Magic Open
Midnight Sun Tournament
Player guide · Swiss into Top 4
Everything you need to know before round one: the schedule, how Swiss pairings and points work, match rules, tiebreakers, and how the Top 4 playoff runs.
80
Player cap
7
Swiss rounds
50 min
Per round
Top 4
Single elimination
Schedule
Round times are targets. The next round starts as soon as the last match of the previous round ends, so be at the pairings board when your match finishes.
How Swiss Works
Nobody is eliminated during Swiss. You play all 7 rounds unless you choose to drop. Each round you are paired against someone with the same number of match points, or as close as possible, and you never face the same opponent twice.
3
Points for a match win
1
Point for a match draw
0
Points for a match loss
Round 1 pairings are random. If there is an odd number of players in any round, the lowest-ranked player without a previous bye receives one. A bye counts as a match win (3 points) and a 2-0 game record.
Where the field lands
With 80 players and no draws, this is roughly how records spread out after 7 rounds. Expect about four or five players to finish 6-1 or better, so the Top 4 will usually be decided by who stays at one loss or fewer, with tiebreakers settling the last spot.
Intentional draws and drops shift these numbers. If fewer than four players finish 6-1 or better, the best 5-1-1 or 5-2 records fill the remaining spots on tiebreakers.
Match Rules
Best of three
The first player to win two games wins the match. The loser of each game chooses whether to play or draw first in the next game.
50-minute rounds
When time is called, the active player finishes their turn (turn 0), then players take 5 more turns in total. If no one has won the game by then, it is a draw.
Sideboarding
Sideboards may have up to 15 cards. You may sideboard between games 1 and 2 and between games 2 and 3. Present your deck to your opponent for shuffling each game.
Decklists
Submit your list at check-in. You must play the exact list you registered for the whole event, including the sideboard.
Reporting results
The winner reports the result, including game score (for example 2-1). Double-check it before you leave the table; game wins feed the tiebreakers.
Tardiness
Be in your seat when the round starts. A player who has not arrived 10 minutes into the round receives a match loss.
Tiebreakers
Players with the same number of match points are ranked by these, in order. They reward having played strong opponents.
Opponents' match-win percentage
The average match-win rate of everyone you played. Each opponent counts as at least 33% so a single weak opponent can't sink you.
Game-win percentage
Your own share of games won across the event, again with a 33% floor.
Opponents' game-win percentage
The average game-win rate of your opponents.
Byes do not count as an opponent for tiebreakers. Dropping does not remove your results; your former opponents still get credit for playing you.
Top 4 Playoff
After round 7, the top four players in the standings advance. Seeds come from final Swiss standings, and the higher seed chooses whether to play or draw first in game 1.
Playoff matches cannot end in a draw. If time runs out during a playoff match, the head judge will extend the match or play it out until someone wins two games.
Conduct & Help
Call a judge
Raise your hand and say "Judge!" for any rules question or disagreement. Keep the game state as it is until the judge arrives.
Intentional draws
Both players may agree to a draw before or during a match. You may not offer prizes, trades or anything else in exchange, and you may not decide a match by a coin flip or die roll.
Dropping
Tell the scorekeeper before the next round's pairings go up. If you leave without telling anyone, you will be paired and receive a match loss.
Sportsmanship
Communicate clearly, keep your life total and game actions visible, and shake hands after the match. Unsporting conduct can lead to penalties or removal.
Rules follow the standard Magic tournament procedures used at local events. The head judge has the final word on any rules question or schedule change on the day.
Ready to Play?
80 player cap. Register early to secure your spot at the Midnight Sun Tournament.
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