Common FNM Problems

Things that happen too much at FNM

and how you can help

Jason Riendeau

Ayer, MA

What is FNM?

● It stands for Friday Night Magic (duh)● It's run at Regular REL● Lots of players use this as their first tournament● It gives shiny cards to players● It can be any* format

Why does Regular REL exist?

● Run tournaments without policy overhead● Emphasis on fun vs tournament integrity● Player education● Short policy document for non-judges● Writing out penalties intimidates players

What is Regular REL Not For?

● Sucking fun out of Magic

● Seriously, chill out. This isn't Competitive REL.

Slow Play

Why is this a problem?● Watching your opponent do

nothing is boring

● Takes time away from both players

● Drawing when they shouldn't

● Talking to a spectator about non-advice can cause this

How to help?● Watch Magic

● Watch faces

● Nudge players

● Talk to players off to the side if they are problematic

Poor Shuffling

Why do we shuffle?● The rules say so.

● Shuffling adds variance.

How should we shuffle?

● Multiple riffle/push + Faro shuffles

● Pile counting isn't shuffling

● Mana weaving is bad; it does nothing or it leads to suspicions

How do we deal with this?

● Watch some Magic

● Educate on how to shuffle

● Ask them to shuffle some more

● Follow up with them

Bad Sleeves

Why do sleeves exist?● Take damage in place of

cards

● Make shuffling easier

● Show off individuality

● Not to reach into players' pockets

What issues do we look for?

● Damaged sleeves

● Old/mismatched sleeves

● Lack of SB wear marks

● Inappropriate art

Bad Language

What isn't cool?● Threats

● Harassment

● -ist jokes/statements

● Foul language

Judges have a huge ability to work with players and make stores a friendly place for people to play in.

Work with the owner/TO to determine what's acceptable.

Giving Advice While Playing

What does this entail?● Tell people about paths of

play

● Remind people of forgotten things – triggers, blockers...

● Add time to the round

How can we help?● Pay attention to spectators

● Ask spectators to let them play

● Remind spectators that it's a match loss at Comp

● There is no fix

Messed-up Drafts

What could possibly go wrong?

● Extra/missing picks

● Packs out of order

● Packs getting merged

● Packs stacking up

How to prevent?● Speak with new players

● Encourage zone drafting

● Watch the draft

● Talk to slow drafters

How to fix?● Carefully

● Here be dragons

No Shows

Why is this bad?● Waiting 10 minutes to not

play Magic sucks.

● No, really, it sucks.

How can we help?● Teach players to check

Drop on result slips

● Talk to problematic players

● The TO has cool powers that we don't have – involve them

Losing Their Stuff

Why is this bad?● Players losing stuff sucks

● Losing decks delays tournaments

● More work for event staff

How to help?● Remind players to check

tables when done

● Bag under table, wrapped around a leg

● Work with TO to address problem people

Players are here to play Magic

Make sure they have fun.