Judges are not immune to twitter drama. We get sucked in the same way players do when there is a post about a potentially bad judge call. In this episode, Bryan, Charles, and Marcos talk about how judges respond when we hear about an issue on social media, and how we go about trying to figure out what really happened, and how we attempt to reconcile the player version of the story with what we know about policy. We also discuss why judges typically don't make comments about contentious calls. It's a very meta episode.

Join Bryan, Charles, and Marcos as we discuss the up-and-coming format cEDH. That's Competitive Elder Dragon Highlander to the uninitiated. However, to do that we bring on Michael Arrowsmith, also known as Baldy, to go over what the format is, how it's different from commander and the various logistical challenges that might arise at a cEDH tournament from the Judges perspective. Baldy's Spice shop: baldysblends.comMTR-A & IPG-A: Comp Rel MTR/IPG Addendum for Commander Events Monarch Policy Documents: https://www.monarch.cards/policy-documentsCommand Tower Software: https://topdeck.gg/subscribe

Join Bryan, Charles, and Marcos as we tour this western planet of hats and discuss the new mechanics such as Plot, crime, Saddle, and Spree. We go over nearly 50 cards to help you get ready for your prerelease. The only thing missing is a in depth discussion regarding the different between the Cattleman, the Gambler, the Pinched Front, and the Gus. Which now that I think about it, thats at least worth 50 cents on patreon..

In this episode we have Eric Levine of TCG Solutions LLC, to discuss the Judge Code of Conduct and avoiding congressional subpoenas You can read the code here: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/conduct/magic-judge-code/

This episode Brogan and Bryan discuss what makes Mythic Championship Qualifiers (MCQs) different from the PPTQs you're used to, and how they're similar to the PTQs you may remember.MCQ Staffing Level Recommendations: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/recommended-staffing-guidelines/

Join Bryan and Brogan as we tackle some of the more complicated War of the Sparks cards. We cover the new mechanics and Planeswalkers...so many Planeswalkers

In this episode, we are joined by L3 Dan Collins to discuss the technological terror he's constructed. It might not be able to destroy a planet, but it does provide the communication and event application backbone for the Judge Program.

In this episode, we say farewell to Jess Dunks, who is leaving the show after 7 years of being a host. In respect to that, we discuss the rules that control what happens when a player leaves the game in multiplayer. Join us and learn something you didn't know that you didn't need to know!

Let's talk about efficiency! Here are some things you can be doing to keep your events moving quickly, even when you suddenly have a tone more players than expected!

This episode, we discuss the ins and outs of the rules around triggered abilities. Avoid common rules pitfalls and learn weird corners like the infamous "to your graveyard from anywhere" triggers. Send your questions to JudgeCast@gmail.com!

Hang out with Jess, Bryan, and Brogan, as this episode we just sit back, relax, and talk about whatever comes up, and also judge shirts. Judge uniform guidelines: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/judge-uniform-guidelines/ Jess's take on Judge Program Rules: https://youtu.be/jl0hMfqNQ-g PC announcement about judge shirts: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/coordinators/2019/02/13/the-future-of-judge-shirts/

We unpack the rather substantial rules and policy updates coinciding with Ravnica Allegiance, including changes to Missed Triggers and changes to the penalties for Bribery and Wagering.

Join us as the team breaks down the new mechanics and most complex cards from the newest magic set!

Bryan, Charles, and Marcos venture once again into the Unknown. But why? Is it an Unfulfilled quest? Is it an Undercover task to Unseat some evil? Join us for an Undeniably special treat. You won't want to miss this one, the clock is ticking!

Bryan and Jess are joined by Samantha Harr (aka Samma) to talk about one of our favorite topics, how to run a prerelease! This is useful information for Organizers and Judges alike.

We return to the countdown format as we trek through 10 common mistakes judges make (most of which we've made ourselves) and talk about how to avoid them.

The team tackles the combat phase and goes in-depth on how it works.

Priority is the system that lets players take actions in Magic. On this episode, we explore that system, including how it works in the rules, how players actually use it, and the tournament shortcuts designed to bridge these two things.

