux™, Alara Reborn™)
* Lorwyn™-Shadowmoor™ Block (Lorwyn™, Morningtide™, Shadowmoor™, Eventide™)
* Time Spiral™ Block (Time Spiral™, Planar Chaos™, Future Sight™)
* Ravnica® Block (Ravnica: City of Guilds™, Guildpact™, Dissension™)
* Kamigawa™ Block (Champions of Kamigawa™, Betrayers of Kamigawa™, Saviors of Kamigawa™)
* Mirrodin® Block (Mirrodin®, Darksteel®, Fifth Dawn™)
* Onslaught™ Block (Onslaught™, Legions™, Scourge™)
* Odyssey™ Block (Odyssey™, Torment™, Judgment™)
* Invasion™ Block (Invasion™, Planeshift™, Apocalypse™)
* Masques Block (Mercadian Masques™, Nemesis®, Prophecy™)
* Urza Block (Urza’s Saga™, Urza’s Legacy™, Urza’s Destiny™)
* Tempest™ Block (Tempest™, Stronghold™, Exodus™)
* Mirage™ Block (Mirage™, Visions™, Weatherlight™)
* Ice Age Block (Ice Age, Alliances, Coldsnap™)
The following cards are banned in Block Constructed tournaments:
* Æther Vial (Mirrodin® Block)
* Ancient Den (Mirrodin® Block)
* Arcbound Ravager (Mirrodin® Block)
* Darksteel Citadel (Mirrodin® Block)
* Disciple of the Vault (Mirrodin® Block)
* Great Furnace (Mirrodin® Block)
* Seat of the Synod (Mirrodin® Block)
* Tree of Tales (Mirrodin® Block)
* Vault of Whispers (Mirrodin® Block)
* Skullclamp (Mirrodin® Block)
* Lin Sivvi, Defiant Hero (Masques Block)
* Rishadan Port (Masques Block)
* Gaea’s Cradle (Urza Block)
* Memory Jar (Urza Block)
* Serra’s Sanctum (Urza Block)
* Time Spiral (Urza Block)
* Tolarian Academy (Urza Block)
* Voltaic Key (Urza Block)
* Windfall (Urza Block)
* Cursed Scroll (Tempest™ Block)
* Squandered Resources (Mirage™ Block)
* Amulet of Quoz (Ice Age Block)
* Thawing Glaciers (Ice Age Block)
* Zuran Orb (Ice Age Block)
7.  Limited Tournament Rules
7.1	Deck Construction Restrictions
Limited decks must contain a minimum of forty cards. There is no maximum deck size.
Players are not restricted to four of any one card in Limited tournament play.
7.2	Sideboard Use
Any drafted or opened cards not used in a player’s Limited deck function as his or her sideboard. Players may look at their sideboards during a game as long as the sideboard remains clearly distinguishable from other cards. The sideboard must be clearly identified and separated from all other cards in the play area. 
Before the beginning of the second or subsequent game in a match, players may change the composition of their decks by exchanging cards from their decks for cards in their sideboards. Players can also request additional basic land at this time. There are no restrictions on the number of cards a player may exchange this way as long as the main deck contains at least forty cards. Cards do not need to be exchanged on a one-for-one basis. The deck must be returned to its original composition before the first game of each match.
Players participating in Limited events that do not use deck lists may freely change the composition of their decks between matches by exchanging cards from their decks for cards in their sideboards without being required to return their deck to its original composition before their next match. The Head Judge or Tournament Organizer must inform players that this option is being used prior to the start of deck building. This option is not available at Competitive or Professional REL events.
7.3.	Card Use in Limited Tournaments
Cards must be received directly from Tournament Officials. This product must be new (previously unopened) or prepared and stamped by the Tournament Organizer in advance. Each player (or team) must be given exactly the same quantity and type of product as all other players participating in the tournament. For example, if one player receives three Time Spiral™ boosters for a booster draft, all other players must also receive three Time Spiral™ boosters.
The DCI recommends that 6 boosters per player are used for individual format Sealed Deck events and 3 boosters per player are used for individual Booster or Team Rochester draft events. For the recommended product mix for the current Block, refer to Appendix E.
If the Tournament Organizer allows players to provide their own product, that product must be pooled with the rest of the product for the event and randomly distributed. Players are not considered to own the cards until the tournament finishes or they legally withdraw.
Players may use only the cards they receive or draft and basic land provided by the Tournament Organizer. Players may ask a judge for permission to replace a card with an exact copy.
If an organizer is not providing basic lands for use in a Limited tournament, he or she must announce this before tournament registration. Tournament Organizers may require players to return basic land cards when they leave the tournament. If the Tournament Organizer does not have sufficient basic lands, players may use their own during the tournament as long as they are in good condition and are not marked.
Players may add an unlimited number of basic lands to their decks during deck construction. They may not add additional Snow-Covered lands, even in formats in which they are legal.
7.4	Abnormal Product
Neither Wizards of the Coast nor the Tournament Organizer guarantee any specific distribution of card rarities or frequency in a particular booster pack or tournament pack. If a player receives an unconventional distribution of rarities or frequencies in a particular booster pack or deck, he or she must call for a judge. The final decision to replace or allow the atypical product is at the discretion of the Head Judge and the Tournament Organizer.
7.5	Sealed Deck Swap
