Frequently asked questions
Answers published by the Merchant Guild judge programme. Can't find yours? Sign in to ask a question.
Can I reveal standings mid-round?
PROCESSNo — standings stay hidden until the round is fully scored, to prevent strategic drops.
What's a prize penalty in Pokémon?
RULESA Pokémon-specific mid-tier penalty where the offending player takes prize cards as if behind, correcting a game-state advantage without ending the match.
How many events for SWU Level 2?
OTHERSWU Level 2 requires 3 events worked, plus holding Level 1 and an admin invitation.
Head judge appeal — is my ruling final?
RULESYes — the head judge's ruling on an appeal is final for that event.
Junior division — how strict on shuffling?
PROCESSEnforce the rule, but coach rather than penalise on first slips in the Junior division. Explain why thorough shuffling matters.
How do I handle a 51-card deck in a deck check?
PROCESSIdentify the extra card, then apply the graduated deck/list-error penalty — usually a Warning plus a fix, not an automatic game loss.
Can I judge two games at once?
OTHERAbsolutely. Certifications are per-game and independent — many judges hold several.
Do missed optional triggers get remedied in SWU?
RULESGenerally no. Missed optional ('may') triggers are not remedied. Mandatory triggers are placed at the next opportunity if the game state allows.