There are four different types of information that exist in a game of Magic. The team breaks them down and goes over some examples of each, then talks about what happens when something goes wrong. When does a judge issue a warning for the (relatively rare) "Communication Policy Violation" Tournament Error?

Brogan has taken over and locked Jess and Bryan out of the show! (Not really, they'll be back next week). On this episode, she interviews two regional coordinators about what they do and why: Returning US-Southeast RC Nicolette Apraez and newly selected US-Midatlantic RC Eric Dustin Brown. If you'd like to contact your region's RC about anything judge-related, you can do so here: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/contact/contact-a-regional-coordinator/

There have been a lot of Magic announcements the last two weeks, and in this episode, we talk about as many as we can fit into an hour. There are tournament policy changes, MagicFest has been announced alongside Grand Prix next year, new Regional Coordinators have been selected, and JudgeCast's own Bryan Prillaman was selected as the newest Judge Program Coordinator. And that doesn't even mention the death of PPTQs! Stuff we talked about in the show: Grand Prix Schedule for 2019: https://www.cfbevents.com/2019 WotC's announcement about MagicFest and Changes to Pro Tours - https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/competitive-gaming/2019-schedules-pro-tour-qualifying-and-magicfest-2018-10-04 Program Coordinators' statement on Changes to Pro Tour Qualifying - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/coordinators/2018/10/04/statement-on-pro-tour-qualifying-system-changes/ Regional Coordinator Selection Process - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2018/10/01/regional-coordinator-selection-process-fall-2018-results/ Bryan Prillaman new Judge Program Coordinator! - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/coordinators/2018/10/01/introducing-the-fall-2018-program-coordinator-class-and-the-grand-prix-head-judge-lead/ Toby Elliott's policy changes for Guilds of Ravnica - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2018/10/01/policy-changes-for-guilds-of-ravnica/

Join us as we discuss the new mechanics and interesting cards in Guilds of Ravnica! Check out the full Release Notes here: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/guilds-ravnica-release-notes-2018-09-20

You won't believe number 3! Or maybe you will. Yeah, you probably will. JudgeCast picks their list of worst triggered abilities in Magic. We look at why triggers have sometimes caused problems in tournaments starting with Horizon Spellbomb and ending with... Well, you'll just have to listen and find out! Creative Commons Media used in this episode: "Tech Rythmic Sound" Copyright © 2011 Varazuvi™ www.varazuvi.com "Intro Brass One" by klankbeeld Both found on www.freesound.org

L3 judge and architect of tournament policy Toby Elliott joins us to discuss what loops are, how they're handled, and what's chief among the pantheon of breakfast cereals.

"Hey Judge, Can I offer my opponent any extra cash for the RC invite? In this episode, Bryan, Charles, and Marcos discuss the rules around bribery; what it is, isn't, what's legal, what isn't, and how to handle some common questions that you might run into at your RCQ. If you are a player, this episode will help you stay out of trouble, but it won't teach you the most common question of: "Ok, so I understand I can't bribe my opponent, but how can I offer them something for the win." That's kinda the same thing.

On this episode, the team tackles three policy topics that aren't big enough for their own episode: Electronic Devices, Notes, and Outside Assistance. Listen, learn, and send us questions to JudgeCast@Gmail.com.

On this episode, the team runs through the new mechanics and a few of the awesome cards in Commander 2018! Also... a bat-dragon? Full C18 Release Notes from WotC: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/commander-2018-edition-release-notes-2018-07-27

Feedback is a two-way street. We talk about why you should write reviews about peers and leaders that you feel are more experienced than you, and how you should do it. We also review the recent tournament policy changes, and promise we'll finally delve into loops in a future episode! You can always find the latest policy documents at www.judgecast.com/docs. Other stuff we talked about: General review info on JudgeCast #196- Overviewing Reviews: https://judgecast.com/archives/1091 Toby Elliott's M19 policy updates blog post: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2018/07/09/policy-changes-for-m19/

