[MTGS Classics]Caveat Ch34tz0r: How to Avoid Getting Cheated

[Dr. Tom]

This thread is for the discussion of my latest article, [MTGS Classics]Caveat Ch34tz0r: How to Avoid Getting Cheated. We would be grateful if you would let us know what you think, but please keep your comments on topic.

[epock]

Informative, quality article.

Never even heard of the drawing less, than forcing a count of permanents for a game loss. That's frigging low.

[JayC]

Good article for all ages, well done.

[XxTaLoNxX]

Wow, now I am totally going to be prepared for all cheats. On top of that I am going to be paranoid and very precise in all games, last time at regionals I was in the top 16 but had two game losses due to what I believe now to be the "59 card presentation" cheat..... kinda sucks and I think I have witnessed the "friend distraction" method a few times as well.

[Hodoku]

Gotta love this article - one of my favorites of all time. Actually, this saved me one time - I had a guy try to 6-pile his deck a while back, called a judge instantly, and turned out he had land-spell-spell almost the whole way down. A classic indeed, and good knowledge for anyone, from FNM to PTQ and beyond (after all, even the pros seem to cheat every so often)

[devastater]

This is probably my favorite article because it is very well written and informative. It really is surprising how low some guys can go to cheat someone out of a silly game.

[Surging Chaos]

I read this article when it first came out a few years back and I still enjoy it today.

Now we need to see the one about keeping your cards from being stolen back; that was an awesome article.

[mada7]

A really helpful article both times Ive read it. And let me ask you a questions how would I be able to determine if someone has been cheating in drafts. This one guy at my local store always seems to have the perfect draft deck full of synergistic cards including several rares that all needed to line up perfectly. On top of that my friend saw him pull from a 10th sealed deck 5 on color bomb rares. It all seems very suspicious but I cant see all the cards hes taking so what can I do. Even if I sit next to him at the table theres still a whole pack plus 3 cards that I wont see

[BullBar]

Great article as always. Theres a lot here I try to make newer players aware of too (gunslinger). In the spirit of public service, I'd like to inform us all on another classic which you may never see again. (checked past 2 threads, didn't spot it.)

The jedi mind trick

This one is a con job, and presumably works better on older players who play for the love of the game or shy, reserved people. Cheater engages in friendly conversation and banter during shuffle up, mood is light and airy. Cheat loses dice roll, and is on the draw, and as decks are cut and the mulligan decision is made, cheats demeanor changes into all business in a flash; responses are curt, and are almost barked over the question.
cheat: keep?
dude: yeah, how about yo...
cheat: keep, *points at dudes library* GO! *authoritative command*

Dude, flustered at the change in tempo of discourse, does what he's told - draws a card.

cheat: JUDGE!

...and later...
Judge: Did you tell him to draw a card?
cheat: No way, I said go!

Keep an eye out for this one, it was all over the place when the change to 'play or draw' came in, and still surfaces here and there. If discovered, what kind of cheat does it fall under in the floor rules?

Once again, it's a great article. I'm especially pleased it will roll around on the classics schedule once in a while, great to keep informing successive generations in the game.


oh oh oh, 1 more for the current n00bs.

Q: What does a textless Reciprocate do?
A: Well, since I'm a salesman and you're gullible.....

[Dr. Tom]

Originally Posted by mada7

And let me ask you a questions how would I be able to determine if someone has been cheating in drafts. This one guy at my local store always seems to have the perfect draft deck full of synergistic cards including several rares that all needed to line up perfectly. On top of that my friend saw him pull from a 10th sealed deck 5 on color bomb rares. It all seems very suspicious but I cant see all the cards hes taking so what can I do. Even if I sit next to him at the table theres still a whole pack plus 3 cards that I wont see

Do your drafts have a judge? The judge should be present while the draft is going on (even if he doesn't call it -- I don't call any drafts at my local store), and while the players are building their decks. S/he should be keeping an eye out for players adding cards, players swapping cards with one another, etc. Someone who says, "I just want to go to my car for some sleeves" should not be allowed to take their draft/sealed deck with them.

It's possible that this person is not cheating. A couple guys at my store were suspected to be cheaters because of how good their limited decks usually were. But I watched them and they never did anything cheaty. The accusations have basically stopped, but I still keep an eye on the draft to see what's going on, especially during deckbuilding.

Originally Posted by BullBar

Keep an eye out for this one, it was all over the place when the change to 'play or draw' came in, and still surfaces here and there. If discovered, what kind of cheat does it fall under in the floor rules?

The Penalty Guide covers the different "flavors" of cheating, not the Floor Rules. While this situation certainly merits investigation, let me play devil's advocate for a moment. Where did the person you refer to as "cheat" actually cheat? Is it illegal to point toward your opponent's library and say "Go?" If so, what infraction is it? Is it illegal to engage in "gamesmanship" or "competitive behavior?" Are players required to behave in a sporting manner, or just in a manner that is not unsporting?

[BullBar]

yeah, it was a really tricky one as I recall for the judges to pinpoint, thier main issue being intent. I'm no judge at all, but I believe somewhere there's something which covers ppl delibrerately leading other players astray, perhaps the rules under misrepresentation cover it. your call of 'unsportsmanlike behaviour' might indeed be the call too.
I do think its a clever one, which is why it has stuck with me all these years. I've only had someone try it on me once, the attempt unsuccessful due to me hearing about it awile beforehand, but many others I know have spotted it too.
I'd do the legal legwork, but I've found the comprehensive rules cure my chronic insomnia , and the main thing is to watch out for it!