As a player of Magic: The Gathering, there are often moments during gameplay where you may encounter situations that require clarification or ruling from a Magic judge. Whether it's because of a complex interaction between cards or a disagreement among players, having the opportunity to ask a judge can be incredibly helpful in ensuring fair and accurate gameplay. Magic judges are individuals who have extensive knowledge and understanding of the game's rules and are there to assist players in resolving any issues that may arise during a match. They ensure that the game is played correctly and in accordance with the rules, providing a sense of order and fairness to the overall gameplay experience. When it comes to asking a Magic judge for assistance, it's important to approach the situation with respect and a willingness to learn. Judges are there to help, but they also have a duty to maintain the integrity of the game.
Meanwhile, Magic continued to be a massive success. Hasbro's 2019 earnings call included 30% year-over-year growth for Magic 4 and projections to double Wizards of the Coast's revenue between 2018 and 2023. In October 2019, CFB Events announced a schedule 5 of 42 MagicFest events worldwide in 2020. By all accounts, things were going very well.
Like all tournaments before them, they require large numbers of trained, experienced staff to ensure events run fairly, efficiently, and with as much fun as possible. In case you haven t heard, Wizards of the Coast has cancelled their relationship with Judge Academy effectively killing the company and abandoning judges.
Judges are there to help, but they also have a duty to maintain the integrity of the game. Opening up a line of communication with a judge can be as simple as calling them over to your table or raising your hand during a tournament. Once you have the judge's attention, it's important to clearly and concisely explain the issue or question you have.
The Problem With Judging
The most money I ever made for judging a single day of Magic was $2,000.
Nicholas Sabin, Head Judge, GP Las Vegas 2015.
I was one of the head judges at Grand Prix Las Vegas in 2015. Channel Fireball paid for my hotel room. I paid for my flight, my food, and some foils for my Commander decks. I'd been a judge for more than eleven years, and it remains the highest point of my judge career. I'll never forget it.
To judge a large event in 2022, I can expect $200 each day as compensation. If I want a hotel room, I'll need to pay for it myself. I can probably keep costs low by stacking three or four people in that room, more if they don't mind sleeping on the floor. I can drive to Atlanta from my home in Greensboro, and I drive a hybrid, so maybe I can get by budgeting $100 for gas. I can probably eat on $20 a day, but a plate of chicken tenders and fries at the convention center will probably be half of that.
People become judges for various reasons, and the value proposition of judging any event is personal. I'll never criticize anybody for choosing to judge.
The system that offers judges a profit of less than minimum wage for a hard day's work, however?
I may have some criticisms there.
Providing as much detail as possible will help the judge assess the situation accurately and provide the appropriate ruling. It's also important to remain calm and patient, as judges may need to consult the rulebook or other resources to ensure they're making the correct decision. As a player, it's important to remember that judges are not there to take sides or favor any individual player. Their main objective is to ensure that the game is being played correctly and fairly, regardless of the outcome. In cases where a ruling may not go in your favor, it's important to accept the judge's decision and continue playing the game without harboring any ill feelings. Overall, the opportunity to ask a Magic judge can be a valuable resource, helping to resolve any disputes, clarify rules, and ensure a fair and enjoyable gameplay experience for all involved. By embracing the presence of judges and understanding their role, players can enhance their understanding of the game and contribute to a positive and respectful gaming community..
Reviews for "The Importance of Community in Magic: Perspectives from Judges"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Ask a Magic Judge". The app promises to provide answers to magical questions, but it falls short on delivering accurate and helpful responses. Many times I received vague answers or incorrect information, which made it frustrating to use. I would not recommend this app to anyone looking for reliable magic-related assistance.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I downloaded "Ask a Magic Judge" hoping to enhance my understanding of magic tricks and techniques. However, I found the app to be quite limited in terms of content and resources. The information provided was basic and lacked any in-depth explanations. Moreover, the user interface was not intuitive and made it difficult to navigate through the app. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with my experience.
3. David - 2 stars
Although the idea of "Ask a Magic Judge" is intriguing, the execution of the app leaves much to be desired. The responses from the so-called "magic judge" lacked depth and often seemed rushed. It felt like the app was simply regurgitating generic answers without taking into account the specific context of my questions. Additionally, the app had several technical glitches and would often crash while I was in the middle of using it. I hope the developers can improve upon these issues in future updates.
4. Emily - 1 star
"Ask a Magic Judge" failed to meet my expectations. The app claims to have a vast database of magic-related information, but I found the content to be repetitive and uninformative. The answers provided by the app lacked any real insight or practical advice. It felt like a waste of time and I ended up uninstalling it after a few days of frustration. I would not recommend this app to anyone serious about learning magic or seeking accurate guidance.