Prepare for your prerelease! There are no new mechanics, but there are plenty of fun interactions still to be had as we peruse the most interesting cards from the Magic 2019 Core Set release notes! Stuff we talked about: Lots of cards from the Release Notes: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/core-set-2019-release-notes-2018-06-22 JudgeCast Layers episodes: #197 - https://judgecast.com/archives/1245 #199 - https://judgecast.com/archives/1257

Join us as we talk to Level 3 judge and Grand Prix Side Events expert Eric Dustin Brown, also known as EDB, about side events. We ask him what is the best side, and why is it cornbread? He tells us how side events work and why they're his favorite area of a GP to be working.

JudgeCast is taking the week off to make sure we're on track for the M19 release notes. But never fear! We've still brought you a great episode from the archive; it's an interview with Jared Sylva about investigations! JudgeCast will be back with new episodes next week. Stuff mentioned in the show: Great article series by Eric Shukan Part 1 - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/articles/2014/12/30/investigations-the-search-for-collateral-truths/ Part 2 - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/articles/2015/01/06/investigations-the-search-for-collateral-truths-part-2/ Part 3 - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/articles/2015/01/13/investigations-the-search-for-collateral-truths-part-3/ Another episode on investigations with Eric Levine - https://judgecast.com/?p=408

On this episode we talk about everything 2HG, including the upcoming Battlebond supplemental set!  We also introduce Judge Tales: record and send us your favorite judge stories to be on the show! Last, but certainly not least, we ask you what Jess should do with the newly acquired www.bprill.com! 2HG quick reference: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/2hg/faq/ Battlebond Release Notes (Unavailable when we recorded): https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/battlebond-release-notes-2018-06-01

We're often asked about our conversations before and after the show. What do we talk about? How do we interact? Hang out with us as, on our 200th episode, we go in unscripted and unstructured. Our stories and silliness will give you a peek behind the curtain. For some reason, we'll talk a lot about food. Regular Magic learning content will resume in two weeks.

In a continuation from episode 197, we talk about layers and how effects interact using them. We also talk a bit about dependencies, and reference too many moons (Blood Moon, Bad Moon, Imprisoned in the Moon, etc)

The rules are changing, but the sky isn't falling. Along with new mechanics and weird cards, Dominaria brings with it rules changes that have caused the errata of many, many Magic cards. Additionally, we go card-by-card over some of the most interesting interactions in the set. Listen in as we explain it all! Links: Dominaria Release Notes (.docx): http://media.wizards.com/2018/downloads/DOM_Release_Notes/EN_MTGDOM_ReleaseNotes.docx Dominaria templating changes: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/dominaria-frame-template-and-rules-changes-2018-03-21 Dominaria Comprehensive Rules Changes: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/dominaria-comprehensive-rules-changes-2018-04-13 Dominaria Oracle Text Changes https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/dominaria-oracle-changes-2018-04-13

In this episode, the JudgeCast hosts welcome David Hibbs and Joe (TxJoe) Klophic, to talk about the Hunter Burton Memorial Open (HBMO). The HBMO is an annual Dallas based tournament designed to raise awareness of the impact suicide can have on our lives, and the importance of having a place you are welcome. David and Joe were the HJ and TO, respectively, for the HBMO this year as it celebrated its 10th year. We talk about how this event is different from other events, its inspiration, and its history. And despite being a charity event, many judges offer to volunteer their time to make this a memorable event for the players. Previous Episodes with Guests:https://judgecast.com/archives/833 - Judging Hibbstoryhttps://judgecast.com/archives/1777 - Forging Ahead with Judge Foundry https://hunterburtonmemorialopen.com/Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

Judges talk about continuous effects until end of episode. We reference copy effects, discussed in more detail here: https://judgecast.com/archives/1034 We also reference our Types episodes, which are here:  https://judgecast.com/archives/651 and here: https://judgecast.com/archives/659

On this episode, we're joined by Charles Featherer, AKA "Dr. Judge" at Un-Set events, about judging local, regular REL events, especially FNM. Whether you're new to judging or old hat, you're sure to learn something from this episode.

