Nationals is just in a few day's time! Have you participated in any large sized events? If you have not, fret not! This guide is suited for you. If you are a veteran competitive player, you should also take a look at this guide!
Basic Information on Nationals
Date: 14th & 15 October 2017 (2 day event)
Format: Mixed (Draft+Standard)
Location: Suntec City Convention Centre Level 3 - Summit Room 2
Important timings to note (Do not be late):
(Day 1): Player's Meeting at 9am,
(Day 2): Draft Pod Seats postings at 8.45am
Onsite registration: Closes at 8.50am ($120)
Byes: Please kindly check with the Tournament Organiser and/or the Head Judge. More information on the tournament byes can be found
here.
Decklists: Required (Constructed decklists can be downloaded from
here).
Online Pairings *NEW*
Other than the physical check of your pairings, you are now able to check your round pairings online with a facebook messenger bot! Avoid the crowd, and get notifications of your pairings on your handphone!
In order to do that, you will need to visit this
page. (You can register in advance for the service)
Or you can access it through messenger code on the right hand side.
Step 1:
Start a chat and type in your DCI number. (The bot will register your DCI number.) The chatbot will notify you of any pairings (if applicable).
Step 2:
Select the auto-notification option from the chatbot. The chatbot will send you notifications of your table number whenever you are paired.
Additional Commands:
Name - Search for name given (There can be multiple people with similar/same name). If found, will notify you of the pairing. An auto-notification option will be prompted. You may select the option to be auto-notified whenever there are any pairings.
DCI Number - Search for DCI number given. If found, will notify you of the pairing. An auto-notification option will be prompted. You may select the option to be auto-notified whenever there are any pairings.
T(number) - Search for the pairing for the particular table number.
me - It gives you your current pairings, if you have notifications set up.
stop - Stops and removes you for any auto-notification that you have selected.
help - List available basic commands.
Things to look out for
Announcements: They contain very important information for the Players. If you are unable to hear the announcements, you are encouraged to sound out, so that you do not miss out any pieces of important information.
Communication: If you don’t understand what your opponent is doing, it’s your responsibility to ask. If you think your opponent doesn’t understand something you’re doing, tell them clearly. If both of you are not communicating clearly and the game state is unclear, the Judges will be able to assist to clarify on the game state.
Constructed decklist: Make sure that all lines written on decklist corresponds with your physical deck. It should have a minimum of 60 cards in main deck, and 15 cards in Sideboard. Please do not have any truncated card names. All writings, inclusive of name and DCI number should be able be visible and legible.
Deck: If you happen to be playing with any altered cards or foils in your deck, please kindly check with the Judges regarding the legality. If you are using any checklist cards to represent the double faced cards, make sure the checklist cards have been properly marked, and you have the corresponding amount of double-faced card. (ie, you cannot use the same 1 double faced card to represent 4 checklist cards.
Deckbox: Make sure that you only have the cards that you are playing in your deckbox. If possible, do not keep other cards in the same deckbox. If possible, bring a spare deckbox to store cards for the draft portion of the tournament.
Draft decklists: - Make sure that all cards drafted are registered under the total column of the decklist. All cards that you are playing (including basic lands) should be marked under the played column of the decklist. Your name and DCI number should be able be visible and legible.
Drafting: If you are late for the draft pod, you will be sitting out from the draft (which means that you do not get to play in the 3 rounds associated with that draft pod). Keep eyes to yourself, and follow the instructions of the draft caller and Head Judge. The draft is timed, and you only get to look at the cards you have drafted during the pack review time. It is a good habit to randomise the cards just before you pass the packs.
Results: You and your opponent are here to play games of Magic, so please do not collude, bribe or use another other methods to determine game results. If your opponent does makes any sort of offer, do call for the Judge at the earliest possible moment. Try the method: Raise 1 hand up, and keep the remaining hand on your mouth.
Shuffling: Pile shuffling is only a good way to count the number of cards in your deck, but not so good for purposes of shuffling. Please refrain from doing that more than once per game. Refrain from looking at your deck or your opponent's decks while you are shuffling. Pick up opponent's deck to shuffle when it has been presented for you to shuffle.
Sleeves/Card Protector: If possible, use a new set of dark
colored uniform sleeves (packs of 80/100). If you happen to be playing
any double-faced cards, make sure that the sleeves are opaque, and not
visible. You can use checklist cards to represent double-faced cards.
Spectator: Avoid talking to the players who are still in their matches, or comment on ongoing matches. If you believe you have observed a rules or policy violation, you are encouraged to alert a judge as soon as possible. Spectators are permitted to ask the players to pause the match while they alert a judge.
Sustenance: The event will be a long day. Have a good breakfast, constantly hydrate yourself, keep yourself filled, as and when you are free. Bring along a jacket to wear, you will feel cold.
Things to bring: Other than the sustenance and deck items, do bring along pen and blank paper. You will be using the pen to record life totals and also register your draft decklist. With the blank paper, you can use it as scorepad, and also to use it to record or represent any information.
Unsure of card/rules interaction, or some errors in the gameplay: Raise you hand, and call for a Judge. Judges are impartial, and are here to assist players based on the game rules and policy. You can request to ask a question away from the table.
If you are interested to read up on more information regarding tournament roles, do visit the 2 part instalment of "Hmm, what's our roles..."
Part 1 &
Part 2.
Lastly, enjoy your Nationals experience! Share your experience with people, and give feedback to them! Read
here on why we should always give feedback if possible! And if you're interested to know more about the upcoming PPTQs and RPTQ,
here it is!
Alternatively, if you like to have fun, there are mind games for [
XLN] & [
HOU] for you to try out.
~Sign off
SGJudges(Dennis Xiao)
