Do I actually have to name the card for Nevermore?
Asked by ThiagoMaia 12 years ago
In a game, if for some reason I forget the name of a card, or don't know the name, but know what the card is, is my opponent oblied to tell me the name of the card I'm looking for, can I just reference it without naming it?
This. hunter9000 is absolutely right. You need to check based on where you are.
February 2, 2012 3:35 p.m.
Rhadamanthus says... Accepted answer #3
In a tournament setting at "Regular" Rules Enforcement Level, Oracle text (which includes name) is considered Free Information, so your opponent is supposed to answer honestly if he knows which card you're talking about, but you can ask a Judge for assistance if your opponent isn't willing to give you a break on it. If you can satisfactorily describe the card in a clear way that can't be confused for another card, a Judge can supply the name. For example: "That new hardcore awesome planeswalker" isn't a good enough description, but "the black and white planeswalker that makes tokens and emblems" or "that new Sorin from Dark Ascension" are sufficient to describe a unique card.
However, at Rules Enforcement Levels higher than "Regular", Oracle text is Derived Information, so your opponent isn't obligated to help you (he can refuse to answer, but he isn't allowed to tell lies), and the Judge is supposed to avoid helping you as well. In that situation, you're on your own. These policies are from the most recent update to the Tournament Rules, dated January 24th 2012.
In a casual setting, ask your opponent to give you a break and quit being such a jerk if he won't let a unique description suffice. If he still won't budge, ask someone else in the room for help.
hunter9000 says... #1
You have to actually name it when it etb. Now what kind of reference you can use to look it up depends on where you're playing. If you're in a tournament, there are usually rules about what outside references you can use, so your best bet would be to ask a judge. Your opponent wouldn't be obligated to help you find the name of the card you're thinking of though.
February 2, 2012 3:26 p.m.