In Sealed Deck tournaments, the Head Judge may require players to perform a deck swap prior to deck construction. Players receive unopened product and register the contents on deck lists. Players who drop from the tournament before fulfilling this duty will receive a match loss in the first round. Tournament Officials then collect the recorded card pools and re-distribute them randomly. A player may randomly receive the product he or she registered. The Head Judge should require players to sort the cards they register according to some criteria (e.g. color and then alphabetically) to assist the player receiving the pool.
7.6	Draft Pod Assembly
For Booster Draft and Team Rochester Draft tournaments, players assemble into drafting circles (called pods) of roughly equal size at the direction of the Head Judge. Tournament Officials then distribute identical sets of booster packs to each player.
Players within a pod may play only against other players within that pod. In Regular REL events, the Tournament Organizer may elect to lift this restriction. This must be announced before the tournament starts.
Players may not communicate in any way with, or reveal hidden information to, other individuals during a draft, apart from Tournament Officials. This applies as soon as the draft pod pairings are posted and lasts until players hand in their decklists. 
7.7	Booster Draft Procedures
All players must open and draft the same type of booster at the same time. Players open their first booster pack and count the cards face-down. Players who receive an erroneous number of cards at any time must immediately notify a judge. Players choose one card from their current booster pack and then pass the remaining cards face-down to the player on their left until all cards are drafted.
Once a player has removed a card from the pack and put it on his or her single face-down drafted pile, it is considered selected and may not be returned to the pack. Players may not reveal their card selections, the contents of their current packs, or their drafted cards to other participants in the draft and must make a reasonable effort to keep that information from the sight of other players. Players are not permitted to reveal information of any kind to other participants in the draft regarding their own picks or what they want others to pick.
Players and teams may not look at their drafted cards between or during picks at Competitive and Professional RELs. At Regular REL, players are allowed to review their drafted cards between or during picks as long as they are holding no other cards at the same time. The Head Judge may choose to disallow this provided he or she announces it before the first draft. Between boosters there is a review period in which players may review their picks. 
After the first pack is drafted and the review period completed, players open the next pack and draft in the same fashion, except that the direction of drafting is reversed—it now proceeds to the right. This process is repeated, reversing the direction of drafting for each booster pack until all cards in all booster packs are drafted.
If a player is unable or unwilling to continue drafting, he or she is suspended from drafting and must construct a deck from whatever cards he or she has drafted thus far. For the remainder of the current booster pack, a tournament official randomly makes picks instead of the suspended player.
8.  Team Tournament Rules
8.1	Team Names
Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to disallow any team name it deems offensive and/or obscene. Tournament officials may disallow teams from registering team names that may be considered offensive and/or obscene. 
8.2	Team Composition and Identification
A valid team consists of two or three members, as appropriate to the format. A team is identified by the individual DCI membership numbers of its respective members and all teams must provide the Tournament Organizer with the full information when registering for the event. Individual DCI members may be members of more than one team. If a player drops or is disqualified from the event, the entire team is dropped from the event.
Teams must designate player positions during event registration. For example, in a three-player team event, each team must designate who is player A, player B, and player C. Players retain these designations throughout the entire tournament.
When two teams are paired against each other during the course of a tournament, the team members designated as player A play against each other, the team members designated as player B play against each other, and so on.
8.3	Team Ratings
Event results for all Team Constructed tournaments (Vintage, Legacy, Extended, and Standard) are merged into one set of Constructed ratings for each team size.
Event results for each DCI-sanctioned team Limited tournament (Sealed Deck and Rochester Draft) are merged into one set of Limited ratings for each team size. 
8.4	Team Communication Rules
Teammates may communicate with each other at any time, unless they leave the play area. If they leave the play area, they may not return until the end of the match.
8.5	Unified Deck Construction Rules
Team Constructed tournaments use Unified Deck Construction rules: With the exception of cards with the Basic supertype or cards with text that specifies otherwise, a team’s combined decks may not contain more than four of any individual card, counted by its English card title. (For example, if one player is using four copies of Naturalize in a Multiplayer Constructed event, no other player on that team may have a Naturalize in his or her deck.) If a card is restricted in a particular format, no more than one of that card may be used by the team. No players may use cards that are banned in a particular format.
8.6	Team Rochester Draft Tournaments
