Card Alterations

Jack DoyleLevel 2, London, UKscryus@gmail.com

What are alters?

0 Artistic modification to the face of a Magic card.

0 Not always legal for tournaments.

0 Head Judge of the tournament has the final authority to allow or reject alters.

Policy & Documentation

0 “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.”

0 - Magic Tournament Rules 2.11 “Taking Notes”

Policy & Documentation

0 “Artistic modifications are acceptable in sanctioned

tournaments, provided that the modifications do not

make the card art unrecognizable, contain substantial

strategic advice, or contain offensive images. Artistic

modifications also may not obstruct or change the

mana cost or name of the card. The Head Judge is the

final authority on acceptable cards for a tournament.”

0 - Magic Tournament Rules 3.33 “Authorised Cards”

In English…

0 We can take these major points from the MTR.0 Alters cannot provide ‘substantial strategic information’

– but minor, indirect strategy is okay.0 They cannot make card art unrecognisable.0 They cannot contain offensive imagery.0 They cannot obstruct the name or mana cost of a card.0 The Head Judge is the final authority on all artistic

modifications.

“Substantial strategic information”

0 Magic is a game of skill – alters can change that.

0 Coaching on play decisions or sideboarding is not acceptable.

0 Example: a player has a Gifts Ungiven that has the art of four cards drawn on it. This can coach an otherwise unknowing player which four cards to get with his Gifts.

“Unrecognisable card art”

0 Many people use card art, not name, to identify cards.

0 It should not require added effort on the opponent’s behalf to identify a card simply because it is altered.

0 Art must remain the same, or very similar.

“Offensive imagery”

0 “Anime forest MTG” – eBay search.

0 If you are not offended, that does not mean it is not offensive.

0 Try and imagine if you put that card on the table in front of your grandmother.

0 We should consider all audiences, not just the “average Magic player”.

“Obstruction of name and mana cost”

0 Simply put, if your alter makes the name or mana cost of a card unclear, then we’re not happy about it.

0 Everyone might know that Tarmogoyf costs 1G , but we need to be able to show that in a heartbeat, especially for new players.

0 Leads to confusion with inexperienced players.

Card Thickness

0 Not restricted to alters, but very important.

0 Some materials can make cards thicker.

0 Tournament Error - Marked Cards?

Card Thickness

0 Make sure the card is actually thicker – don’t disallow a card because it “could be thicker”.

0 Ask players to bring their decks so that you can see the card in its “natural environment.”

0 Better to disallow the card before the tournament starts rather than in round 6!

Plastic transfers

No.

Plastic transfers

0 But seriously – these are created using stickers and placed over ‘de-foiled’ Magic cards.

0 No way of verifying the base card.

0 Personally, no card created this way is legal in my tournament.

0 They also tend to be noticeably thicker.

The Head Judge

0 Last of all, the Head Judge has the power disallow any altered card, if they wish to.

0 These are only guidelines to follow, however they are there for good reason.

Activity!

0 Each group will be given a numbered example of an alteration. In a small group of no more than five, discuss why this alter is illegal, or if it is illegal. Use the checklist!

0 We’ll go through them in about 5 minutes.

The checklist

0 Remember to check for:0 Substantial strategic information.0 Unrecognisable card art.0 Offensive imagery.0 Obstruction of name or mana cost.0 Thickness (ask them for their deck!)0 That it’s not a transfer/sticker.

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Thanks to

0 Squadron Hawk – Matt Johnson

0 Penumbra Spider – MTG Headquarters

0 Various – CardKitty

0 Various - Sandreline

Any Questions?