does using cards in other languages makes you a jerk
General forum
Posted on Feb. 9, 2017, 7:33 a.m. by noxusmachine
???
In my opinion there is a time and place for using foreign cards. When I was learning to play, the person "teaching" me used a bunch of proxies and foreign cards to mercilessly beat me and my Eldritch Moon Intro deck. I hated magic, hated him, and almost never played again. So in this example, yes, using foreign cards makes you a jerk- in my opinion.
Now, if you are playing with experienced players who understand the game and probably even know what the cards' text say, I don't think it's a big deal.
February 9, 2017 8:06 a.m.
fadelightningmm says... #4
I believe it really depends on the card. If it's a common card that sees a lot of play people likely know what it does. If the card is obscure and does something it absolutely makes you a jerk
February 9, 2017 8:23 a.m.
PhotogenicParasympathetic says... #5
I mean the internet exists for a reason. If someone's got a problem with the language, just look up the English version.
February 9, 2017 8:35 a.m.
I would say, in most cases no, though if I were using cards from a different language I would try to have the English version readily accessible in case there is a rules question.
If the card is especially wordy or there are some rules questions about the card, like Knowledge Pool, then you might be a jerk trying to take advantage of having non-English cards.
February 9, 2017 8:36 a.m.
Trying to take advantage of people because they can't read the cards = total jerk move
Using foreign cards because they look cool* or have fun names** = totally awesome
* E.g., The Japanese Duel Deck versions of Jace Beleren and Chandra Nalaar: Jace and Chandra
** E.g., Myr Sire = Señor myr, Jagged Lightning = Double Éclair, and many, many others
February 9, 2017 9:31 a.m.
One easy way to remedy the problem is to print out English versions of the foreign cards. They can either be slid behind the card in an opaque sleeve or have them handy in your deck box.
I ran a Chinese Sen Triplets as a commander for a long time and I always kept an English version that I printed off the Internet behind it in the same sleeve. The backs of the proxies are just plain white paper so it's good to use colored sleeves.
February 9, 2017 10:24 a.m.
I have a lot of this myself, because honestly, I am not totally familiar with what every card does. The ruling is:
Players may refer to Oracle text, either electronically or in paper form, at any time. They must do so publicly and in a format (such as gatherer.wizards.com, other official Wizards of the Coast sources, or printouts of their sources) which contains no other strategic information. If a player wishes to view Oracle text in private, he or she must ask a judge.
The best bet is, look it up if you do't know, and if you are still confused, get a judge over. I know in FNMs that is difficult, but there are usually very knowledgeable players that can help ya out.
February 9, 2017 11:17 a.m.
I think the consensus is that it's only a jerk move if you're using it to gain some type of advantage.
February 9, 2017 11:19 a.m.
I don't think so, but then again I love foreign cards. Im trying to foreign foil out decks but I also keep an english version of all my foreigns in case there is ever a question
February 9, 2017 12:30 p.m.
I would say if you have a problem with someone using foreign cards then it's probably because you were playing against someone who was using one and you forgot what it did and made a misplay because of it. Basically, you made a mistake and blame the foreign card for it instead of owning the mistake YOU made.
You can't use them to gain an advantage over someone unless that person is too dumb to remember what it does, is too dumb to look up what it does, or is too dumb to ask what it does. And even then, your advantage isn't you having a foreign card.... it's your opponents lack of intelligence. They literally do the exact same thing that their English counterparts do so you get no special advantage or ability by having the foreign version. They're the same size, shape, and thickness as other magic cards so it's not like foreign cards help you stack your deck.... so, again, you gain no advantage from having a foreign version.
If anything, I think complaining about someone using foreign cards makes you more of a jerk than the guy who is using them, especially since there are rules in place that allow them to use those cards. Complaining about someone using a foreign card is like complaining that they shouldn't use foils because you can't read them when the light hits them just right. It's a pointless argument and one your likely only going to make after you've made a mistake and need something to blame YOUR mistake on.
February 9, 2017 1:18 p.m.
I only have a problem with then at tournaments higher than FNM level. The reason is because I am a safe player and havig to call over judges to look up cards and waste both mine and the judges time when I could just look at the card in front of me is annoying at times. Ill never tell u to not play foreign cards but people have every right to dislike foreign cards in higher tournaments.
February 9, 2017 1:31 p.m.
Titilanious says... #14
I think that is really how the person acts, rather then just the principle of using them. If a person is a jerk, then they will likely play magic like a jerk.
For example; if you see a unfamiliar card in a different language and ask what it does and the person says "your job to know" or gives a vague explanation to you then they are a jerk.
If the person answers with a complete and thorough response they are not a jerk.
Also in a competitive setting you are free to ask a judge for the oracle text at anytime.
February 9, 2017 1:41 p.m.
nobu_the_bard says... #15
Know what the card does thoroughly and don't be offended if someone has to ask you repeatedly to explain it. It is harder to remember if you can't see it in writing.
You're only a jerk for using it if your attitude about it is bad.
Personally I avoid these because I'm always forgetting what my cards do precisely, as in the exact way something is worded, and the wording really matters.
February 9, 2017 2:29 p.m.
I think clayperce, EmblemMan, and nobu_the_bard pretty much hit it on the head - looks cool but if it's slowing things down too much and your attitude towards people who are having more difficulty/confusion out of it is terrible, it's on you. Knowing the cards and rules surrounding them is everyone's responsibility; if there is a deficiency of knowledge it's on the people who know to help inform and educate in a purposeful and friendly way.
February 9, 2017 7:03 p.m.
Dalektable says... #17
It's only a jerk move if you are using the cards to gain some sort of advantage. But I play a lot of foreign cards, especially in my commander decks, because I like the look and it's another way of "pimping" my deck besides a foil or promo.
February 10, 2017 10:09 a.m.
Homura_Akemi says... #18
It depends. I remember when I first jumped into Standard and went to a Game Day all of my opponent's cards were French, and it was very frustrating because I do not speak or understand French. But on the other hand, I love speaking Spanish and would totally find it fun to use Spanish cards. Overall, I would use cards in the expected language of your opponent, or at least print out the oracle text for the cards you have in another language so no problems arise.
February 11, 2017 4:58 p.m.
It's not a great idea to expect your Opponent to look up what each and every one of your cards does because IT WASTES TIME. You can end up with a loss or a tie instead of a win.
If you have so many foreign cards that a judge must be called each time to explain them, the same thing will happen.
I was playing in Japan and I had to have a judge with me for all my games because I couldn't read any of the cards. Not all shops have the staff to do this.
It's unrealistic to expect every Magic player to know what every single Magic card does. Some aren't used that often, so it's tricky to remember them.
At the end of the day Magic is a game of skill, not memory.
My rule of thumb is to only use foreign cards in FNM if they are current staples, or save them for use in Commander where you have time for people to look them up. I always have an English copy of the Oracle text with me for any foreign cards I use.
Just because you CAN do something according to the rules doesn't mean you SHOULD do something.
EpicFreddi says... #2
No.
February 9, 2017 8:02 a.m.