Team Rochester Draft events require teams of three players each, and two teams are seated at each table for the draft. Team members sit clockwise in A-B-C order around the table. (For example, in a three-person team event, players sit around the table clockwise in this order: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C.)
A team determined at random chooses either to pick first or to allow the other team to pick first. The “B” player of the team that picks first lays out the first pack. 
The draft begins with the first player opening his or her first booster pack and laying out the entire contents of the pack face up on the table as directed by Tournament Officials, with the cards facing him or her. After reviewing the cards, drafting proceeds with each player selecting a single card in turn. Once a player has selected a card and placed it with his or her other drafted cards, he or she may not select a different card. If a player fails to select a card in the time given, a tournament official selects for that player the “oldest” card still remaining from the booster pack (the card on the table the longest).
The player drafting first from the cards presented on the table is called the active player. The first active player is the participant who opened the first booster of the draft, as designated by a Tournament Official. All players in each drafting pod serve as the active player once for each group of booster packs. The identity of the active player moves in a horseshoe pattern, clockwise for the first and third boosters and counter-clockwise for the second. The player who was last to open a booster pack from a group is the first to open the booster pack from the next group.
The draft order also begins moving in a horseshoe pattern, clockwise for the first and third boosters and counter-clockwise for the second, beginning with the active player, continuing around the table to the last player in the group to draft a card. The last player in the group selects two cards sequentially, and then drafting continues in reverse order, moving back to the player who began the drafting. If there are still cards remaining, the player who began the drafting selects two cards, and drafting continues again in the opposite direction.
Example: Team 1 and Team 2 are seated around a table. They are numbered 1A-1B-1C-2A-2B-2C in a clockwise order. Team 2 wins the coin toss, and the members of Team 2 choose to let Team 1 pick first. The active player for the first pack is Player 1B. The first booster pack for Player 1B is opened and placed face up in front of Player 1B. After the 20-second review period has expired, the draft order is as follows:
Player 1B—card 1		Player 1A—card 6		Player 1C—card 11
Player 1C—card 2		Player 1A—card 7		Player 1B—card 12
Player 2A—card 3		Player 2C—card 8		Player 1B—card 13
Player 2B—card 4		Player 2B—card 9		Player 1C—card 14
Player 2C—card 5		Player 2A—card 10		Player 2A—card 15
During card selection, players must display the most recent card they drafted from the current pack. At all other times, players may leave one of their drafted cards face up on their draft pile, or may leave all cards face down. Players may not review their draft picks while drafting proceeds or at any other time specifically indicated by Tournament Officials.
8.7	Team Sealed Deck Tournaments
All the rules for individual Limited events (Section 7) apply to Team Sealed Deck events except as follows.
Each team must receive the same product mix. For example, if one team receives 12 Shards of Alara™ boosters, every team must receive 12 Shards of Alara™ boosters.
The DCI recommends that 8 boosters per team are used for two-person team events, and 12 boosters per team for three-person team events. For the recommended product mix for the current Block, refer to Appendix E.
All cards must be assigned to a player’s deck or sideboard during deck construction and cannot be transferred to another player during that tournament. (Players do not share main deck or sideboard cards.) Players may exchange cards in their pool between rounds in Regular REL events that do not use decklists, but only between matches.
9.  Two-Headed Giant Tournament Rules
9.1	Match Structure
Two-Headed Giant matches consist of one game.
Drawn games (games without a winner) do not count towards the one game. As long as match time allows, the match continues until a team has won a game.
9.2	Communication Rules
Teammates may communicate with each other at any time.
9.3	Play-Draw Rule
A team determined at random chooses either to play first, or to play second. The choice must be made before either player on that team looks at his or her hand. If either player on that team looks at his or her hand before their choice is made, that team plays first. The team who plays first skips the draw step of their first turn.
9.4	Pregame Procedure
1. Players decide which teammate will be the primary player and which teammate will be the secondary players. Players should be seated with the primary player (Player A) to the right of his or her teammate. Players can choose a different primary and secondary player before each match.
2. Players shuffle their decks. 
3. Players present their decks to their opponents for additional shuffling and cutting.
4. If an opponent has shuffled a player’s deck, that player may make one final cut.
5. Each player draws seven cards.
6. Each player, in turn order, decides whether to mulligan. (Rules on mulligans can be found in the Magic Comprehensive Rules, Section 101.4)
Once mulligans are resolved, the game can begin.
9.5	Two-Headed Giant Constructed Rules
Two-Headed Giant Constructed tournaments use Unified Deck Construction rules (see section 8.5). 