In which we discuss each penalty, why they're given for various infractions, and how that applies at Regular vs. Competitive RELs. Disqualification process and FAQ: https://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/disqualification-process/  Toby's April Fools Challenge Flags article: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/making-magic/introducing-challenge-flags-new-approach-appeals-2013-04-01

Join us as we interview Pro Tour Rivals of Ixalan Head Judge Jared Sylva! We talk about the prep that goes into the Pro Tour and the way in which it's different from a Grand Prix or other event. Jared has been our guest before! Check out these awesome topics, especially Episode 51. About being an L4, Episode 51: https://judgecast.com/archives/423 About Investigations, Episode 111: https://judgecast.com/archives/771 About Grand Prix DC, Episode 142: https://judgecast.com/archives/952

Jess, Brogan, and Bryan tackle the steps of casting a spell in this concise, evergreen episode. You may want to bookmark this one for your friends that want to become a judge.

Join the team as we discuss new policy updates, new background check requirements for Tournament Organizers, and the new banned and restricted list. Banned and Restricted list - https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/january-15-2018-banned-and-restricted-announcement-2018-01-15 Tournament policy documents - https://wpn.wizards.com/en/resources/rules-documents Toby's Policy update Blog (Including SECRET Cavern of Souls rules) - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2018/01/15/policy-changes-for-rivals-of-ixalan/ WPN Article - "Making magic Spaces Safer" -  https://wpn.wizards.com/en/article/making-magic-spaces-safer

Prepare yourself for the prerelease! Join Jess, Brogan, and Bryan as they discuss the new mechanic (that's right, just one) in Rivals and some of the more interesting interactions. Full Rivals of Ixalan Release Notes: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/rivals-ixalan-release-notes-2018-01-05

In this episode, we discuss what judging was like in 2010 when the first JudgeCast was recorded, and we talk about some of what has changed. Bryan managed to get his hands on a copy of the IPG from 2010, and we also discuss some craziness from that document.

A new Judge can have lots of questions about the Judge program. Brogan, Bryan and Jess try to answer all the questions you have, and even a few you didn't know you had. How do I get a Shirt? What is Judgeapps? How do I find other judges? What is this Code of Conduct I have to agree to? What is that squeaking sound? And many more!! Referenced Links: Judging at Regular - https://judgecast.com/docs Judge Code of Conduct - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/conduct/magic-judge-code/ Judgeapps - https://apps.magicjudges.org Official Announcements - https://apps.magicjudges.org/forum/71/ Your email settings - https://apps.magicjudges.org/notifications/settings/ Level Definitions - https://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/judge-levels/

CJ Shrader joins us as Brogan hosts JudgeCast's new game show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Spell Me." She asks the team questions about Unstable mechanics and cards, and the team gives their best answer (along with some not so accurate ones).  Check it out! Unstable Release Notes: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/unstable-faqawaslfaqpaftidawabiajtbt-2017-11-22

Completely unrelated to any twitter drama you might have read about, Bryan, Charles, and Marcos talk about the types of information in Magic. We talk about what types of information you have to tell your opponent, what questions you have to answer, and what types of things do you have to be truthful about and what you can even lie about. Lying? Not in my competitive card game with money on the line!

Brogan, Bryan, and Jess break down all the turn-based actions that occur in Magic, even the ones no one knows about! Did you know there are special ones just for the beginning of combat step and the precombat main phase? Other related episodes and stuff mentioned in the show: Steps of a Turn - JudgeCast #52 - https://judgecast.com/archives/425 Combat Phase (more in-depth) - JudgeCast #72 - https://judgecast.com/archives/573 Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny - https://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/285267

This special bonus episode discusses the new Unstable card Rules Lawyer. In addition, we talk about the alternate art Judge promo version that will be available to judges starting in January!  Have a listen and learn about how Unstable breaks State-Based Actions.

We spent Halloween talking about some of our favorite rules and interactions, both obscure and intricate. What's yours?