# Tournament Policy

This document provides the framework for sanctioned tournament play. It defines the rules, procedures, and guidelines that must be followed at all official HOST WCG tournaments.

All participants must register for the tournament before the start of play. Players must provide accurate information during registration and maintain good sportsmanship throughout the event.

Tournaments may be run using various formats including Swiss rounds, single elimination, or double elimination. The tournament organizer will announce the structure before the event begins.

All decks must adhere to the following construction rules:

• Decks must contain exactly 50 cards plus 1 Host card
• Players may include up to 10 cards in their sideboard
• No more than 4 copies of any card (by name) may be included across the main deck and sideboard combined
• Decks must comply with the current banlist and restricted list

Matches are played as best-of-three games. The first player to win two games wins the match.

Each round has a time limit announced by the tournament organizer. When time is called, the active player finishes their turn, then five additional turns are played (with each player receiving an equal number of turns).

If the match is incomplete when time expires, the player who has won the most games wins the match. If both players have won the same number of games, the match is a draw.

Players must thoroughly randomize their decks before each game. Acceptable methods include riffle shuffling, pile shuffling followed by riffle shuffling, or other methods that ensure proper randomization.

After shuffling, players must present their deck to their opponent for additional shuffling or cutting. Players may not look at the order of cards in their deck during this process.

Players may mulligan according to the game rules. Both players must complete their mulligan decisions before the game begins.

Players are expected to communicate clearly with their opponents. When playing a card or activating an ability, players should clearly announce what they are doing.

Players may ask their opponent questions about the game state at any time. Opponents must answer truthfully and completely.

Only official HOST WCG cards are legal for tournament play. Proxy cards are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the tournament organizer for damaged cards.

Players may use card sleeves, but all sleeves must be identical and in good condition. Sleeves may not be marked in a way that could provide information about the cards inside.

Players are expected to maintain a high standard of behavior. The following actions are considered unsporting conduct:

• Using profanity or aggressive behavior toward opponents, judges, or spectators
• Intentionally stalling or slow play to gain an advantage
• Cheating or attempting to cheat
• Bribery or wagering on tournament matches
• Failing to follow tournament official instructions

Penalties for unsporting conduct range from warnings to disqualification from the tournament, depending on the severity of the infraction.

The head judge is the final authority on all rules questions and tournament decisions. Players may appeal rulings to the head judge.

Players may call a judge at any time by raising their hand. Play should pause until the judge arrives and resolves the situation.

Players may concede a game or match at any time. Players may also agree to an intentional draw before the match begins or during play. However, players may not offer incentives or bribes in exchange for concessions or draws.

Spectators are welcome at tournaments but must not interfere with matches. Spectators may not provide advice or information to players during matches. Tournament officials may remove disruptive spectators from the venue.