In addition to cards banned in particular formats, the following card is banned in ALL Two-Headed Giant Constructed tournaments (Vintage, Legacy, Extended, and Block):
* Erayo, Soratami Ascendant
Sideboards are not allowed in constructed Two-Headed Giant tournaments.
9.6	Rules for Two-Headed Giant Limited Tournaments
All the rules for Limited Tournaments (Section 7) apply, except as described below.
The DCI recommends that each team receive eight boosters. For the recommended product mix for the current Block, refer to Appendix E.
Cards not used in a team’s starting decks are considered a shared sideboard by the two players that both players can access.
9.7	Two-Headed Giant Booster Draft Tournaments
Teams (not players) assemble randomly into draft pods of roughly equal size. Teammates sit next to each other. A tournament official then distributes six booster packs to each team in the pod.
After opening and counting the cards in their first pack, the team chooses two cards from the booster pack then passes the remaining cards face down to the team on its left. Selected cards may be placed into one or two piles. The cards chosen are not assigned to a particular player; they become part of a pool out of which both players will build their decks. The open packs are passed around the drafting pod—with each team taking two cards from each before passing—until all cards are drafted. 
For the second pack, the direction of drafting is reversed as usual. Thus, the overall draft direction is left–right–left–right–left–right.
10.  Sanctioning Rules
10.1	Participation Minimums
Participation minimums for a tournament to be sanctioned by the DCI are as follows:
* For individual events, a minimum of eight (8) players must participate.
* For team and multiplayer events, a minimum of four (4) teams must participate.
If the participation minimum is not met, the tournament is no longer DCI-sanctioned and will not be included in DCI ratings. If participation minimums are not met for any DCI-sanctioned event, the Tournament Organizer should report the event to the DCI as “Did Not Occur.”
10.2	Number of Rounds
The DCI requires a minimum number of rounds for a tournament to be sanctioned and included as part of a player’s official ratings and rankings. The minimum number of rounds required is as follows:
* For individual events, a minimum of three (3) rounds.
* For team and multiplayer events, a minimum of two (2) rounds.
If the minimum number of rounds is not met, the tournament is no longer DCI-sanctioned and will not be included in DCI ratings. If a minimum number of rounds is not met for any DCI-sanctioned event, the Tournament Organizer should report the event to the DCI as “Did Not Occur.”
The number of rounds should be announced at or before the beginning of the first round; once announced, it cannot be changed. A variable number of rounds can be announced instead, with specific criteria for ending the tournament. For example, an event with 20 players can be announced as five rounds unless only one player has four match wins after four rounds.
The recommended number of rounds for Swiss tournaments can be found in Appendix F.
10.3	Invitation-Only Tournaments
Invitation-only tournaments have additional qualification criteria for player participation. The invitation list for Premier events is defined in the DCI Premier Event Invitation Policy. Tournament Organizers may hold and sanction invitation-only non-Premier events normally, as long as they offer a sufficient number of qualifying tournaments in advance to ensure that all players have a chance to qualify. 
10.4	Pairing Algorithm
Unless otherwise announced, tournaments are assumed to follow the Swiss pairing algorithm. Some tournaments may proceed to single-elimination playoff rounds between the top 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 players after the Swiss rounds are over. The Swiss pairing algorithm is modified in Limited draft tournaments as explained in section 7.6.
Appendix A – Changes From Previous Versions
Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to alter these rules, as well as the right to interpret, modify, clarify, or otherwise issue official changes to these rules without prior notice.
This document is scheduled to be updated every 3 months on March 20, June 20, September 20, and December 20.
The latest versions are available at http://www.thedci.com/docs
March 20, 2008
       General: Complete rewrite.
Appendix B –Time Limits
The required minimum time limit for any match is 40 minutes.
The following time limits are recommended for each round of a tournament:
* Constructed and Limited tournaments—50 minutes
* Single-elimination quarterfinal or semifinal matches—90 minutes
* Single-elimination final matches—no time limit
The following additional time limits are recommended for Limited tournaments:
* Sealed Deck—20 minutes for deck registration and 30 minutes for deck construction
* Draft—30 minutes for deck registration and construction
* Team Sealed Deck—20 minutes for deck registration and 60 minutes for deck construction
* Team Draft—40 minutes for deck construction and registration
* Multiplayer Draft—40 minutes for deck construction and registration
The Head Judge of the tournament is the final authority on time limits for a tournament. However, any deviation from these recommendations must be announced prior to and during event registration.
Magic Premier Events may have different time limits. These time limits can be found in the event or event series Fact Sheet.
In timed rounds, players must wait for the officially tracked time to begin before starting their match.


