Hand spying
Asked by chapin316 9 years ago
Why is it ok that if my opponent uses a spell to look at my hand and can write down exactly what is in there for future reference? Can someone point me to the rule that allows this or is it an "unspoken rule" that players allow. If that's the case why can't I print out a deck list of lantern or some popular deck being played and when I'm facing it have the deck list sitting in front of me so I know what they are playing?
Rhadamanthus says... #2
Like Denial048 said, a player is allowed to take notes during a match. However, those notes can only be viewed during that particular match.
To your question about a decklist: You're allowed to bring in outside notes, but they can't be excessive notes. It's up to the Head Judge's discretion as to what qualifies as "excessive". A notebook full of decklists for potential opponents is probably excessive. If you're unsure, ask the Head Judge.
Also, outside notes can't be referenced during a game, only in-between games or matches. For example: you brought some short outside notes on sideboard strategies. Having the notes is fine, but you're only allowed to review them in-between games while you're sideboarding/de-sideboarding.
Denial048 says... Accepted answer #1
From the Magic Tournament Rules:
"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 players 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 players notes and/or request that the player explain his or her notes."
So yes, they can write down your hand, no you cannot bring decklists in.
As long as they dont take too long writing down details, otherwise it can be a slow play infraction.
If a player cast a spell that let them look through your deck (Surgical Extraction, for example) they can write down cards in there too as long as they are quick. With that, a plqyer should only write down the win cons of a deck.
March 21, 2016 3:18 p.m.