Booster Draft Timing
Individual booster drafts have the following default time limits for each pick:
Cards remaining in pack
Time allotted
15 cards
40 seconds
14 cards
40 seconds
13 cards
35 seconds
12 cards
30 seconds
11 cards
25 seconds
10 cards
25 seconds
9 cards
20 seconds
8 cards
20 seconds
7 cards
15 seconds
6 cards
10 seconds
5 cards
10 seconds
4 cards
5 seconds
3 cards
5 seconds
2 cards
5 seconds
1 card
N/A

30 seconds will be used for the review period between boosters. That time is increased by 15 seconds after each booster pack.
Rochester Draft Timing
The review period for a booster after it has been laid out on the table and before the first card is drafted is 20 seconds. Players have 5 seconds for each pick.

Multiplayer Draft Timing
Multiplayer booster drafts have the following default time limits for each pick:
Cards remaining in pack

15-Card Booster
14-Card Booster
Time allotted
15
14
50 seconds
13
12
45 seconds
11
10
40 seconds
9
8
30 seconds
7
6
20 seconds
5
4
10 seconds
3
-
5 seconds
1
2
N/A

In addition, players receive 60 seconds to review their drafted cards in between booster packs.
Appendix C—DCI Rating and Ranking Systems
ELO Ratings System
The ELO player-rating system compares players’ match records against their opponents’ match records and determines the probability of the player winning the matchup. This probability factor determines how many points a players’ rating goes up or down based on the results of each match. When a player defeats an opponent with a higher rating, the player’s rating goes up more than if he or she defeated a player with a lower rating (since players should defeat opponents who have lower ratings). All new players start out with a base rating of 1600. The DCI uses the following equation to determine a player’s win probability in each match:
Personal Calculation:

This probability is then used to recalculate each player’s rating after the match. In the equation below, players receive 1 point if they win the match, 0 if they lose, and 0.5 for a draw. Players’ new ratings are determined as follows:
Player’s New Rating = Player’s Old Rating + (K-Value * (Scoring Points – Player’s Win Probability))
The K-Value is the maximum number of points a player’s rating may go up or down based on the results of a single match.
Team Calculation:

This probability is then used to recalculate each player’s rating after the match. In the equation below, players receive 1 point if they win the match, 0 if they lose, and 0.5 for a draw. Players’ new ratings are determined as follows:
Player’s New Rating = Player’s Old Rating + (K-Value * (Scoring Points – Player’s Win Probability))
The default K-value of all Magic tournaments is 16. Specific tournaments may have a higher or lower K-value. These can be found in that tournament or Tournament Program’s fact sheet.
All players are rated at the beginning with the first match in which they play. Further ratings are calculated chronologically from that first match.
The DCI ranks players in geographic regions (continent, country, state, city, and so on) based on their ELO ratings to determine the top players in each area.
Appendix D – Tiebreak Explanation
Match Points
Players earn 3 match points for each match win, 0 points for each match loss and 1 match point for each match ending in a draw. Players receiving byes are considered to have won the match.
* Player A has a record of 6–2–0 (Wins–Losses–Draws). She has 18 match points (6*3, 2*0, 0*1).
* Player B’s tournament record is 4–2–2. He has 14 match points (4*3, 2*0, 2*1).
Game Points
Game points are similar to match points in that players earn 3 game points for each game they win and 1 point for each game that ends in a draw, and 0 points for any game lost. Unfinished games are considered draws. Unplayed games are worth 0 points. 
* Player E wins a match 2–0–0, so she earns 6 game points and her opponent receives 0 game points from the match.
* Player F wins a match 2–1–0, so she earns 6 game points and her opponent earns 3 game points from the match.
* Player G wins a match 2–0–1, so he earns 7 game points and his opponent earns 1 game point from the match.
Opponents’ match-win percentage
A player’s opponents’ match-win percentage is the average match-win percentage of each opponent that player faced (ignoring those rounds for which the player received a bye). Use the match-win percentage definition listed above when calculating each individual opponent’s match-win percentage.
Examples:
* Player F’s record in an eight-round tournament is 6–2–0. Her opponents’ match records were: 4–4–0, 7–1–0, 1–3–1, 3–3–1, 6–2–0, 5–2–1, 4–3–1, and 6–1–1, so her opponents’ match-win percentage is:











Player F’s opponents’ match-win percentage is 0.62.

* Player G’s record at the same tournament was 6–2–0. His opponents’ records were: bye, 7–1–0, 1–3–1, 3–3–1, 6–2–0, 5–2–1, 4–3–1, and 6–1–1, so his opponents’ match-win percentage is:



With the individual match-win percentages added together, this equation becomes:



Player G’s opponents’ match-win percentage is 0.63.
Opponents’ game-win percentages
Similar to opponents’ match-win percentage, a player’s opponents’ game-win percentage is simply the average game-win percentage of all of that player’s opponents. And, as with opponents’ match-win percentage, each opponent has a minimum game-win percentage of 0.33. 
Byes
When a player is assigned a bye for a round, he or she is considered to have won the match 2–0.
Thus, that player earns 3 match points and 6 game points. A player’s byes are ignored when computing his or her opponents’ match-win and opponents’ game-win percentages.
Appendix E – Recommended Booster Mix for Limited Tournaments
For the Shards of Alara™ Block, the recommended booster mix for Limited tournaments is:
* Individual Sealed Deck – 2 Shards of Alara™, 2 Conflux™, 2 Alara Reborn™
* Individual or Team Rochester Draft – 1 Shards of Alara™, 1 Conflux™, 1 Alara Reborn™  (per player)
* Three-Person Team Sealed – 4 Shards of Alara™, 4 Conflux™, 4 Alara Reborn™  (per team)
* Two-Headed Giant Sealed Deck – 3 Shards of Alara™, 3 Conflux™, 2 Alara Reborn™  (per team)
* Two-Headed Giant Booster Draft – 2 Shards of Alara™, 2 Conflux™, 2 Alara Reborn™  (per team)
For Magic 2010™, the recommended booster mix for Limited tournaments is:
* Individual Sealed Deck – 6 Magic 2010™
* Individual or Team Rochester Draft – 3 Magic 2010™ (per player)
* Three-Person Team Sealed – 12 Magic 2010™ (per team)
* Two-Headed Giant Sealed Deck – 8 Magic 2010™ (per team)
* Two-Headed Giant Booster Draft – 6 Magic 2010™ (per team)
Appendix F – Recommended Number of Rounds in Swiss Tournaments
The following number of Swiss rounds is often required for Premier events. It may be used at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion for non-Premier events. It is included here for reference only.
Players
Rounds
8
3
9-16
4
17-32
5
33-64
6
65-128
7
129-226
8
227-409
9
410+
10

Team tournaments consider each team as a single player for this purpose.
Individual or team tournaments that cut to top 4 should be run with one extra round.
Individual or team tournaments that cut to top 2 should be run with two extra rounds.
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